Diagnostic plot model to evaluate injection performance in polymer EOR process

This study presents a diagnostic plot model to evaluate the injection performance of polymer flooding in a heterogeneous reservoir. To develop the model, comprehensive equation using an analytical method was proposed considering fully-developed cross-flow and saturation distribution due to polymer effects. The developed model was compared with the results from reservoir simulation to verify its accuracy. The comparison indicated that the model yields more accurate results than the other previous methods. Additionally, case studies have been performed to check whether any unexpected geological problem in the reservoir could be detected. From the results, the model can indicate the variation of the injectivity through geological problems such as semi-sealing and permeability improvement. Therefore, the model can provide specific information to improve injectivity and enhance the operational efficiency of polymer flooding.