Recently, Zhongman Aksu Oilfield made new progress in enhancing crude oil recovery, with the successful on-site completion of a natural gas huff‑n‑puff test on Well Hong 72-7. This well was the first to use compressed natural gas (CNG) technology for energy boosting and blockage removal, providing valuable field experience for improving oil recovery at the Aksu Oilfield.

Located in the Hong 52 fault block, Well Hong 72-7 had seen declining production due to natural reservoir energy depletion and deteriorating crude oil properties. In January of this year, to solve these production challenges, the Oil Production Management Zone of Zhongman Oil & Gas developed a customized huff‑n‑puff stimulation plan for the well based on the company’s 2026 scientific research projects.

During implementation, the technical team first applied specialized chemicals to pretreat the formation and clear blockages, then precisely injected a set volume of natural gas. Key parameters, such as injection rate, gas volume, and reservoir pressure, were closely monitored throughout the process. By intensively monitoring and analyzing injection data, the team continuously optimized the shut-in duration and operating procedures. After a 29-day shut-in period, the well was successfully brought back online with production fully restored.

“Field production data shows that after gas injection, the well’s average daily output rose from 1.05 tons to 5.25 tons - a very significant increase,” said Xu Kaicai, Deputy Manager of the Technical Office at the Oil Production Management Zone, Zhongman Oil & Gas. Following the test, reservoir pressure rebounded markedly, crude oil viscosity decreased, and underground flow channels were effectively cleared, demonstrating strong overall performance.

This field test has successfully demonstrated the strong applicability of natural gas huff‑n‑puff technology in the Aksu Oilfield. The technology simultaneously replenishes reservoir energy and reduces crude oil viscosity, effectively resolving key constraints, such as insufficient formation energy and poor oil fluidity that had limited well productivity and efficiency. It offers a simple, efficient, and easily replicable solution for similar wells. Moving forward, Zhongman Oil & Gas will accelerate the wider adoption of this technology, continuing to support stable production, output growth, and efficient development of the Aksu Oilfield.

(Zhongman Oil & Gas / Text by Chen Lulu, Photos by Shang Zhigang)