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Sensitivity Study of CO2 Huff-n-Puff in the X Block

Ji Qi
Frontiers in Science and Engineering, (2026), Vol.6, No.1, pp.51-69
Published: January 24, 2026
DOI: 10.54691/5nawmv58
PDF: Download Full Text PDF
Abstract

Shale reservoirs, due to their highly compact nature, present challenges for traditional waterflooding development, as it is difficult to establish an effective displacement pressure system. This results in a rapid decline in production and low average single-well productivity, severely limiting development efficiency. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore innovative development technologies that can quickly replenish reservoir energy and enhance recovery rates. CO2 injection offers an effective solution to this problem. It not only helps maintain reservoir pressure but also improves reservoir properties and flow capacity by reducing oil viscosity, extracting light components from the oil, solute expansion, improving the oil-water mobility ratio, and lowering interfacial tension. This, in turn, increases the recovery factor of shale reservoirs.  Based on the geological characteristics of a typical well group in the X region, this study established a heterogeneous numerical model to systematically compare and analyze the applicability of two development methods: continuous CO2 injection and CO2 Huff-n-Puff, in the X block. Ultimately, CO2 Huff-n-Puff was selected as the technical pathway for enhancing recovery. Several key parameters were subjected to single-factor analysis, including the timing of Huff-n-Puff initiation, the amount of gas injected per cycle, injection rate, soaking time, and the number of Huff-n-Puff cycles. The results showed that reasonable adjustments to these parameters can significantly improve cumulative oil production and CO2 oil recovery rate. Among these, optimizing the initiation timing, precisely controlling the injection rate, and adjusting soaking time were particularly critical for improving development outcomes.On this basis, the study conducted multi-factor parameter optimization of the CO2 Huff-n-Puff development scheme through orthogonal experiments, and eventually proposed an optimized CO2 Huff-n-Puff plan suitable for the X block. The results demonstrated that the optimized plan effectively enhanced production in the X oilfield. This study provides theoretical support and technical reference for the application of CO2 Huff-n-Puff technology in shale reservoirs.

Keywords: Sensitivity, CO2 Huff-n-Puff, X Block.
APA Citation: Ji Qi (2026). Sensitivity Study of CO2 Huff-n-Puff in the X Block. Frontiers in Science and Engineering, 6(1), 51-69. https://doi.org/10.54691/5nawmv58

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