Spe 214204 Ms

SPE-214204-MS
Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/SPEGOTS/proceedings-pdf/23GOTS/3-23GOTS/D031S038R001/3084106/spe-214204-ms.pdf/1 by Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad user on 19 March 2023
Design and Implementation of India’s First Successful Commercial ASP
Flooding Project: A Case Study
Anuj Bajpai Bajpai, Anita Kumari Kumari, Mrinmoy Biswas Biswas, and Ajay Kumar Kumar, Oil & Natural Gas
Corporation Ltd
Copyright 2023, Society of Petroleum Engineers DOI 10.2118/214204-MS
This paper was prepared for presentation at the Gas & Oil Technology Showcase and Conference held in Dubai, UAE, 13 - 15 March, 2023.
This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents
of the paper have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect
any position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its officers, or members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper without the written
consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may
not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of SPE copyright.
Abstract
Present paper is aimed at disseminating learnings of designing and implementation of ASP flooding, a
novel EOR technique, in a mature onshore field of ONGC. Scope encompasses ideation to successful field
implementation including laboratory studies, pilot design & its execution and finally scaling up to full-
field commercial implementation. Paper also covers monitoring strategies & methodologies used in the
project which gave necessary insights for mid-course corrections resulting in around 200% improvement
in production.
Pilot implemented in inverted 5-spot pattern with 4 injectors and 9 oil producers. Based on lessons learnt,
field scale ASP with injection rate of 1120 m3/d through 14 patterns with 35 oil producers was implemented
from July-19 with Alkali-2.5%, Surfactant-2500 ppm and Polymer-1500 ppm. Gradually, liquid withdrawal
improved to ~1300m3/d from ~400 m3/d by optimizing oil wells. It resulted in oil improvement from 50
to 138 tpd. Initially, scheme could not perform. Maintaining ASP formulation and regular monitoring
are crucial for success. Regular collection and analysis of ASP slug samples is done. Analysis revealed,
reduction of Alkali may improve production.
It was observed, ASP slug viscosity of ~4cP is achieved with the used formulation against expected
viscosity of 9.3 cP. It can happen with variation in water quality and slug parameters at field level. After
detail analysis and revisiting laboratory studies it was confirmed that the lower than envisaged slug viscosity
is the main reason behind sub optimal performance of the scheme. Because of low ASP slug viscosity the
required mobility ratio could not be achieved which leads to poor sweep efficiency. It was also confirmed
that reduction of Alkali shall improve slug viscosity.
Accordingly, ASP injection was carried out with ~1.2% Alkali along with Surfactant & Polymer
of recommended concentration since Dec-21. The impact of improving sweep efficiency and regular
intervention for optimizing oil wells improved oil production from 126 in Feb-22 to 250 tpd in Jun-22 with
drop of water cut from 91% to 83%. Presently, it is producing 220 tpd with ~85% water cut.
2 SPE-214204-MS
Success of project is the outcome of rigorous efforts by deliberating mid-course correction to optimize
quality and quantity of ASP solution, pattern balancing by tweaking withdrawal rates of producers so as to
have a uniform flood movement and improve sweep efficiency.
ASP process provides synergistic benefit of three different types of chemicals to mobilize trapped oil
in chemical EOR. The best way is to look back in lab to re-investigate how much tuning can be done to
overcome field challenges. The side effect of alkali is studied and lowering its concentration is considered
to be a better solution. Project success and its learning shall go a long way in implementation of future
Chemical EOR projects.
Introduction
Cambay Basin of India is under exploration and production for hydrocarbons since 1950’s by ONGC. Alpha
oil field is located in Ahmedabad-Mehsana tectonic block of Cambay Basin. It was discovered in 1977 and
was put on production in 1980. While achieving 20% recovery, adverse mobility ratio has given rise to
rapid rise in water cut by viscous fingering from the aquifer and poor sweep in field. For future strategy, the
applicability of Alkaline-Surfactant- Polymer (ASP) flooding in IX+X sand was recognized on the basis
of laboratory studies. It was clearly understood that incremental oil is produced with the combined impact
of interfacial - tension reducing chemicals and mobility control chemicals under ASP flooding. The pilot
scheme was evaluated with four inverted 5 -spot patterns to test the laboratory results under actual field
conditions and also to fine tune the process parameters. Based on the success of the pilot project and the
lessons learnt, field scale ASP scheme with 14 patterns of inverted 5-spot injection, with 25 oil producers
of pattern area and 10 oil producers from peripheral area has been implemented (Figure-1).
SPE-214204-MS 3
Figure 1—Location map
Reservoir Description
Kalol equivalent pay zones VIII & IX+X and Chhatral member of Kadi formation & C+D of Alpha field
were established as oil and gas bearing layers. The major producing horizon is IX+X which is subdivided
into two layers viz. L1 and L2. These are separated by coal shale band of 4-5 meters. The structure of the
field is a doubly plunging anticline trending NNE- SSW (Figure.2). Lithologically, the rock is composed of
brownish grey, coarse to medium grained, moderate to good sorted sandstone, siltstone. Average reservoir
depth and the average pay thickness are 1300 meters and 15 meters respectively. Area weighted average
porosity is 30% and initial average oil saturation is in range 66-70%. The permeability varies from 4500
to 9900 mD.
4 SPE-214204-MS
Figure 2—Depth, TVDSS (meters)
The initial pressure was 136 kg/cm2 at 1300m datum. The saturation pressure is 52-65 kg/cm2. The
reservoir is operating under active water drive and as a result there is no significant drop in reservoir pressure
against its recovery. The current reservoir pressure is 126 kg/cm2 even after 27% recovery. The average API
gravity of the oil is 18.9 and the viscosity is 50 cp at 136 kg/cm2 and 81°C. The pour point is 15°C and
formation water salinity is 9828 ppm. The crude oil is having 4.5 % asphaltene, 5.7 % wax content and 18%
resin by weight. Crude is acidic in nature, having acidic component 1.825 mg KOH/gm of crude oil.
Table 1—Reservoir Fluid Properties
The major producing pay IX+X sand has an OIIP of ~8.5 MMt and has so far 27% oil is recovered. Well
spacing is 200-250 meters. Hence, there is no scope for infill drilling to increase production. Moreover, sharp
viscosity/mobility contrast is existing in primary and aquifer supported phase. Therefore, as an alternative
to maximize recovery, ASP flooding emerged as most suitable EOR process.
SPE-214204-MS 5
ASP Design
Extensive laboratory studies were carried out to screen commercially available and economically viable
chemicals and also to reduce the risk of field application. Various sulphonate surfactant samples were tested
for thermal stability, solubility, CMC and IFT values. Best screening results were found for petroleum
Sulphonate. The alkali used was sodium carbonate because of its ease of propagation in porous media.
Partially hydrolyzed poly acryl amide (PHPA) polymer was selected as it was found thermally stable at
reservoir temperature 81°C.
The Alkaline-Surfactant-Polymer flooding Pilot was implemented to test the efficacy of the EOR method
in the field and fine tune the ASP injection parameters. The Pilot was designed 0.2PV of ASP slug, 0.3 PV
graded polymer buffer and 0.6 PV chase water based on the laboratory studies. ASP Pilot injection resulted
in decline in water production by about 10% in a period of 8-10 months in the surrounding wells leading
to increase in oil production. However, the chase water injection was called off due to high water cut in
nearby producers. The realized incremental through ASP was 58000 m3, which certainly proves the efficacy
of ASP flooding in the field.
Figure 3—Work flow (Pilot)
To understand the performance of pilot under ASP injection, simulation studies were carried out. The
simulation study comprises of understanding the process mechanism at core level by matching the core
flood results and then expanding the simulation over the pilot area to match the observed performance. The
study also included sensitivity of the pilot performance to unbalanced nature of the pattern, the slug size
& composition and polymer concentration in the buffer. Based on the performance of ASP pilot and its
simulation study, the following conclusions were drawn:
i. ASP slug size used was on lower side
ii. Polymer concentrations used in both ASP slug and polymer buffers were on lower side
iii. Production and injection to be balanced
A series of laboratory studies were again carried out with an objective to re-optimise chemical slug
size and to increase polymer concentration for commercialization of this pilot to full field. The core
flood displacement experiments were carried out on three Berea cores and one native core (Table-4 &
Figure-4). For different concentration of Alkali, Surfactant and Polymer, the laboratory results indicated
recovery varying from 10.2% to 18.9%. IFT tests carried out with different concentration of Alkali &
surfactant (Table-2). Alkali (Sodium Carbonate) and AOS (Alpha olefin sulfonate) surfactant are the most
promising formulation in the present operating conditions. Polymer selection was carried out based on
viscosity measurement for different polymer concentration at reservoir temperature (Table-3). The study
recommended ASP slug size of 0.3 PV with the increased concentration as follows;
SPE-214204-MS
Table 3—Viscosity of chemical solution

Table 2—IFT data
ii. Surfactant : 0.25% (100% active matter)
iii. Polymer : 1500 ppm
i. Alkaline : 2.5 %
6
7
Figure 4—Displacement experiment (Native core)

Table 4—Summary of displacement experiments
SPE-214204-MS
8 SPE-214204-MS
This is to be followed by graded polymer buffer injection of 1200 ppm, 800 ppm and 400 ppm of 0.1PV
each, followed by Chase water (0.5PV) injection.
Full Field Simulation Study
Full field simulation study carried out using CMG’s STARS software, pertains to the expansion of ASP
Pilot with re-optimized chemical formulation and slug size for implementation on field scale. The reservoir
fluid was described as a mixture of dead oil and solution gas in right proportion to mimic the reservoir fluid
characteristics. Besides these two components, the four other components i.e water, polymer, surfactant and
alkali are included. The physical properties of the chemical used for ASP are included in the fluid model
as per the prescribed concentration. The alkali considered is Na2CO3 with 2.5% concentration and the
Surfactant identified to be used is Petroleum Sulfodate having 0.25% (100% active matter). The polymer
considered in the slug is PHPA (Partially Hydrolysed Polyacryl Amide) of 1500 ppm. This is to be followed
by graded polymer buffer injection of 1200 ppm, 800 ppm and 400 ppm of 0.1PV each, followed by chase
water.
A development strategy for field scale implementation has been optimized based on the sensitivity
analysis of injection patterns, chemical injection rates and liquid withdrawal rates. ASP flooding with new
formulation has been considered @80 m3/d per well in inverted 5spot injection pattern through 14 injector
wells, liquid withdrawal @ 40 m3/d/well to balance the production/injection ratio and chase water injection
at reduced rate @60 m3/d per well.
Monitoring & Surveillance Strategy

Project monitoring and surveillance strategy in EOR processes like ASP not only help to measure the scheme
performance but also give valuable information about scope of improvement to realise full potential of the
scheme. The primary purpose of monitoring and surveillance is to identify problems before they occur and
take mid-course corrections. These changes may require re-evaluating and updating the scheme.
Monitoring activities can be broadly divided into 3 major sections
i. Monitoring of Injection Fluid Quality and Quantity.
a. ASP injection qualit
▪ ASP Concentration at source tank, after pump & well heads
▪ Salinity, pH and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) at source tank
▪ Bacterial Analysis
b. ASP injection quantity
▪ Well wise ASP injection
▪ Well wise injection pressure

ii. Monitoring of Produced Fluid
The fluid samples of producer wells were collected and analysed for water cut, salinity &
chemicals breakthrough.
iii. Monitoring of Production Performance
Regular performance analysis of oil producers were done to ensure the balance of production/
injection ratio and to observe ASP impact.
SPE-214204-MS 9
Field Implementation
Based on the success of the pilot project and the lessons learnt, India’s first ever commercial scale ASP
scheme with 14 patterns has been implemented with chemical formulation Alkali- 2.5%, Surfactant-2500
ppm, and Polymer-1500 ppm. The recommended liquid withdrawal rate and ASP injection rate are ~1300
m3/d and 1120 m3/d respectively. In order to enhance liquid production, wells were optimized and revived
which resulted in increase in liquid production from 401 to 1445 m3/d and oil production from 52 to 147
m3/d. Initially, the scheme could not perform as envisaged due to various constraints (Figure-5).
Figure 5—Reservoir performance since 2019
Maintaining the ASP formulation and regular monitoring was hampered during the Covid-19. Multi-
disciplinary team continuously collected ASP slug samples and analysed their viscosity. It has been observed
that average ASP slug viscosity of ~4cP is achieved with the used formulation whereas the expected ASP
slug viscosity of 9.3 cP (Table-3) was considered.
Revisiting Full Field Simulation study

Simulation study for full field ASP flooding carried out to ascertain the reasons for deviation and to take
any midcourse corrections. The historical production rates till 2020 was incorporated into the model. ASP
injection was started in 2019. ASP slug concentration is Alkali - 2.5%, Surfactant - 0.25% & Polymer
concentration - 1500 ppm. Polymer is used in ASP slug as well as a chase agent to increase the sweep
efficiency. Surfactant decreases the IFT between oil and water and enhances the displacement efficiency in
the field. Polymer and surfactant adsorption values and molecular weights taken in simulation model are
shown in Table 5. IFT data and polymer viscosity with shear rate are shown in Table-7 / Figure 6 & Table-8
/ Figure-7 respectively.
SPE-214204-MS
Table 5—Isothermal Adsorption table
Table 6—Molecular weight
Table 7—IFT data

10
SPE-214204-MS 11
Table 8—Polymer viscosity with shear rate
Figure 6—IFT data
Figure 7—Polymer viscosity with shear rate
Viscosity of ASP slug was tested and found 4 cp at 810C. Accordingly, it was used in the model. IFT
reduction of ~1000 times was achieved in the model after ASP injection as shown in the Figure 8 and
corresponding increase in capillary number can be seen in Figure 9. Capillary number in reservoir which
normally tends to be in the range of 10−6 increased up to 10−3.
12 SPE-214204-MS
Figure 8—IFT (dyne/cm) reduction (as on Oct-21)
Figure 9—Log of Capillary Number (as on Oct-21)
In history matching, model was run with liquid rate as primary constraint. At field scale, satisfactory
oil rate & water cut match could be achieved as shown in Figure 11 & 12. The historical liquid could be
achieved in almost all the wells. Significant target oil is exploited with ASP flooding over the period of
15 years (Figure-10).
13
Figure 12—Water cut match

Figure 11—Oil rate match
Figure 10—Oil saturation
SPE-214204-MS
14 SPE-214204-MS
After detail analysis of the field performance and revisiting the laboratory studies it was confirmed that
the lower than envisaged slug viscosity is the main reason behind sub optimal performance of the scheme.
Because of low ASP slug viscosity the required mobility ratio of <1 could not be achieved as it is coming
to 1.63 which leads to poor sweep efficiency. It was also confirmed that reduction of Alkali shall improve
the slug viscosity. Accordingly, formulation of 1.2% Alkali, 2500 ppm Surfactant and 1500 ppm polymer
is finalized. Fast track implementation of the mid-course correction was done. ASP injection was carried
out with ~1.2% Alkali along with Surfactant & Polymer of recommended concentration since 2022.
Results and Discussion

On the basis of laboratory studies along with simulation findings revised chemical formulation was
implemented. Consequently, ASP slug viscosity improved. The impact of improving sweep efficiency and
priority work over activities in non-flowing wells improved the oil production from 126 tpd in February
2022 to 250 tpd in the month of June-22 with drop of water cut from 91% to 81%. And it is sustained at
the level of 220 tpd with average water cut of 85%. Monitoring strategies & methodologies used in the
project which gave necessary insights for mid-course corrections resulting in around 200% improvements
in production (Figure-13). In view of reduction in Alkali consumption, OPEX got reduced which in turn
improves the economic rate of return.
Figure 13—Production performance from Feb-2022

SPE-214204-MS 15
Figure 14—Work flow (Commercial scheme)
The above workflow is a visual layout for a successful implementation of an ASP process. It employs
integration of complete processes and information flows since designing of the scheme through Lab studies
after pilot implementation, chalking out road map with the help of simulation study followed by monitoring
the on-going scheme and getting insight. The mid-course corrections were strengthen by revisiting lab
studies followed by simulation study to overcome bottlenecks.
Conclusions
For the first time in India, full field Alkali-Surfactant-Polymer flooding is implemented. ASP flooding
has shown encouraging results during Pilot implementation itself. The successful journey of any chemical
EOR project involves right from screening, designing, execution and monitoring followed by mid-course
corrections. Remedial measures depends upon critical analysis of the data produced during implementation
such as quality of injection fluid, produced fluid analysis for chemical breakthrough/concentration,
movement of mobile oil saturation and trapping of the mobilized oil by regularization of injection and
production rate. The outcome of rigorous efforts by deliberating mid-course correction to optimize quality
and quantity of ASP solution, pattern balancing by tweaking withdrawal rates of producers so as to have
a uniform flood movement and improve sweep efficiency is resulting in around 200% improvement in
production. It shall further produce 7% incremental oil over the period of 15 years. The learning from this
project shall be crucial and useful for the success of upcoming ASP commercial project in fields of ONGC.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to express their thanks to Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. for permission to publish this
paper. Thanks are also extended to the authors of various reports and papers consulted during preparation
of this paper. Authors also wish to state that views expressed in this paper are the views of their own and
do not necessarily reflect the views of ONGC.
Nomenclature
ASP = Alkaline Surfactant Polymer
16 SPE-214204-MS
EOR = Enhanced Oil Recovery

OIIP = Initial -Oil-in-place
NNE = North -North East
SSW = South-South-West
PV = Pore Volume
IFT = Interfacial Tension
CMC = Critical Micelle Concentration
ppm = Parts per Million
MMt = Million Metric Ton
tpd = Tonnes per day
m2 = Square meters
m3 = Cubic Meters
mD = Millidarcies
D = Darcy
Cp = Centipoises
mg / lit = Milligrams / liter
°C = Degree Centigrade
Kg/Cm2 = Kilograms / Square centimeter
m3/d = Cubic meters per day
wt % = Percent by weight
References
Clark, S.R. Pitts, M.J. and Smith, S.M. "Design and Application of an Alkaline-Surfactant-Polymer Recovery System to
the West Kiehl Field", SPE paper 17538 presented at SPE Rocky Mountain Regional Meeting, May 11-13, 1988.
Demin, W., Jiecheng, C., Junzheng, W., Zhenyu, Y., Yuming, Y. Summary of ASP pilots in Daqing oil field. Paper
presented at the SPE Asia Pacific Improved Oil Recovery Conference, October 25- 26, 1999. SPE-57288-MS.
Falls, A.H., Thingpen, D.R. , Nelson, R.C., "A Field Test of Co-Surfactant - Enhanced Alkaline Flooding", paper SPE/
DOE 24117 presented at the SPE/DOE Eight Symposium on Enhanced Oil Recovery held in Tulsa, O.K. April, 22-24,
1992.
Guo, Hu, Li, Yiqiang, Kong, Debin, Ma, Ruicheng, Li, Binhui, and Fuyong Wang. Lessons Learned From Alkali/
Surfactant/Polymer-Flooding Field Tests in China. SPE Res Eval & Eng 22 (2019): 78–99.
Jiecheng, C., Dianping, X., Wenguang, B. Commercial test of ASP Flooding in Daqing Oil Field. Abu Dhabi Int Pet Exhib
Conf 3-6 November, Abu Dhabi, UAE. 2008. SPE-117824-MS
Olajire, A.A. Review of ASP EOR technology in the petroleum industry: Prospects and challenges. Energy.
2014;77:963–982.
Qi, Q., Hongjun, G., Dongwen, L., Ling, D., Oil, K. The Pilot Test of ASP Combination Flooding in Karamay Oil Field.
SPE Int Oil Gas Conf Exhib China. 2000. SPE-64726-MS.
Sheng, J.J. A comprehensive review of alkaline-surfactant-polymer (ASP) flooding. ASIAPACIFIC J Chem Eng. 2014;
(May):258–261.
Singh, B.P., Sharma, "Pilot ASP Flood Demonstration Project: Horizon-IX, Viraj Field, Research Report, IRS, ONGC,
August, 1996.
Stalkup, F.I., "Miscible Displacement", SPE monograph series.
Vargo, J., Turner, J., Vergnani, B., Pitts, M.J., Wyatt, K., Surkalo, H. and Patterson, D., " Alkaline-Surfactant-Polymer
Flooding of the Cambridge Minnelusa Field", SPE paper 55633 presented at SPE Rocky Mountain Regional Meeting,
Gillette, Wyoming, May 15-18, 1999.
Wanchao, S., Petroleum, S., Bureau, A., Province, S. Alkaline-Surfactant-Polymer Combination Flooding for Improving
Recovery. 1995. SPE-29905-MS.
Zhijian, Q., Yigeng, Z., Xiansong, Z., Jialin, D. A Successful ASP flooding Pilot in Gudong Oil Field. 1992. SPE-39613-
MS.
Zhu Y. Current Developments and Remaining Challenges of Chemical Flooding EOR Techniques in China. 2015. Paper
presented at the SPE Asia Pacific Enhanced Oil Recovery Conference, August 11-13, 2015. SPE-174566-MS

Spe 214204 Ms

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Spe 214204 Ms

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SPE-214204-MS

Copyright 2023, Society of Petroleum Engineers DOI 10.2118/214204-MS

Table 1—Reservoir Fluid Properties

Figure 3—Work flow (Pilot)

Table 3—Viscosity of chemical solution

Figure 4—Displacement experiment (Native core)

Full Field Simulation Study

Monitoring & Surveillance Strategy

▪ ASP Concentration at source tank, after pump & well heads

▪ Salinity, pH and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) at source tank

▪ Well wise ASP injection

▪ Well wise injection pressure

Figure 5—Reservoir performance since 2019

Revisiting Full Field Simulation study

Table 5—Isothermal Adsorption table

Table 6—Molecular weight

Table 7—IFT data

Table 8—Polymer viscosity with shear rate

Figure 7—Polymer viscosity with shear rate

Figure 9—Log of Capillary Number (as on Oct-21)

Figure 12—Water cut match

Results and Discussion

Figure 13—Production performance from Feb-2022

EOR = Enhanced Oil Recovery

You might also like