Case Study: Vedanta achieves world’s largest polymer flood EOR success with Computer Modelling Group

Vedanta Ltd. uses Simulation to Develop the World’s Largest Polymer Flood

Vedanta Ltd. worked with Computer Modelling Group to evaluate chemical enhanced oil recovery for the Mangala field in India, where conventional waterflooding was expected to create high water production and declining oil rates. Using CMG’s STARS reservoir simulator alongside laboratory coreflood and fluid interaction studies, Vedanta assessed polymer, alkali-polymer, and ASP flood options to determine whether chemical EOR could improve recovery and project economics.

Computer Modelling Group’s STARS simulations were used to history match lab results, optimize a tightly spaced 5-spot pilot, and forecast full-field performance. The analysis showed improved sweep and displacement efficiency, with estimated incremental recovery of 7-8% for polymer flooding and about 15% for ASP, and the pilot produced positive results with lower water cut when operational targets were met. Vedanta then scaled the program into a US$600 million project, ultimately operating the world’s largest polymer flood EOR project, with the ASP phase adding a further 10-15% incremental oil over the polymer flood.

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