W 2 0 1 6 J - University of Stavanger Work Plan 2016.pdf · Reservoir simulation, geomechanics (e.g. Eclipse, Visage), tracer and IOR fluid simulation (IORSim) 9. Full field history

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

W o r k p l a n 2 0 1 6

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About The National IOR Centre of NorwayThe National IOR Centre provides solutions for improved oil recovery on the Norwegian continental shelf through academic excellence and close cooperation with the industry.

The National IOR Centre of Norway was created in 2013 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy after a national compe-tition announced by The Re-search Council of Norway. The University of Stavanger is the host institution for The Centre. The Centre provides research that will increase recovery of petroleum resources from ma-ture and new fields on the Norwegian continental shelf. A world leading team of scien-tists is engaged in The Centre. They work to find the most envi-ronmentally friendly and efficient

methods for retrieving leftover oil. By increasing the recovery rate by only a few percent, we will contribute high values to society.

IRIS and IFE together with UiS are the research partners in The Centre. In addition, The Cen-tre consists of 12 user partners from the oil and service industry. The Centre works closely with the industry to identify the best meth-ods for improving the oil recovery in the fields. This means that the methods we present will be envi-ronmentally safe and cost effective. Researchers at the National IOR

Centre of Norway operate with complex research that covers the entire spectrum from micro-scopic level, all the way up to field scale. The research is based on applicability, something close cooperation with industry is help-ing to secure. The team working in The Centre is multidisciplinary consisting of geologists, chemists, engineers, physicists and mathe-maticians, etc. The staff works to-gether to achieve our common goal: Joining forces to recover more.

Table of Contents

About The National IOR Centre of Norway 3

The organisation 5

The research 7

Improved sweep efficiency - Pilot studies 8

The roadmap 9

Theme 1: Mobile and immobile oil and EOR methods 12

Project progress: Theme 1 14

Theme 1: The projects 15

Theme 2: Mobile oil - reservoir characterisation to improve volumetric sweep 33

Project progress: Theme 2 34

Theme 2: The projects 35

Economy 44

Education and recruitment 47

Education 48

IOR NORWAY 2016 49

International collaboration 50

National collaboration 51

The research partners 52

The user partners 52

T h e N a t i o n a l I O R C e n t r e o f N o r w a y W o r k p l a n 2 0 1 6

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The Board

Kåre Vagle, ConocoPhillips (Chairman)

Randi Elisabeth Hugdahl, Statoil

Roar Kjelstadli, BP

Mailin Seldal, ENGIE

Yngve Brynjulfsen, Eni Norge

Tore Bjerkelund Gimse, IFE

Ole Ringdal, lRlS

Øystein Lund Bø, UiS Observers:

Ingrid Anne Munz, RCN

Mariann Dalland, NPD

Erik Søndenå, Petoro

The Centre is a consortium of three research partners UiS, IRIS and IFE and 12 partners from the indus-try. UiS is the host institution. The Centre director is Prof. Merete V. Madland (UiS). She has two as-sistant directors of research: Prof. Aksel Hiorth (UiS/IRIS) and Dr. Randi Valestrand (IRIS) and one rep-resenting academics, Prof. Svein Skjæveland (UiS). The assistant Centre director is Dr. Kristin M. Flo-rnes. Sissel Opsahl Viig (IFE) is Director of Field Implementation. They all have relevant manage-ment experience with international research projects and constitute the management team of the Centre.

The Centre director is in charge of the overall prog-ress and performance of the Centre and reports to the Centre responsible (UiS) and the Centre board. The two assistant directors support the director, conduct research, and together with senior scien-tists they support and advice doctorate students and postdocs. In addition to the management team, Bente Dale is hired as administrative coordina-tor and Mari Løvås as communications advisor.

The Centre administration is located at UiS. A Gen-eral Assembly for all partners is organized annually. The General Assembly is the ultimate decision mak-ing body of the project, and will elect the Centre Board. The Board will be the operative decision mak-ing body for the execution of the project, and will re-port to, and be accountable to, the General assembly. The Centre board includes representatives from UiS, IRIS, IFE, and industry partners. The Centre’s indus-try partners have the majority of the board to ensure industry relevance and involvement. The Research Council of Norway, Petoro and The Norwegian Pe-troleum Directorate have observer status. All board members have assigned deputy representatives. We plan for a minimum of two board meetings in 2016. The Technical Committee is the technical adviso-

ry body of the board and consist of representatives from each of the twelve user partners. The TC wil hold a minimum of two meetings a year, often more.

The research is organised in 2 R&D themes with 7 main Tasks, which are specified by a research plan covering deliverables, milestones and methodology. Senior scientists from UiS, IRIS, and IFE core group of researchers serve as task leaders. As an overall strat-egy in these tasks, we will involve researchers coming from different research environments (IOR/EOR, res-ervoir, chemistry, geology, geochemistry, geophysics, mathematics, nano- science/technology, biochemistry, environmental, industrial economy) from the partners as well as national and international collaborators.

The organisation“They all have relevant

management experience with international research projects and constitute the management

team of the Centre”

Technical committee:Consists of representatives from each user partner Chairman of the TC:

Steinar Kristiansen, Wintershall Norge

The Management

Merete V. Madland Centre Director

Kristin M. Flornes Assistant Director

Aksel Hiorth Director of Research, Theme 1

Randi Valestrand Director of Research, Theme 2

Svein M. Skjæveland Director of Academia

Sissel Opsahl Viig Director of Field Implementation


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The research focus of the Centre is based on a gap analysis identifying how the existing technology gaps may be closed. The Centre is divided into two R&D themes; Immobile oil and EOR methods, and Reser-voir characterization to improve volumetric sweep. This is in addition to the focus on field scale EOR process recommendation as well as the education and training of students and young engineers. Within petroleum research core scale experiments are the backbone of the experimental research activi-ties. Core scale experiments can be done at reservoir conditions, high pressure and temperature, and with live fluids. Thus, core scale experiments play a crucial role in qualifying new recovery methods that may be used in field pilots, and then ultimately on full field scale. However, without any further analyses, the core acts as a black box, and one has to rely on nu-merical models to interpret the results. Without any detailed understanding of the recovery mechanism at a sub core scale, the field scale implications will be ambiguous and promising EOR methods could be abandoned because of the great uncertainty related to the field recovery estimates. A sub core understanding of recovery mechanisms involves not only pore scale studies, but also quantification of chemical induced alterations at submicron and nano scale. In addition

the core scale studies need to be upscaled to larger scale (of the order m to km). This bottom-up approach to EOR aims at obtaining a fundamental understand-ing of the relevant forces and processes on one scale that will directly aid the understanding and modeling of phenomena on the next scale.

2016:Theme 1:- Polymer system will have a special focus- Field data will be used to constrain reservoir models and to test simulation models (IORSim)- Phase II Yard test

Theme 2:- Development of tracer technology- Improvement of reservoir simulation tools- Better history matching and inclusion of 4D seismic data in assemble based history matching. - Develop new and improved methodology while demonstrating the tools on use cases.

In 2016, we aim for more integrated projects. In 2015 a road map was established. This will aid us in making the best decisions and providing deliver-ables according to plan.

The researchThe Centre’s research is divided into two main themes, divided into seven main tasks, which again are divided into projects.


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The roadmap

MILESTONES:

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

1. Selection of suited field for single-well tests (access to field data)2. Single-well pilot tests: Smart water injection Polymer injection

Improved sweep efficiency - Pilot studies

Pilot studies for improved sweep efficiency are need-ed to understand and demonstrate how the different projects at the NIOR centre could interact, and to en-sure that the research conducted and innovations made are relevant for the NCS . These pilot studies (“Use cases” ) are also important for the understanding of how the projects focusing on mobilizing the immobile oil on pore-scale and core-scale will upscale to a full field case.Each “Use case” is associated with real field data and will have a set of key deliverables from the projects at The National IOR Centre of Norway. The objective is that all projects at the NIOR centre should contribute to at least one “Use case”.

Pilot studies for improved sweep efficiency will be coordinated by an IOR integration team consisting of the NIOR management team, the task leaders and Schlumberger Stavanger Research (Jarle Haukås). So far, five use cases have been identified.

Use case 1: Analyze the sweep efficiency with respect to the presence of potential flow barriers be-tween injectors and producers, history match the res-ervoir flow model accordingly and study alternative sweep strategiesUse case 2: Analyze the discrimination of pres-sure effects, saturation effects, compaction effects and temperature effects around the injectors for the reser-voir in questionUse case 3: Detect and analyze the behavior of the injected fluid front in the case of a pre-mature breakthrough in a producer, history match the res-ervoir flow model accordingly and study alternative sweep strategiesUse case 4: Analyze the sweep efficiency of old water injectors, history match the reservoir flow mod-el accordingly and study alternative sweep strategiesUse case 5: Analyze the sweep efficiency of new water injectors with respect to the pres-ence of potential high permeability fracture corri-dors / thief zones, history match the reservoir flow model accordingly and optimize the planned sweep

The IOR integration team is currently in dialogue with ConocoPhillips (Ekofisk field) and Statoil (Snor-re field) to get access to field data for the use cases.

The overall objective of the National IOR Centre of Norway is to mobilize immobile oil and improve the volumetric sweep on fields on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). The road map of the NIOR centre identifies a set of key activities and milestones that are required to contribute to full field IOR pilot studies.


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Prepare for full field pilots

IOR mechanisms

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Monitoring tools and history matching6 9

Upscaling, simulation and interpretation tools

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Field performance2 4 13

Economic potential and environmental impact5 7 11 14

Full Field prediction

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Fiscal framework and investment decisions10 16

Field

test

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EOR Screening Demonstrate potential and prepare for pilots

Business cases21

2020201920182017201620152014 2021

2020201920182017201620152014 2021

Development of IOR methods 1

Them

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Both

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Theme leader: Aksel Hiorth

and textural investigations that can describe the core data. These correlations will be different from cor-relations based on pure core data, because all the pa-rameters entering will have a clear physical interpre-tation, and thus one will know how these parameters will change when the scale of the system changes. These correlations will be used in Task 1 to give a better interpretation of the core data, and in Task 4 to upscale the core data to grid block size and ulti-mately to full field.

2016Polymer system will receive special attention. DPD models will be developed to investigate how the large size of the polymers will affect the rheological properties of the fluid in single pores. The LB mod-els will be run with input from the DPD models on larger pore scale systems (10-100 pores) to study the rheology on scales that approaches the Darcy scale (~cm). IORSim and IORCoreSim will use the corre-lations suggested by the DPD and pore scale models to better history match core scale data and predict field scale potential.

Field data released from TC members will be used to constrain reservoir models and also to test our simulation models (IORSim). On field scale poly-mer (and/or silicate) injection combined with an op-timized water composition (e.g. low sal, smart water

…) will be the main EOR focus. This EOR method could have a significant potential both on sandstone and carbonate systems, but in each case, the chemi-cal system needs to be tuned. Cost reduction is im-portant, and significant costs is associated with a pi-lot. An important contribution for reducing this cost could be to do large scale testing on land. In 2016 we will build on the experiences from the 2015 yard test that was performed together with Halliburton on shear degradation of polymers through chokes. To-gether with TC we will plan phase II where we will develop a concept that could give information that would reduce the need of doing a single well pilot, and if successful, the operator could move directly to a two well or full field implementation.

SynergyOver the Centre lifetime, we have developed a proj-ect portfolio that includes people from IRIS, IFE, and UiS. Several projects include researchers from differ-ent Tasks, in this way we ensure that there is good communication and knowledge is shared between the different activities in the Centre. Task leader meetings and meetings with the modelling group from Task 1-4 is held on a regular basis. Halliburton and Schlum-berger contribute with in-kind research in the Yard Test and IORSim development in Task 4.

ResearchThere are several well-studied chemical injection technologies applicable for the fields on the NCS. Thorough laboratory- and modeling studies have been performed, but there are still research challenges. One of the main challenge is that many of the reservoir models use correlations. A correlation means that

there is a certain relation between the physical pa-rameters. A good example is the permeability, which is proportional to the square of the pore size and in-versely proportional to the specific surface area (e.g. Kozeny-Carman equation). In the context of EOR we need correlations between the permeability for oil and water and the EOR chemicals. These correlations are in general unknown. Several correlations have been suggested in the research communities, and they all will describe the experimental (usually core scale) data to a large extend. However, the parameters enter-ing in the correlations does not usually have a clear physical interpretation. Because of this, correlations are only valid for the data they are tested against. Thus, it is very hard to predict the EOR potential di-rectly from core scale experiments to field scale. The aim of the pore scale (Task 3) and sub-micron stud-ies (Task 2) is to understand the EOR mechanism, and develop correlations based on numerical models

Theme 1: Mobile and immobileoil and EOR methodsTheme 1 is focusing on understanding, modeling, and upscaling the microscopic and macroscopic displacement efficiency when various EOR fluids are injected into a porous rock.

Figure 1: Workflow in Theme 1 in the IOR Centre


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Theme 1: The projectsTask 1: Core ScaleTask leader: Arne Stavland

The aim is to construct models that capture the transport mechanisms observed in core scale experiments, based on the mechanisms proposed by the nano- and pore scale activities. This will be utilized through the development of the IORCo-reSim model, supported by dedicated experiments at core scale. One activity will address upscaling from core scale to field scale through yard tests. Better prediction on quantifying EOR effects are addressed in the activity on core plug preparation.

Project title: DOUCS-Deliverable Of an Unbeat-able Core scale SimulatorTask 1Project manager: Aksel Hiorth/Arne StavlandKey Personell: Arild Lohne, Oddbjørn Nødland, Hans Kleppe, Andre FriisBudget: 4500 kNOK (2014-2015) + 1500 kNOK

(2016)Duration: 2014-2016Objective: Development of a tool for improved simulation of EOR-processes at the core scale.Knowledge gaps: There is a need for better inter-pretation of core scale experiments. We will simu-late and interpret laboratory core floods and allow extraction of model parameters from experiments (history matching). The model parameters will be used on sector and pilot scale.Main achievements last period: The main activ-ity in the last period has been on modelling polymer behaviour in the high flow rate regimes. Literature data has been analysed to determine dependent vari-ables and construct appropriate models that handles variation in permeability, porosity, temperature and polymer concentration. The main new models implemented in IORCoreSim are:- Polymer elongation model with increased flow re-sistance at higher flow rate (shear thickening). The onset of polymer elongation is computed from the polymer molecular weight, intrinsic viscosity and temperature.

Project progress: Theme 1


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developed for use in-depth. Especially relevant is the combination of polymer/polymer gel and foam injection through the use of Polymer-Enhanced Foams (PEFs) and Foamed Gels (FGs).Objective 2: Use improved mobility control in Inte-grated Enhanced Oil Recovery (IEOR). Combining EOR methods with mobility control in specially de-signed, integrated processes (IEOR) was previously shown to increase oil recovery from oil-wet, hetero-geneous systems by significantly improving sweep efficiency. Oil recovery was observed 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 salin-ity water in smart sequences for IEOR.Objective 3: Numerical modelling and upscaling of IEOR. This objective aims to include IEOR meth-ods and process mechanisms in numerical simula-tors, in a way that is both representative and accu-rate; first on core scale, thereafter on reservoir grid and field scale. Knowledge Gaps:Polymer gel behavior in heterogeneous and frac-tured 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, contradictory to best-practice today. Phase 1 of this project focused on modelling of spontane-ous imbibition of brine from gel, which is differ-ent compared to imbibition in an oil/brine system. Modelling of this effect is important to understand and quantify gel behavior in oil-bearing zones in a fractured reservoir. Experiments concentrating on IEOR, and numerical modelling of these, are planned in Phase 2 of the project. Understanding IEOR on the core scale is essential for successful implementation of combined or successive EOR methods in the field. Deliverables: Report and papers aiming to close the knowledge gap on mobility control in hetero-geneous porous media. Dissemination of results through presentations on international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals will be prioritized.Main achievements last period:Completion of Phase 1 of the project. Main achievements 2016:Objective 1: In-situ imaging of polymer gel place-ment and chasefloods will be performed, applying positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology.Objective 3: Collaboration between the Reservoir Physics Research Group at the Dept. of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen and the IOR Centre within iEOR was started through the proj-ect “Integrated EOR for heterogeneous reservoirs (Phase 1)” (Q3 2015- Q4 2016) and provide a close interaction between experiments and numerical

simulations. This is needed to improve the design of IEOR experiments and enable more accurate numerical description of EOR processes. Phase 1 of this project will be summarized in Q1 2016 and main results reported.(Objective 2 experimental work to be initiated in Q4 2016).Environmental aspects of the project:This research project focuses on mobility control and IEOR in heterogeneous reservoirs, from the core scale (experimentally and numerically) to the field scale (numerically). In Phase 1 of the proj-ect, the focus was use of polymer gel to reduce the conductivity of fractures. Polymer gel consists mainly of water (>99%), mixed with polymer (in this case hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, HPAM) and chromium cross-linker (Chromium(III)-Acetate) to form gel. Polymer gel is generally categorized as non-harmful, and is expected to give minor impact on the environment, however, due to strict PLO-NOR regulations on the NCS, HPAM polymers and Cr(III)-Acetate is not currently used. A positive en-vironmental impact from successful use of polymer gels is a significant reduction in the production of waste water: with reduced fracture conductivity due to polymer gel placement, chasefloods are forced to progress through the matrix. This will reduce the produced water cut and cut costs (environmentally and financially) associated with handling of pro-duced water.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:Phase 1 of this project was finalized during Q4 2015 and will be summarized during a meeting between key personnel in Q1 2016 (Bergit Brattekås, Arild Lohne (IRIS), Oddbjørn Nødland (UiS) and Pål An-dersen (UiS)). Project Phase 2 will start in January 2016 with a duration of two years.Eventual deviation from plan, related to time and cost:The Post Doc candidate will be on maternity leave from mid May 2016-January 2017. The project timeline will therefore change some. Estimated new completion date for the Post Doc project will be Q3 2018.Project estimated completion date:31 December 2017 Project title: Application of metallic nanopar-ticles for enhanced heavy oil recoveryTask 1Project manager: Prof. Zhixin Yu, IPT, UiSKey Personnel: Kun Guo (started 20th April, 2015), IPT, UiSBudget: 4353 KNOK (includes PhD scholarship)Duration: 01.05.2015 – 30.06.2018Objective:The objective of this project is to per-form a systematic study of the effect of metallic nanoparticles on enhanced heavy oil recovery. The secondary objectives are to study the main cause of

- Shear degradation model. The shear degradation is modelled by reducing the polymer molecular weight, Mw, while the mass concentration is un-changed. To keep track of the change in Mw, thepolymer is represented by the two components;the volumetric concentration and the molar concen-tration. A main part of the degradation model is the assumption of a critical shear stress computed at the rock surface.- The reduced polymer weight is found using aniterative method (bisection).Simulation tests with the new models implementedcompares well with calculations in Excel for simpli-fiedsystems.Main achievements 2016: The polymer implemen-tation will be further tested and eventual changes made. Three areas that will be looked into are; reversibility in polymer retention, the effect of poly-mer concentration in the degradation and the effec-tive salinity model.Furthermore, throughout 2016, we will continue work on history matching experimental SCAL data to IORCoreSim including methods for automatic history matching. Lab data will include polymer and Smart Water core flood experiments. Environmental aspects of the project:Environmental aspect relates to the use of the project product. The project should result in bet-ter control of chemical processes used in oil fields, which may be used to reduce waste to the environ-ment. It may also have a negative effect by reducing the uncertainty for applying a chemical method that would otherwise not be used. It may also contribute to better utilisation of existing oil resources opened for production.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:This project is highly relevant to the IOR Centre; where development of core scale simulation tool and demonstration of EOR mechanisms at core scale are some of the mile stones.Project estimated completion date: 31. Dec. 2016Deliverables: Code

Project title: Core plug preparation proceduresTask 1Project manager: Ingebret FjeldeKey Personnel: IOR- and Petroleums Lab groupsBudget: 950kNOKDuration: August 2014-June 2016Objective:Phase 1:Identify critical steps in the core preparation proce-dures and work out proposal for the next phases.Knowledge Gaps:Since reservoir rock state is changed during sam-pling, mud contamination, storage and cleaning (by organic solvent and water) of reservoir core plugs,

better procedures for preparation of reservoir core plugs are required to secure that representative wet-tability conditions are established for SCAL and EOR-experiments. Water flooding results are used as reference for the EOR flooding experiments. If the potential estimate for the reference is wrong, the potential estimates for the EOR-methods will also be wrong.Main achievements last period:The EOR potential estimate based on core flood experiments depends strongly on the state of the reservoir rock. Therefore the core preparation of reservoir rock becomes critical.Critical steps in core preparation has been ad-dressed. These steps involves mud contamination, oxidation of oil and ion composition in injected brine.Main achievements 2016:Develop methods to confirm removal of mud inva-sion and develop procedures for preparing realistic artificial formation brine.Environmental aspects of the project:The focus in the project is procedures that should secure that representative initial wettability con-ditions are prepared for SCAL- and EOR-exper-iments. Correct input from these experiments is important for selection of optimum production strategies within an environmentally sustainable framework. It will also allow early focus on EOR-methods that can accelerate the oil production and thereby reduce the water production.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:Representative initial wettability conditions are cru-cial for evaluation of the potentials for water flood-ing and all EOR-methods, e.g. smart water flooding and polymer flooding. It will therefore be important in planning and interpretation of EOR-pilots.Project estimated completion date:June 2016Deliverables: Descriptions of the critical steps inprocedures for reservoir core plugs preparations and present methods and procedures for how to achieve field realistic conditions at lab scale.

Project title: Integrated EOR for heterogeneous reservoirs (Phase 2)Task 1Project manager: Bergit BrattekåsKey Personnel: Post Doc Bergit Brattekås and supervisors Martin Fernø (UiB), Geir Ersland (UiB) and Arne Stavland (IRIS) Budget:1 Post Doc. 1-2 MSc students may be in-cluded in the project (will not influence budget)Duration: January 2016 – December 2017Objective: There are three research objectives in the Post Doc project.Objective 1: Optimize polymer gel and foam mobil-ity control. Foam and polymer gel will be further


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1st of December 2015. One PhD course (PET930) and literature study is started.Main achievements next quarter and 2016:Complete the following courses:• TN900 Theory of Science and Ethics (spring 2016)• TN910 Innovation and project comprehen-sion (spring 2016)• PET907 Colloidal systems (autumn 2016)• PET930 Project course in reservoir engi-neering (spring 2016)Continue literature study, start laboratory work.Environmental aspects of the project:Sea water is injected in most oil fields on the Nor-wegian Continental Shelf. The goal of polymer flooding is to optimize oil production, and hence reduce water production. Reliable simulation mod-els are important while predicting field performance with polymer flooding.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:Polymer flooding is one of the two use cases, and in order to design the field test there is a need for high quality lab data.Project estimated completion date:30th of November 2018

Project title: How does wetting property dictate the mechanical strength of chalk at in-situ stress, temperature and pressure conditions?Task: 1Project manager: Jaspreet Singh SachdevaKey Personnel: Anders Nermoen, Merete Vadla MadlandBudget: 430,500 NOK/yearDuration: 3 yearsObjective: Determining and evaluating the effect of wettability alteration on the mechanical properties of chalkKnowledge Gaps: Is sulfate adsorption observed in oil-filled chalks? Can precipitation of magnesium bearing minerals form when oil is present in the pores? How does sulfate adsorption and magnesium triggered dissolution/precipitation occur in oil-wet cores?Deliverables:To which degree the results of the previous experi-ments, typically performed on water-wet and water-filled outcrop chalk, can be applied to oil reservoirs?Main achievements last period:Completed HR formalities, two PhD courses (In-novation and Project Comprehension & Colloidal Systems) started, literature survey, started with the laboratory work – setting up the equipment to start the chromatographic wettability testMain achievements for 2016:Finishing the two abovementioned PhD courses, starting and finishing the third PhD course (Phi-losophy of Science and Ethics), starting the project course in Reservoir Engineering, continuing the

literature survey, carrying out the chromatographic wettability tests, the Ion Chromatography tests and the initial triaxial tests at uniaxial strain conditions.Environmental aspects of the project:Carrying out the experiments in a safely guarded manner so as to reduce the impact of the chemicals being used on the environment to a minimum pos-sible level.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:Looking at the Development of IOR Methods and IOR Mechanisms.Project estimated completion date:31st August, 2018 Project title: Core scale modeling of EOR trans-port mechanismsTask: 1Project manager: Aksel HiorthKey Personnel: Oddbjørn NødlandBudget: PhD scholarship 3 yearsDuration: October 2014-September 2017Objective: Use numerical simulations in order to gain a better understanding of various chemical pro-cesses occurring at the core scale. The main focus will be on studying polymer flow.Knowledge Gaps: Most current reservoir simula-tion technology does not seem to take into account enough physical and chemical details concerning the aqueous geochemistry. For polymer flow spe-cifically, it will be important to include in computer codes models that can better account for how the aqueous phase viscosity depends on shear effects, and on brine chemistry. There is an abundance of observational data that currently lacks an adequate interpretation.Deliverables:PhD thesis (including 3 published articles)Main achievements last period:- Finished PhD course in mathematics and physics (MAF900) in spring 2015- Have recently started following a course in geochemistry. - Literature study- Experimenting with and implementing vari-ous mathematical computer codes (numerical and analytical) for simulating tracer flowHave also been working towards the first scientific article, which will look at the combined effects of salt and polymer in a dual-porosity laboratory column.Main achievements next quarter and 2016:Take the last two PhD courses:TN900 – Philosophy of science and ethicsTN910 – Innovation and project comprehensionFinish the geochemistry course.Also, an important goal will be to finish the work on the simulation of the aforementioned experiments, and to send out a first draft for a scientific article.Environmental aspects of the project:

viscosity reduction, the parameters of the nanopar-ticles and the thermophysical properties of nanopar-ticles containing fluids (nanofluids) on the recovery factor. The project also aims at investigating the in-situ heavy oil recovery using a model core (e.g., Sandpack), as well as the synergistic effect of SiO2 supported nanoparticles on the ultimate heavy oil recovery.Knowledge Gaps: Production of unconventional resources such as heavy oil or oil sands is gaining increasing attention due to their enormous volume and worldwide distribution. In North Sea, there are also heavy oil fields such as the Mariner and Bres-say fields. In-situ viscosity reduction of the oil is considered as the main objective of any recovery process. This has been achieved by reservoir heat-ing using conventional methods such as steam and air injection or unconventional ones that apply elec-trical or electromagnetic methods. Recently, several studies have shown that the application of metallic nanoparticles and in-situ upgrading of heavy oils are more efficient than the conventional processes. However, most of the studies applied a phenomeno-logical approach. There is little characterization to correlate the properties of the nanoparticles and the resulting recovery factor. The underlying catalytic reactions giving rise to viscosity reduction is not studied in detail. Limited work has been performed on in-situ heavy oil recovery by nanoparticles.Deliverables:1. A comprehensive review on the state-of-the-art of metallic nanoparticles application for enhanced heavy oil recovery.2. Development of a facile method for large-scale preparation of size controlled metallic nanoparticles.3. Systematic study of the parameters of nanoparticles that will influence the heavy oil recovery factor, the detailed catalytic reactions underlying oil upgrading, the viscosity reduction mechanism, the thermophysical effects, and field application potential of the nanoparticles, etc. 4. Further attempt to increase the heavy oil re-covery by applying SiO2 supported metal nanopar-ticles, utilizing their synergistic effect on viscosity reduction, wettability alternation, etc.5. Educate a PhD candidate; final report on the research outcome and recommendations for imple-mentation.Main achievements last period:1. A comprehensive review on the current methods for enhanced heavy oil recovery is to be submitted.2. A high-temperature and high-pressure reac-tor has been assembled for experimental investiga-tion.3. A facile method to prepare monodispersed metal (Fe, Co and Ni) nanoparticles is formulated and cobalt nanoparticles of ~7 nm are prepared, characterized, and to be tested for reactions.

Main achievements in 2016:1. Reproducible synthesis of monodispersed metal (Fe, Co and Ni) nanoparticles.2. Investigate the catalytic activities of cobalt nanoparticles with different sizes on the upgrading of heavy oil at simulated reservoir conditions and publish a journal paper on the result.3. Investigate the catalytic activities of Fe, Co and Ni nanoparticles with similar size on the upgrading of heavy oil at simulated reservoir condi-tions and submit a paper on the result.4. Identify relevant experimental conditions to use the nanoparticles in-situ for core-flooding experiments.Environmental aspects of the project: The in situ upgrading of heavy oils in the reservoir will in gen-eral contribute to improved environmental aspects regarding oil production and eventual consumption.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:This project belongs to the Task 1, Theme 1 of the IOR Centre projects.Project estimated completion date:30.06.2018

Project title: Flow of non-Newtonian fluids in porous mediaTask: 1Project manager: Aksel HiorthKey Personnel: Irene RingenBudget: 430,500 NOK/yearDuration: 3 years (1.12.2015 – 30.11.2018)Objective: To develop physical (mechanistic) mod-els based on laboratory experiments that are capable of describing the sweep efficiency of non-Newto-nian fluids in porous media for flooding conditions representative for the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS)Knowledge Gaps: It is a challenge to evaluate field performance of polymer flooding with today’s simulation models. The model that describes poly-mer flooding are usually crude and do not take into account 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 reser-voir and displace the oil. In this project we will develop experimental tech-niques where the properties of the polymer solution, the properties of the porous media (grain size, min-eralogy, wettability), pressure and temperature is changed in a systematic way. The experimental data will be combined with numerical models both on pore scale (Lattice Boltzmann technique), core scale (Darcy scale models) and thermodynamic models for the solution in order to suggest physical sound models that can be used on Darcy scale in order to predict the behavior from cm to km scale.Deliverables: PhD thesisMain achievements last period: Project started


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Deliverables: PhD thesisMain achievements last period: The project started 1 November 2015. A literature study has started with the focus on parameters that will affect the initial wettability conditions of min-erals in reservoir rocks, and on methods to charac-terize wettability conditions.Main achievements 2016:Pass the following courses:TN900 Philosophy of science and ethics Spring 2016TN910 Innovation and project comprehension Spring 2016PET Capillary pressure, hysteresis and wettability Spring 2016PET930 Project course in reservoir engineering Autumn 2016Characterization of wettability and measurement of oil adsorption on minerals dominating in sandstone reservoirs using crude oils with different composi-tions.Environmental aspects of the project:Reliable early estimates of the wettability are im-portant for selection of optimum production strat-egy. Sea water is injected in most of the oil fields on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). With good description of fluid flow, it will be possible to optimize the oil production and thereby reduce the water production. It will also allow early focus on EOR-methods that can accelerate the oil production and thereby reduce the water production.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:More reliable early estimation of the initial wet-tability in oil reservoirs will allow more correct estimates of the potential for water flooding of oil fields on NCS. Since water flooding is the reference method for most of the oil fields on NCS, reliable estimate of initial wettability is also important for the evaluation of the potentials for water flooding and all EOR-methods, e.g. smart water flooding and polymer flooding. It will also be important for plan-ning and interpretation of EOR-pilots.Project estimated completion date:31 October 2018

Task 2: Mineral fluid reactions at nano/submicron scale Task leader: Udo Zimmermann In 2016 task 2 will continue to develop the “tool-box” for studies of rock – fluid interaction in an EOR perspective at nano/submicron scale. An important contribution will be to prepare research on clastic successions and study selected reservoir

rocks and their equivalents to prepare for future pilots.Further development of methodology for the Na-tional IOR Center of Norway will lead us to un-derstand the mineral growth in flooded chalk and identify mineral and chemical changes on micron and nanoscale in selected chalk samples.By the use of new methodology, understanding EOR mechanisms at pore-scale and describing the fluid-rock interaction during flooding will be an important target. We will work further to understand the relation between textural and chemical changes in flooded chalk together with research to understand the properties of reservoir chalk for a final geological comparison. Project title: Installation of state-of-the-art X-ray diffraction (XRD) analytical facility at NIORC for EOR researchTask: 2 Project manager: Udo ZimmermannKey Personnel: Mona Minde, Silvana Bertolino (visiting researcher)Budget: Originally 1700 kNOK (mainly salary for research scientist Dr. S. Bertolino) used 586 kNOK in 2015Duration: Originally 2 years (set-up of laboratory: 1 year, visiting research scientist 2 years)we shortened it to one year Objective: Instalment of a brand new state-of-the-art X-Ray Diffractometer purchased by Dr. M. Mad-land and Dr. U. Zimmermann for NIOR and IPT financed by UiS (!) and the adjacent laboratoryKnowledge Gaps:UiS, IRIS and even in greater Stavanger such an analytical facility does not exist. This implies that all academic and industry groups in Rogaland have to purchase these basic material-science method from third parties which implies a unnecessary amount of spending.This situation will now change. The implementation of a XRD is therefore novel for Rogaland and a gap to be filled ,as XRD technology allows for miner-alogical and compositional identification and even semi-quantification (error of 5-10%) of every rock material or any material in general. It can be used for any possible research project which uses material or rocks for testing unflooded, flooded, rock material for EOR application. Ad-ditionally, organic material can be determined and semi-quantified (error 5-10%).Main achievements last period: We also have connected the machine at its place in the analytical facility of UiS. Dr. S. Bertolino arrived and set up the machine.She trained and trains a student assistant very well as such that measurements are possible and even simple interpretation.

Since this project only involves theoretical interpre-tations of experimental data performed by others, the environmental concerns arise in a more indirect manner. In general, the proper application of EOR methods should result in an optimization of oil production, and hence in a reduction of the water cut. The same amount of oil can be extracted using less resources.Also, the selection of EOR chemicals should be done in a way that is both economically feasible, and as environmentally friendly as possible.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:In order to upscale polymer lab results, there is a need for good simulation models that can inter-pret lab results. The models developed in this PhD project will be implemented in IORSim, which will be used to simulate a polymer injection field test, which is one of two use cases in the road map. Project estimated completion date:September 2017

Project title: Thermal properties of reservoir rocks, role of pore fluids, minerals and digenesis. A comparative study of sandstone, shale and chalkTask: 1Project manager: Tijana LivadaKey Personnel: Anders Nermoen, Ida Lykke Fa-briciusBudget: Salary for one PhD and Operational PhD cost of NOK 40 000.-430500 NOK/ yearDuration: 3 yearsObjective: Destabilization of a reservoir due to thermal contraction caused by injection of low tem-perature flooding fluidKnowledge Gaps:The cooling effect when seawater is injected into a warm reservoir leading to changes in the stress state that can de-stabilize and possibly deform the reser-voir.Deliverables: Sandstone reservoirs, chalk reser-voirs and shale should preferably be compared in order to allow a discussion of the role of mineralogy and digenesis. The chemical and mechanical pro-cesses that are involved in hydrocarbons production depend upon temperature. Which mechanisms are most sensitive to temperature, and how temperature evolves through time and space through a reservoir.

Main achievements last period:Signing the contract and completing the HR orienta-tion, collaboration with ConocoPhillips in order to obtain 9 Ekofisk cores, starting literature reviewMain achievements 2016:Starting laboratory set up and experiments, com-pleting all PhD courses, publishing one paper on effect of temperature on radial stress using different reservoir rock and their comparison. Also doing a

mobility semester in the autumn semester in Copen-hagen. Environmental aspects of the project:Understanding how temperature affects mechani-cal properties of reservoir rocks and its impact on the well stability, stress-changes that indicate fault dynamics, hydraulic fracturing, and other processes that dictate the migration of fluids through space and time.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:Development of IOR methodsProject estimated completion date:31st October 2018

Project title: Wettability estimation by oil ad-sorption on minerals mainly in contact with the flowing fluid phasesTask: 1: Core scaleProject manager: Ingebret FjeldeKey Personnel: PhD-candidate Samuel ErzuahBudget: Scholarship 3 yearsDuration: 1 November 2015 – 31 October 2018Objective: Main objective:Develop method for estimation of wettability con-ditions of reservoir rocks based on wettability of minerals mainly in contact with flowing the fluid phases.Secondary objectives:Develop QCM-D method for characterization of wettability of minerals by determination of the amount of oil adsorption.For selected oil reservoir examples, determine the wettability/oil adsorption for the minerals mainly in contact with the flowing fluids in the reservoir rock using representative crude oil and water composi-tion at reservoir temperature.Develop method for estimation of the wettability conditions in reservoir rock based on the wettability of mineral composition and mineral distribution.Compare these wettability estimates with results from reservoir wettability studies using standard methods, either new measurements or existing mea-surements of good quality.Knowledge Gaps: Early evaluation of wettabil-ity is crucial for selecting optimum field develop-ment options. Information about wettability can be indirectly obtained from logging of other rock properties, but the uncertainty in estimated wettabil-ity range is often high. Wettability measurement can be obtained from Special Core Analysis (SCAL), but SCAL data is not early available. The project aims to reduce the uncertainty for early wettability estimates, which will allow more reliable potential estimates for water flooding. This will reinforce the focus on EOR-methods early in the field evaluations and developments. The hypothesis is that it is pos-sible to estimate the wettability of the reservoir rock based on the wettability of the minerals mainly in contact with the flowing fluids phases.


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Project title: Micro- and nano-analytical meth-ods for EOR(Merged project from previous smaller projects under task 2)Task: 2Project manager: Udo Zimmermann (UiS) and Mona W. Minde (IRIS)Key Personnel: Udo Zimmermann, Merete V. Madland, Mona W. Minde (PhD candidate), Ema Kallesten, Jacob Dieset, Janne Bekkum, Dina Ege-land, Signe Kristoffersen, Sofie KnutdatterBudget: 2016: 1804 kNOK total (PhD grant and project costs) (UiS; 1604 kNOK and IRIS; 200 kNOK)Duration: 14. Sept 2015 – 13. Sept 2018Objective: The overall goal for this project is to through studies at micro- and nano-scale be able to understand EOR mechanisms at pore-scale and the rock – fluid interactions which have significant ef-fect on the rock-mechanical parameters. The proj-ect aims to understand where, when and how new minerals are formed and measure the changes (or not) of the surface charge and to determine if those possible changes do provoke changes in the wetta-bility of rocks.Selected clastic reservoir rocks and their suitable on-shore analogues will be studied in terms of min-eralogical, chemical and isotopic composition with identification of facies, texture and paleontological content.Knowledge Gaps:To be able to understand EOR mechanisms at pore-scale, a proper toolbox which holds the quality and resolution to study flooded rock samples at micro- and nano-scale resolution is required.It is not yet fully understood how pore water chem-istry and the mineralogical composition of the rock influences formation of secondary minerals at pore-scale; which processes are the governing processes and which parameters are important for where, when and how new phases grow. Before a pilot in a clastic reservoir, a thorough investigation of the selected reservoir rocks should be conducted to understand possible alterations induced in the rock and its rock-mechanical param-eters by potential flooding agents.Deliverables: - PhD thesis focusing on understanding EOR mechanisms at sub-micron-scale including several peer-reviewed international publications (minimum three) and congress contribution at SPE meetings and selected conferences focusing on analytical sci-ences- A “toolbox” of analytical methodology to study EOR mechanisms at micron- and nano-scale for the identification of primary versus secondary minerals, and to understand how the composition of the fluid and the rock is reflected in the rock – fluid interactions. This includes a variety of analytical

methods such as XRD, measurement of specific sur-face area (SSA) and transmission electron micros-copy (TEM).- New insight in previously studied experi-ments with methodology not used in EOR perspec-tive before to fully understand the alterations in geo-mechanical parameters observed during flood-ing with different seawater-like brines.- Further understanding of how fractures in the flooded material and pH of the flooding brine affects rock – fluid interactions.- The MSc and BSc students at UiS are learn-ing about research for EOR purposes by engaging with the PhD students in the NIOR centre.- Direct use of methodology for the defined study samples for analyses before and after per-formed pilots.Main achievements last period:- FIB-SEM samples produced in Saarland University to arrive shortly and be analysed by TEM- Course: “Geochronology applied to petro-leum geology” AAPG, Geneva - Poster NPF “Reservoir characterization” conference, Stavanger, 2. – 3. Dec; Minde, Mona Wetrhus; Zimmermann, Udo; Mad-land, Merete Vadla. Micro-scale Characterization of Mineralogical Alterations of Fine-grained Sedimentary Rocks in an EOR perspective. NPF Conference: “Reservoir Characterization”; 2015-12-02 - 2015-12-03 IRIS UISMain achievements 2016:- SEM-EDS standards will be analysed and set into use to improve the quality of FE-SEM-EDS analyses and the compositional changes in flooded rock. Two bachelor students will write their BSc thesis on the subject and perform the analyses.- Lab-visit to Münster University, Germany, for high resolution FE-TEM analysis on flooded rock samples for identification new-formed miner-als due to flooding of non-equilibrium brines. - Visit to École Polytechnique in Paris for tests on nanoRaman for identification of new-formed minerals.- Preparation for Nd-isotopes.- Mapping of suitable methodology to achieve the high quality and high-resolution analyses of the rock samples in question. Visits to laboratories to establish the experimental set up for our purposes and to learn more about potential methodologies in Münster, Paris and Luxembourg.- Complete SSA-tests according to plan and establish best-practice measurement procedures.- Finalisation of the first manuscripts for inter-national journals- Submission of two publications in regard of porosity-permeability changes in flooded chalk in the five major on-shore chalk samples and in test with the variation of temperature.

We produced the first data for an abstract at an in-ternational conference.XRD data for PhD thesis by W. Wang are measured as well as samples from reservoir chalk for a MSc thesis by E. Kallesten and a variety of rock samples for future application.We completed the set-up of the laboratory set-up to the side of the XRD machine.Main achievements 2016: Finalization of the sample preparation laboratory in E 272. Intensive training course by Bruker for XRDMore training of student assistants.Writing more measurement programs for rock analyses.Environmental aspects of the project:During the course of the entire project it is made sure that the methods in use are not environmentally harmful.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map: The XRD laboratory will support greatly the upcoming challenges and rock property projects as well as material analyses according to the roadmap Eventual deviation from plan, related to time and cost:The stay by Dr. Silvana Bertolino was shortened but delivered the necessary expertise to us, in addition the salary for Dr. Bertolino was lower than expected so the budget has been reduced.Project estimated completion date: As envisaged end of 2016 (for the entire set-up including all methodologies and training of lab-personal) – already during 2015 the machine will be installed and running in an equipped laboratoryDeliverables: Establishing of a new method and an entire laboratory with a state-of-the-art analytical set-up for X-ray diffraction at the NIORC usable for any possible EOR related tests/research initiatives.This is an extraordinary achievement as the costs of the machine have been granted and such a purchase is novel for a single department. This analytical technique is a basic technology and it is more than surprising that there is no applica-tion available in Rogaland, which this project will change, which is a enormous push for the region but for all third parties located in Rogaland.The future application will focus on the needs of the industry related to the NIORC, which is additionally very beneficial as often XRD analysis are not set-up for specific needs. This laboratory will do that. Project title: Quantitative SEM micrograph im-age analysis Task: 2Project manager: Anders NermoenKey Personnel: Espen Jettestuen, Mona MindeBudget: Total; 550 kNOK 2016: 100 knokDuration: Original planned 1. September 2014 – 1. September 2015 Objective: Develop methods capable of captur-

ing the essential ingredients of the morphological changes occurring on the grain-scale from compac-tion and flooding of reactive brines. The aim is to quantify changes as fluid-rock interactions occur. A thoroughly written report will be presented.Knowledge gaps: How the flow of non-equilib-rium brines changes the microscopic morphology, has until now only been described qualitatively. More objective, quantitative measures are needed to understand how surface growth mechanisms, such as specific surface area changes, grain angularity, rock volume and porosity can be estimated from the images.Deliverables: Report and image analysis software using Matlab that can be used in other projects. Main achievements 2016: The script needs to be fine-tuned for efficient and accurate analyses. The values obtained from the analysis has to be treated statistically. Tuning of analyses parameters will be done to match the specific surface area and poros-ity measurements after the experiments were per-formed. Image analyses will be performed on SEM images. Environmental aspects of the project: In order to predict the final fate of reservoir fluids and of the fluids injected into reservoirs, it is important to know how and which fluids stick to rock surfaces and move through porous reservoir rocks. When non-equilibrium fluids are injected into warm reser-voir formations, rock-fluid interactions occur. These interactions change the microscopic morphology of the grains which are important to porosity and permeability, i.e. variables that are of paramount importance to the migration of immiscible fluids and to reservoir volume estimates. Dissolution and precipitation are also important to mechanical stability of reservoir rocks, especially in the reservoir volumes near wells. Linking well stability and well integrity to near-well processes could be of crucial importance for well-control and to prohibiting spillage.Geochemical investigations on e.g. how fluids changes rocks, are important when ensuring stable P&A processes (plug and abandonment) on long time intervals 100’s to 1000’s of years. The need for quantitative tools cannot be emphasised when answering questions related to how, why and when fluid-rock interactions occur, and which conse-quences these interactions have on the long-term stability of P&A operations.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map: Upscaling from pore to core scaleDeviation from plan (time & cost): The project is delayed. Due to the rather long delay, the proj-ect has been cut down in work and cost and is now to be finished Q1 2016. The budget is cut, and for 2016 100 kNOK has been allocated to complete this project.Project estimated completion date: Q1 2016


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It is the ideal tool in sample material with grain sizes above 5-6 micron. Smaller grains can be anal-ysed with a nanoRaman application.Deliverables:A new method to identify new grown minerals or any results of rock-fluid interactions. Several international publications in peer-reviewed journals.The project will develop a methodology for the future at the NIOR center to apply Raman spectros-copy to rocks or samples to be analysed.The PhD thesis will accompanied by one MSc thesis annually to develop as quick as possible a routine. This also allows us to specialise on ‘urgent’ smaller problems, which arise during IOR experi-ments. The thesis project is, as usual, in closest contact with the engineering group to gain the highest im-pact of this technique.Training of future users of Raman – which goes in hand with the efforts to receive such an application at UiS (TN).Main achievements last period:We could finish the first MSc thesis on Raman spec-troscopy.Mrs. Borromeo could reveal a relationship between Raman shift and Mg-concentration in chalk. Main achievements 2016:We will have an abstract at an international con-gress, submission had taken place.We will start to write the first manuscript on the technique.We will start to analyse reservoir chalk, flooded and unflooded.The first samples (for research projects and MSc theses) for nanoRaman spectroscopy will be anal-ysed.Environmental aspects of the project:This method is absolutely neutral and no thinkable impact on the environment. Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:It is one of the major tools for future analyses of larger-grained samples than chalk. Any pilot, which would concentrate on any thinkable clastic rock with grains larger than 6 micron will be target of that method. The project will work very closely together with the ‘clastic project’, besides its par-ticipation in all other projects.Project estimated completion date:Autumn 2017

Task 3: Pore scale Task leader: Espen Jettestuen

In 2016 we will focus on two main topics: One is the prediction of effective polymer rheologies in porous media based on experimental data of bulk

properties of polymer solutions and from DPD (Diffusive Particle Dynamics) simulations. The main goal is to understand how the effective rheol-ogy change when polymers are subjected to the complex flow patterns in real rock geometries. The second is the further study the effect of changes in surface energy and how this effects the wettability as injected water induce changes in surface chem-istry. Pore scale models which couple changes in the surface energy to contact angel has been devel-oped and will be used to study these effects.

Project title: Three-dimensional imaging and pore-scale modelling of carbonate rocks (former title: FIB-SEM imaging of chalk)Task: 2.1 3 Mapping of minerals and textural changes of minerals exposed to brineProject manager: Jan Ludvig Vinningland (jlv) IRISKey Personnel: jlv , Hongkyu Yoon (hy), Sandia National LaboratoriesBudget: US $ 100 000 (Sandia NL) + 500kNOK (IRIS)Duration: Q1 2015 – Q1 2016 Objective: High-resolution (~10 nm) 3D FIB-SEM digital geometries describing the pore space and mineral content of chalk of different origin and at different stages during the chemical flooding.Knowledge Gaps: Experiments have shown that e.g. mineral replace-ment processes and mechanical strength vary a lot between different types of chalk. Are these varia-tions caused by a slight change in mineral composi-tion, or are they geometry dependent? To investigate pore scale processes numerically we need realistic pore space geometries. This will be particularly important in two-phase simulations.Main achievements last period:Most of the chalk samples have been imaged us-ing FIB-SEM, but the information about mineral distribution in the samples has not been as not been completed yet. Almost all the activity in the project has been on the Sandia side since IRIS has not yet received any segmented geometries, only gray-scale images. A set of images is currently being segment-ed at UiO by Sigve Bøe Skattum. Main achievements 2016:Next quarter:In Q1, 2016 we expect to receive all the segmented geometries from Sandia with as detailed informa-tion about the mineral content as possible using the current equipment. IRIS will use these geometries in simulations to investigate permeability and po-rosity evolution during chemical flooding. Whole 2016:The project will end in 2016 and we expect to achieve all deliverables.Environmental aspects of the project: This is project is mainly concerned with understanding the basic mechanism, and therefore does not have any

Environmental aspects of the project:A continuous evaluation will be done as to whether the materials and EOR methods used and proposed exhibit a risk of harming the environment. Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:To be able to understand EOR mechanisms at pore-scale and below, it is important to complete a tool-box which have the quality and resolution needed to study these nano-scale processes. One of the targets of the IOR centre road map create a such a tool-box for interpretation of pilot test and during 2016 start analyses of clastic reservoir rocks and onshore equivalents.Deviation from plan, related to time and cost:This project is merged project consisting of smaller projects in task 2; T2_a_New methodologies for NIOR Stavanger for EOR purposesT2_c_ Geological studies on carbonates including chalk and chertT2_e_New horizons: Analytical advances related to chalk - training and applications of TEM, FE-SEM, and Nd isotopesT2_f_PhD_ Mona Minde Micro- and nano-analyti-cal methods,T2_i_clastic rocksProject estimated completion date:Sept 2018

Project title: 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)Task: 2Project manager: Prof. Udo ZimmermannKey Personnel: Prof. Udo Zimmermann, MSc. Nina Egeland, Prof. Merete Vadla MadlandResearch leaders: Maiya Medetbekova, PhD cand. Wenxia Wang, Dr. Reidar I. Korsnes, Dr. Anders Nermoen, Phd cand. Mona MindeAssisting students: 2 Student assistantsBudget: 1016 kNOKDuration: 1 year: September 2015-August 2016 Objective: Quantification of chemical and miner-alogical changes using a FE-TEM and nanoRaman with coupled AFMKnowledge Gaps: Quantitative data do not ex-ist for the flooded chalk samples besides very few EMPA results. All other chemical data are either modeled from effluent and injection fluid composi-tions or based on semi-quantitative EDS analyses. Generating quantitative data is paramount for the EOR research on chalk with all its implication for chemical and mineralogical modeling and the inter-pretation for effects on rock mechanics. Deliverables: This project will therefore deliver a method to apply TEM research on the quantification of new growth of minerals after flooding chalk. The

data should also be able to understand the process of the mineralogical/chemical changes in terms of dissolution and precipitation. We will carry out this research mainly together with one of the world most famous research centres and expect absolute high-class data, which could even be used for applied research. Several papers about homogenised and ‘natural’ chalk samples after flooding and a method-ology to quantify chemical changes on nano-scale. Last but not least a fruitful and intensive collabora-tion with an international CoE on highest scientific level.Main achievements last period: We started already with the tests for the research stay of Mrs. Egeland in Japan next year. We organised homo-geneous chalk material and set up the test mecha-nisms. We have planned a visit with Prof. Dr. Eizo Nakamura to exactly determine the laboratory task of Mrs Egeland to ensure the best possible prepara-tion for this stay at Misasa (ISEI). Mrs. Egeland studied intensively the different analytical tech-niques and has been involved in TEM research of Task 2.Main achievements 2016: Mrs Egeland will prepare more tests for her re-search stay. We will have visited Misasa and will have more rock mechanical tests on-going.Geological and mineralogical studies and analyses will only be made at Misasa.Environmental aspects of the project:During the course of the entire project it is made sure that the methods in use are not environmentally harmful.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:This research stay at highest scientific level enables us to gain expertise in the field of TEM research for quantification of new grown mineral phases of flooded rock material. The results will give input to our pore- and core scale models and are thus ideally matched to the roadmap.Project estimated completion date: August 2016 Project title: Raman and nano-Raman spectros-copy applied to fine-grained sedimentary rocks (chalk, siltstones and shales) to understand min-eralogical changes for IOR applicationTask: 2Project manager: Udo ZimmermannKey Personnel: Laura Borromeo, PhD studentBudget: 2016: 1104 KNOKDuration: 2014-2017Objective: Determination of new grown phases in samples of EOR experiments and methodology development.Knowledge Gaps: Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive and quick method to determine mineral phases. The method can identify very quick and without longer sample preparation mineral phases.


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chalk reservoirs can lead to compaction. The effect of changing pore fluid chemistry on the mechanical behaviour of chalk has been the subject of extensive study during the past years, but the microscopic ori-gins of the observed effects are still not well known. Recent experiments and models have shown that these effects may be explained by the interfacial forces that operate in nanoconfined fluid films in the near vicinity of grain boundaries. In particular, it has been proposed that the so-called water weaken-ing, where the strength of chalk is inversely pro-portional to the activity of water in the pore fluid, may be explained by a hydration repulsion due to water adsorption on the calcite surfaces. Weakening in the presence of sulphate ions, on the other hand, is proposed to result from the increased double layer repulsion that arises when sulphate adsorption generates a negative charge on the calcite surfaces. However, the existing theoretical framework for studying these interactions is insufficient to fully understand these effects. Further development in this field needs to progress through experimental investigations.Deliverables: 3 scientific articles, written thesis, instalment of a SFA (surface force apparatus) at the University of OsloMain achievements last period:- testing and calibration of the SFA- started to develop calcite surfaces for SFA – first tests of polishing have been made and look promising. - the PhD student participated in the Nano-Heal ITN network meeting in Lyon in October. Discussed AFM experiments with Susan Stipp and Tue Hassenkam. Initiated collaboration with Fer-nando Bresme (UCL) who has a PhD student who will use molecular simulations to model calcite surface interactions in relevant fluids (this is part of the NanoHeal project). Main achievements 2016:Next quarter: - calcite surface preparation for SFA- SFA experiments of mica-mica interactions in calcium carbonate solutionsWhole 2016: - force measurements, calcite-mica or calcite-gold in SFA- AFM experiments: calcite adhesion in NaCl-CaCO3 solution, effect of ionic strength- first paper (AFM experiments) finishedEnvironmental aspects of the project: This is a basic research project and therefor there are no direct environmental aspectsRelevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:The project will contribute to understanding the effects of chemical IOR methods on the strength of the rock, and will be of importance in both the “Development of IOR methods” and “IOR mechan-ics” parts of the road map. The weakening of the

rock, due to chemical flooding, can cause sea bed subsidence and compaction, and both are important moments in determining the validity of the IOR method. Eventual deviation from plan, related to time and cost:The PhD student was supposed to go to Copenha-gen to complete the AFM measurements in October. However, we have recently ordered a very good AFM that will be installed in Oslo in January or February. It was decided that it is better to finish the experiments here and rather focus on developing the SFA project this fall. Project estimated completion date:31 December 2017.

Project title: Description of the rheological properties of complex fluids based on the kinetic theory.Task: 3Project manager: Aksel HiorthKey Personnel: Dmitry Shogin, Per Amund Amundsen, Aksel Hiorth, Merete Vadla MadlandBudget: 2 years PostdocDuration: 01.07.2015-30.06.2017Objective: Constructing working mathematical and physical models which allow the description and prediction of the rheological properties of complex fluids in different circumstances.Knowledge Gaps: Injecting synthetic polymers into sea water substantially changes its rheologi-cal properties, which has been successfully used in oil recovery procedures. Although useful empiri-cal relations for the non-Newtonian viscosity exist and work well, they cannot be used, for example, to model the change in the rheology with the ad-dition of salts or other substances to the solvent. A thorough understanding of the underlying physics is necessary to build consistent mathematical models based on the non-equilibrium thermodynamics. Deliverables: Papers; effective mathematical and physical models that can be used in practice to pre-dict the rheological properties based on microscopic parameters and experimental input.Main achievements last period:A basic simplified model, where the polymer mol-ecules are represented by two massive beads con-nected by a nonlinear finitely elongated spring, has been formulated. The results demonstrating the rheological properties of dilute polymer solutions in simple shearing flows have been obtained.Main achievements 2016: Developing a physical model which describes the rheological properties of diluted polymer solutions, taking the salinity of the solvent into account. Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:Polymer flooding is widely used in oil recovery, so physical and mathematical models describing

direct environmental aspectsRelevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:The project will provide detailed geometries of the pore space in real chalk rocks with informa-tion about the spatial mineral distribution. These geometries are essential in a numerical study of the pore scale oil-mobilizing mechanisms, which is an integral part of the IOR Centre activities. Some of the analysed rock samples are flooded samples and these may also contribute to a better interpretation of core scale experiments. A main objective in this project is also to identify a minimum sample size for Darcy-scale measurements in numerical simu-lations; a fundamental question in the up-scaling activity of the IOR Centre. Eventual deviation from plan, related to time and cost:FIB-SEM analysis delayed by about 3 months, but original completion date is still expected to hold.Project estimated completion date:Q4, 2016 Deliverables:1.The original grey-scale SEM images of the FIB sliced samples2.Segmented 3D representations of the solid and void space of the samples3.A map of the mineral content of the solid voxels in the 3D geometries 4.A joint peer-reviewed publication

Project title: Peridynamics simulation of chalk – from nanometer to centimeterTask: 3/4 Porescale/UpscalingProject manager: Anders Malthe Sørennsen (ams), UiOKey Personnel: ams, Sigve Bøe Skattum (sbs), UiOBudget: None (The use of the Sandia chalk geom-etry)Duration: Part of sbs’s PhD work. 3/4 years Objective: Develop a scale invariant model of the materialproperties that can reproduce and pre-dict material properties at different length scales. The model will be developed through systematic peridynamics simulations based on the geometry and mineralogy of realistic chalk samples, and the model will include mechanical effects, fluid flow and fluid-induced reations. Predictive simulations can be used to determine the mechanical effects due to the smallest observable pore structures.Knowledge Gaps: There exists lot of experimental data on the mechanical strength of chalk and how it responds to different brines. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain the findings but no consensus exist. This project is the first step towards a numerical investigation of pore scale processes that involves the interaction of mechanical strength, deformation of the chalk matrix, and fluid flow. Chalks exhibits pores on nano- to micrometers

length scales and both must be taken into account when studying mechanical strength and fluid flow. Main achievements last period: Sbs has applied the newly developed models of free surfaces in the peridynamics code to model the tensile strength of porous artificial porous structures and porous struc-tures based on scans from real chalk geometries. Sbs has also started to apply methods to recognize and map pores in 3d tomographic and FIB-SEB scans using sets of generalized basis functions to reconstruct sub-resolution structures. Main achievements 2016: Based on the simulation methods developed, we will address the mechanical response and yield strength of a porous chalk as a function of system size not only for tensile stresses, but also for com-pressive and shear stresses. The simulations will be based on real structures obtained at various scan resolutions. We will analyse the results from the newly developed methods of analysis to find the porosity and small-scale structure of tomography scans.Environmental aspects of the project: NARelevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map: The evaluation of rock mechanical properties based on pore geometry will help to understand and interpret results from IOR-methods that change the rock properties like chemical flooding. It will also be a valuable exploration tool to understand how the mineral composition of rock will affect the rock properties. Improving the segmentation techniques used on FIB-SEB scans will also improve the accu-racy of the results from other task 3 projects.Project estimated completion date: 2017-01Deliverables: Written report and publications in international journals

Project title: Experimental investigation of the effect of fluid chemistry on the adhesive proper-ties of calcite grainsTask: 3Project manager: Anja RøyneKey Personnel: Shaghayegh JavadiBudget: PhD scholarshipDuration: 3 yearsObjective: The PhD candidate will develop meth-ods for studying the interactions between calcite surfaces in the SFA and perform experiments in a range of fluid conditions. a) studying the response of the mineral interface to shear loading, to see how it correlates with the response to normal load. b) study the interaction between calcite surfaces and mica surfaces, in order to see how clay particles in the chalk may affect the mechanical behaviour.Knowledge Gaps:It is well known that the injection of fluids into


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The injected water is usually much colder than the reservoir and this causes cold fronts to move through the reservoir. Different parts of the res-ervoir are therefore at different temperatures, and as a consequence chemical changes occur at different rates depending on the local temperature. The effects of temperature gradients and varia-tions in flow rates are generally not considered in core flooding experiments since the injection rate and temperature are kept constant. In addition, the injection of seawater on NCS over the last 30 years has changed the chemical composition of the formation water and altered the reservoir host rock. The unflooded outcrop rocks commonly used in core experiments may therefore not be very rep-resentative of production reservoir. For all these reasons core experiments do not directly translate to the reservoir scale and can only calibrate mod-els designed to make this translation.In 2016, we will continue the large scale test of polymer rheological behavior in realistic systems. In 2015 we finished one test aiming at identifying potential show stoppers when polymer solutions flow through chokes or valves from the platform. The main conclusion from the study was that chokes are not a show stopper for polymer injec-tion, but that care needs to be taken. The project identified three possible solutions to shear degra-dation in chokes. In 2016 we will make plans and start up the next phase, focusing on degradation inside a porous rock (~m scale). Development of IORSim will continue, so far this project has been very successful and in 2015 the code was successfully run together with ECLIPSE and predicted geochemical alterations and pro-duced water composition in a test case. In 2016 we will mainly focus on coupling geochemical reac-tions in the reservoir (e.g. due to Smart Water or Low Salinity flooding) to changes in rel perm and capillary pressure used in ECLIPSE simulations. It will then be possible through IORSim to modify the flow functions in ECLIPSE at run time in order to simulate IOR processes that are not cur-rently available in ECLIPSE. Project title: IORSim development Task 4Project manager at IFE: Jan Sagen Key Personnel: Terje Sira, Egil Brendsdal, Jan Nossen, Jan Sagen, Arild Lohne, Jarle Haukås, Aksel HiorthBudget: 9 MNOK (3MNOK per year) budget 2016 (2MNOK IFE, 1MNOK IRIS)Duration: 2014-2016Objective: Perform upscaling of laboratory scale simulations and measurements by coupling the appropriate flow and geochemical models to a full field reservoir simulator, Eclipse. Should also con-sider coupling to OPM simulator.Main achievements last period: The main devel-

opment topics last quarter has been to improve per-formance on field cases Norne, Ekofisk and Snorre. The temperature option in IORSim agrees now with 1. order temperature option in Eclipse. The tempera-ture calculation has also been tested for single well residual oil saturation test cases (SWCTT). Substan-tial work on separate grid refinement for chemical species has also been done, and a technical design of handling well crossflow in IORSim, has been established. A strategy has also been worked out for improving the efficiency of the back coupling between IORSim and Eclipse. Main achievements 2016: Improve the back coupling between IORSim and Eclipse. Run more tests with the backward cou-pling, optimize for speed. Implement 2. order numerical method for the temperature calculation and design overburden/underburden heat transport functionality. Run IORSim on Ekofisk field case and Snorre case. Implement cross flow for wells in IORSim compatible with the Eclipse cross flow option. Run some tests on the separate species grid refinement option on simple cases.Topics that we hope to achieve in 2016: 1. Further development and testing of the spe-cies grid refinement optiono Separate grid refinement for the species calculation will be implemented in IORSim. The grid refinement for ordinary blocks, has already been implemented , but not tested together with the sequential algorithm. The species grid refinement option will be extensively tested on smaller and larger generic cases, in addion to one or more field cases. 2. Implementation of higher order methods (species- and temperature integration)o Specially on Snorre we see the need to implement 2. order method for the temperature and species calculation. A scheme of type FLS (Flux Limiting Scheme) or TVD (Total Variation Delim-iter) will be adopted. The numerical algorithm will have to be considered. Probably, an implicit treat-ment of the flux terms and an explicit treatment of the delimiters will be implemented. 3. Further development and testing of IORSim back coupling to Eclipseo Both the physical and numerical modelling of the back coupling algorithm will have to be con-tinuously improved throughout the IORSim project. To have full utilization of the modelling capabilities of the IORSim Eclipse coupling, it is important that the models are reflecting the reservoir physics and chemistry in the best possible way. Together with the general performance on field cases, this will be a crucial point for the success of IORSim. 4. Implementation of IORSim in Ocean and Petrel based on the Jarle’s prototypeo It is also of vital importance to enhance the user friendliness of the IORSim model so that it can be more widely used. An important part of this, is

the rheological properties of polymer solutions and explaining the influence of the relevant physical and chemical factors, are highly useful. Project estimated completion date:30.06.2017

Project title: Improved oil recovery molecular processes (post-doc project).Task: 3 Pore Scale Modelling, Molecular Process-es (post-doc)Project manager: Roar Skartlien (IFE)Key Personnel: Teresa Palmer (post doc. UiS)Budget: 2016: NOK 1.004.000 Salary for Teresa PalmerDuration: September 2015 – September 2017Objective:Predict polymer behavior in a single pore using Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) simulations. We will use the DPD simulation results to construct generalized rheological models for the effective viscosity of the polymer solution in pore flow, and develop phenomenological relations for the polymer concentration profile, cross-channel polymer migra-tion, adsorption, that can be incorporated in rheol-ogy models. Later in the project, we plan to extend the activities to investigate the effect of polymer flow on residual oil at the pore scale. Knowledge Gaps:The distribution of polymer due to migration leads to a varying concentration profile of polymer across the pore channel. Experiments show that a deple-tion layer near the mineral surface develops, caus-ing a near-wall slip effect that leads to significantly lowered effective viscosity and increased flow rates. This effect is more important for microscale chan-nels, such as 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 onto the mineral surface. It is known that interactions with the mineral surface leads to hydrodynamic drift perpendicular to the wall, but other effects become more important for microscale channels.The DPD simulations will give us an understand-ing the physical mechanisms behind migration of polymer away from the mineral wall. This under-standing can be used to construct phenomenological models for the depletion layer near the wall as a function of polymer length, local shear rate, con-centration and salinity. This can be used to calculate effective viscosities in porous media.Deliverables: • A rheology model that in-cludes polymer migration, adsorption and salinity effects.• The generalized rheology model can be used in LB simulations on the core scale, to evaluate ef-fective viscosities in larger pore geometries (effec-tive Darcy scale rheology), with comparison to core flooding data.

• Journal publications from DPD simulations and depletion layer model development Q4/2016.Main achievements last period:The DPD simulation model has been adapted to include mineral surfaces with varying profiles and composition and polymers. Polymer adsorption and salinity effects are incorporated. The model has been adapted for higher Schmidt numbers to pro-vide more realistic diffusion properties of the poly-mers. Test runs have been carried out to validate the code in terms of polymer concentration profiles, and polymer extension in both flow and non-flow conditions, with comparison to the literature. Main achievements 2016:To develop a first version of a phenomenological model for the polymer depletion layer thickness as function of flow and polymer parameters. Analyse the effect of depletion and pore size (diameter) on the effective viscosity through the pore channel.Environmental aspects of the project:Because this is a modelling project, there are no direct environmental aspects. However, results from this project, such as information on polymer adsorp-tion onto the mineral surfaces and polymer transport through the pores, can be used to evaluate the envi-ronmental impacts of polymer flooding.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:This project is relevant to milestone 3 in the road map, as it will supply pore scale effects on the ef-fective viscosity of the polymer solution, and this can be used as input for core scale modelling. The results can be used in an exploratory manner to sug-gest desirable polymer properties in polymer flood-ing. Therefore, this project will also be relevant for the “Development of the IOR-methods” in theme 1.Project estimated completion date: September 2017

Task 4: Upscaling and environmental impactTask leader: Aksel Hiorth

What are the most important parameters from smaller scales that are important to describe flow on a larger scale? Chemical EOR methods, such as injecting water of specific composition (e.g., low salinity, smart water), surfactants, and poly-mers have proven their potential on core scale. But, 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. In the reservoir, transport is dominated by advection with an average flow rate that varies a lot depend-ing on the distance from the injector or producer.


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ference in San Antonio - TX February 1-5, 2016. Main achievements 2016:- Paper is submitted for publishing at Ameri-can Water Works Association (AWWA).- One abstract is submitted for Singapore Wa-ter Week, July 2016.- Two abstracts submitted for European De-salination Society Conference (EDS) to be held in Rome, Italy, May 2016.- Experiments using Hydranautics membrane to be finished and results will be finalised.- Testing with Filmtec membrane will start in October.Main research plan in 2016:- AWWA/AMTA Membrane Technology Con-ference in San Antonio - TX February 1-5, 2016. - Evaluation of synthetic produced water and design of an experimental model for oil removal.- Experiments with oil free synthetic pro-duced water and reuse it for smart water production for EOR. - Testing a new membrane pilot unit with seawater for smart water production will be done during the same period. Environmental aspects of the project: Smart water production experiments are done to minimise use of chemicals currently used in the industry for injection purposes. Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map: “Recover for the future” is the official slogan for all IOR projects, and is definitely true for our Smart Water project; i.e., more oil with no chemi-cals.Eventual deviation from plan, related to time and cost: Time for completion has been extendedAs shown below; completion May 2018.Project estimated completion date: May, 2018

Project title: Investigating the environmental fate and effects EOR chemicalsTask: 4.2 Environmental impactProject manager: Eystein OpsahlKey Personnel: Roald Kommedal, Aksel Hiorth Budget: KNOK 1004 ( Salary PhD and other costs) 1 Phd position + 40 000 NOK annual assets Duration: 4 yearsObjective: To investigate the environmental impact of chemical EOR, predominantly polymer flood-ing, because of sheer volumes used which is usually back-produced after some time and its high poten-tial to improve oil recovery rates. The environmen-tal impact will be assessed by finding the chemicals environmental fate in degradation studies and eco-toxicological effects by in vitro and in vivo studies on marine species. Knowledge Gaps: Analytical methods for low con-centrations of polyelectrolytes (polymers). Ultimate fate of polymers in the marine environment. Degra-dation pathways of polymeric material, biological as well as physical/chemical. Amount of chemical that

will be back produced and released to sea. Useful-ness of biopolymers versus synthetic polymer types. Deliverables: Provide new knowledge about the fate and effect of polyelectrolytes for better under-standing environmental consequences of their use. Improved methodology for quantifying low concen-trations of solved polyelectrolytes in environmental samples and produced water. Provide a recommen-dation for choice of polymers for EOR purposes. Main achievements last period:Started teaching students with 3 lectures. Established industry and academic contacts within the field. Acquired chemical samples for use in the study. Chosen analytical methods to pursue further, pro-cured analytical equipment but awaiting training. Halfway finished with compulsory Ph.D course in innovation and project comprehension.. The candidate is now up to date on EOR technol-ogy. Held three presentations about the project, one for the IOR center, one for the Norwegian research council and one for many other Ph.D. students Attended 3 day conference in Manchester on oilfield chemicals and environmental responsibility. Function as student contact for KJE-100 course. Finished Final project proposalMain achievements 2016:3 day course in laboratory animal science at UiB in March, allowing the candidate to actively partici-pate in in vivo studies on marine animals.Finish current compulsory course in innovation and project comprehension.Start new compulsory course in science and ethics.Participate in 1 week site visit to SNF Floerger SAS for training on analytical polymer chemistry.Participate in 1 week training course at WYATT for A4F MALS. Learn practical analytical methods in detail.Contribute to conference in Oslo with talk/poster presentationFurther work on legal contracts regarding coopera-tion within academia and industry.Begin looking into a review paper on extracellular marine enzymes, crucial for understanding environ-mental biodegradation. Project estimated completion date:2019/2020

Project title: CO2 Foam EOR Field PilotsTask: 4Project manager: Arne Graue (UiB)Key Personnel: Arne Graue, Svein Skjæveland and Mohan SharmaBudget: From UiS: Salary for one PhD and Opera-tional PhD cost of NOK 40 000.- From UiB: Travel funds as neededDuration: 3 yearsObjective: Perform numerical modeling studies for pilot design (planned onshore in USA); Scale-up

to utilize the Petrel and Ocean frameworks to their full potential in relation to IORSim. Hence it will be important to study the tools and applications prop-erly, and to optimize the IORSim Eclipse coupling within the Petrel and Ocean environment. 5. Testing on small and medium size caseso Extensive and systematic testing on generic cases will be performed to prepare for the full field application of IORSim.6. Implementation of heat conduction (over-burden, underburden) in IORSimo In case of flow in thin reservoir zones, the contribution of heat transfer from underburden and overburden may be substantial. In order to take this into account, heat transfer from non-active blocks must be considered, extending the present calcula-tion in IORSim. In addition to applying the sequen-tial method for calculating the flow, we will need to solve the heat transport implicitly by solving a diffusion type of equation.7. Inclusion of well model (species and tem-perature) in IORSimo In order to take into account the forma-tion heating of the fluids on their way down to the reservoir, heat transport between the well and the formation must be implemented. A challenge here is that at presenty, we are only taken active blocks into account in IORSim. Hence the thermal model must be extended with no flow blocks. 8. Making IORSim compatible with Eclipse’s cross flow optiono In the species calculation of today, only the positive perforation production rates are taken into account for a producer. The species mass produc-tion is calculated solely based on these rates. In the crossflow option of Eclipse, flow between reservoir layers may occur through the well itself. Extra spe-cies mass flow terms for the well must be added in IORSim, in order to become compatible with this option in Eclipse.Knowledge gaps:Today, there is a big gap between models on the laboratory scale and the full field models. The work with IORSim is intended to contribute to filling this gap, by making the small scale modelling available also on the field scale through coupled models Deliverables: A coupled model taking into account both geochemical modelling and the full field reser-voir modelling with for instance Eclipse.Environmental aspects of the project:The IORSim work can contribute to establishing more efficient IOR processes which in turn can con-tribute to environmental issues in a positive way.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map: IORSim may become important as part of the delivery package from the IOR centre to the indus-try. Possible coupling to the OPM simulator can also contribute to improved cooperation between groups of researchers, and between centre tasks. It can also provide new understanding on some as-

pects of IOR modelling.Eventual deviation from plan, related to time and cost: On scheduleProject estimated completion date: 31. Dec 2016

Project title: Smart Water for EOR by Mem-branesTask: 4Project manager: Torleiv BilstadKey Personnel: Remya R. Nair and Evgenia Pro-tasova Budget: 3430 NOKDuration: 3 yearsObjective: Pre-treatment and production of injec-tion water from seawater, pre-treatment of Produced Water Knowledge Gaps: 1. Pretreated seawater is used as the source. Concentration of individual ions are changed and passed through different membranes. Identification of the membrane property which is best suited for injection water composition.2. Using produced water (synthetic) as the raw water source: Identification of simple pretreatment methods for removal of oil and other suspended solids before passing through the membrane. Deliverables:1. PhD candidate2. Establish which membranes and combina-tions of membranes are yielding optimal IOR water.3. Energy required for different combinations of membranes and pre-treatments.4. Produced water as a source for Designer Watera. Is it possible with membranes? And to what extend?b. What are the required pre-treatment and lab scale modelling of pre-treatment equipments?c. Flux developments and cleaning regimes for membranesd. Estimation of energy consumption for the whole processMain achievements last period:- Paper is submitted for publishing in Elsevier for “October special edition”. This is a continuation of the oral and poster presentations at the 2nd Inter-national Conference on Desalination using Mem-brane Technology, Singapore, 26 – 29 July, 2015- International Desalination Association (IDA) World Congress 2015, August 30th – September 4th in San Diego, California. One oral presentation and a digital poster presentation. Paper submitted for publishing in the IDA journal.- Construction of Dreamliner is finished. The unit is currently under quality check at the Mem-brane Lab E168 @ UiS. Smart water research will continue with the Dreamliner.- Preparation for two papers that were accept-ed at AWWA/AMTA Membrane Technology Con-


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Aim:Develop new and improved methodology that will support the evaluation and decision making with regards to IOR/EOR pilots at the Norwegian Con-tinental Shelf (NCS). This addresses the potential of producing the resources in unswept areas as well as mobilizing the trapped resources in swept areas. The research will be carried out according to the IOR centre Road Map, focusing on challenges for the entire NCS while demonstrating the improved methodology on the specific use cases selected. Modeling:Reservoir modeling and history matching will be performed using ensemble based framework. This ensures a workflow where all available data can be assimilated, a large number of model parameters can be history matched (updated), and, where an uncer-tainty measure consistent with the geological uncer-tainty can be obtained. The ensemble based method-ology also enables the development on non-intrusive methods that can exploit the use of parallel process-ing and exploit advances in computational power. Essential in the proposed research are the inclusion and uncertainty quantification of 4D seismic data. Simulation:A range of reservoir simulators will be used in-cluding commercial reservoirs simulators, such as ECPLISE, open source simulators like OPM, and in-house reservoir simulators such as the IORSim described in Theme 1. The research focuses on improved modeling methodology for simulation of IOR/EOR and aims to make the results available in OPM. Among the focuses for the coming period are model formulations for multiphase flow in fractured porous media, modelling of near well flow scenari-

os, interaction with IORSim, compositional model-ling and higher order numerical methods. Optimization and evaluation:Research will focus on improved methodology for optimizing the production strategy to improve volumetric sweep and to evaluate the economy of IOR/EOR projects. An ensemble of history matched models will be used to account for the uncertainty in the reservoir description and to obtain realistic uncertainty propagation onto the predicted produc-tion/behavior of the reservoir. The latter especially important when evaluating the economy of a poten-tial EOR project. We will focus on the following areas within Theme 2:• Further development of tracer technology• Improvement of reservoir simulation tools with regards to IOR/EOR processes• Robust production optimization• Better history matching through improved data as-similation tools• Inclusion of 4D seismic data in ensemble based history matching• Evaluation of economic potential• Investigating the connection between the reservoir complexity and recovery factor potential• Develop new and improved methodology while demonstrating the tools on use cases

Theme 2: Mobile oil - reservoir characterisation to improve volumetric sweepTheme 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.

Theme leader: Randi Valestrand

CO2-foam EOR from laboratory to field.Knowledge Gaps: Experimental work has been carried out in laboratories at UiS/IRIS and UiB over last few years, to demonstrate application of foam-ing agents for mobility control of CO2 flood in het-erogeneous reservoirs, and to understand parameters influencing flow behavior under CO2-foam flood at core scale. However, there is a limited understand-ing of scaling up lab data to pilot/field scale. This project aims to bridge the gap by conducting a pilot scale study to identify the important mechanisms which are observed at lab scale and are required to describe flow at reservoir scale.Deliverables: Improved understanding of up-scal-ing EOR, Reports/PublicationsMain achievements last period: N.A.Main achievements 2016:Simulation results of laboratory CO2-foam core floods, to extract relevant model parameters; Work with other members to create a baseline numerical model for pilot-scale prior to implementing CO2 and/or CO2-foam flood, and carry out sensitivity studies for various production/injection scenarios.Environmental aspects of the project:The project is a part of larger collaboration with other universities and companies, which aims at CO2 sequestration by applying CO2 EOR.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:The project aims at understanding fluid displace-ment mechanisms under CO2-foam flood in hetero-geneous reservoirs, by creating a framework that integrates data from various scales (core, block and pilot). Experience from CO2-foam pilots currently planned onshore in USA will be used for effective pilot design on NCS, and mitigate risks associated with offshore field-scale implementation.Project estimated completion date:Q4 2018


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Theme 2: The projectsTask 5: Tracer technology Task leader: Tor Bjørnstad

The main purpose of Task 5 is the development of tracer technology to measure the (remaining) oil saturation, either in the flooded volume between wells in well-to-well operations or in the near-well region out to some 10 m from the well in single-well huff-and puff operations. The deliverables from this task will be field-applicable methods and procedures to carry out such measurements in reservoirs.

A PhD-student started in April last year on de-velopment and studies of interwell oil/water par-titioning tracers. 16 tracer candidates have been selected for further studies in 2016. This work will include the following tasks for 2016: Thermal stability, stability against sorption to rock material and biodegradation, start on dynamic studies by coreflooding studies on lab scale and start develop-ing analytical methods for field samples for those tracer candidates that show promises.

The single-well studies are mainly been carried out in post.doc.-work. Here, the main focus have been to develop (synthesize) hydrolyzing tracers with fluorescent properties. This work will contin-ue in 2016. These compounds are chelates, mainly of rare earth metals, of which europeum (Eu) have been chosen as a “reference”. The main challenge is to develop chelate formers with the necessary properties. Continuation of this work has the main focus in 2016. By so-called time-resolved fluores-cence it is possible to develop very sensitive ana-lytical methods for such compounds applicable for on-site analysis. For promising candidates show-ing acceptable analytical properties, hydrolysis rates will be measured and dynamic huff-and-puff experiments carried out in lab-scale core studies.

Project title: Tracer technology for improved reservoir managementTask 5.1:Project manager: Tor Bjørnstad, IFE

Project progress: Theme 2


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2,6-Dimethylpyrazine was also decided to be put “on hold”. The tests for the analyzable 13 candi-dates were also carried out with a mixture of 10 PPM of each tracer prepared in synthetic Gulfaks production water. Figure one presents the obtained chromatogram. Static stability experiments are ex-pected to start in November.Main achievements 2016: 1. Academic courses TN900, TN910 and PET907 completed at UiS2. The course KJM 9000 “Analysis and struc-ture determination I (LC-MS)” will be taken at UiO (5 credits)3. Established optimized analytical procedures with detection limits for the 16 tracer candidates4. First results on thermal stability5. First results on stability against chemical degradation6. First results on stability against microbial degradation7. First results from static sorption experiments to relevant reservoir rocks8. First results on phase partitioning (different waters/different oils)Environmental aspects of the project:The laboratory project has no impact on the envi-ronment. Environmental compatibility becomes important when considering the eventual use of the potential new tracers in oil reservoirs.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:This project has been defined from the beginning of the program planning, and has been built into the Road Map for Task 5.Project estimated completion date:April 2018

Project title: Tracer technology for improved reservoir managementTask 5.4: Single-Well Chemical Tracer Technology, SWCTTSubtitle: Esterified Lanthanide Chelates for SOR determination in Single-Well Tracer TestProject manager: Tor Bjørnstad, IFEKey Personnel: Thomas Brichart (post.doc.), Alex-ander Krivokapic (research scientist)Budget: 650 000 NOK until 31st December 2015Duration: 31 December 2017Objective: Develop new reacting (hydrolysing) tracers for single-well push-and-pull operation to determine residual oil saturation in the near-well zone. The new tracers have “build-in” analytical functionality: They are metal (rare-earths) chelates and exhibit strong fluorescent properties. Knowledge Needs: More competence and new technology with better precision, faster operation, cheaper and with simpler logistics and lower foot-print on off-shore installations that enables esti-mation of the fluid saturation, and especially the residual oil saturation SOR, in the near-well region both before and after special EOR-campaigns.

Deliverables:1. Tracers and tracing methods that can be used to estimate the oil saturation in the near-well region, which again can be used to evaluate the success of IOR processes. 2. Field tracer service based on these innova-tive methods.Main achievements last period: We have performed luminescence measurement of the previously synthesized ester-derivatives of the DTPA chelate. During those measurements, it

has become clear that the esters end groups had an influence on both the shape of the signal and the lifetime of the complex formed with europium ions. These differences between the ester-version and the acid-version of DTPA could in fine be quanti-fied in order to determine both the total amount and the ratio between hydrolyzed and non-hydrolyzed versions of the chelate. This quantification could in turn make possible the determination of SOR.In the next figure, we can observe the intensity of the three main peaks of europium emission at 595, 615 and 700 nm. The intensity of the signal at 565 nm has also been included as reference. In this graph, we can observe the changes in luminescence intensity and peaks ratios during the hydrolysis of a hexa-ester derivative of DTPA. Two main fea-tures can be noted, first the small increase in overall luminescence intensity displayed by the increase of the peaks at 595 and 700 nm. The second feature is the inversion of the peak ratio between the inten-sity of the peak at 595 nm and the peak at 615 nm. This inversion results from the expulsion of water molecules near the metallic center of the ion, this phenomena can be attributed to the hydrolysis of the ester groups which could quantified that way.Another study looking only at the luminescence lifetime of a mixture of dtpa-esters showed a clear increase of the complex lifetime as hydrolysis took place. This result confirms the detectability of such changes and the possibility to determine the ratio between ester-version and acid-version of dtpa mol-ecules chelating lanthanide ions.Further studies have been carried out in order to characterize the products and by-products of the ester synthesis using the method mentioned in the previous report. An analysis carried out using mass

Key Personnel: Sissel Opsahl Viig, Tor Bjørnstad, Alexander Krivokapic, Thomas Brichart (post.doc.), Mürside Kelesoglu (post.doc.), Mario Silva (PhD-student)Budget: 2015: KNOK 2066, 2016: KNOK 2000Objective: Developing PITT (Partitioning Interwell Tracer Technology) and SWCTT tracers to measure SOR in flooded areas between wells and in the near-well region. In addition, to SOR, the determination of other parameters will be investigated, eg average pH and temperature. In addition to molecular com-pounds, the applicability of nano-particle tracers will be investigated and studies started on the most promising technology. Nano-technology opens up for a new principle in push-and-pull operations not previously proposed or investigated.Knowledge Needs: More competence and better technology that makes it possible to estimate the oil saturation in a wide range of reservoir condi-tions both in the near-well and interwell region both before and after special EOR-campaigns.Deliverables:Tracers that can be used to estimate the remaining (residual) oil saturation in the flooded interwell region (well-to-well tests) and in the near-well region (single-well huff-and-puff tests) that can be used to evaluate IOR processes.Main achievements last period: See Tasks 5.2., 5.3. and 5.4.Main achievements 2016:See the progress report for Tasks 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4.Environmental aspects of the project:The laboratory project has no impact on the envi-ronment. Environmental compatibility becomes important when considering the eventual use of the potential new tracers in oil reservoirs.Relevance according to the Road Map:This activity is in line with the main purpose of Theme 2, Task 5, defined from the start of the Cen-tre program.

Project title: Tracer technology for improved reservoir managementTask 5.2: PhD-study: New PITT*) tracers for inter-well reservoir monitoringProject manager: Prof. Tor Bjørnstad, IFE (main PhD supervisor), Prof. Svein Skjæveland (addition-al supervisor)Key Personnel: PhD-student Mario Silva Budget: PhD-cost paid by UiSDuration: April 2015-April 2018Objective: Development of chemical molecular tracers which are oil-water partitioning and which form “true” molecular solutions in both phases (i.e. they are not enriched on the phase boundary) with partition coefficients suitable for application in fields to determine residual (remaining ) oil satura-tion in flooded areas between wells.Knowledge Gaps: The PITT method was qualified at IFE the last few years, but the selection of ap-

plicable phase-partitioning tracers is limited. There is a need to develop more phase-partitioning tracers with desired properties.Deliverables: Dr.-thesis containing 3-4 publications with an introductory chapter, describing laboratory-qualified phase-partitioning tracers potentially applicable for field monitoring of residual oil saturation. Optional (if time allows): Field-qualified technology based on results from pilot experiments.Main achievements last period: Ongoing studies for the course unit “PET 907 Colloidal systems” and evaluation presentations are foreseen for late November 2015.The research activities lead to the selection of 16 tracer candidates for further testing. Test methods based on UPLC-UV were developed for 13 of those compounds, one was decided to be put “on hold”, while a test method based on GC-FID for the other two is development. Batch stability tests are expect-ed to be initiated in November 2015.1. Academic trainingDifficulties were encountered for registration within UiS and its online systems, which were only com-pletely overcome in late September 2015. Signing up for the course units of “TN900 Philosophy of science and ethics”, “TN 910 Innovation and project comprehension” (both available in spring 2016) and “PET 907 Colloidal systems” completed. Studies for PET 907 have been engaged and evaluation pre-sentations are foreseen for late November 2015.2. Research activities

2.1. Tracer candidates’ selectionA thorough literature study was carried out, leading to the selection of 31 possible candidates, of which 16 were selected for testing. 2.2. Tracer candidates’ testingExperiments started with the development of test methods for the determination of tracer candidates on the concentration of static stability experiments (PPM range). Tracer candidates were divided in two groups: a test method based on gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) for de-termination of 1,6-Hexanediol and 1,2-Hexanediol is currently in development, while for the rest of the tracer candidates, a test method based ultra-per-formance liquid chromatography with ultra-violet photometric detection (UPLC-UV) (measuring at 222 and 254 nm) is already developed. Separation of 2,3-Dimethylpyrazine and 2,6-Dimethylpyrazine proved impossible in the analytical conditions, and

Fig 1. – Chromatogram of 13 tracer candidates in syn-thetic Gulfaks production water, and peak identification


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journal papers, conference contributions and simu-lation software within the OPM framework. Tenta-tive schedule for software development: 2015: Add chemical components (e.g. polymer, CO2) and temperature to black oil simulator. 2016: Near wellbore modelling tools; Coupling to IORSim; Experimental simulations based on 1) Higher order discretisation schemes (PostDoc IRIS) and 2) Alternative multiphase (relperm) formula-tions developed at UiS. 2017: IOR field studies.Main achievements last period: UiS: Submitted article ‘A Model for Reactive Flow in Fractured Porous Media’ to the journal Chemical Engineering Science. IRIS: Contributed to functionality and performance of the OPM black oil simulator; e.g. additional rela-tive permeability models, solvent functionality, im-proved solvers and parallelization. Version 2015.10 of the framework released. Testing the OPM black oil model and polymer model on scales relevant for a detailed single well model. Finalizing paper on higher order, fully implicit schemes applied to poly-mer flooding (postdoc). Continued work on a paper on parallel reservoir simulation (Klöfkorn).Main achievements 2016: UiS: Further develop and apply a new correlation for relative permeability. Complete manuscript ‘A Fracture-Matrix Modeling Approach To Study Heterogeneity Effects During Multi Phase Flow In Fractured Porous Media’, should be submitted for a journal in January. Consider single well test scenarios: 1) Flow in fractured porous media with chemistry, and 2) Silicate injection in heterogeneous media. Use fracture-matrix models to study inter-action of spontaneous imbibition and wettability alteration during injection of seawater-like brines.IRIS: Interaction with IORSim will be implement-ed at an increasing level of sophistication, start-ing from simple file exchange and aiming at fully integrated execution. Continue work on single well scenarios: alternative well model formulation allow-ing direct resolution of wellbore-reservoir interac-tion. Paper on higher order, fully implicit schemes applied to polymer flooding (postdoc) to be submit-ted for ECMOR 2016 and later journal publication. Through relevant simulation cases, we will seek to demonstrate how results from basic investigations (UiS and IRIS-postdoc) can challenge current simu-lation practice for realistic models.Environmental aspects of the project: No direct consequences. Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map: Both the IORSim interaction and near-well modelling effort support simulation tasks relevant to the forthcoming pilot study. Also, the more basic investigations within this project are considered relevant. The higher order schemes (postdoc IRIS) might eventually provide the necessary ability to transport species with required accuracy. Investiga-

tions into model structure and formulations (UiS) will aid the transition to reservoir scale simulations.Project estimated completion date: 31.12.2017

Project title: Advanced Numerical Methods for Compositional Flow Applied to Field Scale Reservoir ModelsTask: 6.2 Reservoir simulation tools.Project manager: Robert Klöfkorn (IRIS)Key Personnel: Tor Harald Sandve (IRIS), Anna Kvashchuk (PhD-student UiS/IRIS)Budget: 2016: IRIS: 800 KNOK UiS: (PhD) 970 KNOKDuration: 2016-2018Objective: Develop a compositional flow module for the black oil flow simulator in OPM. Key ingre-dient will be higher order approximations, including thermal effects, and with appropriate coupling to the flow simulator. The project this will include field scale simulation of “smart water” where thermal ef-fects cannot be neglected. Progress made in the sis-ter project, such as innovative model formulations for imbibition effects due to water-rock chemistry (UiS) will be taken into account. Findings in this project (e.g. higher order methods and coupling) will also made available to IORSim activities. Note that higher order methods are also addressed in the sister project, but both the application (polymer vs compositional) and basic methodology (finite vol-ume vs discontinuous Galerkin) are different. There is also important distinctions to be made compared to IORSim which is based on classical (diffusive) techniques amended with grid refinement.Knowledge Gaps: Accurate numerical approxima-tions are crucial for simulation of transport process-es, since numerical diffusion (a typical character-istic of low order methods) leads to smeared fronts and the effect is usually amplified when chemical reactions are taking place and computed from incor-rect species concentrations. These features are not provided in commercial simulators and also not yet provided in OPM. Currently, thermal effects cannot be simulated with OPM flow to a satisfactory level (e.g. temperature is not a primary variable). Com-mercial simulators like eclipse also do not provide thermal simulation to the level needed for the stud-ies within the IOR Centre.Deliverables: Deliver scientific work in terms of journal papers, conference contributions, and simu-lation software within the OPM framework.Main achievements last period: Hiring of PhD student Anna Kvashchuk (start January 2016).Main achievements 2016: In early 2016 we will establish a simplified compositional flow mod-ule which serves as basis for implementation and testing of the higher order method on corner point grids, e.g. the Norne field. Initial investigation of necessary interface changes within OPM flow will be carried out. Throughout 2016 the implementation of the higher order method will be accomplished

spectroscopy revealed the presence of large quanti-ties of hexa-ester dtpa along with smaller amount of penta, tetra, tri, di and mono-ester dtpa. Residual quantities of unreacted dtpa have also been found.Several new syntheses have been performed in order to synthesize new forms of dtpa-ester. The goal is to form mono-ester dtpa with the ester group being placed either on an end-chain acid or on the middle one. In order to obtain such products, milder conditions have been tried as well as different synthesis routes. One route that seems promising is to first form a bis-anhydride version of the dtpa (figure above) in order to (i) provide a reaction site only with the lone carboxylic acid, or (ii) use mild reaction techniques with limited reagent quantities to esterify only 1 out of the 2 anhydrides.Although some syntheses have already been car-ried out, it has proven to be difficult to analyze the results. The small differences between the base reagent and the products of the synthesis make their separation difficult. With that goal in my mind, sev-eral HPLC analysis have been carried out varying solvents, ratios, gradients and columns in order to obtain the best possible separation. This will in turn be used to perform preparative columns in order to separate and purify our final product.

Main achievements 2016:1. Control of the synthetic procedure for esteri-fication of DTPA-derived Eu-chelates2. Established optimized analytical procedures of the esters and hydrolysis products based on laser- (or light-) induced fluorescence.3. Determination of hydrolysis rates of the ester(s)4. Start on one-dimensional semi-dynamic experiments to determine residual oil saturation in a column/core experiment.Environmental aspects of the project:The laboratory project has no impact on the envi-ronment. Environmental compatibility becomes important when considering the eventual use of the potential new tracers in oil reservoirs.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:This project is in line with the main purpose of Theme 2, Task 5, defined from the start of the Cen-tre program.Eventual deviation from plan, related to time and cost:

We have tried and succeeded in the synthesis of multiple versions of the chelate however we still have trouble in separating our target chelate from the byproducts from the reaction. Fluorescence studies however look promising. Due to the synthe-sis and separation difficulties we have met, we have not achieved the progress originally anticipated, but the understanding of the problems have been signif-icantly improved, and the prospects are promising. Project estimated completion date:December 2017.

Task 6: Reservoir simulation toolsTask leader: Robert Klöfkorn/Svein M. Skjæveland

The overall aim for this task is to provide improved modeling methodology and simulation capabilities for IOR applications.Results from the investigations are continuously made available via the open source simulations framework OPM (see https://github.com/OPM and http://opm-project.org/), and can then immediately be tested on realistic reservoir models. Current focus includes (UiS) basic investigations on model formulations for multiphase flow in fractured porous media, and (IRIS) modelling of near well flow scenarios, interaction with chemical simulator IORSim, compositional modelling and higher order numerical methods. Project title: Adding more physics, chemistry, and geological realism into the reservoir simula-tor. Task: 6.1 Reservoir simulation tools.Project manager: Steinar Evje (UiS) and Ove Sævareid (IRIS)Key Personnel: Robert Klöfkorn, IRIS; Tor Harald Sandve, IRIS; Pål Ø. Andersen, PostDoc, UiS; Trine S. Mykkeltvedt, PostDoc, IRIS.Budget: 2014: 2938 KNOK 2015: IRIS: 3120 KNOK UiS: 1520 KNOK 2016: IRIS: 1900 KNOK UiS: 1004 KNOKDuration: 2014-2017Objective: Provide modeling methodology and simulation capabilities for IOR. Field scale simula-tion of “modified water” injection. Investigate how to represent brine-dependent behavior in terms of mathematical models and how to transfer lab-scale mechanism to field scale. Field scale simulation of fracture systems. Investigate how to take imbibi-tion effects controlled by water-rock chemistry into account on field scale. Implement the results within the OPM framework.Knowledge gaps: Standard simulators do not ac-count for the mechanisms described in “objective”Deliverables: Deliver scientific work in terms of


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efficient way.Objective: The objective of this project is to give a precise mathematical formulation of ensemble based optimization under geological uncertainty. Furthermore the project aims at improving the exist-ing methodology using more sound mathematical insight. The secondary objective is to understand and improve the formulation of the objective func-tion under uncertainty and investigate the effect uncertainty has on several different parametrizations of the problem formulation.Deliverables: 1. A review of existing gradient based and gradient free methods for production optimization.2. A theoretical formulation of ensemble based opti-mization with extension to different search distribu-tions.3. Improve the efficiency of the EnOpt method us-ing different search distributions and by combining global and local information3. Studying the effect of different formulation of the objective function under uncertainty and evalu-ate the impact of different parametrizations of the control variablesMain achievements last period: Hired PhD stu-dent. Main achievements 2016: Start reading relevant literature and focus on the theoretical aspects of the problem. Enrol as a guest student at UiB in order to be able to take courses there.Environmental aspects of the project: No direct consequences.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map: Educate PhD student. Project is an important part of Theme 2, but can also be linked to projects on EOR in Theme 1. Production optimization will be an important part in evaluation the economic potential for EOR methods for both pilot- and full-field tests.Project estimated completion date:31.10.2018

Project title: Data assimilation using 4D seismic dataTask: 7.2.1Project manager: Geir Nævdal, IRISKey Personnel: Xiaodong Luo, IRIS, Tuhin Bhak-ta (PostDoc), IRIS, Morten Jakobsen, UiB & IRIS, Kjersti S. Eikrem (PostDoc (on maternity leave)),Budget: 2016: 2800 KNOKDuration: 2014-2016Objective: Investigate ensemble based method for joint history matching of 4D seismic and production data. A special focus is paid to importance of uncer-tainty quantification of 4D seismic data.Knowledge Gaps: For history matching with 4D seismic data using ensemble based methods the weighting between production data and seismic data is a challenge, in

particular the quantification of the uncertainty in the seismic data.Deliverables: Prototype software for ensemble based 4D seismic history matching (in matlab). Study on the effects of improved uncertainty quanti-fication of 4D seismic data. Main achievements last period: Paper submitted studying effects of uncertainty quantification of seismic data. Main achievements 2016: Field case study. Development and testing of new methodology.Environmental aspects of the project: No direct environmental consequences.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:This is a major activity for preparing for monitoring and history matching, which should be used both in preparation for a pilot and for later full-field tests.Project estimated completion date:31.12.2016

Project title: Data assimilation using 4-D seismic data (PostDoc TNO)Task: 7.2.1Project manager: Philippe Steeghs (TNO)Key Personnel: PostDoc: Yanhui Zhang (started in June 2015)Support staff: Olwijn Leeuwenburgh (TNO), Ste-fan Carpentier (TNO)Budget: 2014: 100 KNOK, 2015: 935 KNOK, 2016: 935 KNOKDuration: (01.03.2014-) 01.06.2015-31.05.2017Objective: Implementation of TNO’s ensemble-based history matching workflow in an extensive field case study. Knowledge Gaps: TNO’s ensemble-based history matching workflow has promising results on syn-thetic fields, but a demonstration on a real field case is missing.Deliverables: Implementation of TNO’s ensemble-based history matching workflow in an extensive field case study.The work will include formulating and executing the additional R&D activities required to prepare the workflow and its underlying concepts for de-ployment in an industry environment. The project includes close collaboration with the IOR Centre’s research and industry partners, in particular IRIS and Schlumberger, as well as with relevant field operators, especially Statoil.Main achievements last period: • Recruited a PostDoc, starting 1st of June 2015.• Literature review and description of the state-of-the-art, first simulation runs, initial prepara-tion of software codes.• Integration of a rock physics model into a history matching workflow.• Selection of the Norne field as a suitable

and appropriate coupling with the Blackoil Flow module will be investigated. We plan on presenting the results at the CMWR 2016 (cmwrconference.org) and ECMOR 2016. In addition a journal paper will be prepared. Furthermore, we will implement features for thermal simulation in OPM flow which should be available at the end of 2016. Environmental aspects of the project: No direct consequences.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map: This project contributes to the goal OPM Full-field simulation tools for water based EOR methods.Project estimated completion date: 31.12.2018

Task 7: Field scale evaluation and history matching Task leader: Geir Nævdal

History matching is an important part in the plan-ning of future reservoirdevelopment strategies. We are working on im-proving history matching utilizing 4-D seismic data. The major focus is on an ensemble based ap-proach for history matching. One of the challeng-es addressed is that an uncertainty quantification of the seismic data is required.The 4-D seismic data can also be interpreted in terms of changes of the pressure of saturation fronts which might be used as input for history matching. This way of utilizing the data is investigated by a PostDoc located at TNO. The 4-D seismic data will also be influenced by geomechanical changes and com-paction effects in the reservoir. Part of the work will focus on the challenges this gives for history matching. Taking into account the geomechanical effects in history matching might in particular be useful for understanding fractured reservoirs, by providing understanding on how dynamic stress changes in the reservoir open and closes fractures.

An ensemble of history matched reservoir models can be used for finding the best strategy (in terms of economical return or other criteria) for further production of the reservoir, taking into account the uncertainty in the reservoir description that is provided by the ensemble of reservoir models. New and improved methodology for improved optimi-zation in such a setting is being developed with a special focus on being able to evaluate the econ-omy of EOR projects. At an even larger scale it is interesting to understand the profitability of IOR/EOR projects for mature fields which might be cal-culated differently at license level than at national level. Taxation plays an important role here.

Project title: Robust production optimization – PhD study Aojie Hong

Task: 7.1Project manager: Reidar B. Bratvold, UiS (super-visor)Key Personnel: Aojie Hong (PhD student), UiS, Geir Nævdal, IRIS (co-supervisor)Budget: 2015: 1010 KNOK; 2016: 1010 KNOKDuration: 2014-2017Objective: Investigate different optimization ap-proaches for injection strategies of relevance for the NCS starting from waterflooding and WAG and continuing to EOR processes. In the evaluation, we will take into account the fact that the reservoir model is uncertain and search for robust solutions under this uncertainty. Knowledge Gaps:Develop methodology to find optimal injection strategies for EOR processes, taking into account the uncertainty in the reservoir description.Deliverables: Prototype software (in matlab). Pa-pers describing the methodologies. PhD thesis.Main achievements last period:Aojie Hong submitted first version of the paper on SIPmath to Professor Bratvold. Main achievements 2016:Define and start working on first larger study case. Study the possibility of using simplified production prediction models to serve as a precursor for robust production optimization. First, begin with the case for water flooding, and then more complex case for EOR processes. Present the results in a journal paper or at a conference (e.g. the IOR conference, ECMOR in September or an SPE conference).Environmental aspects of the project:No direct consequences.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:Production optimization will be an important part in evaluation the economic potential for EOR methods for both pilot- and full-field tests.Project estimated completion date:30.09.2017

Project title: Ensemble based production optimi-zationTask: 7.1 Robust production optimization – PhD studentProject manager: Andreas Stordal, IRISKey Personnel: Yiteng Zhang (student, started 1st November, 2015), UISBudget: 2016: KNOK 1004 Duration: 01.11.2015-31.10.2018 (3 years)Knowledge Gaps: Gradient free algorithms for production optimization or optimization of EOR processes under geological uncertainty has gained a lot of interest in the petroleum industry over the last years. Although the number of publications has started to grow, the theoretical understanding of the practical algorithms is still limited. In addition it is not clear what is the best objective function to optimize nor how to parametrize the controls in an


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(previously: 4D seismic history matching of cou-pled geomechanical / reservoir flow models)Task: 7.2.3Project manager: Jarle Haukås, SchlumbergerKey Personnel: Jarle Haukås, Jan Øystein Haavig Bakke, Michael Nickel, Hilde Grude Borgos, Mi-chael NieblingBudget: 2015: 2 MNOK, 2016: 2MNOKDuration: 2014-2016Objective: Data assimilation with a coupled geo-mechanical and reservoir simulator has been dem-onstrated in combining production and subsidence data. We will investigate rational methods for build-ing and updating coupled geomechanical / reservoir flow models. Techniques for data assimilation of these models will be developed taking into account 4D seismic, tracers and production data. 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 respect to optimal depletion.Finally, methodology will be developed to utilize the assimilated models for safer well placements taking into account dynamic stress changes in the overburden.Knowledge Gaps: In fractured reservoirs the un-derstanding of how dynamic stress changes in the reservoir open and closes the fracture systems as a result of the injection strategy is of key importance with respect to optimal depletion.Deliverables: Feasibility test of the new methodol-ogy on a case study. In-depth analysis of time-lapse seismic data combined with tracer data and passive seismic data. Improved geomechanical / fluid flow model.Main achievements last period: IORSim test-ing on core flood model and Ekofisk sector model. Evaluation of simulation accuracy and stability.Contributed to development of road map for the IOR centre.4D analysis of the Ekofisk LoFS 4D pairs received in September. Analysis of overburden stretching vs bending and its relationship to curvature of time-lapse time shifts. Boundary condition modelling with Visage on various LoFS pairs. Discussed new ideas for improving time shift and time-strain esti-mates.’Sent request to ConocoPhillips for joint access to Ekofisk data for IRIS and Schlumberger, including reservoir model and tracer data – currently delayed by ConocoPhillips approvement process.Main achievements 2016: Hopefully get access to Ekofisk AVO data for collaboration with Tuhin Bhakta, IRIS. Do 4D calibration (non-rigid match-ing) of the partial stacks. Finalize analysis of over-burden stretching and bending and its relationship to curvature of time-lapse time shifts. Consider tracer data (access to Ekofisk tracer data requested).Environmental aspects of the project: Better understanding of the geomechanical effects in and

around the reservoir should lead to safer well place-ment, reduced time spent on drilling and reduced number of required wells, which implies less envi-ronmental impact and reduced chances of hazardous situations that may be harmful for the environment.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map: 4D seismic monitoring and history matching is key in understanding the effect of injection and production on the reservoir and the surroundings, and is required to properly evaluate the effect of a given IOR method in the field (pilot or full field test). The project has particular relevance for the Ekofisk field, which has been selected as one of the key fields for the IOR Centre, but the methodol-ogy is applicable on a general basis. The project work related to IORSim development establishes an important link between key aspects of task 1 and task 2.Deviation from plan, related to time and cost: Project extended to 2016.Project estimated completion date: 31.12.2016

case, after discussions with Statoil.• Norne 4D seismic data and Petrel model of Norne field received. 4D data inspected and anal-ysed for suitability. • 4D data used for Oil Water Contact deter-mination via stacks and via difference datasets. 4D data partial angle stacks used in AVO, timelapse data used in difference modelling. Combination of AVO and timelapse used for start of OWC monitor-ing.• Extended the fast marching method for ap-plication to the corner-point grid system of Norne field model.• Presentation of project plans at the ISAPP symposium, TU Delft, the Netherlands.Main achievements 2016: • Inversion of 4D seismic data AVO and time-lapse difference for reservoir pressure and satura-tion fronts. • Calibration of inversion results to reservoir rock physics. • Superior OWC reconstruction through re-processing of seismic data. • Identification of important variables for the history matching of the Norne full-field model and generation of an initial ensemble.• Initial runs with TNO’s ensemble-based his-tory matching workflow on the Norne field (involv-ing preliminary choices for data sampling and error magnitudes)• Improve the generation of the initial ensem-ble especially on spatial reservoir model variables through the collaboration with senior geologists at TNO• Strengthen the communication with Statoil to better understand the field conditions and seek further support to complement the current dataset.• Investigate and improve the existing meth-odologies on 4D seismic history matching based on the experiments using the Norne dataset.Environmental aspects of the project: No direct consequences.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map:This activity is aiming at improved monitoring and history matching using 4D seismic data, which should be used both in preparation for a pilot and for later full-field tests.Project estimated completion date: 31.05.2017

Project title: Improved history matching under compactionTask: 7.2.3Project manager: Geir Nævdal, IRISKey Personnel: Tuhin Bhakta (PostDoc), IRISBudget: 2015: 1000 KNOK 2016: 1000 KNOK (including PostDoc)Duration: 01.11.2014-31.03.2017Objective: Reservoir parameter estimation by time-lapse seismic data inversion for compacting reser-

voirs with quantification of associated uncertainty. Later, integrate the estimated reservoir parameters in the history matching work flow (based on en-semble method) to improve the history match to observationKnowledge Gaps: Improve the usage of time-lapse seismic data for compacting reservoirs. Bet-ter knowledge about strength and weaknesses of various seismic attributes and their usefulness to improve the end resultsDeliverables: 1) New work-flow for estimating the changes in dynamic reservoir parameters for com-pacting reservoir scenario. 2) Better understanding of uncer-tainties of estimated parameters 3) Codes, reports and papers 4) Field scale application, mainly Ekofisk fieldMain achievements last period: The new methodology was tested on synthetic data. The results were presented at SEG annual meeting, 2015. Received 4D seismic/ LOFS data and simulation data of the Ekofisk field from ConocoPhillips. Pre-liminary work using data set has started. Sent another project proposal/ request to Cono-coPhillips for joint access of the Ekofisk data for IRIS and Schlumberger. The data will be used for the collaboration work between IRIS and Schlum-berger. Main achievements 2016: • Estimations of changes in reservoir param-eters using the 4D AVO seismic data of the Ekofisk field

• Investigate the usage of other seismic at-tributes to improve the reservoir parameter estima-tions

• Incorporate the estimated results in history matching loops (based on ensemble method)

• Quantification of the noise level in the esti-mated parametersEnvironmental aspects of the project: No direct consequences.Relevance according to the IOR Centre Road Map: This task focus on history matching for compact-ing fields and will therefore be of relevance both in selecting a pilot-study, interpreting it and for further planning towards field implementation. In particu-lar, this is relevant for the Ekofisk field which is identified as one of the candidates for a pilot-study.Project estimated completion date: 31.03.2017

Project title: 4D seismic and tracer history matching of coupled geomechanical / reservoir flow models


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Projects - IRIS

Projects - other

EconomyProjects - UiS

Projects - IFE


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Education and recruitmentStudents, PhDs, and postdocs play vital parts in the IOR Centre. At least 25 per cent of the Centre’s budget is set aside for education and training purposes. From 2016 a total of 16 PhDs are involved in The Centre.

The Department of Petroleum Engineering at the University of Stavanger is at the forefront of petro-leum engineering education worldwide. The Depart-ment offers undergraduate and graduate programs in petroleum engineering and petroleum geology. MSc in Petroleum Engineering is uniquely focused on the specific needs of the upstream petroleum industry. The MSc in Petroleum Engineering has an interna-tional profile and accommodates both Norwegian and international students. From the academic year 2014/2015 the programme is offering three speciali-sations: Well Engineering, Reservoir Engineering and Natural Gas Engineering.

MSc in Petroleum Geosciences Engineering is focused on the specific needs of exploration and pro-duction of the petroleum industry. The program has an international profile. A graduate of the programme will be able to solve geosciences problems by inte-grating different types of surface and subsurface data used in the oil industry and to integrate such infor-mation with petroleum engineers.

The Department of Mathematics and Natural Sci-ences has been offering a Master of Science in Math-ematics and Physics, primarily focusing on math-ematical and physical modelling from the academic year of 2014/2015. The main learning outcome of the programme is advanced knowledge about modelling of mathematical and physical systems. Furthermore, the students should be able to demonstrate funda-mental physics related to petroleum exploration, the ability to synthesize appropriate mathematical concepts and methods in order to analyze and solve relevant problems.

Allocated budget 2016


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Each year The National IOR Centre of Norway will host the IOR NORWAY conference. The conference theme for IOR NORWAY 2016 is Recover for the future, and we invite everyone with an interest in improved oil recovery to participate, including industry, research, academia and other stakeholders in the society.

IOR NORWAY 2016 will be held 26-27 April, with a workshop 25 April.

We invite world-leading speakers that share their research, knowledge and wisdom to make the IOR NOR-WAY 2016 conference a meeting place to benefit from each other’s expertise.

The conference is split in successive sessions that deal with the issues we are facing. In each session, the world’s leading scientists from industry and academia, will be invited to share their knowledge and research.

In The National IOR Centre of Norway we believe in transparency. Through cooperation we will strengthen our research and approach the best solutions for improved oil recovery. We hope that you will be part of the team and join us at IOR NORWAY 2016.

IOR NORWAY 2016Education:

The PhDs:

The postdocs:


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UiB: Contacts: Prof Arne Graue & Ass. Prof. Martin Fernø, Prof. Morten JakobsenPost doc Bergit BrattekåsProject: Integrated EOR for heterogeneous reser-voirsPhD Mohan SharmaProject: Displacement mechanisms in heterogeneous reservoirs with CO2 foam for mobility control; up-scaling for field applications

UiO: Contacts: Prof. Dag Kristian Dysthe, Dr. Anja Røyne & Prof. Anders Malthe-Sørenssen

PhD student: Shaghayegh JavadiExperimental investigation of the effect of fluid chemistry on the adhesive properties of calcite grainsPhD student (UiO): Sigve Bøe SkattumPeridynamics simulation of chalk – from nanometer to centimeter

NTNU/Ugelstad laboartory and SINTEF: NTNU/Ugelstad laboratory contacts: Prof. Johan Sjøblom, Senior Engineer Camilla Dagsgård, Two projects: “Determination of Droplet Size Dis-tribution in Oil – Water Emulsions Passed Through a Porous Material Studied by Low Field NMR”SINTEF contacts: Prof. Knut Andreas Lie, Dr. Xavier RaynaudDevelopment of OPM software framework One of our post doc at IRIS in cooperation with SINTEF; numerical methods to improve simulations of polymer flooding

National collaboration

International collaborationCooperation is a keyword for the Centre. We strive to maintain a good contact with our partners in other countries. Through cooperation, we aim to promote good research and good results.

We emphasize research exchange programs for students and researchers, collaboration in the Re-search Tasks, and participation in other activities like conferences, workshops and expert panels for the industry partners.

USAUiS is one of the participating institutions in NorTex Petroleum Cluster which is a collaborating initiative with universities and industry in Norway and Texas to facilitate coordinated collaboration on petroleum education and research between participating institu-tions. The Cluster will assist in facilitating industry funding for adjunct and chair positions at the col-laborating universities; especially emphasizing the NorTex collaboration.

A fruitful and productive collaboration with Profes-sor Lawrence M. Cathles III of Cornell University has already been established. Through the Centre this collaboration will be further strengthened. Particularly interesting research areas covered by Professor Cathles’ are the physical and chemical phenomena that occur when two fluid phases are present. He has developed geochemical models de-scribing induced chemical changes when fluids flow through rocks, across temperature gradients, under varying pressure and salinities.

JapanThe Institute for Study of the Earth’s Interior (ISEI) in Misasa (Japan) is a Center of Excellence for the 21st Century and is one of the most prestigious labo-ratories in geosciences, cosmosciences and micro-/nano technology in the world. The director, Profes-sor Dr. Eizo Nakamura, is personally interested in the Centre. The pedigree and the track record of this institution are exceptional as are the analytical facili-ties all positioned in an ultra-clean environment of

exceptional quality. We plan for exchange of both visiting scientists as well as PhDs/postdocs who will gain invaluable experiences in the field of analytical procedures and techniques. This can in turn only be of benefit for building competence and thus transfer of exceptional experience to our IOR Centre. From January 2016, Nina Egeland (UiS) will take part in a six-month research stay at ISEI. This is described in the project 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).

DenmarkThe three Danish institutions GEO, GEUS and DTU collaborate closely and have been partners in proj-ects with UiS-IRIS for many years through e.g. Joint Chalk Research. They all have unique and valuable expertise useful in Theme 1 in the Centre. GEUS and DTU are in addition involved in the new na-tional research center to boost oil and gas research in Denmark. Efforts will be made to coordinate our research with the Danish centre.

The NetherlandsThe two Dutch institutions TNO and TU Delft col-laborate closely and have been collaborating with IRIS for a number of years in the field of history matching, EnKF and production optimization. With their expertise in seismic, 4D seismic, and history matching they will give valuable contributions in the Tasks on history matching. One of the postdocs in The National IOR Centre of Norway is placed at TNO (Task 7.2.1). For more information on the collaboration with TNO and TUDelft, see the project reports for Theme 2.

T h e N a t i o n a l I O R C e n t r e o f N o r w a y

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The user partners:

BP primary signature Full-colourFor uncoated paper, light background, CMYK Colour

ConocoPhillips

The research partners:

Documents

W 2 0 1 6 J - University of Stavanger Work Plan 2016.pdf · Reservoir simulation, geomechanics (e.g. Eclipse, Visage), tracer and IOR fluid simulation (IORSim) 9. Full field history