Experimental simulation on influence of bottom hole pressure fluctuation upon heavy oil outcome

In some domestic heavy oil fields,water production decreased and oil production increased after oil well pump replaced by progressive cavity pump,but this method is unavailable in thin oil fields.An experiment was made to simulate the influence of pressure fluctuation at bottom hole on heavy oil outcome.Under the condition of constant pressure,heavy oil and formation water were simultaneously pumped into oil-saturated artificial core to simulate two-phase flow of oil and water in the reservoir.A solenoid valve was used in the exit to cause periodic pressure fluctuation.The liquid producing capacity was observed and compared with that of the non-fluctuated.It was discovered that the pressure fluctuation could increase water production,but it could decrease oil production.The comparison of in-situ productions using oil well pump and progressive cavity pump showed that the progressive cavity pump was superior to oil well pump for development of heavy oil.