Pilot

Project Overview

• Objective: The primary objective of the pilot oil project is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method or a new production process before full-scale implementation.
• Scope: Define the scope of the project, including the specific EOR technique to be tested (e.g., water flooding, chemical injection, CO2 injection), the location, and the duration of the pilot.

Pilot Design and Planning

• Pilot Objectives: Clearly define the objectives of the pilot, such as assessing areal sweep and conformance, gravity override, viscous fingering, and loss of mobility control.
• Well Spacing and Pattern Configuration: Determine the optimal well spacing and pattern configuration for the pilot test to ensure representative data collection.
• Injectant Volumes: Calculate and determine the appropriate volumes of injectants (e.g., water, chemicals, CO2) to be used during the pilot test.
• Instrumentation and Measurements: Plan for the necessary instrumentation and measurements in pilot injection, production, and monitoring wells to gather accurate data.

Types of Pilots

• Single-Well Injectivity Test: Useful for initial assessment of injectivity and reservoir response.
• Unconfined Pilot with Observation Wells: Provides data on areal sweep and conformance.
• Small-Scale Confined Pilot: Offers controlled conditions to test specific EOR mechanisms.
• Large-Scale Multipattern Pilot: Comprehensive test involving multiple wells and patterns to simulate full-field conditions.

Execution and Operations

• Front-end Engineering Design (FEED): Develop detailed process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation (P&ID) diagrams, equipment requirements, project timelines, and costing.
• Detailed Design and Construction: Implement the design through 2D and 3D modeling, optimization, and simulation. Construct the pilot facility at the EPC company’s site and conduct full testing for quality assurance.
• Installation and Commissioning: Install the pilot facility at the customer’s site, provide operational procedures and maintenance documentation, and conduct training for in-house staff.

Monitoring and Data Collection

• Real-Time Monitoring: Implement real-time monitoring systems to track injection rates, production rates, pressure, and other critical parameters.
• Data Analysis: Use tools and techniques to assess key reservoir mechanisms and minimize uncertainty in pilot interpretation. This includes analyzing data from instrumentation in injection, production, and monitoring wells.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

• Permitting: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. For example, in Texas, operators must obtain authorization from the Railroad Commission for pilot studies involving produced water recycling or other oil and gas activities.
• Environmental Impact: Characterize the source fluids, describe the treatment technology, and include a schematic of the treatment process. Also, identify constituents of concern and describe the reuse scenario.

Scale-Up and Commercialization

• Proof of Concept: Use the pilot plant as a proof of concept to validate the economic viability and market feasibility of the process before scaling up to commercial levels.
• Process Optimization: Optimize the process based on data collected during the pilot phase to ensure cost-effective and time-efficient scale-up.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain detailed records and documentation of the pilot project, including operational procedures, maintenance, and reporting requirements (e.g., quarterly and final reports).

Case Studies and Best Practices

• ExxonMobil Examples: Refer to best practices derived from extensive piloting experience, such as those outlined by ExxonMobil, which include various types of pilots and their advantages and disadvantages.
• Zeton’s Expertise: Consider partnering with experienced companies like Zeton, which have a proven track record in designing and building pilot plants for oil and gas applications.

By following this structured approach, a pilot oil project can be meticulously planned, executed, and evaluated to ensure that it provides valuable insights and data necessary for successful full-scale implementation.