US 11,851,609 B2
System and method for optimized production of hydrocarbons from shale oil reservoirs via cyclic injection
Robert A. Downey, Centennial, CO (US)
Assigned to Shale Ingenuity, LLC, Centennial, CO (US)
Filed by Shale Ingenuity, LLC, Centennial, CO (US)
Filed on Dec. 30, 2020, as Appl. No. 17/138,355.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/955,205, filed on Dec. 30, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2021/0340428 A1, Nov. 4, 2021
Int. Cl. E21B 43/16 (2006.01); E21B 47/06 (2012.01); E21B 49/08 (2006.01); C09K 8/594 (2006.01)
CPC C09K 8/594 (2013.01) [E21B 47/06 (2013.01); E21B 49/087 (2013.01); E21B 2200/20 (2020.05)] 14 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method to increase the recovery of oil from shale reservoirs utilizing a cyclic injection and production process that comprises a plurality of injection and production periods, and wherein the method comprises the steps of:
(a) determining a hydrocarbon-containing composition for injection, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing composition is in a liquid state at surface injection conditions;
(b) determining a maximum injection rate and a maximum injection pressure in a well to be utilized during a plurality of injection and production periods;
(c) determining a maximum production rate of gases and liquids from the well and a minimum production pressure during the plurality of injection and production periods;
(d) injecting the hydrocarbon-containing composition for a period of time such that the pressure near a wellbore of the well reaches the determined maximum injection pressure during the injection period;
(e) producing the well for a period of time such that the pressure at the wellbore reaches the determined minimum production pressure;
(f) at or during the production period, assessing the composition of produced fluids and recalibrating a reservoir simulation model to determine the composition of the residual oil in the shale reservoir;
(g) processing the produced fluids at the surface to remove methane and ethane gases and hydrocarbons containing hexanes and greater molecular weight;
(h) adjusting the composition of the hydrocarbon-containing composition;
(i) injecting the adjusted hydrocarbon-containing composition; and
(j) performing the process of steps (a) through (i) repeatedly.