ASP flooding is a form of chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) that can allow operators to extend reservoir pool life and extract incremental reserves currently inaccessible by conventional EOR techniques such as waterflooding.

AppIntel software can be used to examine the state of the art of ASP flooding comparing applications to field results. In this manner operators can avoid pitfalls experience by other oil companies in implementation.

Although a relatively new and progressing technology, many ASP floods have been conducted worldwide in recent years with good success, commonly achieving 20% incremental oil recovery. One Albertan example of an ASP flood is the Husky Taber South Mannville B Pool which began ASP flooding in 2006 and is currently ongoing.

An ASP flood involves injecting a predetermined pore volume of ASP into the reservoir. Often the ASP injection is followed by an additional injection of polymer. Upon completion of the ASP and polymer injection, regular waterflooding behind the ASP wall resumes again.

The combination of the three chemicals is synergistic. Together they are more effective than as components alone.

Addition of a surfactant lowers the interfacial tension between water and oil which helps to reduce capillary pressure in the reservoir. This allows residual oil to be mobilized and produced from the formation.

The use of alkali adds many benefits to an ASP flood. The alkali reacts with elements of the oil to form in-situ surfactants. Additionally, it helps make the reservoir rock more water wet, thus increasing the flood effectiveness. As alkali is inexpensive, this helps to reduce the cost of an ASP flood. Common alkaline agents used include sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or sodium carbonate (Na2Co3).

The polymer increases the vertical and areal sweep efficiencies of the flood by increasing water viscosity. The increased viscosity decreases the chance of fingering and allows more oil to be contacted on a macroscopic scale.

Field implementation of an ASP flood requires much thorough research. Laboratory testing must be conducted to determine the most suitable alkali, surfactant and polymer type and concentrations for the reservoir oil, water and rock. Radial and linear corefloods tests should be conducted as well as simulation studies to determine flood effectiveness and feasibility.

As conventional reserves diminish and reservoirs mature, it is crucial and financially beneficial to maximize existing reserve potential. As research and technology progress, the potential and feasibility of ASP flooding continues to grow and offers much potential for increased oil recovery.

~Granger J. Low

Proven Reserves is pleased to announce the appointment of Khyati Chopra as a technical sales assistant.

Khyati was born in India, and moved here to Calgary 11 years ago. Because of her various multicultural experiences, Khyati can speak and understand 5 different languages.

She is currently studying Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary, but hopes to get into the Engineering program this autumn.

Khyati says that while with Proven Reserves she'd like to broaden her engineering knowledge to help her both in her current position, and in her upcoming studies.

In her spare time, Khyati enjoys volunteering at the hospital, dancing, and watching movies.

Welcome, Khyati!

Proven Reserves is pleased to announce the appointment of Madeline Quinlan as a technical sales assistant.

Madeline is majoring in both Psychology and Finance at the University of Calgary, and hopes of pursuing a master's degree and doing management consulting.

Madeline says that she would like to get as much knowledge and experience in the oil and gas industry as she can while working with Proven Reserves, which she hopes to put towards her future business goals.

In her spare time, Madeline volunteers for the Animal Rescue Foundation as an Adoption Screener, and also enjoys spending time outdoors, travelling, and spending time with her dog.

Welcome, Madeline!