COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS AND PROSPECTS FOR THE APPLICATION OF THERMAL METHODS IN FIELDS WITH HARD-TO-RECOVER RESERVES

Abstract

This article provides a comparative analysis of the effectiveness and future possibilities of using thermal methods in fields with hard-to-recover oil reserves. The use of thermal methods in fields with hard-to-recover oil reserves is a promising research area in the oil 
industry. The difficulties of oil production in such fields, associated with high oil viscosity, limited rock permeability, and heterogeneous distribution of reserves, stimulated the search for effective 
technological solutions. The paper discusses various options for thermal methods, such as hot water injection, steam-gravity drainage and steam-cyclic well treatment, and the effectiveness of each method in the context of enhanced oil recovery in fields with special technological and geological conditions. The comparative analysis includes the pros and cons of each method, their effect on oil viscosity, improving rock permeability, and ensuring a stable oil flow. The main attention is paid to assessing the effectiveness of horizontal well technology with steam-cyclic well treatment, which is a modern and effective method in the field of oil production. This approach combines the advantages of horizontal wells and steam cycling, providing an optimized oil production process for a variety of fields. Horizontal well technology with steam cycling represents a significant step in the development of oil production, providing more efficient methods and economic benefits in field development. Its use can be especially useful on complex and hard-to-reach objects. The study results provide scientific and practical implications regarding the applicability and effectiveness of thermal methods in fields with hard-to-recover reserves.