Maximum Efficient Rate Analysis of a Treated High Water Cut-Shutoff Wells

Increased water and gas production in oil recovery operations affects well performance and cause a reduction in oil production, making it necessary to determine the Maximum Efficient Rate (MER) for proper production control. This study estimates MER and appropriate choke size for selected wells for efficient production. The Study was achieved by estimating choke sizes, carrying out MER tests, determining MER using technical plots, and analyzing the data using statistical methods. Well test data in a field in Niger Delta was collected and used after approval from the regulatory authority. MER tests were carried out on selected wells using five different choke sizes, with proper stabilization and test periods. The well parameters such as flowing tubing head pressure (FTHP), oil rate, gas rate, and water cut were measured. Technical plots were used to determine MER, while regression and ANOVA were used to check relationships and differences in the data. The results show that MER values obtained include 423 bopd for Case 1A, 1069 bopd for Case 2A, 798 bopd for Case 3A, and 1115 bopd for Case 4B. An increase in choke size led to increase in oil, gas, and total liquid rates, while FTHP reduced. The regression model shows an inverse relationship between choke size and FTHP. ANOVA results show significant differences among wells and choke sizes. The study shows that MER can be effectively determined using technical plots and statistical methods, and that choke size and pressure are important for controlling well performance.