Sandstone reservoirs exhibiting cross-bedded architecture represent a large fraction of the world's oil reserves, yet few studies have addressed the effects of such structures on recoveries. This research will provide new insight into these effects and provide a broad basis for in-depth investigations. Specifically, this study will employ simulation to evaluate the effects of various cross-bedding configurations on initial distributions of oil, gas, and water in sandstone reservoirs as determined by capillary-gravity equilibrium. Simulation also will be used to evaluate the impact of cross- bedding on recovery by solution-gas drive in sandstone reservoirs. This study complements earlier studies on water-oil displacement in cross-bedded systems by focusing on initial conditions and primary recovery mechanisms. Together, these will provide a clearer evaluation of the effect of cross-bedding on oil recovery. The techniques evolved from these investigations, coupled with prior developments, will provide general formalisms for including cross-bedding effects in large scale simulations of oil recovery processes. Thus, a Phase 11 effort would utilize these results in developing improved primary, secondary, and enhanced recovery processes in sandstone reservoirs.Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee:This study will provide new insight into the effects of cross-bedding on oil recovery in sandstone reservoirs and new techniques for designing primary, secondary, and enhanced recovery programs. This could lead to more recoverable oil in all sandstone reservoirs.
