Paulus Maria Boerrigter

Advances in Understanding Thermally Assisted GOGD

The connected fracture network in densely fractured reservoirs has a strong impact on reservoir displacement mechanisms. Due to the high fracture permeability no significant pressure differentials across oil bearing matrix blocks can be established to drive oil from matrix into the fracture. One has to rely on natural mechanisms like capillary imbibition or gravity to recover oil from the matrix rock. Often the matrix rock is oil-wet or mixed wet and only gravity drainage remains a feasible process. Usually, however, permeabilities are low, remaining oil saturation and/or capillary holdup.