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The application of Curvilinear coordinate systems to predict the behavior of pattern waterfloods in the Lekhwair oil field, Oman

Journal Article · · J. Pet. Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/9647-PA· OSTI ID:5454921

Curvilinear coordinate systems in five-, seven-, and nine-spot symmetry element models have been used to achieve a more realistic representation of reservoir flow behavior. The grid pattern is chosen to approximate the streamtubes, and near each well this can be made the same as for history-matched single-well radial models. Consequently, the parameters obtained in a history match of a single well can be used directly in the curvilinear system, thereby obviating the need to adapt them for use in a cartesian one. In this way individual well behavior, including cusping and coning effects, can be realistically modeled. Comparison runs have been made for a single-layer inverted nine-spot model with a favorable mobility ratio using two curvilinear and two cartesian grid patterns. Significant differences in the well performances are obtained, with the cartesian models yielding more optimistic results. Satisfactory history matches of production performance were obtained for a typical drainage point in the Kharaib reservoir of the Lekhwair field using a multilayer single-well radial model. The parameters obtained were applied directly in curvilinear areal grid configurations of five-, seven-, and nine-spot symmetry elements to obtain predictions of waterflood behavior. Since the mobility ratio (M= 0.7) of the system is favorable, high recoveries are obtained for all the pattern flood models--namely, + or - 56% of stock-tank oil initially in place (STOIIP) in the Kharaib. The equivalent result for natural depletion is 10%.

Research Organization:
Shell Intl. Petroleum Mij. B.V.
OSTI ID:
5454921
Journal Information:
J. Pet. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Pet. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 35:8; ISSN JPTJA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English