Improved hydrocarbon recovery of a lean retrograde gas reservoir under propane injection

In most cases, retrograde gas reservoir in N Field which is located at the north of Malay Basin achieved 40-70 of recovery factor (RF) compared to dry gas reservoir, 80-90 of RF. Reservoir K, a lean retrograde gas reservoir of the N Field drained by Well 5 experience reduction in recovery (about 15 of RF) that is caused by a significant productivity loss, because of condensate banking. Condensate banking phenomenon (observed as skin) around the perforation zone restricted the flow of gas after the flowing bottom hole pressure falls below the dew point pressure. Therefore, the reduction in gas Inflow Performance Relationship (IPR) limits the Estimated Ultimate Recovery (EUR) of Reservoir K. It is the focus in this project to analyse the effect of miscible propane stimulated injection on the IPR, well deliverability and hence reservoir recovery. The retrograde gas reservoir model is integrated between E300, IPM PROSPER (well model) and IPM MBAL (reservoir model) software in reservoir performance prediction and forecasting study. Results show that there is 4 increment in gas recovery and 6 increment in condensate recovery after injection of propane to Reservoir K. There are about 4.2 million USD increment in revenue upon propane injection development. As conclusion, it is found that propane injection could minimize the condensate saturation that improves reservoir IPR and hydrocarbon recovery for both gas and condensate. Copyright 2015, Society of Petroleum Engineers.