Optimizing Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques in Southeast Asian Offshore Fields

Thesis Abstract

Offshore oil fields in Southeast Asia represent a critical component of the region’s hydrocarbon industry, yet face persistent challenges in maximizing hydrocarbon recovery due to complex reservoir heterogeneity and environmental constraints. This study addresses the imperative to optimize Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques, aiming to improve recovery efficiencies, minimize operational costs, and reduce environmental impacts within these offshore environments. The primary objective is to develop an integrated framework for selecting and implementing EOR methods tailored to the geological and operational specificities of Southeast Asian offshore fields. Specific objectives include evaluating existing EOR technologies such as chemical flooding, gas injection, and thermal methods; analyzing reservoir characteristics; and establishing optimized EOR configurations through quantitative modeling. Adopting a mixed-methods research design, the study combines quantitative reservoir simulation and economic analysis with qualitative assessments of operational limitations and environmental considerations. The population comprises five major offshore fields operated by state-owned and private firms in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia, with a total of 120 well data sets obtained from industry partners. A stratified random sampling technique ensures representativeness across different field types and geological formations. Data collection instruments include detailed well logs, core samples, production data, and operational records, supplemented by expert interviews and field surveys to capture contextual factors influencing EOR application. The validity and reliability of data are ensured through calibration of simulation models and cross-verification of data sets against industry standards. Quantitative analysis employs reservoir simulation software (e.g., Eclipse, CMG) to model fluid flow behavior under various EOR scenarios, with the results subjected to sensitivity analysis using regression techniques to determine key influencing parameters. Economic viability is assessed through cost-benefit analysis and net present value (NPV) calculations. Additionally, multivariate analysis, including ANOVA, evaluates the significance of different EOR methodologies across diverse reservoir conditions. Qualitative data from thematic analysis of expert interviews provide insights into operational and environmental constraints, informing practical implementation strategies. The research is expected to identify the most effective EOR techniques in specific geological contexts, demonstrating that a customized, multi-parameter approach can significantly enhance recovery factors beyond current practices. Anticipated findings include optimal combinations of chemical and gas injection methods aligned with reservoir attributes, along with guidelines for operational adjustments that improve efficiency while reducing environmental footprints. The use of integrated modeling and economic analysis aims to produce a comprehensive decision-making framework for offshore EOR applications. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by advancing the understanding of EOR optimization specifically within Southeast Asian offshore contexts, where limited region-specific research has previously hampered systematic application. The findings will provide a template for industry stakeholders to enhance recovery while adhering to environmental regulations, supporting sustainable development of offshore resources. Furthermore, the study extends the theoretical foundation of EOR methodology by integrating reservoir engineering principles with socioeconomic and environmental considerations, grounded in theories such as the Reservoir Management Theory and Sustainability Theory. The main conclusion affirms that tailored EOR strategies, supported by robust modeling and economic evaluation, can substantially improve hydrocarbon recovery in Southeast Asian offshore fields, with potential for wider regional adoption. Recommendations emphasize adopting an integrated, multidisciplinary approach combining technical innovation, environmental stewardship, and economic feasibility. The study advocates for ongoing research into emerging EOR technologies, digitalization, and reservoir monitoring to adapt dynamically to evolving operational challenges. Future investigations should explore long-term sustainability impacts and the integration of renewable energy solutions within offshore EOR operations. This comprehensive research underscores the importance of context-specific optimization to unlock the full potential of Southeast Asian offshore hydrocarbon resources sustainably.