W o r k p l a n J o i n i n g f o r c e s t o r e c o v e r m o r e

Transcription

1 W o r k p l a n J o i n i n g f o r c e s t o r e c o v e r m o r e

2 Table of Contents The vision: Joining forces to recover more 4 Objectives 4 About the work plan 5 The IOR toolbox and The roadmap 6 The roadmap 7 IOR Toolbox 8 Integration of IOR Research projects through generic case studies 9 The Roadmap 12 About The National IOR Centre of Norway 13 Gantt Theme 1 14 Gantt Theme 2 15 R&D Activities 16 Development of IOR methods 17 IOR mechanisms 18 Upscaling, simulation and interpretation tools 19 Full field prediction 20 Field performance 21 Economic potential and environmental impact 22 Monitoring tools and history matching 23 Fiscal framework and investment decisions 24 The projects DOUCS- Deliverable Of an Unbeatable Core Scale Simulator Core plug preparation procedures Wettability estimation by oil adsorption (PhD project) Core scale modeling of EOR transport mechanisms (PhD project) Application of metallic nanoparticles for enhanced heavy oil recovery (PhD project) How does wetting property dictate the mechanical strength of chalk at in-situ stress, temperature and pore pressure conditions? (PhD project) Thermal properties of reservoir rocks, role of pore fluids, minerals and digenesis. A comparative study of sandstone, shale and chalk (PhD project) Flow of non-newtonian fluids in porous media (PhD project) Integrated EOR for heterogeneous reservoirs (Phase 2) From SCAL to EOR Phase II 35

3 Permeability and stress state (PhD project) Micro- and nano-analytical methods for EOR (PhD project) Raman and nano-raman spectroscopy applied to fine-grained sedimentary rocks (chalk, siltstones and shales) to understand mineralogical changes for IOR application (PhD project) Pore scale simulation of multiphase flow in an evolving pore scale Improved oil recovery molecular processes Micro scale simulation of polymer solutions Description of the rheological properties of complex fluids based on the kinetic theory (Postdoc project) Experimental investigation of fluid chemistry effect on adhesive properties of calcite grains (PhD project) IORSim development project Environmental fate and effect of EOR polymers (PhD project) Lab scale Polymer Test in porous media - Supporting Halliburton s Large Scale Polymer Shear Test phase II Smart Water for EOR by Membranes (PhD project) Development and testing of nanoparticles as tailor-made tracers for improved reservoir description and for measurement of defined reservoir properties Single-Well Chemical Tracer Technology, SWCTT, for measurement of SOR and efficiency of EOR methods Development of water/oil partitioning tracers for determination of residual oil saturation in the inter-well region (PhD project) Adding more physics, chemistry, and geological realism into the reservoir simulator Advanced numerical methods for compositional flow applied to field scale reservoir models (PhD project) CO 2 Foam EOR Field Pilots (PhD project) Production optimization Robust production optimization (PhD project) Assemblage of different step size selection algorithms in reservoir production optimization (PhD project) Data assimilation using 4D seismic data Interpretation of 4D seismic for compacting reservoirs Data assimilation using 4-D seismic data (PostDoc TNO) D seismic and tracer data for coupled geomechanical / reservoir flow models Elastic full-waveform inversion (PhD project) 61 Budget 62 IOR NORWAY 2017 in collaboration with the EAGE 66

4 4 The National IOR Centre of Norway The vision: Joining forces to recover more The National IOR Centre of Norway provides solutions for improved oil recovery on the Norwegian Continental Shelf through academic excellence and close cooperation with the industry. Objectives The Centre aims to contribute to the implementation of environmentally friendly technologies to improve oil recovery on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Secondary objectives Robust upscaling of the recovery mechanisms observed at pore and core scale to field scale. Optimal injection strategies based on total oil recovered and economic and environmental impact. Education of PhD students and postdocs during The Centre s lifetime.

5 5 Work plan 2017 About the work plan The National IOR Centre of Norway started up in December A lot of progress has been made since then. Approximately 40 projects are running at The Centre at any one time. The Roadmap was designed in order to ensure collaboration and integration between projects. Integration between projects is one of our key priorities. This is why we decided to create a tool to guide us on our way and to make communication between projects as smooth as possible. The Roadmap was designed in order to highlight our aim and the milestones that we need to reach along the way. The Roadmap provides a re-structuring of The Centre s activities based on R&D activities more than tasks and themes. It is more important than ever to see how the projects interact and how each project plays a part in the bigger picture. All researchers are encouraged to look at other projects, covering various themes and tasks, for inspiration and areas of collaboration. The projects will deliver their results and interesting findings to each other, thereby ensuring that the researchers collaborate in order to come up with the best solutions. The results since the launch of the Roadmap have been very promising: increased collaboration, a clearer view of The Centre s structure and even new projects designed specifically to integrate research from different tasks. field cases. Researchers at The Centre are also working on integrating the Open Porous Media initiative (OPM, ) with the IORSim. At IFE a lot of work has been put into the development of new tracers. A postdoc has been working on the development of fluorescent molecules as self-standing tracers or labels for nanoparticlebased tracers with a focus on lanthanide chelates. He has also been conducting laboratory research into nanoparticles and C-dots, developed and produced at Cornell University in collaboration with Professor Lawrence M. Cathles, III. A PhD student has been working on establishing an analytical method applicable to laboratory samples for possible compounds selected as oil/water partitioning tracers. Some of the other main research areas where we are seeing great progress include robust production optimisation and 4D seismic history matching (HM). THE NEXT STAGE We have come a long way since The Centre was opened in December Several projects are now entering new phases and we are seeing the benefits of the results achieved so far. One of The Centre s main projects is the IORSim, which has already seen good results; integration between the IORSim and ECLIPSE works well and the full potential of this technology lies in the option to apply it to real

6 6 The National IOR Centre of Norway The IOR toolbox and the Roadmap

7 7 Work plan 2017 The Roadmap The Roadmap was established to create a framework to show the path that research at The Centre should follow. This is to ensure that everyone has the same understanding of The Centre s goals and milestones. It guides us so that we can more easily focus our research and establish good cooperation between projects. The Roadmap is an important tool in evaluating new ideas and project proposals within the relevant time frames. The map identifies any gaps and helps prioritising R&D projects. The Roadmap is a guiding tool used to lead the way towards a use case. However, The Centre s research is not limited to the Roadmap and sometimes projects will deliver valuable input to earlier stages of the map, resulting in a better background and understanding for further progress. The Roadmap is divided into several elements: ARROWS The blue arrows show the main activities on which we wish to focus. All projects should deliver to one or more of these arrows in order to be relevant to The National IOR Centre of Norway. These arrows may include projects from several different tasks, across both research themes; however, some of the arrows are naturally more directed towards projects in one of the themes. The green arrows represent overall research themes at various points in The Centre s lifetime: EOR screening, demonstrating potential and preparing for pilots and preparing for full field pilots. It is important to note that The National IOR Centre of Norway will not perform pilots, but will contribute through research and results. Sim). However, this does not limit the progress of other projects. The 2017 milestones are: Conditioning of injection fluids Reservoir simulation, geomechanics (e.g. Eclipse, Visage), tracer and IOR fluid simulation (IORSim) SUITED FIELD Selection of a suitable field for single-well tests (access to field data): It is crucial to have access to real field data for ongoing research within the areas covered by The Centre. In 2017 an important aspect will be the selection of a suitable field for single-well tests. Access to field data will contribute to ongoing projects and will lead to a unique opportunity to perform and qualify research in real field cases. Field data gives the possibility to bring the research performed on pore and core scale up to field scale. It will be important to clearly define the criteria necessary for a near-well region suitable for The Centre. This will make it possible to select the most suitable case for our activities. The selected case should be well defined and should have the necessary amount of data available. To ensure representative reservoir characteristics for the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) two cases should be selected; one sandstone and one chalk reservoir. The Centre is in contact with possible candidates, e.g. Ekofisk, Johan Sverdrup, Valhall, Snorre and Ula. MILESTONES The Milestones are important developments in our research that we rely on in order to reach our goal. Each year we will reach several of these milestones and take one step further towards improved oil recovery. In 2017 these milestones include the conditioning of injection fluids and reservoir simulation, geomechanics (e.g. Eclipse, Visage) and tracer and IOR (Improved Oil Recovery) fluid simulation (IOR-

8 8 The National IOR Centre of Nor way IOR Toolbox Field Data Lab Data IORCore Sim IORSim OPM CC Image courtesy of trebomb on Flickr The Centre is more than the Roadmap only. The Roadmap is meant to lead the way towards a use case, but there are many other areas of research that together constitute the IOR toolbox. This Toolbox will be unique in the context of our research. It contains parts of all of the research being carried out at The Centre and its use may vary from field to field and thus be adapted for each individu- al case. This is why the researchers at The Centre are working so hard to cooperate and collaborate, both within The Centre and with other national and international collaborators: only then can we see the sum of all the parts, and only then will the Toolbox be most suitable for use in the field.

9 9 Work plan 2017 Integration of IOR Research projects through generic case studies The National IOR Centre of Norway s research project portfolio includes core scale, mineral fluid reactions at nano/submicron scale, pore scale, upscaling and environmental impact, tracer technology, reservoir simulation tools and field scale evaluation and history matching. The complexity of each subtopic and the fact that a multitude of data, scales and disciplines is involved may hinder the proper integration of the research results. For the same reasons, exploiting synergies between the various IOR research projects may prove difficult. At the same time, a collaborative setup like The National IOR Centre of Norway should enable integrated case studies across scales and disciplines. To enable proper integration of the research results from the IOR Centre, an initiative has been taken to investigate the relationships between different IOR research projects. Two generic case studies have been defined, one for a chalk reservoir and one for a sandstone reservoir. The reservoir characteristics have been chosen to be representative of fields on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. For each of the case studies, two IOR methods are addressed; smart water injection and polymer injection. Given the characteristics of the reservoir and the IOR method used, contributions from the various IOR research projects are described and the relationships and synergies between the projects highlighted. As part of the process, the task leaders at The Centre have been interviewed and all researchers, PhD students and postdocs have been invited to a workshop to discuss potential synergies between existing projects. The process will continue in An important objective is to facilitate integration and motivate research that falls between the typical disciplines and projects involved in an IOR case study. To make the relationships between projects more evident, the projects are described in terms of input and output and qualitative versus quantitative information. The ultimate goal of the integrated IOR research is to provide a framework for monitoring, evaluating and understanding the effects of an IOR method tested in a field pilot, thus linking simulation and history matching of fluid flow, geomechanics and geochemical effects to lab measurements, pore scale and core scale modeling, tracer characteristics, production data and 4D seismic data.

10 10 The National IOR Centre of Norway Theme 2 Both themes Theme 1 EOR screening Development of IOR methods Upscaling, simulation and interpretation tools IOR mechanisms 1 Demonstrate potential and prepare for pilots Field performance Economic potential Monitoring tools Fiscal framework and investment decisions

11 11 Work plan Full field prediction 15 2 Business cases Prepare for full field pilots Field tests 13 and environmental impact and history matching

12 12 The National IOR Centre of Norway Milestones in the Roadmap 1. Selection of suited field for single-well tests (access to field data) 2. Single-well pilot tests: Smart water injection Polymer injection 1. Selected IOR methods 2. Field data in place (injection, production and tracer data, 4D seismic and reservoir model/geo-model/geomechanical model) 3. Input model parameters (from pore, core, sub-micron experimental and modeling R&D activities) 4. Large scale polymer shear degradation test 5. Economic potential of IOR methods 6. Monitoring tools: 4D seismic (front detection), tracer data (residual oil Sor) 7. Conditioning of injection fluids 8. Reservoir simulation, geomechanics (e.g. Eclipse, Visage), tracer and IOR fluid simulation (IORSim) 9. Full field history matching with 4D seismic and tracer data 10. Viability of methods (fiscal framework and taxation) 11. Environmental impact of selected IOR methods 12. Tool-box for interpretation of pilot-tests 13. Pilot-tests conclusions (Volumetric sweep/injection and production strategy, Sor, compaction impact, economic potential) 14. Economic potential of pilot-tests 15. Recommendation for comprehensive and full-field tests 16. Economic potential of full-field tests at NCS

13 13 Work plan 2017 About The National IOR Centre of Norway The Centre s goal is to perform R&D that will develop new knowledge and competence and contribute to the implementation of environmentally friendly technologies for maximizing NCS oil recovery through improved volumetric sweep of mobile oil, and mobilization and displacement of immobile oil. The Centre s research partners are IRIS and IFE, together with UiS. The Centre also has 11 user partners from the oil and service industry. The Centre works closely with the industry to identify the best methods for improving oil recovery in the fields. THEME 1 focuses on understanding, modeling and upscaling microscopic and macroscopic displacement efficiency when various EOR fluids are injected into a porous rock. Building the foundations for good teamwork is important at The National IOR Centre of Norway. In Theme 1 this is done through a team of experts from the University of Stavanger, IRIS and IFE. Many of the projects interact between tasks, ensuring a good flow of communication within the Theme and between Tasks. This is vital in order to make sure that all projects function as well as possible and that the research we provide is of the highest quality. Our two in-kind partners, Schlumberger and Halliburton, contribute through valuable research into the Yard Test and the development of the IORSim in Task 4. THEME 2 will focus on the integration of field data such as pressure, temperature, seismic data, tracer data, geophysical data, and geological data into a field scale simulation model. Decision-making is a key point as regards IOR/EOR. In Theme 2 we will work on developing and improving the methodology to support decision-making on the NCS. Both the potential resources in unswept areas, as well as mobilizing trapped resources in swept areas will be addressed in Theme 2. We will demonstrate the methodologies on specific use cases, whilst maintaining a focus on the entire NCS. TASKS IN THEME 1: Task 1: Core scale (Task leader: Arne Stavland) Task 2: Mineral fluid reactions at nano/submicron scale (Task leader: Udo Zimmermann) Task 3: Pore scale (Task leader: Espen Jettestuen) Task 4: Upscaling and environmental impact (Task leader: Aksel Hiorth) TASKS IN THEME 2: Task 5: Tracer technology (Task leader: Tor Bjørnstad) Task 6: Reservoir simulation tools (Task leaders: Robert Klöfkorn and Svein Skjæveland) Task 7: Field scale evaluation and history matching (Task leader: Geir Nævdal)

14 14 The National IOR Centre of Norway Gantt Theme 1 Task 1: Core Scale DOUCS - Deliverable of an unbeatable Core Scale Simulator Core plug preparation procedures (PhD) + Core plug preparation procedures-ii Wettability estimation by oil adsorption (PhD) Core scale modeling of EOR transport mechanisms (PhD) Application of metallic nanoparticles for enhanced heavy oil recovery (PhD) How does wetting property dictate the mechanical strength of chalk at in-situ stress, temperature and pore pressure conditions? (PhD) Thermal properties of reservoir rocks, role of pore flids, minerals and digenesis. A comparative study of sandstone, shale and chalk (PhD) Flow of non-newtonian flids in porous media (PhD) Integrated EOR for heterogeneous reservoirs (Phase 1+2) From SCAL to EOR + From SCAL to EOR (Phase II) EOR screening and possible application on the NCS NTNU Determination of Droplet Size Distribution Implementing resistivity, compaction and EOR Rev. Exp. data & building prototype IRIS lab database Lab scale Polymer Test in porous media - Supporting Halliburton s Large Scale Polymer Shear Test phase II Permeability evolution at in-situ conditions (PhD) Task 2: Mineral fluid react ions at Nano/submicron scale New methodologies at NIOR Stavanger for EOR purposes New horizons: Analytical advances related to chalk - training and applications of TEM, FE-SEM, and Nd isotopes Installation of state-of-the-art X-ray diffraction (XRD) analytical facility at NIOR for EOR research Geological studies on carbonates (including chalk) and chert for the further understanding of rock material for EOR research and applications Qunatitative SEM micrograph image analysis Quantification of chemical changes in flooded chalk on homogenized and natural samples with nanoraman and FE-TEM at CoE Institute for the Study of the Earth s Interior (Misasa, Japan) Selection and study of clastic rocks related to the selected pilot study at the NIOR center Micro- and nano-analytical methods for EOR (PhD) Raman and nano-raman spectroscopy applied to finegrained sedimentary rocks (chalk, siltstones and shales) to understand mineralogical changes for IOR application (PhD) Task 3: Pore Scale FIB-SEM Pore scale flow in real geom Pore scale simulation of multiphase flow in an evolving pore scale Improved oil recovery molecular processes Micro scale simulation of polymer solutions Description of the rheological properties of complex fluids based on the kinetic theory (Post Doc) Experimental investigation of fluid chemistry effect on adhesive properties of calcite grains (PhD) Emulsions in Porous Media Task 4: Upscaling and environmental impact IORSim development project Environmental fate and effect of EOR polymers (PhD) Large Scale Polymer Shear Test + Yard Test (Phase II) Smart Water for EOR by Membranes (PhD)

15 15 Work plan 2017 Gantt Theme 2 Task 5: Tracer technology Tracer technology for improved reservoir management Development and testing of nanoparticles as tailor-made tracers for improved reservoir description and for measurement of defied reservoir properties (Post Doc) Single-Well Chemical Tracer Technology, SWCTT, for measurement of SOR and effiency of EOR methods (Post Doc) Development of water/oil partitioning tracers for determination of residual oil saturation in the inter-well region (PhD) PostDoc 1a: SWTT on nanoparticles, C-dots Task 6: Reservoir simulation tools Adding more physics, chemistry, and geological realism into the reservoir simulator (Post Doc) Advanced Numerical Methods for Compositional Flow Applied to Field Scale Reservoir Models (PhD) CO2 Foam EOR Field Pilots (PhD) Task 7: Field scale evaluation and history matching Production optimization Robust production optimization (PhD) Assemblage of different step size selection algorithms in reservoir production optimization (PhD) Data assimilation using 4D seismic data Interpretation of 4D seismic for compacting reservoirs (Post Doc) Data assimilation using 4D seismic data (Post Doc TNO) D seismic and tracer data for coupled geomechanical / reservoir flow models Elastic full-waveform inversion (PhD) Data assimilation using 4D seismic data (Post Doc) Improved History Matching under changing wettability Evaluation of economic potential Reservoir complexity and recovery potential

16 16 The National IOR Centre of Norway R&D Activities

17 17 Work plan 2017 Development of IOR methods An IOR method is an injection method that is capable of modifying the capillary forces and/or the relative permeabilities of a porous medium, compared to a base case. In some fields it may be beneficial to change the residual saturation (improve the microscopic sweep), and in others it may be beneficial to change the shape of the relative permeabilities (improve the macroscopic sweep). Key research questions: What is the optimal injection strategy for a given use case? Is it possible to optimize the shape of the capillary forces and/or the relative permeabilities compared to the base case? Contributing projects: Task 1: Core plug preparation procedures Task 1: Wettability estimation by oil adsorption Task 1: Core scale modeling of EOR transport mechanisms Task 1: Application of metallic nanoparticles for enhanced heavy oil recovery Task 1: From SCAL to EOR Phase II Task 1: How does wetting property dictate the mechanical strength of chalk at in-situ stress, temperature and pore pressure conditions? Task 1: Flow of non-newtonian fluids in porous media Task 1: Permeability and stress state Task 2: Raman and nano-raman spectroscopy applied to fine-grained sedimentary rocks (chalk, siltstones and shales) to understand mineralogical changes for IOR application Task 2: Micro- and nano-analytical methods for EOR Task 3: Micro scale simulation of polymer solutions Task 3: Pore scale simulation of simulation of multiphase flow in an evolving pore space Task 3: Experimental investigation of fluid chemistry effect on adhesive properties of calcite grains Task 3: Improved oil recovery molecular processes Task 4: Smart Water for EOR by Membranes Task 7: Pilot studies for improved sweep efficiency coordination and support

18 18 The National IOR Centre of Norway IOR mechanisms IOR mechanisms are broadly divided into two categories (1) mechanisms for improving macroscopic sweep efficiency and (2) mechanisms for improving microscopic sweep efficiency. Mechanisms for improving the macroscopic sweep are mainly linked to control of the phase mobility at different scales and distances from the injection point. It is clearly possible to have excellent control over the mobility on core scale, but on a larger scale different chemicals travel at different speeds. The system that is injected may therefore behave completely differently due to field scale temperature gradients, geochemical interactions, reservoir heterogeneities, adsorption and simply the fact that effective porosity is different for different chemicals (e.g. the polymers are too large to pass through the full pore space). The mechanisms for improving microscopic sweep rely heavily on a fundamental understanding of surface and interface properties. The interactions between the fluid phases and the rock may change the wetting state of the pores and thereby release more oil. Interfacial interactions (e.g. by surfactants, miscible gas injection) may reduce the capillary to viscous forces and reduce the residual oil saturation. Key research questions: What is the role of mineral wettability in determining the fluid flow in porous media from pore-, to core and field scale? Which alterations observed on nano/submicron scale are important in terms of changes in surface properties, such as wettability changes? Furthermore, how should the properties of a water and oil film-coated mineral surfaces be quantified? Key research questions: What is the speed at which injected chemicals travel through a porous media? Is it possible to design a system that does not cause damage to the reservoir or production facilities? Contributing projects: Task 1: Core plug preparation procedures Task 1: Wettability estimation by oil adsorption Task 1: Core scale modeling of EOR transport mechanisms Task 1: Application of metallic nanoparticles for enhanced heavy oil recovery Task 1: How does wetting property dictate the mechanical strength of chalk at in-situ stress, temperature and pore pressure conditions? Task 1: Thermal properties of reservoir rocks, role of pore fluids, minerals and digenesis. A comparative study of sandstone, shale and chalk Task 1: Flow of non-newtonian fluids in porous media Task 1: Permeability and stress state Task 2: Raman and nano-raman spectroscopy applied to fine-grained sedimentary rocks (chalk, siltstones and shales) to understand mineralogical changes for IOR application Task 2: Micro- and nano-analytical methods for EOR Task 3: Micro scale simulation of polymer solutions Task 3: Pore scale simulation of multiphase flow in an evolving pore space Task 3: Experimental investigation of fluid chemistry effect on adhesive properties of calcite grains Task 4: DOUCS- Deliverable of an unbeatable Core Scale Simulator Task 6: CO 2 Foam EOR Field Pilots Task 7: Pilot studies for improved sweep efficiency coordination and support

19 19 Work plan 2017 Upscaling, simulation and interpretation tools There are several well studied chemical injection technologies applicable to the fields on the NCS. Thorough laboratory and modeling studies have been performed but there are still research challenges to be addressed. Chemical EOR methods, such as injecting water of a specific composition (e.g. low salinity, smart water), surfactants and polymers, have proven their potential on core scale. Key research questions: What are the most important parameters from smaller scales that are important in describing flow on a larger scale? How can we capture important effects from smaller scales on a grid block scale? How does a certain IOR strategy (injection of smart water, polymers, etc.) translate from core scale to the drainage of a specific reservoir and the total production of hydrocarbons? However, additional oil produced at the core scale does not necessarily imply that the field recovery will be similarly increased. Cores are usually 5-7 cm in length and molecular diffusion and end effects are important, contrary to field conditions. The most crucial area of improvement for all methods is proper simulation of the mechanisms on a field scale. Contributing projects: Task 1: Core scale modeling of EOR transport mechanisms Task 1: Permeability and stress state Task 2: Raman and nano-raman spectroscopy applied to fine-grained sedimentary rocks (chalk, silt stones and shales) to understand mineralogical changes for IOR application Task 2: Micro- and nano-analytical methods for EOR Task 3: Pore scale simulation of multiphase flow in an evolving pore space Task 4: IORSim development project Task 5: Development and testing of nano-particles as tailor-made tracers for improved reservoir de scription and for measurement of defined reservoir properties. Task 5: Single-Well Chemical Tracer Technology, SWCTT, for measurement of SOR and efficiency of EOR methods Task 5: Development of water/oil partitioning tracers for determination of residual oil saturation in the inter-well region Task 6: Reservoir simulation tools. Adding more physics, chemistry, and geological realism into the reservoir simulator. Task 6; Advanced Numerical Methods for Compositional Flow Applied to Field Scale Reservoir Models Task 7: Interpretation of 4D seismic for compacting reservoirs Task 7: Pilot studies for improved sweep efficiency coordination and support

20 20 The National IOR Centre of Norway Full Field prediction How do selected recovery methods behave in full field case? Core scale experiments can be performed under realistic reservoir conditions (e.g. high temperature, high pressure, live fluids) in the laboratory, thus providing crucial information about recovery mechanisms at a core scale. Cores are usually 5-7 cm in length and molecular diffusion and end effects are important, contrary to field conditions. At The National IOR Centre of Norway, experimental data from laboratory tests and large scale tests, together with real field data delivered from industry partners, will generate information of generic importance, which will allow us to predict field performance. This generic data and information will be used together with the modeling tools developed at The Centre to provide recommendations for comprehensive and full-field tests. Contributing projects: Task 3: Pore scale simulation of multiphase flow in an evolving pore space Task 5: Development and testing of nano-particles as tailor-made tracers for improved reservoir description and for measurement of defined reservoir properties. Task 5: Single-Well Chemical Tracer Technology, SWCTT, for measurement of SOR and efficiency of EOR methods Task 5: Development of water/oil partitioning tracers for determination of residual oil saturation in the inter-well region Task 6: Reservoir simulation tools. Adding more physics, chemistry, and geological realism into the reservoir simulator. Task 6: CO 2 Foam EOR Field Pilots Task 6: Advanced Numerical Methods for Compositional Flow Applied to Field Scale Reservoir Models Task 7: Interpretation of 4D seismic for compacting reservoirs Task 7: Task 7: Data assimilation using 4-D seismic data Task 7: Pilot studies for improved sweep efficiency coordination and support Task 7: Elastic full-waveform inversion

21 21 Work plan 2017 Field performance It is of the utmost importance to be able to describe and generate information of generic significance for particular field conditions in order to be able to predict field performance. Experiments performed in the laboratory and in large-scale tests provide crucial data for evaluating and understanding recovery mechanisms and methods. Real field data (injection, production and tracer data, 4D seismic and reservoir models, geo models and geo-mechanical models) from industry partners at The National IOR Centre of Norway will generate important understanding and, together with data from the laboratory, will provide the opportunity to predict field performance in a generic manner. Contributing projects: Task 5: Development and testing of nano-particles as tailor-made tracers for improved reservoir description and for measurement of defined reservoir properties Task 5: Single-Well Chemical Tracer Technology, SWCTT, for measurement of SOR and efficiency of EOR methods Task 5: Development of water/oil partitioning tracers for determination of residual oil saturation in the inter-well region Task 7: Interpretation of 4D seismic for compacting reservoirs Task 7: Data assimilation using 4-D seismic data Task 7: Pilot studies for improved sweep efficiency coordination and support Task 7: Elastic full-waveform inversion

22 22 The National IOR Centre of Norway Economic potential and environmental impact All projects at The National IOR Centre of Norway should consider the environmental impact they might cause. All researchers are expected to strive to develop and use the most environmentally friendly technologies possible. The research carried out at The Centre should be affordable for use in the field, without posing a great economic risk to the industry. There is one project dedicated specifically to providing knowledge about the ultimate long-term fate and ecological effect of EOR polymers. It is also vital to ensure that the economic potential of the technology developed is relevant for real use. Contributing projects: All projects contribute to this topic.

23 23 Work plan 2017 Monitoring tools and history matching Reservoir models are important when evaluating a field s production and profitability and potential new investments such as IOR. To ensure that the reservoir models are useful in such an evaluation, three requirements must be met: 1. The forward simulator must be good enough: The physics, mathematics and numerical aspects of the simulator must be able to simulate the physical processes in the reservoir and generate the measured data. This is addressed in detail in Task 6 of The Centre. Centre is the use of ensemble-based methods in history matching and production optimisation. 3. Information from measured data must be correctly included in the models: This requires the data to be correctly collected and processed (if necessary) and for their uncertainty level to be correctly quantified. One of the strengths of ensemble-based methods is that history matching updates are only performed where this is warranted by the data. 2. The uncertainty quantification must be good enough; even when using the most advanced tools and methods available, we cannot know for sure what it looks like in the reservoirs. It is crucial for the operators to include the best possible estimate of the uncertainty of the reservoir when decisions are made. One of the main research topics at The Contributing projects: Task 5: Development and testing of nano-particles as tailor-made tracers for improved reservoir description and for measurement of defined reservoir properties. Task 5: Development of water/oil partitioning tracers for determination of residual oil saturation in the inter-well region Task 5: Single-Well Chemical Tracer Technology, SWCTT, for measurement of SOR and efficiency of EOR methods Task 6: Reservoir simulation tools. Adding more physics, chemistry, and geological realism into the reservoir simulator. Task 6: CO 2 Foam EOR Field Pilots Task 6: Advanced Numerical Methods for Compositional Flow Applied to Field Scale Reservoir Models Task 7: Interpretation of 4D seismic for compacting reservoirs Task 7: Data assimilation using 4-D seismic data (Postdoc TNO) Task 7: Data assimilation using 4-D seismic data Task 7: 4D seismic and tracer data for coupled geomechanical / reservoir flow models Task 7: Pilot studies for improved sweep efficiency coordination and support Task 7: Elastic full-waveform inversion

24 24 The National IOR Centre of Norway Fiscal framework and investment decisions When the oil price fell, oil companies implemented stricter capital rationing. Firstly in the form of net present value indexes. When the oil price proved to be more volatile, they shifted to break- even prices. IOR projects that had problems with funding at the outset now obviously struggle even more. This is important in order to ensure that the research continues to be relevant and applicable. To correctly evaluate this, the research develops and uses ensemble-based optimization methods with the capacity to include geologically realistic uncertainty in the evaluation of a reservoir s future behaviour. Throughout The Centre s lifetime, researchers will work on evaluating the potential for investment decisions for the companies, and how these will relate to the research we do. Contributing projects: Task 7: Production optimization Task 7: Data assimilation using 4-D seismic data Task 7: Pilot studies for improved sweep efficiency coordination and support Task 7: Robust production optimization Task 7: Assemblage of different step size selection algorithms in reservoir production optimization

25 25 Work plan 2017 The projects

26 26 The National IOR Centre of Norway DOUCS- Deliverable Of an Unbeatable Core Scale Simulator Project manager(s): Aksel Hiorth (UiS/IRIS), Arild Lohne (IRIS) and Aruoture Omekeh (IRIS) PhD students: Oddbjørn Nødland (UiS), Irene Ringen (UiS) Postdoc: Aruoture Omekeh (IRIS) Key personnel: As above Theme: 1 Task: 1 Duration: February February 2017 The purpose of this project is to develop a numerical tool, IORCoreSim, to interpret all kinds of special core analyst lab experiments. By using IORCoreSim, the key parameters needed to simulate water flooding and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) processes at pilot and sector scale are extracted from the lab experiments. To develop a tool for improved simulation of EOR processes at the core-, sector- and pilot-scale. There are only a limited number of simulators available that can handle geochemical interactions, multiphase flow and flow of non-newtonian fluids in porous media. Some simulators may have the ability to simulate geochemical interactions but there are no feedback mechanisms from the interactions to the flow parameters, such as relative permeability, capillary pressure and/or viscosity. Many of the IOR methods studied at the IOR Centre are of the type where several mechanisms are at work at the same time, e.g. low salinity flooding (which could affect microscopic sweep efficiency), combined with polymers (to increase macroscopic sweep efficiency) and sodium silicate (for deep reservoir plugging) mixed with different types of injection waters. It is therefore important to have a simulator that describes the chemical systems and is able to feed back the correct effect on the effective multiphase flow functions. The model will be used to simulate and interpret laboratory core floods and extract model parameters from the lab data (history matching). The model parameters will be used at a sector and pilot scale. Improving the geochemical model (Helgeson- Kirkham-Flowers (HKF) equations of state) by making important corrections to the activity coefficients and extending surface complexation models for calcite to also include silicate. Extending the silicate gelation model to include a second rate step: (1) formation of nanosized silica particles (2) gelation. Extending the model to take the effect of silicate mineral precipitation into account. Submitting a journal publication based on the rheological model developed in This model describes the lab data well and includes shear thinning, shear thickening, mechanical degradation, polymer adsorption and its effect on permeability. Submitting an abstract for the EAGE 19th European Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery/ IOR NORWAY 2017 in Stavanger. Development of a tool for improved simulation of EOR processes at a core scale. Improved thermodynamic description of the sodium silicate system, including the formation of nano-sized colloids and gel formation. An improved polymer model and simulation of polymer degradation at a sector/pilot scale. IOR mechanisms; and Economic potential and environmental impact

27 27 Work plan Core plug preparation procedures Project manager(s): Ingebret Fjelde (IRIS) PhD student(s): Samuel Erzuah (UiS) Key personnel: IOR- and Petroleums Lab groups Theme: 1 Task: 1 Duration: Phase 1: , Phase 2 proposed The purpose of this project is to check how the core preparation procedures can influence the results when the potential for EOR are investigated in the lab. To identify critical steps in core preparation procedures. Since reservoir rock state changes during sampling, mud contamination, storage and cleaning (by organic solvent and water) of reservoir core plugs, better procedures are required for the preparation of reservoir core plugs to ensure that representative wettability conditions are established for Special Core Analysis Laboratory (SCAL) and EOR experiments. Water flooding results are used as a reference for EOR flooding experiments. If the potential estimate for the reference is wrong, the potential estimates for the EOR methods will also be wrong. The focus of the proposed Phase 2 will be to ensure efficient cleaning of the reservoir core plugs, selection of the correct Synthetic Formation Water (SFW) composition and the development of procedures that minimize the effect of oxidation of crude oil and reservoir rock. Cleaning efficiency: Developing methods to determine whether the core plugs are contaminated by mud. Developing new methods for establishing cleaning efficiency (ions, organic components and particles). Selection of SFW composition. Developing a procedure for the selection of SFW composition. Oxidation: Determining the importance of the oxidation of crude oil during long-term experiments. Investigating the effect of oxygen scavengers (including sequester and buffer) and their products on bulk properties, wettability conditions and interactions with EOR chemicals. Developing a procedure for preparing and maintaining anaerobic conditions in SCAL and EOR core flooding experiments. Comparing EOR core floods under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. Completing the above mentioned activities. Development of IOR-methods; IOR-mechanisms; Economic potential and environmental impact; as well as other categories.

28 28 The National IOR Centre of Norway Wettability estimation by oil adsorption (PhD project) Project manager(s): Samuel Erzuah (UiS), Ingebret Fjelde (IRIS) and Aruotore Voke Omekeh (IRIS) PhD student: Samuel Erzuah (UiS) Key personnel: As above Theme: 1 Task: 1 Duration: November October 2018 The purpose of this project is to ensure that the cores used for lab experiments have the correct initial conditions that are representative for the reservoir. The focus is to ensure that wettability conditions are prepared for SCAL and EOR experiments (e.g. smart water and polymer flooding) to generate representative inputs for the evaluation of EOR potential. The main objective of this project is to develop a method to estimate the wettability conditions of reservoir rocks based on the wettability of minerals mainly in contact with flowing the fluid phases. This will be achieved using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D) device. This project seeks to unravel the enigma of wettability estimation by relying on the oil adsorption technique. An abstract with the title Wettability characterization using the flotation technique coupled with Geochemical simulation has been submitted to the SPE International Conference on Oilfield Chemistry. We are currently working on this paper in anticipation of acceptance of the abstract. We are also working on an abstract/paper to be submitted to the EAGE 19th European Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery/IOR NORWAY 2017 in Stavanger. Determining the relationship between wettability and oil adsorption into minerals Predicting wettability and oil adsorption through simulations Estimating wettability variation in reservoirs Development of IOR-methods; IOR-mechanisms; Economic potential and environmental impact; as well as other categories.

29 29 Work plan Core scale modeling of EOR transport mechanisms (PhD project) Project manager(s): Oddbjørn Nødland (UiS), Aksel Hiorth (UiS/IRIS), Hans Kleppe (UiS) and Anders Tranberg (UiS) PhD student: Oddbjørn Nødland (UiS) Key personnel: Arild Lohne (IRIS) Theme: 1 Task: 1 Duration: October September 2017 The purpose of this project is to improve the physical and numerical models in IORCoreSim. This is done by including models that take pore scale processes (Task 3) and geochemical interactions into account. The hope is that models that take the underlying physical and chemical mechanisms into account are more robust when translated to a larger scale. To develop a numerical simulation tool and apply this to core scale data in order to gain a better understanding of various chemical processes occurring at a core scale. Most current reservoir simulation technology does not seem to take into account sufficient physical and chemical details concerning aqueous geochemistry. Furthermore, for polymer flooding it is important to capture all the parameters that can influence effective solution viscosity in porous media, such as shear rates, permeability and salinity. There is an abundance of observational data that currently lacks an adequate interpretation. 1) Submitting a journal paper on polymer flooding in autumn 2016 (working title: Simulation of Polymer Flooding in Dual Porosity Media ). 2) Submitting a journal version of the paper recently submitted to the ECMOR XV conference (Title: A Model for Non-Newtonian Flow in Porous Media at Different Flow Regimes ). 3) The plan going forward is to look into core scale simulations that involve aqueous geochemistry, e.g. in spontaneous imbibition experiments, and to submit a paper on this topic for the EAGE 19th European Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery/ IOR NORWAY 2017 in Stavanger. Improving Darcy-scale polymer models and completion of the PhD towards the end of Upscaling, simulation and interpretation tools; IOR mechanisms; Development of IOR methods; and Economic potential and environmental impact

30 30 The National IOR Centre of Norway Application of metallic nanoparticles for enhanced heavy oil recovery (PhD project) Project manager(s): Kun Guo (UiS) Zhixin Yu (UiS) and Svein M. Skjæveland (UiS) PhD student: Kun Guo Key personnel: As above Theme: 1 Task: 1 Duration: May April 2018 The purpose of this project is to investigate the possibility of reducing the viscosity of high viscous oil by using nanoparticles. This is done by using the nanoparticles as catalysts to facilitate the decomposition of long chain hydrocarbons together with the removal of heteroatoms (such as S, N and O) and heavy metals. A reduction in oil viscosity may improve oil mobility and thereby be important for EOR. The objective of this project is to perform a systematic study of the effect of metallic nanoparticles on enhanced heavy oil recovery, which covers the topics of the main cause of viscosity reduction, the parameters of nanoparticles and the thermophysical properties of nanoparticles containing fluids (nanofluids) on the recovery factor. The project also aims to investigate in-situ heavy oil recovery using a model core (e.g. Sandpack), as well as the synergistic effect of SiO2-supported nanoparticles on ultimate heavy oil recovery. The activities within this project include a) developing a method for the large-scale preparation of sizecontrolled metallic nanoparticles, b) a parametric study of nanoparticles to optimize heavy oil upgrading, and c) a flooding test using nanoparticles to enhance oil recovery. 2 journal papers 2-3 conference presentations. This project will provide knowledge about the potential implementation of nanoparticles as catalysts for the in-situ heavy oil upgrading and recovery. IOR mechanisms; Development of IOR methods; and Economic potential and environmental impact

31 31 Work plan How does wetting property dictate the mechanical strength of chalk at in-situ stress, temperature and pore pressure conditions? (PhD project) Project manager(s): Jaspreet Singh Sachdeva (UiS), Anders Nermoen (UiS), Merete Vadla Madland (UiS) and Reidar Inge Korsnes (UiS) PhD student: Jaspreet Singh Sachdeva (UiS) Key personnel: As above Theme: 1 Task: 1 Duration: September August 2018 The purpose of this project is to investigate how the presence of oil in the pore space may affect the mechanical strength of chalk. Oil saturation varies in the reservoir due to the height above the oil-water contact and due to water injection. The presence of oil is therefore important, and the mechanical properties may be dynamic parameters that are constantly changing. A better knowledge of the interplay between rockbrine and rock-oil interactions could thus lead to better drainage strategies. To determine and evaluate the effect of wettability alteration on the mechanical properties of chalk. To close the causal gap between wetting property and the mechanical integrity of chalk. Is sulphate adsorption observed in oil-filled chalks? Can the precipitation of magnesium-bearing minerals form when oil is present in the pores? How do sulphate adsorption and magnesium-triggered dissolution/precipitation occur in oil-wet cores? To which extent can the results of the previous experiments, typically performed on waterwet and waterfilled outcrop chalk, be applied to oil reservoirs? 1 and 3 Uniaxial strain tests on chalk cores: Obtaining the parameters from uniaxial strain experiments performed on chalk cores (similar to North Sea reservoir chalks with regard to porosity, absolute and relative permeability and capillary pressure) and using these parameters to model the reservoirs and to select more relevant IOR methods/mechanisms to increase oil recovery from chalk reservoirs. We plan to work with the Technical University of Denmark/ University of Strasbourg/University of Nice in Dissemination of the project results at various conferences and in-house seminars. There are also plans to submit an abstract for a paper to the EAGE 19th European Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery/IOR NORWAY 2017 in Stavanger. At least two journal papers are planned to be submitted for peer review in IOR mechanisms; Development of IOR methods; and Economic potential and environmental impact

32 32 The National IOR Centre of Norway Thermal properties of reservoir rocks, role of pore fluids, minerals and digenesis. A comparative study of sandstone, shale and chalk (PhD project) Project manager(s): Tijana Livada (UiS), Anders Nermoen (UiS), Ida Lykke Fabricius (UiS/DTU) and Reidar Inge Korsnes (UiS) PhD student: Tijana Livada (UiS) Key personnel: As above Theme: 1 Task: 1 Duration: November October 2018 The purpose of this project is to investigate how temperature gradients in the reservoir induced by the injection of cold water and cross flow may affect the mechanical strength of chalk. Different minerals have different expansion coefficients and this may lead to additional weakening. A better knowledge of the interplay between temperature effects and rock mechanical strength could lead to better drainage strategies. Destabilization of different reservoir rocks due to thermal cycling, caused by the injection of low temperature flooding fluid. Can thermal expansion differences at a grain level lead to the degradation of inter-granular cementation in chalks? We predict that differences in thermal expansion coefficient cause weakening of the chalk if cementation is present. How does this compare to sandstone and shale? The effects of temperature changes have only been investigated by comparing mechanical properties at two or more different temperatures. been studied and this is a scenario that more accurately mimics the nature of a reservoir rock that has undergone oil production and fluid injection. Further studies on oil-saturated chalk will be conducted, as well as experiments on sandstone, and a comparison paper may be written on the two lithologies. Journal papers and a poster for the EAGE 19th European Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery/IOR NORWAY 2017 in Stavanger will be prepared. However, the effect of temperature cycling has not IOR mechanisms; and Economic potential and environmental impact

33 33 Work plan Flow of non-newtonian fluids in porous media (PhD project) Project manager(s): Irene Ringen (UiS), Aksel Hiorth (UiS/IRIS), Olav Aursjø (IRIS) and Arne Stavland (IRIS) PhD student: Irene Ringen (UiS) Key personnel: As above Theme: 1 Task: 1 Duration: December November 2018 The purpose of this project is to design lab experiments that will provide information about the transport properties of polymer-based fluids in porous media. Polymer fluids are complex and there is currently no complete theoretical understanding of their transport properties in a reservoir where polymer molecules are exposed to temperature, salinity, and pressure gradients. This project will generate data and models that will be used in IORCoreSim and IORSim (Task 4) to predict the fate and effect of polymer flooding for improved oil recovery. To develop physical (mechanistic) models based on laboratory experiments that are capable of describing the sweep efficiency of non-newtonian fluids in porous media for flooding conditions representative of the NCS. It is difficult to evaluate the field performance of polymer flooding using current simulation models. The models that describe polymer flooding are usually crude and do not take into account all of the chemical reactions that can take place when the pore fluid interacts with the rock. This is necessary in order to be able to predict how the polymer solution will propagate through the reservoir and displace the oil. In this project we will develop experimental techniques where the properties of the polymer solution, the properties of the porous media (grain size, mineralogy, wettability), pressure and temperature are systematically changed. The experimental data will be combined with numerical models both at a pore scale (Lattice Boltzmann technique), at a core scale (Darcy scale models), and thermodynamic models for the solution in order to suggest physical sound models that can be used on the Darcy scale in order to predict behaviour from cm to km scale. These models may be used to evaluate the economics of polymer flooding in oil reservoirs. Designing an experimental set-up that can quantify the fate of low salinity polymer solutions when injected into formations with high saline brine. Investigating how the viscosity of the solution and retention will change as the injected, low salinity brine is mixed with formation water. Submitting an abstract to the EAGE 19th European Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery/IOR NOR- WAY 2017 in Stavanger by 15 September 2016 on the topic described above with full paper submission by 1 February 2016 followed by submission of a journal article. IOR mechanisms; Development of IOR methods; and Economic potential and environmental impact

34 34 The National IOR Centre of Norway Integrated EOR for heterogeneous reservoirs (Phase 2) Project manager(s): Martin Fernø (UiB), Geir Ersland (UiB) and Arne Stavland (IRIS) Post doc: Bergit Brattekås (UiB) Key personnel: As above Theme: 1 Task: 1 Duration: January December 2017 The purpose of this project is to investigate how oil recovery can be improved in a reservoir with a large degree of fracture and matrix flow. The presence of fractures usually leads to a poor sweep. This project focuses on methods that lower the transmissibility of the fractures and improve the sweep in the matrix, where most of the oil is found. There are three research objectives in the Post Doc project. 1. To optimize polymer gel and foam mobility control. Foam and polymer gel will be further developed for an in-depth use. Especially relevant is the combination of polymer/polymer gel and foam injection through the use of Polymer- Enhanced Foams (PEFs) and Foamed Gels (FGs). 2. To use improved mobility control in Integrated Enhanced Oil Recovery (IEOR). Combining EOR methods with mobility control in specially designed, integrated processes (IEOR) has previously been found to increase oil recovery from oil-wet, heterogeneous systems by significantly improving sweep efficiency. Oil recovery was found to depend on the chase fluid, which largely controls the shape of the displacement front and thus the macroscopic sweep efficiency. In Objective 2, mobility control will be combined with surfactant, CO2 or low salinity water in smart sequences for IEOR. 3. Numerical modeling and upscaling of IEOR. This objective aims to include IEOR methods and process mechanisms in numerical simulators in a way that is both representative and accurate; firstly at a core scale and thereafter at a reservoir grid and field scale. Polymer gel behaviour in heterogeneous and fractured porous media is frequently evaluated in single phase flow tests in the laboratory. Recent laboratory work by Brattekås, B. et al. shows, however, that multiphase functions, such as capillary pressure and relative permeability, influence conformance control, contrary to current best practice. Phase 1 of this project focused on the modeling of spontaneous imbibition of brine from gel, which is different compared to imbibition in an oil/ brine system. Modeling of this effect is important to understand and quantify gel behaviour in oil-bearing zones in a fractured reservoir. Experiments concentrating on IEOR and the numerical modeling of these experiments are planned during Phase 2 of the project. Understanding IEOR at a core scale is essential for the successful implementation of combined or successive EOR methods in the field. In-situ imaging of polymer gel placement and chase floods will be performed, applying positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology. Collaboration between the Reservoir Physics Research Group at the Dept. of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, and the IOR Centre within ieor began with the Integrated EOR for heterogeneous reservoirs (Phase 1) project (Q Q4 2016) and ensures close interaction between experiments and numerical simulations. This is required in order to improve the design of IEOR experiments and to enable more accurate numerical description of EOR processes. Phase1 of this project will be summarised in Q1 of 2016 and the main results will be reported. Improved understanding of gelation kinetic sand interpretation using IORCoreSim. Development of IOR methods; IOR mechanisms; and Economic potential and environmental impact

35 35 Work plan From SCAL to EOR Phase II Project manager(s): Dagfinn S. Sleveland (IRIS) Key personnel: Arne Stavland (IRIS), Kåre Olav Vatne (IRIS) and Arild Lohne (IRIS) Theme: 1 Task: 1 Duration: January December 2017 The purpose of this project is to demonstrate that it is possible to perform EOR evaluations at an early stage in a core analysis program. It is important to be aware of potential EOR effects as early as possible when field development plans are drawn up. To demonstrate how initial EOR testing and evaluation can be performed in conjunction with SCAL analysis. By strengthening the link between SCAL on reservoir cores and testing of EOR methods, possible EOR methods can be identified at an early stage and may support utilizing EOR. Testing and development of methods/experiments to determine the potential of different EOR methods at a core scale, focusing on the conjunction with reservoir cores used for SCAL. Testing and developing methods/experiments to determine the potential for different EOR methods at a core scale, focusing on the conjunction with reservoir cores used for SCAL. New methods for determining EOR potential on cores as an extension to standard SCAL programs. Publication of the results from 2016 and Development of IOR-methods; and Economic potential and environmental impact

36 36 The National IOR Centre of Norway Permeability and stress state (PhD project) Project manager(s): PhD student (UiS), Merete Vadla Madland (UiS), Reidar Inge Korsnes (UiS), Udo Zimmermann (UiS) and Pål Østebø Andersen (UiS) PhD student: To be decided Key personnel: As above Theme: 1 Task: 1 Duration: January January 2020 The purpose of this project is to understand how pore pressure affects the permeability of compacting rocks. Pore pressure is usually modelled using an effective stress concept (overburden minus pore pressure). This simple relationship is not always true and there are currently no theoretical models to explain the observed effects. This project will generate more experimental data in which parameters are systematically varied in order to build better models. During the lifetime of petroleum reservoirs, the pore pressure may decrease or increase depending on the production stage. These changes in pore pressure alter the effective stresses and lead to deformation of the porous rock. Injected fluids can also induce chemical reactions that alter mineralogical structure and strength. It is crucial to understand these processes in order to predict fluid flow, oil recovery and to select optimal injection brines. The main objective of this project is therefore to study permeability evolution in chalk/carbonates as well as in sandstones at different stress states in order to predict permeability behaviour under actual reservoir conditions. As a secondary objective, models will also be considered to interpret the experimental data. The focus in 2017 will be to start testing on different types of outcrops. Performing single-phase flow tests at different stress states at low pore pressure, ambient temperature and with fluids inert towards the rock surface. These tests will act as reference tests before adding effects such as pore pressure, temperature and fluid composition. The results from the reference tests will lead to: The submission of abstracts to workshops and/ or conferences and the presentation of articles The submission and publication of one journal paper The project will lead to increased understanding of the relationship between permeability, stress, chemistry and deformation conditions. Improved understanding of the impact of typical water-related IOR techniques will also be obtained. This knowledge may improve predictions of reservoir behaviour based on laboratory studies. Development of IOR methods; IOR Mechanisms; Upscaling, simulation and interpretation tools; and Economic potential and environmental impact

37 37 Work plan Micro- and nanoanalytical methods for EOR (PhD project) Project manager(s): Mona Wetrhus Minde (UiS), Udo Zimmermann (UiS) and Merete Vadla Madland (UiS) PhD student: Mona Wetrhus Minde (UiS) Key personnel: As above Theme: 1 Task: 2 Duration: September August 2018 This project will help to fully understand which processes govern alterations in texture, chemistry and mineralogy when flooding rocks with non-equilibrium brines. Furthermore, its contribution to completing the toolbox for studying IOR/EOR effects is very important. The project is also significant, if not paramount, in estimating compaction and porosity evolution in order to predict EOR-related topics. This project focuses on understanding EOR mechanisms at a sub-micron scale using several stateof-the-art micro- and nano-analytical techniques. Imaging and analyses of texture and chemistry to describe alteration in sedimentary rocks due to flooding with non-equilibrium brines. Understanding EOR mechanisms at a micron- and sub-micron scale contributes to a better understanding of the processes involved when flooding with non-equilibrium brines. This significantly enhances performance, providing even better simulations and modeling of EOR effects. This understanding will also be of importance when upscaling from pore and core scale to decide which parameters are important when simulating/ modeling at field scale. The project is paramount in preparing a potential pilot project at Ekofisk as we have reservoir chalk and can apply the methods to these samples. Apart from the project entitled Raman and nano-raman spectroscopy applied to fine-grained sedimentary rocks (chalk, siltstones and shales) to understand mineralogical changes for IOR application, this is the only project to be carried out by geological scientists specialising in the object of the entire EOR project: rocks. The project will concentrate on the aspect of mineral growth, its predictability in chemical sedimentary rocks and the effects of flooding experiments on reservoir chalk, as well as possible clastic rocks. Collaboration with TU Bergakademie Freiberg and the University of Münster, Germany; Centre of Excellence LIST, Luxembourg; École Polytechnique, Université Paris Saclay and Laboratoire de Géologie de Lyon: Terre, Planètes, Environnement, France; Centre of Excellence Institute for Planetary Materials, Misasa, Japan; fieldwork with colleagues, University of Edinburgh, Scotland; University of Houston, US; as well as UiO, NTNU and NPD in Norway. At least one journal publication should be delivered in 2017 together with several contributions to conferences through posters and oral presentations, including EAGE 19th European Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery/IOR NORWAY 2017 in Stavanger. Development of IOR methods; IOR mechanisms; Upscaling, simulation and interpretation tools; and Economic potential and environmental impact

38 38 The National IOR Centre of Norway Raman and nano-raman spectroscopy applied to fine-grained sedimentary rocks (chalk, siltstones and shales) to understand mineralogical changes for IOR application (PhD project) Project manager(s): Laura Borromeo (UiS), Udo Zimmermann (UiS) and Sergio Andò (Università Milano Bicocca) PhD student: Laura Borromeo (UiS) Key personnel: As above Theme: 1 Task: 2 Duration: September August 2017 It is important to understand the basic mechanisms behind the EOR effects at a pore scale in order to be able to understand which parameters are important when moving to core and field scale. Before a pilot test is carried out, it is important to take the toolbox created to characterize the reservoir before a pilot into account and to study the effects of such a pilot after the test has been performed. Raman studies are a central tool in this respect. The project aims to increase knowledge of Raman spectroscopy applications for EOR processes and the understanding of mineral identification. Through the combination of micro- and nanora- MAN and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), we will be able to identify the mineral phase and visualize the area. The project will concentrate on the aspect of mineral growth, its predictability in chemical sedimentary rocks and the effects of flooding experiments on reservoir chalk, as well as possible clastic rocks. This project will help fully understand which processes govern alterations in texture, chemistry and mineralogy when rocks are flooded with non-equilibrium brines. The fundamentals of EOR mechanisms will be important when upscaling and when interpreting pilots or larger scale tests. Raman is one of the most flexible methods to assist with these examples. Collaboration with TU Bergakademie Freiberg, University of Milano Bicocca, École Polytechnique, Université Paris Saclay, University of Houston, as well as NPD in Norway. In 2017 we will combine nanoraman with AFM and surface charge studies to reveal the exact site of mineral growth together with its identification. We will also combine this method (nanoraman-afm) with Field Emission-Transmission Electron Microscope (FE-TEM) results on the same sample to identify the mineral contact area and to visualise this at the same time as we identify the mineral phases. The project has already delivered a cost-effective, quick and sufficiently accurate method for identifying mineralogical changes at a micron scale (Borromeo et al. in review; JoS). This will be studied in more detail in order to develop this method. At least one journal publication should be delivered in 2017, together with several conference contributions through posters and oral presentations. We are planning a final contribution at a very highly regarded conference and, of course, at EAGE 19th European Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery/ IOR NORWAY 2017 in Stavanger. Development of IOR methods; IOR mechanisms; Upscaling, simulation and interpretation tools; and Economic potential and environmental impact

39 39 Work plan Pore scale simulation of multiphase flow in an evolving pore scale Project manager(s): Jan Ludvig Vinningland (IRIS) Key personnel: Aksel Hiorth (UiS/IRIS), Espen Jesttestuen (IRIS) Theme: 1 Task: 3 Duration: The project will build on knowledge and numerical models from the previous project entitled 3D imaging and pore scale modeling of carbonate rocks (phase 2) (ImPor), which focused on obtaining real pore geometries and single-phase flow simulations. To use numerical models in real pore space geometries to investigate the effect of the evolving pore space on permeability, relative permeability and trapped oil. To estimate variations in the predicted values depending on the sample size. The evolution of the pore space depends on fluid chemistry and the distribution of minerals in the pore, but it also depends on oil distribution. In this project we will study and quantify these effects. Performing two-phase pore scale simulations using the updated model on high-resolution geometries with up to 500x500x500 voxels Creating sensitivity studies using out-takes from the high-resolution geometries Improved understanding/prediction of relative permeability curves in complex environments Journal publications and a written report Development of IOR methods; IOR mechanisms; Upscaling, simulation and interpretation tools; Full field prediction; and Economic potential and environmental impact

40 40 The National IOR Centre of Norway Improved oil recovery molecular processes Project manager(s): Roar Skartlien (IFE) Postdoc: Teresa Palmer (IFE) Key personnel: As above Theme: 1 Task: 3 Duration: September 2015 September 2017 The objective of the project is to predict polymer behaviour in a single pore using Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) simulations. We will use the DPD simulation results to construct generalised rheological models for the effective viscosity of the polymer solution in pore flow, and to develop phenomenological relations for the polymer concentration profile, cross-channel polymer migration and adsorption, which can be incorporated into rheology models. Later in the project, we plan to extend the activities to investigate the effect of polymer flow on residual oil at a pore scale. : To understand the physical mechanisms behind the migration of polymers away from mineral walls and to use this knowledge to make changes in the effective viscosity used at a pore scale and on the Darcy scale. the migration of polymers away from the mineral wall. This understanding can be used to construct phenomenological models for the depletion layer near the wall depending on polymer length, local shear rate, concentration and salinity. This can be used to calculate effective viscosity. The distribution of polymers due to migration leads to a varying polymer concentration profile across the pore channel. Experiments show that a depletion layer near the mineral surface develops, causing a near-wall slip effect that leads to significantly reduced effective viscosity and increased flow rates. This effect is more important for micro-scale channels, such as those found in porous media. There are a number of unknown factors that affect the polymer concentration profile, such as polymer length, shear, pore diameter, salinity and polymer adsorption into the mineral surface. We know that interactions with the mineral surface lead to hydrodynamic drift perpendicular to the wall, but other effects become more important for micro-scale channels. The DPD simulations will give us an understanding of the physical mechanisms behind A rheology model that includes polymer migration, adsorption and salinity effects Suggesting generalised rheology models that can be used in LB simulations and at a core scale to evaluate effective viscosity in larger pore geometries (effective Darcy scale rheology), with a comparison with core flooding data Effective polymer rheology based on DPD simulations Journal publications from DPD simulations and depletion layer model development Q4/2016 Development of IOR methods; and Economic potential and environmental impact

41 41 Work plan Micro scale simulation of polymer solutions Project manager(s): Espen Jettestuen (IRIS) Key personnel: Jan Ludvig Vinningland (IRIS) and Aksel Hiorth (UiS/IRIS) Theme: 1 Task: 3 Duration: The purpose of this project is to improve the core scale polymer models (Task 1) by performing pore scale simulations in realistic pore scale geometries and with realistic rheology. Simulations will be carried out in single- and two-phase settings. Improved polymer models are needed to better predict the field scale injection of polymers for improved sweep. To implement a full lattice Boltzmann polymer solver in the BADChIMP code. To study effective rheology in real rock samples in single-phase and multi-phase environments. To study processes for the mobilization of the remaining oil due to the additional forces exerted by the polymer. The effects of introducing non-newtonian fluids in complex geometries is not fully understood, specifically their effect on residual oil lacks description and understanding. The injection of polymer solutions will not only change the viscosity of the fluid, but will also lead to further changes in pressure due to its non-linear rheology. This could influence and release some of the remaining oil and will affect the strength of the rock. We are planning to include the Fene-p polymer in the BADChIMP code, and run a simulation on real pore geometries. In 2017 we are planning at least one publication in a peer reviewed paper. We are also working on enhancing the modeling capabilities of the BADChIMP model. One of the risk factors involved is the fact that large viscosity ratios can be an issue for the standard lattice Boltzmann model. This can be mitigated by using more elaborate numerical schemes, which have already been described in the relevant literature. Development of IOR methods; IOR mechanisms; and Economic potential and environmental impact

42 42 The National IOR Centre of Norway Description of the rheological properties of complex fluids based on the kinetic theory (Postdoc project) Project manager(s): Per Amund Amundsen (UiS) Postdoc: Dmitry Shogin (UiS) Key personnel: Aksel Hiorth (UiS/IRIS), Merete Vadla Madland (UiS) Theme: 1 Task: 3 Duration: July July 2017 Polymer fluids are non-newtonian, and these fluids are different from Newtonian fluids in all kinds of ways. For example, non-newtonian fluids exert a force on the pore wall and may potentially affect residual oil saturation. The purpose of this project is to develop a model for the non-newtonian rheology based on first principles, and to investigate the consequences in different geometries and different polymer parameters. The results will be used to investigate whether non-newtonian effects may have a substantial impact on oil recovery and to determine effective rheological parameters on the Darcy scale. To construct working mathematical and physical models that allow for the description and prediction of the rheological properties of complex fluids in different circumstances. Injecting synthetic polymers into seawater substantially changes its rheological properties, a process that has been successfully used in oil recovery procedures. Although useful empirical relations for non-newtonian viscosity exist and work well, they are correlations and are not linked to the underlying physics and chemistry. This makes it hard to use them when the chemistry of the polymer molecules changes and/or hard to predict behaviour when salts or other substances are added to the solvent. Developing effective mathematical and physical models that can be used in practice to predict rheological properties based on microscopic parameters and experimental input. We will use the FENE- P dumbbell model, which assumes that polymers can be represented as dumbbells consisting of two beads connected by a spring. Estimating model parameters using a rheometer and using these parameters to predict polymer behaviour in complex geometries. A program for numerically solving the equations of the dynamics of complex fluids. Mathematical and physical models that can be implemented in a Navier-Stokes solver (e.g. OPM and/or lattice Boltzmann code (BADChiMP) A thorough understanding of the underlying physics is necessary in order to build consistent mathematical models based on non-equilibrium thermodynamics. IOR mechanisms; Development of IOR methods; and Economic potential and environmental impact

43 43 Work plan Experimental investigation of fluid chemistry effect on adhesive properties of calcite grains (PhD project) Project manager(s): Shaghayegh Javadi (UiS), Anja Røyne (UiO) and Aksel Hiorth (UiS/IRIS) PhD student: Shaghayegh Javadi (UiS) Key personnel: As above Theme: 1 Task: 3 Duration: January December 2017 In spite of extensive research into the effect of fluid injection into chalk reservoirs, there are many questions still to be answered. Compaction, caused by fluid injection, has a strong impact on enhanced oil recovery and CO 2 sequestration. Variations in pore fluid chemistry cause some changes in the mechanical behaviour of chalk. This is believed to be caused by microscopic effects, which are not yet fully understood. The objective of this project is to study the adhesion force between two calcite grains in contact with a reactive fluid by developing a measurement method using AFM. Some of the risk factors are unsuccessful Surface Force Apparatus (SFA) experiments with calcite. However, AFM experiments and results are a good alternative for this. Some changes in the mechanical behaviour of chalk are caused by microscopic effects, but these effects are not fully understood and are difficult to observe in situ. In this method a calcite grain is glued to the AFM cantilever. This enables us to investigate the change in mechanical behaviour of single calcite grains due to fluid chemistry variations. The PhD project is designed to carry out these experiments in fluid state. Developing a method to measure interfacial forces and contact topography in the introduced framework is also part of the requirement for this project. Collaboration between UiO and The National IOR Centre of Norway will continue in 2017, as well as collaboration with Copenhagen University (Nano- Science Centre) and the University of Santa Barbara. Further measurements are planned using SFA, which helps us in understanding the dynamics of mineral interfaces in liquid phases. We are planning at least two journal papers, one conference participation and a PhD thesis submission. Development of IOR methods; IOR mechanisms; and Economic potential and environmental impact

44 44 The National IOR Centre of Norway IORSim development project Project manager(s): Jan Sagen (IFE) and Aksel Hiorth (UiS/IRIS) Key personnel: Terje Sira (IFE), Jan Nossen (IFE), Egil Brendsdal (IFE) and Steinar Groland (IFE) Theme: 1 Task: 4 Duration: > The purpose of this project is to develop a simulator, IORSim, which improves the capabilities of industry standard reservoir simulators to simulate IOR processes. This is done in a modular way by letting the industry standard reservoir simulator carry out the fluid flow predictions, while IORSim simulates the transportation of chemicals, interactions and effects on the flow parameters (relative permeability and capillary pressure). This allows us to take advantage of the improved pore- and core-scale models developed in Tasks 1, 2 and 3 directly in realistic field cases. To develop a simulator that uses industry standard reservoir models and the important physio-chemical mechanism from the lab scale to predict the impact of an IOR strategy. How do EOR processes at a core scale translate to a larger scale? What are the optimal injection strategies based on information from the core scale? What are the important physical and chemical mechanisms at a field scale for a successful EOR implementation? Together with a reservoir simulator, IORSim provides an upscaling tool from core scale to field scale, with the option to quickly and accurately simulate IOR processes. Its major strength is that the simulation of species is performed separately from the rest of the fluid flow calculation in the reservoir. The advantage of this is twofold. Firstly, IORSim makes it possible to perform advanced geochemical IOR simulations within any existing reservoir simulator. It will therefore fill a large gap for the oil companies, which have invested a lot of resources in building reservoir cases within the concept of one specific reservoir simulator on which they rely quite heavily. Secondly, the separation of the flow calculation and the chemical species calculation enhances accuracy and efficiency with regard to computing time. Species grid refinement FLS Flux limiting scheme (*) Finishing IORSim backcoupling with Eclipse Testing of realistic large Eclipse IORSim cases Extending thermal computation in IORSim Implementing physical dispersion in IORSim Implementing the well model and cross flow A more efficient geochemical module If resources are available: IORSim OPM coupling via Eclipse types (*) If resources are available: simulation/interpretation of the SNORRE silicate pilot Comparison between the ECLIPSE-IORSim coupling and IORCoreSim (DOUCS project) on a two-well pilot case New release of IORSim as well One journal paper and a conference paper Upscaling, simulation and interpretation tools; and Economic potential and environmental impact

45 45 Work plan Environmental fate and effect of EOR polymers (PhD project) Project manager(s): Eystein Opsahl (UiS), Roald Kommedal (UiS) and Aksel Hiorth (UIS/IRIS) PhD student: Eystein Opsahl (UiS) Key personnel: Mentioned above Theme: 1 Task: 4 Duration: June May 2018 The purpose of this project is to quantify the fate and effect on polymers used in an off-shore setting. We will quantify changes in polymers after they have been exposed to different flow regimes. This knowledge will be used to assess the impact that the polymers may have on the marine ecosystem. To provide understanding about the behaviour of polymers used for EOR in the marine environment at low concentrations. This will be done by applying modern toxicological methods, well-established tests used in environmental risk assessment and state-of-the-art analytical techniques based on light scattering. Very few methods exist that can quantify the fate and long-term effect of low concentrations of polymers in seawater. If polymers are released into the sea, how does the structure of the polymer change over time and is it important for the marine ecosystem? Setting up 80-day inherent and ready biodegradability studies on a variety of partially hydrolysed polyacrylamide derivatives. Respirometry allows for continuous monitoring of biotic degradation. (MW) distribution. As regards MALLS limitation on low concentrations and dirty samples, we aim to overcome these by applying ultrafiltration techniques capable of isolating and concentrating the MW-range of interest. The results will provide structure-activity relationships for both aerobic and anaerobic, biotic and abiotic degradation pathways. 1 paper publication ready by the end of 2017 Presentation during the EAGE 19th European Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery/IOR NORWAY 2017 in Stavanger Compilation of literature data and references for a planned review paper on the fate and effects of IOR polymers (to be submitted in 2017) At the end of the experiment, size exclusion chromatography with Multi-Angle Laser Light Scattering (MALLS) will examine shifts in Molecular Weight Economic potential and environmental impact

46 46 The National IOR Centre of Norway Lab scale Polymer Test in porous media - Supporting Halliburton s Large Scale Polymer Shear Test phase II Project manager(s): Siv Marie Åsen (IRIS) and Amare Mebratu (Halliburton) Key personnel: Arne Stavland (IRIS) Theme: 1 Task: 4 (and 1) Duration: phase II > The purpose of this project is to prepare for a large-scale polymer test. We want to study the effect of polymer transport on a larger scale (several meters). This project will test similar polymer and porous media in the lab (cm) in order to select the relevant parameters and the relevant chemical systems for a larger scale test. Lab work supporting and supplementing Halliburton s large-scale phase II test and IRIS personnel s involvement in the large-scale test. A detailed experimental test design for the largescale phase II test is in progress and will focus on the shear degradation of polymers in a porous media. Support will be required from IRIS researchers in designing the test set-up, carrying out sampling and measuring and interpreting the data. We will also perform lab-scale experiments using similar systems to those used in the large-scale test. upscaling the experiments to larger core dimensions. This will generate experience that can be used to build new infrastructures. We plan to publish the results, where we will compare polymer shear degradation at different scales. Final report and knowledge of how to perform large-scale experiments in porous media. Presumably new knowledge about the transport properties of polymer molecules on a larger scale. Are core scale experiments sufficient to predict the behaviour of polymers at a field scale? Do simulators capture all of the important parameters? Performing core-scale experiments at lab scale and Upscaling, simulation and interpretation tools; Field performance; IOR mechanisms; and Economic potential and environmental impact

47 47 Work plan Smart Water for EOR by Membranes (PhD project) Project manager(s): Remya Ravindran Nair (UiS) Torleiv Bilstad (UiS) and Skule Strand (UiS) PhD student: Remya Ravindran Nair (UiS) Key personnel: Evgenia Protasova (UiS) Theme: 1 Task: 4 Duration: May May 2018 The purpose of this project is to investigate the potential of using membrane technology to manufacture a specific chemical composition of the injected water. The smart water is usually made in the lab by adding salts to distilled water. Offshore the smart water has to be made using membrane technology from seawater or produced water. This is much more challenging and the process of making this as efficient (and costeffective) as possible is not currently understood. The main objective of the project is to produce smart water from seawater and Produced Water (PW). A second objective includes evaluating the proper pre-treatment of PW. PW treatment includes oil removal and a reduction in total dissolved solids. Many researchers have performed experiments into the applicability of membranes to remove scaling ions. However, this project deals with a different membrane stream, which is relatively new to the oil and gas industry. Designing and producing a suitable membrane for smart water production by Producing smart water without adding chemicals. Reports and submission of a paper for publication. Abstract accepted for the SPE annual technical conference and exhibition to be held from September. We will continue work on this. There is therefore limited understanding of the application of nanofiltration membranes on PW treatment. This project aims to bridge this gap by conducting pilot studies using synthetic PW and membranes. Economic potential and environmental impact; and Development of IOR methods

48 48 The National IOR Centre of Norway Development and testing of nanoparticles as tailormade tracers for improved reservoir description and for measurement of defined reservoir properties Project manager(s): Tor Bjørnstad (IFE) Postdocs: Mahmoud Ould Metidji (IFE) Key personnel: Sissel Opsahl Viig (IFE), Alexander Krivokapic (IFE) Theme: 2 Task: 5 Duration: January June 2018 The aim of this research is to offer a new monitoring technology that has not previously been available. It will also improve existing technology and develop new technology for improved reservoir description, including monitoring of selected reservoir properties (SOR, for instance), based on the use of tracers for the flow of injected fluids. The application of this technology will help define the best IOR strategy for selected reservoirs. To develop nanoparticles to be used in interwell examinations for: 1. improved reservoir description, and 2. measurement of reservoir properties such as residual oil saturation in the swept zone between wells. The project aims to provide more dynamic monitoring possibilities for injected fluids and for special reservoir description than those currently available. Nanoparticles (C-dots) in the 2-10 nm range will not be able to penetrate the smallest pores in the porous medium, but will particularly probe higherpermeability streaks between wells. Other types of nanoparticles in the nm range will supply additional information. Applying these together with more traditional molecular tracers which are able to also probe low-permeability zones, may provide more information about the degree of heterogeneity of fluid conducting pores in the reservoir section between wells. We are planning four main activities and a fifth optional activity: 1. Further laboratory examinations of particle stability 2. Examining the option to modify particle wettability 3. Examining dynamic properties in core flooding experiments 4. Examining the consistency of the analysis of nanoparticles by their fluorescence 5. Optional: Carrying out an interwell field test of C- dots in Colorado in cooperation with Cornell University. The implementation of this field test is not covered by the budget for 2017 and is therefore dependent on extra funding The results of static stability experiments, dynamic testing and the analytical stability of C- dots will be available and reportable. Experiments on surface modification (wettability alteration) will be started. Optional: If a central decision can be made on the indicated field pilot in Colorado, the results of the field test will be available and reportable in autumn The results of laboratory tests achieved by the end of 2016 on this task will be published in a conference paper at the next EAGE 19th European Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery/ IOR NORWAY 2017 in Stavanger. Field performance; Monitoring tools and history matching; Upscaling, simulation and interpretation tools; Full field prediction; and Economic potential and environmental impact

49 49 Work plan Single-Well Chemical Tracer Technology, SWCTT, for measurement of S OR and efficiency of EOR methods Project manager(s): Tor Bjørnstad (IFE) Postdocs: Mahmoud Ould Metidji (IFE) Key personnel: Sissel Opsahl Viig (IFE), Alexander Krivokapic (IFE) Theme: 2, Task: 5 Duration: Mid October 2018 This research aims to improve existing technology and develop new technology for measuring S OR in reservoirs, based on the use of tracers for the flow of injected fluids. The application of this technology will help define the best IOR strategy for selected reservoirs by examining the near-well zone. To develop new tracers with specially high analytical sensitivity using light- or laser-induced fluorescence for: 1. Measuring S OR in the near-well zone to 5-10 meters from the well. 2. Measuring the efficiency of various EOR methods by applying the principle in point 1 before and after an EOR campaign has been implemented in the well. 3. Measuring water-oil partition coefficients and reaction conversion rate constants as function of defined reservoir parameters 4. Examining dynamic properties in core flooding experiments 5. Developing and optimizing analytical procedures for laboratory and field implementation 6. Optional: Starting a concept clarification activity involving the possible use of nanoparticles as load carriers to determine S OR in single-well operations The traditional method for single-well determination of S OR applies simple esters as primary tracers. These tracers have a high detection limit. This project aims to create new tracers that can be detected at low concentrations using fluorescence. Small volumes of chemicals are required. This would considerably reduce the physical footprint, environmental pollution concerns and the operation time. The operation costs of the test will therefore be reduced correspondingly, allowing for onsite or online detection of the tracers, which would lead to faster results. We are planning six main activities and one optional activity: 1. Continuing synthesis of lanthanide chelate esters 2. Continuing stability testing of the tracer candidates The results of the synthesis of lanthanide chelates, static stability experiments, oil-water partitioning experiments, measurements of hydrolysis rate constants, dynamic testing and analytical development will be available and reportable Publication of results from laboratory experiments by the end of 2016 in a conference paper at the next EAGE 19th European Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery/IOR NORWAY 2017 in Stavanger Aim for a journal publication on certain aspects of lanthanide chelates Consider a patent application on the use of nanoparticles as load (tracer) carriers in singlewell operations to measure S OR Field performance; Monitoring tools and history matching; Upscaling, simulation and interpretation tools; Full field prediction; and Economic potential and environmental impact

50 50 The National IOR Centre of Norway Development of water/oil partitioning tracers for determination of residual oil saturation in the interwell region (PhD project) Project manager: Mario Silva (UiS), Tor Bjørnstad (IFE), Svein Skjæveland (UiS) PhD student(s): Mario Silva (UiS) Key personnel: Sissel Opsahl Viig (IFE) and Alexander Krivokapic (IFE) Theme: 2 Task: 5 Duration: Spring 2015 Spring 2018 This project intends to deliver tracers to measure residual oil saturation in flooded zones of the reservoir, which will also provide information about fluid circulation. This information will contribute to a more detailed characterization of the reservoir, identification of EOR targets and evaluation of EOR operations. Development of new oil/water partitioning tracers for Partitioning Interwell Tracer Tests (PITT) to measure remaining oil saturation in the flooded reservoir regions. Tracer technology can provide information that benefits all stages of the production chain. PITT tracers provide unique data about fluid circulation and remaining oil saturation in the reservoir, however their use is still limited due to the existence of very few compounds with the desired properties, hence the need to develop more oil/water partitioning tracers. We plan that this project will be able to finalize the following research in 2017 (and disseminate the results in three journal papers) Test method development and application Stability and core flooding experiments The entire qualification process of the PITT tracers or a patent is also expected towards the end of the year Participations through a paper or poster in relevant conferences are also planned, such as the 19th Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery organised by EAGE and The National IOR Centre of Norway, or the SPE Improved Oil Recovery Conference. Activities to achieve this objective include the selection of possible compounds with the target desired characteristics; development of test methods for their analysis both in the laboratory and through real field samples, in the range of ppt-ppb concentrations; stability testing; lab-scale core flooding experiments; and preparation of a pilot test at a reservoir scale. Core flooding experiments will be carried out in cooperation with IRIS and UiS. Field performance; Monitoring tools and history matching; Upscaling, simulation and interpretation tools; Full-field prediction; and Economic potential and environmental impact

51 51 Work plan Adding more physics, chemistry, and geological realism into the reservoir simulator Project manager(s): Robert Klöfkorn Theme: 2 Postdocs: Trine Mykkeltvedt (IRIS) and Pål Andersen (UiS) Key personnel: Ove Sævareid (IRIS) and Steinar Evje (UiS) Theme: 2 Task: 6 Duration: January 2014 December 2018 This project addresses the forward simulation of IOR methods. Moreover, in this project we aim to contribute in providing a tailor made simulator which includes necessary modeling methodologies and simulation capabilities for simulating increased oil recovery pilots on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The main objective of this project is to provide modeling methodology and simulation capabilities for IOR. This includes the following research topics: Field scale simulation of modified water injection Representation of brine-dependent behaviour in terms of mathematical models Transferring lab-scale mechanisms to field scale Field scale simulation of fracture systems Including imbibition effects controlled by water-rock chemistry on field scale Implementing the results of the above in the Open Porous Media (OPM) framework At IRIS we are planning the following main activities: 1. Integration of higher order methods, especially those designed for polymer flooding of real fields, in OPM. This research includes one PostDoc at IRIS and is linked to one PhD project. 2. Investigation of fractured flow modeling possibilities in OPM, 3. Improvement in OPM robustness (history matching and optimisation), and 4. (If resources allow) Improved coupling of OPM and IORSim. Dissemination is expected and planned. Standard reservoir simulators do not account for the mechanisms listed above in the objective. The project will investigate which of these missing effects are crucial for full field simulation of IOR processes and will seamlessly implement the needs into OPM. In 2017 we are planning the following activities:the PostDoc at UiS will focus on testing the developed methodologies on real cases or synthetic field cases in collaboration with IRIS and UiB. More specifically, the methodologies will be tested on data from spontaneous imbibition experiments conducted at UiB. The results will be published in peer reviewed journals. Submitting and publishing several journal papers Attending workshops and conferences and presenting articles Submitting abstract(s) to the EAGE / IOR Norway conference (IRIS) OPM releases ( and ) which should include several of the above described functionalities Upscaling, simulation and interpretation tools; Full field prediction; Monitoring tools and history matching; and Economic potential and environmental impact

52 52 The National IOR Centre of Norway Advanced numerical methods for compositional flow applied to field scale reservoir models (PhD project) Project manager(s): Anna Kvashchuk (UiS), Robert Klöfkorn (IRIS) and Steinar Evje PhD student: Anna Kvashchuk (UiS) Key personnel: As above Theme: 2 Task: 6 Duration: January 2014 December 2018 This project addresses the forward simulation of IOR methods, and particularly investigates different numerical methods that can be applied to implement a compositional flow module for modeling the IOR/EOR. In the end, the project contributes to pilot simulations by providing a full field simulation tool for water based IOR/EOR methods. The main objective of this project is to investigate and establish higher order numerical methods for modeling IEOR processes in reservoir simulation tools. Prototype implementations will be provided within the Open Porous Media (OPM) project and a compositional flow module for the black oil flow simulator in OPM will be provided. The key elements will be: Higher order approximations, including thermal effects, with appropriate coupling to the flow simulator. Inclusion of field scale smart water simulation where thermal effects cannot be neglected. The PhD project consists of three main parts: studying and implementing higher order schemes, coupling the scheme with the black oil flow model and field-scale study. All of the activities will be carried out under the OPM code base. Standard simulators do not account for the mechanisms described in the objective, nor are higher order numerical methods present in everyday field scale simulations. Note that higher order methods are also addressed in the other Task 6 project, but both the application (polymer vs compositional) and basic methodology (finite volume vs discontinuous Galerkin) are different. There are also important distinctions to be made compared with IORSim, which is based on classical (diffusive) techniques amended with grid refinement. This project s achievements therefore also contribute directly to the development of IORSim. The plans for 2017 include the following four main activities: (1) Continuation of investigation into numerical methods for compositional flow, (2) Integration of a compositional module in OPM-flow, (3) Preliminary testing for cases with realistic chemical reactions, and (4) Simulations including a temperature-dependent setting (i.e. temperature as a separate variable). The findings in this project (e.g. higher order methods and coupling) will be made available to IORSim activities Submitting and publishing journal papers Attending workshops and conferences Submitting abstract(s) to the EAGE 19th European Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery/ IOR NORWAY 2017 in Stavanger and the FVCA8 conference Continued collaboration with the OPM and Dune community, establishing new collaborations with UiB, the Colorado School of Mines and the University of Texas at Austin Upscaling, simulation and interpretation tools; Full field prediction; Monitoring tools and history matching; and Economic potential and environmental impact

53 53 Work plan CO 2 Foam EOR Field Pilots (PhD project) Project manager(s): Mohan Sharma (UiS), Arne Graue (UiB) and Svein M. Skjæveland (UiS) PhD student: Mohan Sharma (UiS) Key personnel: As above Theme: 2 Task: 6 Duration: November 2015 November 2018 This project aims to bridge this gap by conducting pilot studies in heterogeneous reservoirs of both clastics and carbonates. The project involves understanding the mechanisms on small and large scales for CO 2 Foam EOR. The overall project includes lab-scale studies, pilot-scale studies and the integration of data from various scales. The project aims to understand large-scale CO 2 mobility control using foam from onshore field pilots based in the USA. The primary objective of the project is to develop CO 2 foam mobility control technology for EOR and aquifer storage on the NCS. As a secondary objective, improved modeling of CO 2 foam processes will be established by upscaling the results from laboratory scale to reservoir scale based on the pilot results. Experimental work has been carried out in laboratories at UiS/IRIS and UiB over the last few years to demonstrate the application of foaming agents for mobility control of CO 2 flooding in heterogeneous reservoirs, and to understand the parameters influencing flow behaviour under CO 2 -foam flooding at a core scale. However, there is a limited understanding of the application of foam at a reservoir scale. This project aims to bridge this gap by conducting pilot studies in heterogeneous reservoirs of both clastics and carbonates. The pilot design for selected fields will be completed by early Meanwhile, the results obtained from lab coreflood studies and the data acquired in the field from infill wells and other single/interwell studies will be used to prepare a baseline numerical model. This will act as a vehicle for the pilot design. CO 2 and/or CO 2 -Foam injection will begin in Q1/Q2 of 2017 and the planned study period will be 9 to 12 months. Data will be recorded in the field, which will help update the injection strategy if required and eventually help understand the foam displacement process. The work on core-flood studies, field data analysis and pilot design are planned in cooperation with the members of the Reservoir Physics research group at UiB. The pilot design for selected fields will be completed by early 2017 Reports and Publications A paper will be submitted to the EAGE 19th European Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery/ IOR NORWAY 2017 in Stavanger on reservoir modeling work carried out on the pilot design An abstract will be submitted to the SCA 2017 conference on CO 2 -Foam core-flood history matching Plan to establish new international collaboration with TU Delft and Rice University IOR mechanisms; Full field prediction; Monitoring tools and history matching; and Economic potential and environmental impact

54 54 The National IOR Centre of Norway Production optimization Project manager(s): Geir Nævdal (IRIS) PhD student(s) Aoije Hong (UiS) and Yiteng Zhang (UiS) Key personnel: Mentioned above Theme: 2 Task: 7 Duration: The economic feasibility of implementing new IOR methods on a field needs to be evaluated, preferably taking the uncertainty in the reservoir description into account. This project will develop a methodology for optimizing the future production and aim at evaluate the correct economic potential of the reservoirs. Environmental constraints can be added to the optimization. The main objective of this project is to further develop robust optimization algorithms for efficient use in the petroleum production optimization problem. The secondary objectives are: Extension of ensemble-based production optimization to include IOR strategies (not only optimizing waterflooding). Investigation of how reduced order methods can reduce the computational effort needed (current workflows are computationally demanding due to the need for a large number of reservoir simulations) The current workflows are computationally demanding due to the need for a large number of reservoir simulations. We will investigate to what extent this bottleneck can be circumvented by using reduced order models.. There are at least three different approaches to building reduced order models. 1. Developing models based on simplified physics. 2. Developing models based on analysing inputoutput relationships. 3. Using the simulator code to develop reduced order models. For this project one of the associated PhD students will focus on approach 1. At IRIS the initial plan is to use approach 2 as it seems very flexible when handling different scenarios. Approach 2 will be addressed by building input-output relationships (input corresponds to the steering of the wells (total rates for injectors and producers) and output corresponds to derived quantities in the wells (i.e. water cut for producers)) from full field reservoir simulations, and building proxy models from these. These proxy models will be used for optimization and, if necessary, new proxy models may be built as the optimization proceeds. Approach 3 is a much more demanding task than approaches 1 and 2 and this is also a reason why IRIS prefers to start by developing proxy models first, i.e. approach 2. The IRIS research may be carried out in cooperation with TU Delft. We plan to submit one journal paper in 2017 describing the how the use of proxy models can improve the efficiency of ensemble based production optimization. If a suitable conference is identified, we will also aim to submit one conference paper (most likely to be presented in 2018). Economic potential and environmental impact; and Fiscal framework and investment decisions

55 55 Work plan Robust production optimization (PhD project) Project manager(s): Aojie Hong (UiS) Reidar B. Bratvold (UiS), Geir Nævdal (IRIS) PhD: Aojie Hong Key personnel: As above Theme: 2 Task: 7 Duration: October 2014 October 2017 This project investigates the economic aspect of robust optimization with and without additional information provided by history matching. The project provides a method to evaluate whether or not resources should be invested in order to obtain additional information before making a decision on production strategy. The main objective of this project is to develop robust optimization methods. The secondary objectives include: An optimal production strategy including geological uncertainties How the decisions (optimal production strategies) may be different for robust optimization based on the geological uncertainties before and after history matching. (Geological uncertainties can be reduced by history matching) The impact of history matching on the results of robust optimization methods will be investigated through a Value-of-Information analysis Value-of-Information analyses originate from Decision Analyses. These can help us evaluate the additional value to be gained from additional information. The value assessed using this method is the maximum buying price to be paid for the information. concept, we provide a reference for gathering data relating to decision-making contexts. The research described in the objectives will be carried out on suitable test cases. The PhD candidate is planning a stay in the US at the University of Texas at Austin. Continued research will be carried out in collaboration with Prof. Larry Lake s group there. Stay in the US to collaborate with Prof. Lake Several papers will be published on Value-of- Information A PhD dissertation is planned to be completed by the end of 2017 Although the Value-of-Information concept is a powerful tool, it has not been widely accepted and used in the oil and gas industry. By presenting this Economic potential and environmental impact; and Fiscal framework and investment decisions

56 56 The National IOR Centre of Norway Assemblage of different step size selection algorithms in reservoir production optimization (PhD project) Project manager(s): Yiteng Zhang (UiS), Andreas S. Stordal (IRIS) and Svein M. Skjæveland (UiS) PhD: Yiteng Zhang (UiS) Key personnel: Geir Nævdal (IRIS) Theme: 2 Task: 7 Duration: November 2015 November 2018 This project addresses the robustness and the efficiency of optimization algorithms, which essentially serve as a tool for evaluating different IOR pilots. The main objective of this project is to give a precise mathematical formulation of ensemble based optimization under geological uncertainty. The secondary objectives include: Improving the existing methodology using more sound mathematical insight Understanding and improving the formulation of the objective function under uncertainty Investigating the effect uncertainty has on several different parametrisations of the problem formulation Gradient free algorithms for production optimization or optimizations of EOR processes under geological uncertainty have gained a lot of interest in the petroleum industry over the past decades. Although the number of publications has started to grow, the theoretical understanding of practical algorithms is still limited. Furthermore, it is not clear what is the best objective function to optimize, nor how to parametrise the controls in an efficient way. In light of this, the project aims to fulfil the current fade area of statistical understanding contained in the optimization algorithm. The main focus in 2017 will be to develop a new capstone of algorithms and to start testing these on synthetic reservoir cases. Moreover, this project will focus on improving the current step size selection algorithm with a selfadaptive algorithm. Seeking insight and the implementation of several variance reduction techniques will also be classed as equally important in the 2017 research. Dissemination is expected in the form of publications and presentations. Two journal paper manuscripts should be drafted by the end of 2017 At least one of the drafted manuscripts should be submitted Two conference papers are also expected Numerous abstracts will be submitted for consideration for poster sessions and oral presentations throughout the year Economic potential and environmental impact; and Fiscal framework and investment decisions

57 57 Work plan Data assimilation using 4D seismic data Project manager(s): Geir Nævdal (IRIS) Postdocs: Tuhin Bhakta (IRIS) and Kjersti S. Eikrem (IRIS) Key personnel: Xiaodong Luo (IRIS), Tuhin Bhakta (IRIS), Morten Jakobsen (UiB) Theme: 2 Task: 7 Duration: This project is the main project addressing history matching at The Centre. Work has started using data from the Norne field. The project focuses on being able to meet the target of full field history matching using 4D seismic and tracer data. The primary objective of this project is to include 4D seismic data in ensemble based history matching for full fields. The secondary objectives include: Establishing real field(s) and gathering data required Investigating in which form of 4D seismic data is most suitable for inclusion Developing suitable rock physic model(s) Uncertainty quantification of the seismic data Handle the big data amount of seismic data If information from 4D seismic data is incorporated into reservoir models, this is typically done through manual matching by geologists and interpretation of the data by geophysicists. The inclusion of 4D data directly in assisted history matching has not been successfully demonstrated, nor is it straightforward. History matching using 4D seismic data is a challenging and substantial large task, as pointed out by the many secondary objectives that must be handled, and this project will address these challenges. Addressing the objectives of this project leads to the following subtasks, which will be started in 2017: 1.Developing a suitable rock physics model for the Norne field, connecting the reservoir properties with the impedances and densities. 2. To calculate impedances and densities from AVA data we plan to use a Bayesian approach, as described earlier by our cooperation partner Dario Grana. A field case demonstration of this approach should be suitable for a conference paper at an appropriate conference. 3. In ongoing work, we have found promising results in addressing the uncertainty challenge and the big data challenge jointly by using a wavelet representation of the data and by only using the dominating wavelet coefficients for history matching. The idea here is that the measurement noise primarily influences the smaller wavelet coefficients which are then truncated. We foresee the that presenting the solution of this problem would lead to one journal paper. 4. Localization is required when working with large data sets using ensemble-based methods. This means that we only use the data points in a local region. The size of the localization regions depends on both the problem in question and the data available, which means that new knowledge is required in this setting. Guidelines for localization using impedances and densities as data for 4D seismic history matching need to be developed. 5. We also plan to investigate the use of full-waveform inversion for 4D seismic history matching. We are planning an approach that will give an insight into the understanding of error propagation in seismic inversion, which is important for 4D seismic history matching. This has so far been studied with acoustic data in a 2D synthetic study. This will be extended to a 3D case with elastic data. One journal paper is expected to be written to document this study. If potential conferences are identified, we plan to submit early versions of the planned papers (listed under plans 2017) to such. Code for ensemble based history matching of 4D seismic data will be developed. Monitoring tools and history matching; Full field prediction; Field performance; Economic potential and environmental impact; and Fiscal framework and investment decisions.

58 58 The National IOR Centre of Norway Interpretation of 4D seismic for compacting reservoirs Project manager(s): Geir Nævdal (IRIS) Postdoc: Tuhin Bhakta (IRIS) Key personnel: As above Theme: 2 Task: 7 Duration: This project aims to improve the interpretation of 4D seismic data for the location of gas, water and pressure fronts in compacting reservoirs. This is important to monitor a water front using 4D seismic data. The methods developed will further contribute towards improving history matching using 4D seismic data for compacting reservoirs. The main objective of this project is to address the extra complexity of compacting reservoirs when including 4D seismic data in history matching. The secondary objectives are: Working towards solving this problem with a data set from ConocoPhillips (Ekofisk). Initially we will focus on interpreting 4D AVO seismic data for updating saturations, pressures and porosities. (In this case the porosity is changing due to the effect of compaction). In the second step we will use the interpreted data for ensemble-based history matching. The project aims to make better use of time-lapse seismic data for compacting reservoirs. The methodology developed for the interpretation of saturation and pressure fronts from AVO data is more complicated for compacting reservoirs. Here we will focus on resolving the problems connected with these complications. This will be used for better history matching with 4D seismic data. We are planning two activities in 2017: 1. Uncertainty quantification. Our development of the improved workflow for estimating changes in dynamic reservoir parameters for compacting reservoir parameters started with taking a deterministic approach with a limited focus on uncertainty quantification. One way of ensuring a better handling of uncertainties in the estimated parameters would be to use a Bayesian approach. This would require new methodological development. 2. Data assimilation using 4D seismic data for a compacting reservoir. This task will be a major undertaking and needs to start with careful planning in order to define its scope. For instance, we need to decide whether we should aim for a full field history matching or limit the study, for instance, by using a sector model. The study needs to be defined in close collaboration with the provider of the field data. The research is planned in collaboration with ConocoPhillips, Schlumberger and the University of Wyoming. Based on the plans described above, we plan to have at least one report to describe the outcome for each of the two activities. If permission for publication is received, it would be natural to present the results at appropriate conferences. Upscaling, simulation and interpretation tools; Monitoring tools and history matching; Field performance; Full field prediction; and Economic potential and environmental impact

59 59 Work plan Data assimilation using 4-D seismic data (PostDoc TNO) Project manager(s): Philippe Steeghs (TNO) Postdoc: Yanhui Zhang (UiS) Key personnel: Olwijn Leeuwenburgh (TNO), Stefan Carpentier (TNO) Theme: 2 Task: 7 Duration: June June 2017 This project demonstrates and develops methodologies for front-detection seismic monitoring history matching on field data. The main objective of this project is to improve and evaluate TNO s ensemble-based history matching workflow in an extensive field case study. Moreover, the project will demonstrate the potential of the proposed method for 4D seismic monitoring and history matching. TNO s ensemble-based history matching workflow has shown promising results on synthetic fields, but there has been no demonstration on a real field case. The functionalities missing to perform this demonstration will be investigated, implemented and communicated. The plans for 2017 include the following two main activities: 1. Improving the applicability of the distance parameterisation method for realistic reservoir models for efficient seismic history matching, 2. Finishing the field case evaluation of the improved TNO s history matching workflow on the Norne field. Depending on the results, an additional field case will be investigated and demonstrated. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with researchers at IRIS working on Task 7. Based on the above described plans, two journal papers are planned on the following topics: Methodological improvement of the distance parameterisation of seismic data for history matching Norne full-field application of 4D seismic history matching using the improved approach. Monitoring tools and history matching; and Economic potential and environmental impact

60 60 The National IOR Centre of Norway D seismic and tracer data for coupled geomechanical / reservoir flow models Project manager: Jarle Haukås (Schlumberger) Key personnel: Michael Niebling (Schlumberger), Wiebke Athmer (Schlumberger), Marie Etchebes (Schlumberger), Aicha Bounaim (Schlumberger), Michael Nickel (Schlumberger), Bent Tjøstheim (Schlumberger) Theme: 2 Task: 7 Duration: Duration of Schlumberger s in-kind contribution This project is investigating the coupling between fluid flow and geomechanics for improved oil recovery, and the use of 4D seismic data in history matching of coupled models. Moreover, this project brings geomechanics into the history matching picture, and links lab results on rock strength to field scale modeling. The main objective of the project is to investigate rational methods for building and updating coupled fluid flow / geomechanical models. The secondary objectives include: Linking 4D seismic observations to stress exchange in the reservoir and surrounding rock Including the impact of faulted and fractured rock in history matching In fractured reservoirs the understanding of how dynamic stress changes in the reservoir open and close the fracture systems as a result of the injection strategy is of key importance with regard to optimal depletion. including vertical rock displacements (compaction, dilation) and lateral rock displacements (horizontal stress changes, including fracture opening and fault reactivation) 4D effects not associated with geomechanical impact, e.g. dominated by velocity effects associated with pressure and fluid change rather than rock displacements Pressure effects Saturation effects (gas, water, oil) Workflow for analyzing 3D displacement field between seismic surveys, differential slope of displacement attribute and enhanced seismic discontinuities and their dynamic behavior. For compacting reservoirs, the stress changes caused by injection and production must be understood in order to improve oil recovery. A methodology will be developed to use the assimilated models for safer well placement, better well performance and improved well integrity, taking into account dynamic stress changes in the reservoir and the surrounding rock. For 2017 the focus will be on 4D seismic analysis of Ekofisk LoFS seismic data to separate between: 4D effects caused by geomechanical impact, Monitoring tools and history matching; and Economic potential and environmental impact

61 61 Work plan Elastic full-waveform inversion (PhD project) Project manager(s): PhD student (UiS) and Wiktor Weibull (UiS) PhD student: To be decided Key personnel: To be decided Theme: 2 Task: 6 Duration: January 2017 January 2020 This project aims to improve the interpretation of seismic data through full-waveform inversion. The methodology proposed provides valuable information for both the exploration and production stages of the petroleum value chain. Accurate and well-resolved estimates of the subsurface parameters from seismic data are essential for both exploration, as well as increased recovery of oil and gas reserves. This is particularly true as exploration moves towards subtler traps in complicated geological environments. At the same time, the ability to detect small changes in elastic parameters due to fluid substitution can greatly aid the development of increased oil recovery strategies. Full waveform inversion (FWI) is a well-known method for estimating subsurface parameters from seismic data. FWI can be used with single vintage seismic data to improve knowledge of the subsurface, or it can be used to estimate changes in subsurface parameters in a time-lapse fashion from 4D seismic data. This makes this technology well adapted for both the exploration and production stages of the petroleum value chain. Elastic FWI can be used to estimate both P-wave and S-wave impedances or their changes over time from multicomponent seismic data. There are still major challenges in applying FWI to field scale datasets. One problem is related to the high cost of the method. Another well-known problem is the non-uniqueness of the problem. In terms of 4D seismic data, the major challenges are to reduce the artefacts introduced by repeatability errors and to include high enough frequencies in the inversion. Any attempt to use FWI must therefore tackle these challenges. In addition to developing strategies to tackle the above mentioned problems, we have also set the following key objectives: (1) To develop and test statistical methods of inference and to compare these with deterministic methods; (2) To use elastic FWI to estimate changes in elastic properties due to production from multicomponent seismic data acquired in permanent reservoir monitoring installations (PRMs). These estimated time-lapse changes will be compared with conventional approaches based on time-shift and time-strain measurements. The ability of elastic FWI to replace conventional methods used to estimate 4D changes from seismic data has not yet been proven. This project will be an attempt to breach this gap. The focus in 2017 will be to: 1. Recruit a PhD student 2. Start implementing the method and start testing on synthetic 2D and 3D datasets The results from the reference tests will lead to: Submission of abstracts to workshops and/or conferences and presentation of articles. Monitoring tools and history matching; Field performance, Full field prediction; and Economic potential and environmental impact

62 62 The National IOR Centre of Norway Budget

63 63 Work plan 2017 Budgets for planned projects 2017 (all figures in 1000) Projects UiS PROJECT NAME T1: Core Scale - adm 408 T1: Post doc Bergit Brattekås T1: PhD Kun Guo T1: PhD Jaspreet Singh Sachdeva T1: PhD Samuel Erzuah T1: PhD Irene Ringen T1: PhD Tiana Livada T1: PhD Oddbjørn Nødland 779 T1: PhD NN (supervisor: M.V.Madland) T2: Mineral fluid reactions at Nano/submicr - adm 408 T2: PhD Mona Minde T2: PhD Laura Borromeo 693 T3: Pore scale - adm 408 T3: PhD Shaghayegh Javadi T3: Post doc Teresa Palmer 693 T4: Upscaling and environmental impact - adm 408 T4: PhD Eystein Opsahl T4: PhD Remya Nair T4: Post doc Dmitry Shogin 520 T5: Tracer technology - adm 408 T5: PhD Mario da Silva (IFE) T6: Reservoir simulation tools - adm 408 T6: Post doc Pål Østebø Andersen 779 T6: PhD Anna Kvashchuk T6: PhD Mohan Sharma T7: Field scale evaluation and history matching - adm 408 T7: PhD Yiteng Zhang T7: PhD Aojie Hong 779 T7: PhD NN (supervisor W.W.Weibull) Mng: UiS Management and administration Mng: Various cost, travel and meetings 650 Mng: IOR NORWAY 100 TOTAL UIS 2017 BUDGET

64 64 The National IOR Centre of Norway Projects IRIS T1: DOUCS T1: Core Scale T2: Mineralfluid reactions nano/submicron scale 100 T3: Pore Scale T4: Upscaling T5: Tracer Technology 0 T6: Reservoir simulation tools T7: Field scale evaluation and history matching Mng: IRIS Management 400 TOTAL IRIS 2017 BUDGET Projects IFE T4: IORSim devlopment T5: Development of water / oil partitioning tracers. 150 T5: Development and testing of nano-particles 550 T5: Sigle-well Chemical Tracer Technology, SWCTT Mng: IFE Management 200 TOTAL IFE 2017 BUDGET Projects others T4: IN-KIND HALLIBURTON T4: IN-KIND SCHLUMBERGER 500 T7: IN-KIND SCHLUMBERGER TOTAL IN-KIND HALLIBURTON AND SCHLUMBERGER T1: IN-KIND GEO 100 T2: IN-KIND ISEI 100 T6: IN-KIND DTU 150 TOTAL IN-KIND GEO/ISEI/DTU T7: TNO 100 TOTAL TNO 2017 BUDGET 100

65 65 Work plan 2017 Budget 2017 (all figures in 1000) Description UiS IRIS IFE Schlumb/ Hallib GEO/ ISEI/ DTU others TNO Total Task 1: Core Scale Task 2: Mineral fluid reactions at nano/submicron scale Task 3: Pore scale Task 4: Upscaling and environmental impact Task 5: Tracer technology Task 6: Reservoir simulation tools Task 7: Field scale evaluation and history matching IOR Management Total budget Comments on the 2017 budget Det norske oljeselskap and BP Norge merged to create an independent E&P company on 10 June As a result of this merger, BP resigned from The National IOR Centre of Norway consortium from the year ending This decision will have financial implications from 2017 onwards and will lead to a reduction in funding of 2 million NOK per year for the rest of the project period. This means that the total available funding for 2017 will be reduced from the original NOK 50,149 million to NOK 48,149 million. UiS mainly has salary costs relating to PhD students/post Docs and management, which provides less flexibility for budget cuts. IFE has a budget of 4 million for 2017, which is equivalent to the budget it had for The Centre Management has reduced the IRIS budget from NOK 16 million to NOK 14 million for 2017.

66 66 The National IOR Centre of Norway IOR NORWAY 2017 in collaboration with the EAGE For April 2017, EAGE and The National IOR Centre of Norway have decided to join forces and jointly organize the 19th edition of the European Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery. The event will be held at the University Campus of Stavanger. In addition to the technical programme (oral and poster presentations), the symposium will have an opening session with leaders from the area, a panel session to stimulate debate and a social event to enable interaction in a relaxed atmosphere. Dates: April 2017 Venue: University of Stavanger Icebreaker reception: 24 April Conference: April Conference dinner: 26 April Expected attendees: Important dates: Registration opens: 15 September 2016 Early Registration Deadline: 01 February 2017 Late Registration Deadline: 15 April 2017 For more information, please visit:

67 67 Work plan 2017 The Research Partners: The User Partners: ConocoPhillips