Enhanced recovery (ER) involves the improvement of hydrocarbon recovery through the injection of fluid(s) into a hydrocarbon reservoir to
· add to or maintain reservoir energy (pressure),
· displace hydrocarbons to production wells, and/or
· alter the reservoir fluids so that hydrocarbon flow and recovery are improved.
Waterflooding of oil pools is the most common type of ER scheme in Alberta, but other gas/solvent floods, miscible floods and gas cycling schemes also exist.
An application to implement or amend a scheme for enhanced recovery is required in accordance with Section 39(1)(a) of the Oil and Gas Conservation Act. Approvals or licenses from other government agencies may also be required outside the Directive 065 approval process.
The AER expects approved ER schemes to be operated in accordance with the scheme approval at all times. The AER also expects that the operation of ER schemes will be monitored and that operational adjustments or changes will be made to ensure optimum recovery.
If changes to the original approval are required, you must apply for appropriate amendment(s) to the existing ER scheme approval.
When you submit an Enhanced Recovery Scheme application, the following information is required on Schedule 1. An application to implement or amend a scheme for enhanced recovery utilizes the same ER Form.
|
Schedule 1 |
|
|
Required |
|
|
Required |
|
|
Required |
|
|
Required |
|
|
This information is entered directly on the Enhanced Recovery Scheme schedule |
|
|
Required |
|
Certain new and amendment ER applications are eligible as a Quick Review application.
Enter the following Enhanced Recovery scheme application information.
2. Ownership and notification information
3. Proposed injection well locations and injection intervals
(Additional information can be found in Directive 065 Appendix I: Application for an Enhanced Recovery Scheme.)