Initial reservoir simulation studies are vital to justify the capital expenditure of an enhanced oil recovery project and to define the equipment needed. It should also assess the potential for reservoir souring. This should be performed as early as possible so that the cost and design implications can be incorporated. Reservoir studies can be used to define the correct water quality specification and minimise the costs associated with injectivity decline. This may include well work-overs, reduced oil production and retrofitting of process plant.

To maximise hydrocarbon recovery, some of the main activities to be applied are:

• Detailed reservoir description and characterisation
• Petrophysical determination by core analysis
• Review and Analysis of Historical Well/Reservoir Data
• Calculation of oil in place
• Reservoir simulation and Field modelling

Assessment of the reservoir characteristics is required in the design of a water injection project for specification of the water quality to be injected. Typically this would involve the selection of suitable core material and subsequent core analysis and testing. Consideration should also be given to:

• Coreflood analysis, water compatibility testing and reservoir injectivity testing
• Corrosion and reservoir souring potential leading to inhibition technique definition
• Injection water quality determination and produced water disposal