Experiment Protocol Petroleum Engineer in Colombia Medellín –Free Word Template Download with AI

Colombia possesses significant hydrocarbon reserves, particularly in the Llanos Basin, where heavy crude oil presents unique extraction challenges. As primary and secondary recovery methods reach their limits, Petroleum Engineers must innovate to maximize recovery factors. This protocol defines a controlled experiment to test CO2 injection techniques. The research is anchored in Medellín, a hub for engineering innovation in Colombia, utilizing advanced simulation software and laboratory facilities to model reservoir behavior before field implementation.

The integration of CO2-EOR not only aims to increase oil production but also aligns with global and national carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiatives. This dual benefit is critical for the future of the petroleum industry in Colombia, balancing economic viability with environmental stewardship.

2.1 Primary Objective

To determine the optimal injection rate and pressure of supercritical CO2 required to reduce the viscosity of heavy crude oil samples extracted from the Cusiana and Cupiagua fields, thereby enhancing flow rates in a simulated reservoir environment.

2.2 Secondary Objectives

• To assess the miscibility conditions between CO2 and the specific crude oil composition found in the Colombian Llanos Basin.
• To evaluate the impact of CO2 injection on reservoir rock permeability and porosity.
• To develop a predictive model for field-scale implementation, managed from the Medellín engineering center.
• To ensure all experimental procedures comply with Colombian technical standards (NTC) and environmental laws.

This experiment is confined to laboratory-scale core flooding tests and numerical simulation. The scope includes the preparation of core samples, fluid characterization, injection testing, and data analysis. The methodology follows standard practices established by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), adapted to the specific geological context of Colombia.

3.1 Sample Collection and Preparation

Core samples will be sourced from active wells in the Meta department. These samples must be preserved under reservoir conditions to maintain their original pore structure. Upon arrival at the laboratory in Medellín, samples will be cleaned, dried, and characterized for porosity, permeability, and mineral composition using X-ray diffraction (XRD).

3.2 Fluid Characterization

Crude oil samples will undergo PVT (Pressure-Volume-Temperature) analysis to determine saturation pressure, formation volume factor, and viscosity. CO2 purity must be verified to ensure it meets the required standards for injection, minimizing impurities that could cause corrosion or scaling in the reservoir.

3.3 Core Flooding Experiment

The core flooding apparatus will simulate reservoir conditions (temperature: 60-80°C; pressure: 150-200 bar). The experiment involves three stages:

1. Brine Flooding: To establish baseline water saturation and permeability.
2. CO2 Injection: Supercritical CO2 will be injected at varying rates to observe changes in oil production and pressure drop.
3. Post-Flush: Brine will be injected to displace residual CO2 and measure final oil recovery.

Safety is paramount in this Experiment Protocol. Given the high-pressure nature of CO2 and the flammability of crude oil, strict adherence to safety protocols is required. All personnel involved in the Petroleum Engineer team must be trained in handling hazardous materials and high-pressure equipment.

In alignment with Colombian environmental regulations, the experiment includes measures to prevent CO2 leakage. Any emissions will be monitored using gas chromatography. Waste fluids will be treated according to the guidelines set by the National Environmental Licensing Authority (ANLA) before disposal.

Data collected during the experiment, including pressure, flow rate, and produced fluid volumes, will be analyzed to calculate recovery factors and relative permeability curves. Numerical simulations will be run using reservoir modeling software to upscale the laboratory results to field conditions. The final report will be prepared by the Petroleum Engineering team in Medellín and submitted to relevant stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and operational partners.

This Experiment Protocol provides a structured approach to investigating CO2-EOR techniques for heavy crude oil in Colombia. By conducting this research from Medellín, we leverage local expertise and infrastructure to address specific challenges in the Llanos Basin. The successful execution of this protocol will contribute valuable data to the Petroleum Engineering community, supporting more efficient and environmentally responsible oil recovery practices in Colombia.