Assessing the Impact of Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques on Reservoir Pressure Management

Thesis Abstract

The declining production rates and escalating operational costs associated with conventional primary and secondary recovery methods necessitate the adoption of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques that can optimize reservoir pressure management and extend hydrocarbon extraction life. This study aims to systematically assess the impact of various EOR methods—specifically water flooding, gas injection, and chemical EOR—on reservoir pressure stability, flow dynamics, and long-term reservoir performance in mature sandstone and carbonate reservoirs. The specific objectives include evaluating the pressure response of reservoirs subjected to different EOR techniques, identifying optimal EOR implementation strategies for pressure preservation, and developing a predictive model to forecast reservoir pressure trends under varying EOR scenarios. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative data analysis with qualitative insights to achieve comprehensive understanding. The research population comprises data from 15 mature oil fields across the Gulf of Mexico region, with a sample size of 45 well observation points selected through stratified random sampling to ensure representativeness of different reservoir types and EOR interventions. Primary data sources include operational reports, reservoir simulation outputs, and pressure measurement logs collected over a five-year period (2017–2022). Data collection instruments consist of structured extraction forms for operational data, digital logs, and reservoir simulation outputs generated via Eclipse RESCUE software. The validity and reliability of data are ensured through calibration of pressure sensors, cross-verification of operational reports, and expert review of simulation models. The analytical framework involves applying multiple regression analysis to quantify the relationship between EOR technique variables and pressure outcomes, while ANOVA tests are employed to assess differences in pressure response across different reservoir types and EOR methods. Additionally, thematic analysis is conducted on interview transcripts from reservoir engineers and production managers to gain contextual understanding of operational challenges and best practices. The study adopts the systems theory as its conceptual foundation, emphasizing the dynamic interactions between injection strategies, reservoir properties, and pressure behavior, and proposes a conceptual model correlating EOR implementation parameters with pressure stability indices. Expected findings suggest that gas injection significantly enhances pressure maintenance in carbonate reservoirs, whereas water flooding demonstrates unpredictable pressure fluctuations in heterogeneous sandstone formations. Chemical EOR shows potential for pressure stabilization but requires careful monitoring to mitigate formation damage. The results are anticipated to reveal critical thresholds where EOR techniques optimize pressure management, thereby reducing the risk of reservoir compaction and improving recovery factor sustainability. Insights into operational variables influencing pressure response could inform best practice guidelines for field managers. This research contributes novel empirical evidence to the ongoing discourse on reservoir pressure control in mature fields, providing a data-driven framework to guide EOR optimization strategies. The development of a predictive pressure trend model advances existing reservoir simulation practices, facilitating more accurate forecasting and decision-making. Furthermore, the integration of qualitative insights from industry experts enriches the understanding of contextual factors affecting pressure management during EOR operations. The main conclusion underscores that strategic selection and implementation of EOR methods tailored to reservoir characteristics significantly enhance pressure stability, thereby prolonging field productivity and optimizing resource recovery. Recommendations include adopting reservoir-specific EOR protocols, implementing continuous pressure monitoring systems, and investing in integrated simulation-modeling approaches. Future research should explore the long-term environmental impacts of chemical EOR and investigate the integration of intelligent real-time monitoring technologies to further refine reservoir pressure management practices under varying operational conditions.