Petroleum geology: Science and practice in the 21st century. New ideas and paradigms

Abstract

The current importance of the paper is determined by the vital necessity that research and practical efforts should be now focused on studying and controlling the oilfield "life", based on conceptually new ideas and methods in petroleum geology. The aim of the article. To outline new trends and approaches in the development of petroleum geology. To substantiate the use of rehabilitation cycles in the process of developing an oilfield, and especially at its active (forced) stage. To define the perturbation threshold for state equilibrium of a fluid-saturated system. To propose a method for simulating dynamics of a hydrocarbon deposit. Methods used in the study. The author uses a wide range of methodic approaches and techniques, including his own well studies (drill samples, geophysical well logging data, pressure recovery curve, etc.) as well as long-term observations and generalizations of primary sources and materials on a great number of petroleum provinces in the world and especially in West Siberia. Results. The use of rehabilitation cycles in the process of developing an oilfield is substantiated. An empirical estimation is given of the value of critical perturbation for state equilibrium of a fluid-saturated system in the process of developing an oilfield, equal to formation depression of 5-8 MPa. A method for simulating oilfield dynamics is suggested and the use of an evolutionary equation αp/αt = Z (p, a, t) is justified. A method is proposed to create or renew highly-productive foci at an oilfield through technogenic initiation of an accelerated metasomatic dolomitisation in carbonate reservoirs. Innovative conceptions and approaches are suggested for the further development of petroleum science. The author's opinion is that at present efforts should be focused on the efficient well-targeted development of the active oilfields in order to provide for the production of the residual (hard-to-extract) oil in a soft, sparing and non-damaging way (Improved Oil Recovery) as well as on discovering new hydrocarbon accumulations, including secondary ones, throughout the whole stratigraphic section, with all depth horizons and various rock-fluid associations, in regions where a well-developed diversified infrastructure is already available. The use of rehabilitation cycles will make it possible to restore the energy potential of the stratum and filtration properties of the rock. In the long run, it will provide for an increased longevity of the object and higher final oil recovery. The urgent demand for constant real-time monitoring of the current changes inside the fluid-saturated stratum makes it extremely desirable to create research-and-development polygons in various petroleum regions.