Showing papers by "Suresh Govindarajan published in 2016"

Quad-porosity shale systems – a review

Abstract: Purpose This paper aims to review the quad-porosity shale system from a production standpoint. Understanding the complex but coupled flow mechanisms in such reservoirs is essential to design appropriate completions and further, optimally produce them. Dual-porosity and dual permeability models are most commonly used to describe a typical shale gas reservoir. Design/methodology/approach Characterization of such reservoirs with extremely low permeability does not aptly capture the physics and complexities of gas storage and flow through their existing nanopores. This paper reviews the methods and experimental studies used to describe the flow mechanisms of gas through such systems, and critically recommends the direction in which this work could be extended. A quad-porosity shale system is defined not just as porosity in the matrix and fracture, but as a combination of multiple porosity values. Findings It has been observed from studies conducted that shale gas production modeled with conventional simulator/model is seen to be much lower than actually observed in field data. This paper reviews the various flow mechanisms in shale nanopores by capturing the physics behind the actual process. The contribution of Knudson diffusion and gas slippage, gas desorption and gas diffusion from Kerogen to total production is studied in detail. Originality/value The results observed from experimental studies and simulation runs indicate that the above effects should be considered while modeling and making production forecast for such reservoirs.

Physicochemical Characterization and Analysis of Injection Water Quality During Waterflooding at Offshore Petroleum Facilities

Abstract: In this research, we study the physicochemical characterization of the injection water during water flooding and the changes in the water quality during its transportation from the Main injection pump (MIP) to the Well Head (WH) at the offshore platform in Mumbai High offshore field, India. The distance between the main injection pump and the well head is approximately 15 kilometers, connected by a subsea pipeline, which is long enough to degrade the quality of injection water during its transport. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, turbidity, cations, anions, filterability, iron content, Total suspended solids (TSS), Total dissolved solids (TDS) were determined from the industrial laboratory investigations. Cerini plots were graphed to determine the relative quality of water at MIP and injector. The result indicates the addition of solid content in the water during travel to wellhead. There is also a reduction in filterability from 6.45L/30 min to 3.43L/30 min. There has been increase in iron content from 0.01 mg/L to 6.85 mg/L. The research showed that there was deterioration in the quality of injection water during the transportation through the pipeline. An injection water treatment plant was recommended at the Mumbai High offshore platform after this study.