Flow Barrier Characteristics of Thermal Recovery of Heavy Oil Reservoir:Taking Yulou oil-bearing sets in some experimental area in the south end of westward slope of West depression in Liaohe Basin as an example

Key words: 
• West depression in Liaohe Basin /
• Yulou oil bearing sets /
• flow barrier /
• seal characteristic of fault /
• thermal recovery reservoir heavy oil

Abstract: Flow barrier was rock mass which keep out fluid flow inside of reservoir system. Taking Yulou oil-bearing sets in some experimental area in the south end of westward slope of West depression in Liaohe Basin as an example, flow barrier were studied on the base of combining geological data and 400 well data and six well data of cores and water analysis data of ten wells. Types and distribution characteristics and its effects to thermal recovery of heavy oil reservoir were studied in detail. Flow barrier in reservoir of fan delta front of the aimed stratum in the study area were carved up into three types of sedimentary flow barrier and diagenesis flow barrier and sealing fault flow barrier by cause, and sedimentary flow barrier took the leading role. Controlled by sedimentary process, sedimentary flow barrier distributed from north-west to south-east like stripped noodles. They mainly lined in areas of underwater distributary channels and channel mouth bars. With distances changed more and more far, sediments granularity became smaller and sedimentary flow barrier developed levels were strengthened. Steam paths in steam flooding were complicated because of the existence of flow barrier. In this process, thermal and economical efficiency were reduced. Flow barriers also had very important influence to layer steam injection and other development measures carried out.