Conversion of mature steamfloods to low-quality steam and/or hot-water injection projects

Three of Chevron's successful Kern River Field Steam Drive Projects (Section 3, Monte Cristo II, and American Naphtha) have been converted to either hot waterfloods or low quality (10%) steam injection projects. The projects' net oil production has increased significantly because of the reduced oil consumption at the steam generators. In general, the conversion to low quality steam or hot water injection has improved the oil production response of each project. Production and reservoir data suggest that improved sweep efficiency in the lower part of the steam driven sands occurred as a result of the switch from high steam quality injection to reduced steam quality. This paper discusses the performance of these three projects. Production and reservoir parameters are identified which can be used to determine the timing for conversion of a mature steamflood to a lower quality steam injection project.