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Current Projects Dr. Dauben is currently working with Grand Resources, Inc., Tulsa, in the development and application of horizontal well technology for the improvement of oil recovery from old oil fields in Oklahoma. DI evaluates prospects from a reservoir standpoint and Grand uses its own equipment and personnel to drill and complete wells. Grand utilizes a low cost rotary steerable system to drill short radius horizontal laterals out to 1000 ft. Outstanding success has been achieved in oil fields that have been essentially abandoned after conventional primary and secondary recovery operations. DI is also working with an independent company in the simulation and design of a waterflood for a carbonate reservoir in West Texas. The patterns are being designed to maximize both the short-term and long-term recovery of oil. CO2 flooding appears to be technically viable but supply is now extremely limited for new projects. DI is currently working with an independent operator in the design of an aluminum citrate polymer flood for a field in Oklahoma. This process involves the sequential injection of polymer, aluminum citrate and additional polymer to reduce the circulation of water through a thief zone. Laboratory tests are conducted to help select the most suitable polymer and to design the amounts of each slug that is needed. Simulation studies will be conducted to forecast the amount and timing of incremental oil. Assistance has been provided to an international client in the evaluation of CO2 flooding for a major field in the Middle East. Long-term training has also been provided in the areas of reservoir engineering, reservoir simulation, and improved oil recovery technology. DI has recently completed for an international client a comprehensive study on the state-of-the-art of the various improved oil recovery technologies. This study included the traditional enhanced oil recovery technologies such as steam injection, in-situ combustion, miscible and immiscible gas injection, and chemical processes. The study also evaluated some of the newer technologies, including cold production methods, seismic stimulation processes, pressure pulse enhancement, in-situ upgrading of heavy oil, and downhole oil-water separation. This study has further enhanced DI's knowledge and experience in improved oil recovery technology.
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