Optimizing Well Structures and Trajectories for Maximizing Oil Recovery

Abstract

This project investigates the significant role of different well structures and trajectories to the oil recovery rate. The structure, trajectory and location of injector well to inject fluid into the reservoir are the vital aspects in order to have effective oil sweeping efficiency. While copious and diverse research papers have theoretically concluded that horizontal well offers significant commercial advantages to the oil recovery rate as compared to the conventional vertical well due to the greater drainage coverage, this project investigates the validity of the statement experimentally through Petrel E&P software for injection and production wells. Using conventional approach (theoretical) to locate optimal location and trajectory of injection well is a lengthy process as the outcome is dependent on the ability to understand reservoir behaviour and its operational limits. Thus, an alternative approach is proposed by utilizing Petrel E&P software to evaluate the change in the oil recovery rate with change in well trajectory. Specifically, the difference in the oil recovery rate is observed between vertical and horizontal wells with two types of wells (injection and production) placed in a grid, simulated in three different cases. First case (base case), both injection and production wells were placed vertically in the grid while in the sensitivity cases, the wells were placed horizontally. Several cases have been simulated in the model and the outcomes are significantly promising, and it is proven that the structure, trajectory and location of injector well have significant effects to the oil recovery rate.