Comprehensive modeling of radioactive gas tracer behavior for enhanced oil recovery optimization using a simulator

Authors

1 Department of Energy Engineering and Physics, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran 15875-4413, Iran

2 Department of Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran 159163-4311, Iran

Abstract

In the oil and gas industry, radioactive tracers serve as effective tools for analyzing fluid flow and evaluating hydrocarbon reservoir behavior. These methods provide critical insights into fluid transport, swept pore volume, and hydrodynamic connectivity between injection and production wells, which are essential for optimizing reservoir management and designing enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects. In this study, the behavior of radioactive gas tracers was simulated and analyzed in two distinct oil reservoirs, R1 and R2. In reservoir R1, the gas tracer CH3T was injected through injection well I, while in reservoir R2, the gas tracer CH2TCH3 was utilized. The tracer responses were monitored in two production wells (P1 and P2) for each reservoir. By analyzing the tracer concentration curves over time, parameters such as swept pore volume in the gas phase, gas flow velocity, and hydrodynamic connectivity were determined for both reservoirs. The results revealed that in reservoir R1, production well P1 demonstrated the highest swept pore volume and tracer recovery, indicating a strong and direct connection with injection well I. Similarly, in reservoir R2, production well P1 exhibited superior connectivity and tracer recovery compared to P2. The comparison of these reservoirs highlights differences in gas transport dynamics and fluid flow behavior, which are influenced by reservoir-specific characteristics. These findings offer valuable insights into the design of enhanced oil recovery projects, emphasizing the importance of tailored reservoir management strategies based on tracer behavior.

Graphical Abstract

Comprehensive modeling of radioactive gas tracer behavior for enhanced oil recovery optimization using a simulator

Keywords

Advances in Energy Sciences and Technologies
Volume 1, Issue 2
September 2025
Pages 186-195

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History

  • Receive Date: 20 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 20 June 2025
  • Accept Date: 24 June 2025
  • Publish Date: 01 September 2025

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