Evaluation and optimization of waterflood projects: New approaches and technologies to revitalize a classic method
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Analyze 880 scenarios generated through the use of the reservoir numerical model
South America
A South American national oil company (NOC) wanted to revitalize a mature field, with most of its 1100 MMSTB OOIP already produced. The operator urgently needed a revitalization plan with minimal capital investment. They requested on-site work to ensure knowledge transfer and that the model would be ready for updates after the study concluded.
To complete the work using the operator's hardware in less than 2.5 months, Halliburton tailored the methodology into three simulation stages. Each stage evaluated the effect of short operational actions on cumulative production, made decisions, and optimized future operations. A fourth stage aimed to maximize net present value (NPV) by determining well type (injector-producer), wellsite location, drilling sequence, and water injection rate.
Using a reservoir numerical model coupled with an optimizer-stochastic machine, Halliburton’s team analyzed 880 scenarios within the constraints of existing infrastructure and rig availability. They forecasted production increases with an NPV 400% higher than the operator’s existing plans. A detailed five-year implementation plan was provided, including a risk analysis detailing injection rates by well, workover schedules, drilling and conversion of wells, and surface facilities revamp.
More than half of the world’s oil is produced through waterflooding. Despite its decades-long application in oilfields, numerous challenges remain in enhancing project performance and preventing failure. These challenges include early water breakthrough, high water cuts, mature reservoirs needing revitalization, low recovery, and sub-optimal infrastructure.
Typically, field development design involves standalone solutions that do not aim for a common objective. Decisions are often made reactively, day-to-day, rather than proactively. This approach overlooks the complexity of the upstream and downstream consequences of operational decisions.
Field development plans require screening numerous operational options and decisions, potentially leading to hundreds or thousands of scenarios. The main challenge is designing operational parameters, such as injection rate, injection well positions, and surface facilities, to optimize the most desirable business objectives.
Halliburton’s proven workflow ensures not just a good waterflood solution but an optimal one. Our process begins with a comprehensive evaluation of current exploitation methods, whether for primary recovery or existing waterfloods. Based on the field's status, we offer flexible solutions tailored to data availability, desired time frames, preferred functionality, and target injection-production forecast accuracy.
These solutions range from classical reservoir engineering methods using analytical models to fully integrated numerical models. Models can be optimized through simple pattern balancing and diagnostic techniques, or high-end global optimizers, and real-time monitoring and control systems. Our approach considers a holistic view of the asset, providing an optimal solution regardless of recovery methods, reservoir life, or modeling sophistication.
A key component of this approach is the use of a smart algorithm to evaluate field design and operational parameters based on their effectiveness in achieving the desired business objective. Multiple objective functions can be evaluated according to the asset's needs, such as maximum NPV, maximum cumulative oil, and minimum water cut. By incorporating all decision variables and their constraints, we develop an optimal waterflood design solution that can reduce risk and help increase project profitability.
Our approach is compatible with full-scale numerical modeling software and analytical modeling spreadsheets. It extends to large-scale integrated waterflood projects using real-time, digital monitoring and data gathering through our proprietary workflows.
Finally, no waterflood design can realize its potential without best-in-class field implementation. Halliburton addresses common issues in waterflood field operations, like injection water treatment for reservoir compatibility, water shut-off, sand and fines migration prevention, and flow assurance and control.
