Why Operational Risk Assessment?
Operational impact of a chemical EOR project must be investigated from the beginning of the feasibility study. IFP Canada works to assess the operational risks associated with the EOR program, including:
- Checking the compatibility of the optimized EOR formulation with the recommended production chemicals;
- Assessing the primary risk of emulsion formation by performing bottle testing and visual observations of various emulsion breakers and water clarification chemistries;
- Determining scaling potential on the production side particularly in systems with heat exchangers or heater, treaters;
- Evaluating microbiological activity, determining impact of biocides on formulation/polymer viscosity;
- Determining foaming tendency and the impact of defoamers on polymer viscosity.
- In addition, especially for offshore applications, testing the topside facilities at semi-industrial scale before implementation is critical for the viability of the project.
Total System Analysis
Total System Analysis (TSA) normally consists of a field visit by one IFP expert to review with production engineers existing facilities, production chemicals used, and to infer the compatibility of those existing facilities with the EOR process. At the end of the visit, recommendations for dedicated laboratory tests will be delivered.
- Field data review
- Laboratory program to understand and find the potential problems during EOR field implementation
- Impact of EOR chemicals in the produced fluid separation and on produced water treatment.
Recommendations for field implementation
- At the end of the TSA study, recommendations will be elaborated to prevent any major issue, linked to chemical EOR, related to water management facilities or water and/or oil quality.
- This might include recommendations for equipment revamping or use of specialty chemicals to prevent identified hurdles.
- A report will detail the results of Total System Analysis and lab study as well as specific recommendations from our experts.
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