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PRIO Invests In Research And Innovation To Increase Efficiency In Mature Fields, Establishing New Partnerships And Developing Adapted Software For Advanced Recovery.
PRIO has directed significant resources to research and development, aiming to optimize operational efficiency in already-explored oil fields. The company is continuously investing in innovation and forming new partnerships to achieve advancements in the sector. Its commitment to technological adaptation results in tools that improve oil recovery in areas that were previously considered less profitable.
Always seeking to expand its boundaries, PRIO actively collaborates with startups and educational institutions, focusing on the use of cutting-edge technology to overcome current operational challenges. The company adopts a flexible work model, without following predefined paths, allowing for constant evolution and adaptation. In Rio de Janeiro, starting in July 2024, PRIO will intensify efforts in partnerships and development of innovative software to advance oil recovery techniques. This approach provides a significant competitive advantage and sustainability over time.
PRIO’s Opportunity Capture
In mature fields, PRIO is dedicated to strongly investing in research and innovation, always seeking new ways to capture opportunities. As a result of this effort, the largest independent oil and gas company in Brazil formed, in the first half of this year, three new partnerships focused on advanced recovery and seismic inversion. ‘We are open to learning and seeking the best solutions in the market, with a focus on high performance and results.
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When necessary, we test, promote development, and innovate. Our search is for practical applications to solve the inherent problems of operating mature fields – from reservoir management to corrosion treatment and risk management.’ We want, for example, to increase the recovery factor of reservoirs and enhance production, always with a focus on safety,’ explains Francilmar Fernandes, Operations Director at PRIO.
The oil company began discussions in 2023 with potential partners aimed at deepening the understanding of the mechanisms by which each method can enhance production. Contracts were signed with PUC-Rio, UFF (Federal Fluminense University), and the startup Wikki, which develops mathematical models and digital simulations for different industrial sectors. ‘The R&D structure we have set up was created with a focus on solving real and high-impact problems for PRIO.
Strategic Partnerships Of PRIO
In this way, the definitions of our research lines are ‘alive’ and adjusted quarterly with the emergence of new challenges. It is difficult to pinpoint all areas of interest. Some are already becoming well-defined, while others are gradually taking shape,’ highlights Arthur de Almeida, reservoir engineer and focal point of R&D at PRIO. The low salinity water injection is one of the themes that has been closely monitored by the oil company in recent years. The partnership established with Wikki aims to deepen this topic and overcome challenges in understanding the phenomena that increase oil recovery.
Using open-source technologies and digital simulations, the startup aims to understand and analyze the impact of the salt composition in injected water across different lithologies (or rocks), in order to optimize oil recovery at the ideal concentration. ‘The intention is to develop a simulator capable of predicting the effect of Low-Salinity water for different ionic concentrations and reservoir conditions, as well as comparing its effect with other advanced recovery methods,’ emphasizes Arthur. Rodrigo Dias, CEO of Wikki Brazil, states that cultural synergy was essential to solidify the partnership. ‘We combine the agility of technology with the concept of open innovation, always relying on communication and continuous commitment between the specialists of both companies,’ he adds.
Oil-Water Emulsions And Reservoir Recovery
In collaboration with the Laboratory of Microhydrodynamics and Flow in Porous Media (LMMP), linked to the Department of Mechanical Engineering at CTC/PUC-RIO, the proposal is to study the effect of microemulsions in water injection as an advanced recovery method for two of the fields operated by the company. The goal is to enhance the effects of droplet size in emulsions in the water injected into the reservoir, aiming to limit preferential pathways through which the injection water flows, leaving oil behind. Thus, the intention is to optimize the characteristics of the injected emulsions and estimate their effects on controlling excessive water production, incorporating an active research line. ‘LMMP has been developing the process of injecting oil-water emulsions as an advanced recovery method for some years now. In this project, we will move towards the optimization and application of this technique, considering the specific characteristics of two PRIO fields.
We are extremely excited about the partnership and the results it will bring to the laboratory and the company,’ explains Prof. Marcio Carvalho, coordinator of LMMP. Another immediate challenge that the company intends to tackle is the development of proprietary software adapted to its operations, in collaboration with the GIECAR laboratory (Group of Exploratory Interpretation and Reservoir Characterization) at the Federal Fluminense University.
Seismic Inversion And Development In Albacora Leste
The seismic inversion technology allows for a better understanding of the geology of the fields (such as porosity, rock types, rock quality, presence of hydrocarbons, among other properties) and provides greater accuracy in well drilling. Similar software has already been developed in the market, but PRIO’s idea is to create, over the next two years, a program tailored to its operations in Albacora Leste, completely adapted to the way the company works and the type of field it operates. ‘The methodologies of Quantitative Seismic Interpretation that will be developed with PRIO will contribute to a better geological-geophysical characterization of this field, and the solutions to be implemented may later be applied to other company assets,’ explains Wagner Lupinacci, project coordinator.
The initiative involves more than 14 researchers from UFF, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students as well as professors. ‘The projects with resources from the research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) clause have been fundamental for building high-tech laboratories and training human resources in Brazilian universities,’ adds Wagner. ‘The proximity of our research to operations is a differentiator. With this type of initiative, we gain our own technology and knowledge, in addition to contributing to the development and training of professionals who know the practical application of the developed methodology,’ explains Igor Neves, geophysics specialist and project management leader.
History And Purpose Of PRIO
Pleased to meet you, PRIO. We are the largest independent oil and gas company in Brazil, a pioneer in recovery and extending the lifespan of producing fields. Founded in 2015 and with five assets in the Campos Basin, our focus is excellence and the pursuit of operational efficiency, always prioritizing operational safety, care for people, and environmental preservation. Originating in Rio de Janeiro, PRIO has a purpose that goes beyond oil and gas: we want to use the best of our energy to transform Brazil into a more efficient place. Additionally, we seek to engage and return this growth to society through support for sports, culture, and environmental preservation – actions and projects that are part of our manifesto I ❤ PRIO.
Source: © Felipe.Pessoa@ideal.pr
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