IOR method is expected to maximize oil recovery by applying enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods along with various technologies such as horizontal wells and/or improved pattern of injection/production wells, based on simulation studies using sophisticated geological models. EOR methods use special fluids for injection to push oil efficiently to production wells. Chemical flood, gas flood and thermal methods are categorized as EOR.
JAPEX conducted water flood in Sarukawa field and achieved high secondary oil recovery, and chemical flood and CO2 gas flood were followed as pilot tests. JAPEX acquired related EOR technologies through these field tests. JAPEX is now increasing oil production in Iwafuneoki Field by conducting hydrocarbon gas flood. As for thermal methods, steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) method is successfully operated to recover bitumen from oil sands in Athabasca, Canada by JACOS, affiliate of JAPEX. SAGD method injects hot steam to one of a pair of horizontal wells to melt bitumen and produce it from the other well. We are acknowledged as one of forefronts of this technology in Canada. We proceed to investigate adjacent leases in order to expand SAGD operation area.