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Bp Corporation North America Inc.

Bradley W Brice

Euthimios Vittoratos

Bernard Tremblay

Giovanna Boccardo

A method for controlling driving fluid breakthrough caused by zones of pressure communication, i.e., a matrix bypass event ('MBE') or a wormhole, having a void space and possibly areas of enhanced permeability (a halo region) associated with the void space, within a subterranean formation arising from use of a driving fluid in reservoirs where heavy/viscous oil is being produced. In embodiments, the method includes injection of a slurry of a cementitious material into the zone, which upon setting, provides a cement plug in the void space that reduces the pressure communication and flow of driving fluid within the zone. Another step injects a gel precursor within the zone, which upon setting, produces a gel plug that also reduces pressure communication and driving fluid flow through the halo region of the zone.

Method to control driving fluid breakthrough during production of hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir

Methods are provided for improving the production of heavy/viscous crude oil from subterranean formations. The methods include secondary production through use of a displacement fluid (typically a waterflood) wherein the subterranean formation is subjected to cyclic periods of overinjection of the displacement fluid followed by underinjection of the displacement fluid, but keeping the overall cumulative voidage replacement ratio (VRR) within a defined range, typically targeted to be about 1. In some aspects, the initial production of such heavy/viscous crude oil is limited, if possible, followed this cyclic secondary production methodology. By keeping the initial production, VRR, and cumulative VRR in defined ranges, the expected ultimate recovery (EUR) can be optimized, and overall production increased for example by as much as 100% or more relative to conventional production methods.

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Anchorage, AK, United States of America

Bradley W Brice