Technology Contribution to Increased Recovery
Authors: Kjorholt Halvor 
Published: October 2008

This paper gives an introduction to how StatoilHydro envisages the importance of technology development in an increased oil recovery perspective, and how this is reflected in our work process, i.e.:Defining the challenges and corresponding technology requirementsDevelop the identified technologies, alone or together with one or more service providersTake the technology into operation

Increased reserves from IOR activities in mature fields often turn out to be the ‘cheapest and fastest’ way for an operator to find and develop new hydrocarbons. The alternative, which we also have focus on, is to assess exploration assets, perform exploration drilling and ultimately develop the field. StatoilHydro realizes that technology development is mandatory to increase reserves through IOR.

As an operator StatoilHydro will not in this setting ‘sit back’ and wait for the suppliers to come up with new ideas. We want to define the type of technology required to meet our IOR ambitions and establish partnerships with selected institutes and service providers.

When the technology is deemed necessary by the company's R&D organization, business assets and management, the basis for starting a structured R&D program is in place. Next phase is to select the supplier. We believe that the suppliers will also benefit from such a co-operation, as a successful project will provide a dedicated customer.

Benefit from new technology comes with implementation. Key aspects to secure successful technology implementation are:Technology development required by one or more assets1st user specified early in the processFunding secured beyond the R&D budget

We realize that there is a tendency that available new oil and gas reserves are becoming more and more marginal, both with respect to location (deep water, remote and cold areas) and reservoir quality (low permeability, high heterogeneity), as well as with respect to product quality (heavy oil, high H2S and CO2 content). As we see it, it is now time to focus even more on increased oil and gas recovery and the necessary technology development to release the full potential.

Introduction

This paper focuses on StatoilHydro's past and present strategy in developing and implementing IOR technologies. It also lists the technologies that have been key to increased recovery and gives indications regarding the way forward.

Figure 1 shows how the ultimate recovery in a number of StatoilHydro assets has increased since the projects were sanctioned. The average ultimate recovery for all StatoilHydro operated oil fields is today approximately 50%. The recovery for developments based on dry wellheads is 10-12% points higher than the recovery in subsea developments. Even though these numbers are high compared to a world wide average, the ambition is to increase the recovery by an additional one billion barrels, corresponding to a major field development.

Some important characteristics of IOR-volumes in mature fields are:Their presence are verified (no exploration in traditional sense is required)Significant infrastructure is already in placeThe knowledge of the reservoir is far better than for new developmentsThe economic boundary conditions are well known