From Laboratory to Engineering and Accelerated Implementation of Polymer Flooding: A Case Study of the Uzen Oil Field in Kazakhstan

Abstract Polymer flooding is the most successful technology for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), with a history of application spanning over 60 years worldwide. The simplicity of the technology, the development of the polymer production market, improvements in technological approaches, and high economic efficiency have enabled the implementation of polymer flooding across a wide range of geological and physical conditions. Thus, this paper examines the accelerated implementation of polymer flooding at the Uzen oil field in Kazakhstan. Our previous studies have investigated the relevance and effectiveness of polymer flooding for recovering residual mobile reserves trapped in reservoirs due to increased mobility ratios and permeability contrasts. The rationale for polymer flooding compared to other chemical flooding techniques has also been established. In this work, we outline further steps for the accelerated field implementation of polymer flooding. The methodology comprises field data analysis, laboratory screening of effective polymers, water chemical composition, experimental evaluation of polymer retention in porous media, and simulation studies integrated with rheology to set polymer viscosity targets. Laboratory optimization minimized test redundancies, accelerating the identification of best-performing polymers. The sequence of experiments was streamlined by focusing exclusively on samples most suitable for specific reservoir conditions, resulting in concise recommendations for testing methodologies tailored to unique field scenarios. In this work, we outline further steps for the accelerated field implementation of polymer flooding. To this end, a comprehensive geological and field analysis was conducted to select a pilot site, laboratory studies for screening effective polymers and choosing the optimal water source were performed, an experimental evaluation of the dynamic retention of the chosen polymer in the porous medium was carried out, and simulation studies were combined with rheological studies to determine the target viscosity of the polymer. A research plan for monitoring the process and an injection program considering specific field conditions have been developed, and finally, the feasibility of the project has been assessed. The aforementioned comprehensive work is succinctly integrated into a document titled "Project Passport," which can serve as a guide for implementing polymer flooding in other oil fields. The introduction of polymer flooding to the Uzen oil field marks a significant advancement in Kazakhstan's EOR practices. This study presents an innovative framework, distinct from conventional approaches, that offers expedited strategies for future implementation. Recommendations emphasize the integration of novel methodologies and engineering workflows to enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and scalability.