Heavy Oil & Asphaltenes

Heavy Oil Viscosity Reduction and Enhanced Production in Kansas

• Basin:

Anadarko Basin

• Location:

Hardtner Field, Kansas

• Client:

Oxy Petroleum Corp. / Anderson Exploration

Traditional cyclic steam stimulation methods face significant operational limitations, including restricted heating radii and low oil recovery rates. These limitations are often exacerbated by high interfacial tension, which traps immobile oil within reservoirs, greatly restricting cumulative oil production. Synergetic's Enercat™ technology directly addresses these challenges by effectively reducing interfacial tension, thereby significantly enhancing oil mobility and boosting overall recovery efficiency.

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Core Issue

Problem

Anderson Exploration faced significant production inefficiencies due to the high viscosity of heavy crude oil in their Kansas wells, which restricted flow rates, increased pump torque pressures, and caused regular premature equipment failures. Before intervention, their heavy oil well produced at suboptimal rates of 51.5 barrels of oil per day (bopd), with excessive sand production of 3.1 m³/day and high viscosity leading to costly operational maintenance.

Solution & Results

Synergetic provided a robust solution with the installation of the Enercat Tubing Tool. This advanced tool reduces heavy crude oil viscosity by disrupting intermolecular London Dispersion forces, preventing flocculation and agglomeration. Empirical laboratory evidence supports its ability to significantly decrease viscosity, enhance fluid flow, reduce friction losses, and minimize sand production and equipment stress.

•

Increased Production Output

Daily oil production rose by 27%, from 51.5 to 65.4 BOPD, alongside a 46% boost in hydrostatic pressure.

•

Enhanced Equipment Efficiency

Pump RPM requirements dropped by 95%, and torque pressure was reduced — lowering energy demands and mechanical wear.

•

Reduced Wear & Contamination

Sand production was cut by 90%, and friction losses minimized, protecting equipment and extending run time.

Explore Tool

VISUAL SHIFT

Before & After Images

The images offer a visual comparison of conditions before and after installation, clearly illustrating the impact of our technology. These snapshots highlight key changes in reservoir behavior, fluid mobility, and overall performance enhancements.

Quantified results

Supporting Data

The following data provides quantitative validation of the results achieved. Metrics are drawn from field measurements and performance tracking, offering clear evidence of improved efficiency, recovery, and operational effectiveness.

Impact & outlook

Conclusion

Synergetic’s Enercat™ technology substantially enhances cyclic steam stimulation performance. By significantly reducing interfacial tension and expanding the drainage radius, it offers transformative operational advantages and economic benefits, positioning itself as a critical solution for the future of heavy oil recovery operations.