An Alternative Approach of Polymer Flooding Implementation for the Fields of Kazakhstan

Abstract Polymer flooding, an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method, has been widely implemented in various oil fields worldwide to increase oil recovery rates by improving the viscosity of injected water and, consequently, the sweep efficiency in the reservoir. Its implementation strategies can vary significantly depending on the specific characteristics of an oil field. This paper compares two different polymer flooding strategies for the field of Kalamkas: (1) the distributed pilot strategy, which involves injecting polymers at several different locations across multiple horizons, and (2) the single-horizon pilot strategy, which focuses on a reduced number of pilot injections within a single reservoir horizon. By analyzing the advantages, disadvantages, and effectiveness of each approach, this paper aims to identify which strategy offers better efficiency and oil recovery rates in the challenging conditions of Kalamkas oil field, which could be implemented on other fields.