Mechanistic simulation studies on the steam-foam drive in superviscous oil reservoirs

Based on comprehensive literature collection, the seepage flow mechanism and the physicochemical phenomena involved are studied on the steam-foam drive in superviscous oil reservoirs. A mathematical model for steam-foam drive has been developed, including influencing factors such as surfactant concentration, noncondensing gas content, reservoir heterogeneity, etc. Taking into account specialties such as deep-burial depth and thick-pay zone of Gao-3456 well group in Gao II & III block of Gaosheng Oilfield, studies on the steam-foam drive are carried out using the developed numerical simulator. Corresponding influencing factors and feasibility are studied, the enhanced oil recovery mechanism is also discussed for the steam-foam drive in thick-layer superviscous oil reservoirs, and some instructive results are obtained.