Study on inter-segment interference mechanisms and patterns between horizontal well sections in a combined well pattern of horizontal and vertical wells in offshore oilfields

In the development of heavy oil fields in the Bohai Sea, the “horizontal + directional” well pattern has significantly improved recovery rates. However, as the oilfield enters the ultra-high water cut stage, changes in waterflooding behavior and production characteristics lead to a more complex distribution of remaining oil, posing challenges for subsequent development. This study introduces a dynamic interference analysis method that integrates three-dimensional (3D) physical modeling with numerical simulation. The method optimizes the interference prediction model under the “horizontal + directional” well pattern, aiding in well placement optimization and enhancing development efficiency during the ultra-high water cut period. Additionally, a phenomenon was observed where remaining oil concentrates in the central segment during the displacement process. Through numerical simulations under varying permeability rhythms, the impact of the injection-production relationship on the distribution of remaining oil was revealed, providing a theoretical foundation for well pattern optimization. The findings offer technical support for the continued development of Bohai Oilfields under ultra-high water cut conditions and provide valuable guidance for other offshore heavy oil fields. The new methods proposed in this study can improve recovery rates in complex waterflood environments.

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Publication Details

Journal
Scientific Reports
Published
2026-03-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-41737-3
Primary Topic
Hydraulic Fracturing and Reservoir Analysis
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Study on inter-segment interference mechanisms and patterns between horizontal well sections in a combined well pattern of horizontal and vertical wells in offshore oilfields

Xiangkun Zhang, Deng Jingfu, Mingxing Sun, Kuiqian Ma et al.
Scientific Reports
Hydraulic Fracturing and Reservoir Analysis
article

Study on inter-segment interference mechanisms and patterns between horizontal well sections in a combined well pattern of horizontal and vertical wells in offshore oilfields

Xiangkun Zhang, Deng Jingfu, Mingxing Sun, Kuiqian Ma, Sun Qiang, Zhang Zhang, Wu Longzhi, Dou Xiangji, Wang Lilei, Zhang Xuemin, Zhang Yunlai
article en

Abstract

In the development of heavy oil fields in the Bohai Sea, the “horizontal + directional” well pattern has significantly improved recovery rates. However, as the oilfield enters the ultra-high water cut stage, changes in waterflooding behavior and production characteristics lead to a more complex distribution of remaining oil, posing challenges for subsequent development. This study introduces a dynamic interference analysis method that integrates three-dimensional (3D) physical modeling with numerical simulation. The method optimizes the interference prediction model under the “horizontal + directional” well pattern, aiding in well placement optimization and enhancing development efficiency during the ultra-high water cut period. Additionally, a phenomenon was observed where remaining oil concentrates in the central segment during the displacement process. Through numerical simulations under varying permeability rhythms, the impact of the injection-production relationship on the distribution of remaining oil was revealed, providing a theoretical foundation for well pattern optimization. The findings offer technical support for the continued development of Bohai Oilfields under ultra-high water cut conditions and provide valuable guidance for other offshore heavy oil fields. The new methods proposed in this study can improve recovery rates in complex waterflood environments.

Scientific Reports
Tianjin University (CN), Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (CN), Changzhou University (CN)
Government of Jiangsu Province, Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province
Openalex Percentile: Top 39%
Hydraulic Fracturing and Reservoir Analysis
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