Communication Analysis:  The Missing Piece

 

There are numerous published analytical and simulation methods for the design of waterfloods; however the literature has to an extent been silent on reservoir surveillance to help monitor and improve existing waterfloods.

 

This talk will focus on the general reservoir engineering workflow used to conduct surveillance and analyze waterflood performance.  This will be done by conducting analytical waterflood diagnostics and optimization potential on real waterflood case studies.  After examining waterflood diagnostics at a field/reservoir level, the concept of communication analysis will be introduced at a pattern/individual well level to specifically pinpoint areas with upside potential (water cycling/channeling, poor communication, etc) where techniques such as gel treatments and pattern reconfigurations would be ideal.

  

Over the last few years, the author has been involved in designing and implementing waterfloods in tight oil reservoirs such as the Bakken using multi-stage horizontal producers and injectors.  The upside potential of waterflooding these tight reservoirs and the key parameters to consider will be presented using simulation data as well as actual field results.