Novel 5S Workflow for Production Optimization and Water Management

Abstract Water production can single handedly jeopardize the life of a field unless it is managed adequately and timely. Water management must be a continuous process primarily mapped into three phases- diagnostics, technology screening and field execution, to ultimately optimize water influx and maximize hydrocarbon production while optimizing cost and maximizing operational efficiency. A systematic water management workflow comprising five stages (5S) was crafted. The initial stage entails analytical screening to pinpoint fundamental concerns across the field. Subsequently, the second stage delves deeper with well-level analysis, creating models to replicate production history. The third stage evaluates viable solutions and their feasibility. Next, a pilot implementation of the chosen technology occurs in a selected well, with performance closely monitored in the fourth phase. Finally, scaling up the solution to a cluster of analogous wells assesses the field-wide production gains achieved through controlled water production. Heterogeneity Index (HI) analysis involves comparing individual well performance with the average performance of its group over time. Utilizing HI, a study examined ~191 wells within a major oilfield to identify 70 underperforming wells based on trends in oil and water production. Among these, 30 wells were pinpointed as potential candidates for water shut-off following comprehensive well-level analysis. Evaluation suggested that successful water shut-off operations could potentially increase production by ~3000 barrels of oil per day (bopd). The methodology underwent pilot testing in a well. Post-shut-off results demonstrated a significant decrease in water cut (20%) alongside an oil production increase of ~150%. Following the successful pilot test of the water shut-off technology, scaling up to the field level occurred, deploying it at 12 analogous wells. This resulted in controlled water production at 15% and a net increase of 170% in oil production. The analysis of production and injection data serves as the primary method for identifying the root cause of water production, guiding the water management strategy. The innovative five-stage workflow offers an integrated approach that encompasses reservoir characterization, analysis of well performance, review of completion design, assessment of treatment programs, and execution of solutions.