Improving the efficiency of field development using automated analytical methods to assess the wells interference and the nature of watering

At present, most of the oil fields are at the final stage of development and have high water cut production. The main part of the production is achieved through the water injection system by injecting water into the target reservoirs. The injection of water into the reservoir in excess of the target parameters causes a breakthrough along the most permeable interlayers and fluid escapes to other horizons not covered by development. Because of this, a large number of challenges arise in the direction of fast and efficient management of the water injection system.

Aim. In this work, a comprehensive analytical approach was developed to quickly and efficiently search for problem areas and candidates for well interventions based on a limited set of data. The methodology allows to reduce the labor costs of specialists when analyzing a large amount of data.

Materials and methods. The integrated approach is based on modified Spearman correlation and auto-interpretation of Chen plots. The time delay of the response on the dependent well was taken into account when determining the quality of communication between wells using non-parametric correlation. The combination of Spearman’s coefficients between injectivity and various production well parameters is also considered. To speed up the interpretation of Chen’s graphs, an algorithm was developed for automatically identifying periods and causes of watering out in wells. The results of analytical calculations were verified on the actual results of field geophysical surveys.

Results. Using this technique, the fund was reviewed at 10 fields and 57 interventions were approved, which are aimed at reducing inefficient injection and limiting unproductive recovery.

Conclusions. The results obtained confirm that the developed integrated approach allows for an express assessment of well interference, determining the causes of watering out, optimizing the water injection system and better planning geological and technical interventions and field geophysical surveys on the base wells within a limited set of initial data.

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