JAPEX Adopts Enhanced Oil Recovery to Boost Aging Fields

TOKYO – As global energy demand continues to rise and new oil field discoveries become increasingly challenging, Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (JAPEX) is leading industry innovation through its expertise in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technologies. The company's advanced solutions have successfully revitalized numerous declining oil fields, significantly improving resource utilization and contributing to global energy security.

Traditional oil extraction methods typically recover only 30%-40% of a reservoir's crude oil, leaving substantial resources untapped. EOR technology addresses this challenge by altering the physical and chemical properties of reservoir rocks and fluids to mobilize remaining oil deposits.

JAPEX has made substantial investments in EOR research and development, establishing itself as a leader in this transformative field. The company's technological advancements offer sustainable solutions to extend field lifespans and maximize resource potential.

JAPEX employs three primary EOR methodologies, each tailored to specific reservoir conditions:

• Chemical Flooding: Utilizes specialized compounds to improve oil mobility
  • Polymers increase injection fluid viscosity for better sweep efficiency
  • Surfactants reduce interfacial tension between oil and water
  • Alkaline agents generate natural surfactants through chemical reactions
• Gas Injection: Uses various gases to enhance oil recovery
  • CO₂ injection works particularly well in deep, high-pressure reservoirs
  • Nitrogen injection offers cost-effective solutions for specific formations
  • Natural gas leverages existing field resources for improved economics
• Thermal Methods: Applies heat to reduce oil viscosity
  • Steam flooding effectively recovers heavy oil deposits
  • In-situ combustion generates heat through controlled burning

JAPEX maintains robust technical capabilities supporting its EOR operations:

• Comprehensive analysis of reservoir rock, fluid, and gas properties
• Advanced laboratory simulation of reservoir conditions
• Sophisticated reservoir modeling and predictive analytics

The company has successfully implemented EOR solutions across multiple fields, including the landmark Iwafune-Oki offshore project in Niigata Prefecture. This pioneering gas injection project, initiated in 2006, extended field production by over a decade and exceeded initial recovery projections.

With conventional oil discoveries declining, EOR technologies are becoming increasingly vital for global energy supplies. JAPEX continues to innovate in this field, developing solutions that balance energy needs with environmental considerations.

The company's technical achievements demonstrate how mature fields can be revitalized through advanced recovery methods, offering a model for sustainable resource management in the energy sector.