Paper: Mitigation Gas Breakthrough With Injection Control Case History From The SACROC Unit

Gas breakthrough can be a considerable problem in C02 flooding. From initially causing severe operational handling conditions to ultimately losing otherwise recoverable hydrocarbon reserves, industry personnel devote multiple resources, including time and money, to combat it. Maintaining injection below parting pressure is one effective method to minimize premature breakthrough in offset producing wells. Determining fracture gradient on an individual well basis in a periodic manner and adhering to the resultant rate and pressure parameters has aided the SACROC Unit's reservoir management. This paper describes the methodologies employed, data obtained and production benefits seen to date.