The Sidetracking Configuration Optimization and Detailed Scheme Design in a Oilfield Middle East

Abstract

Abstract Sidetracking horizontal wells is a significant technology in the oilfield development industry. It can be applied in repairing abandoned wells, low production wells, casing damaged wells, and severe water breakthrough wells. This technology has advantages for the developed reservoir, for example, re-boost the production of the existing shut-off wells, prolonging the life of oil wells, and achieving the purpose of reducing costs and increasing efficiency. The recovery rate of the A oilfield main reservoir is about 10%, the producing water has fully broken through in A oilfield. The water cut in some areas is higher than 80%, and more than 55% of the production wells have a water cut higher than 70%. The overall water cut rises rapidly, which makes water control difficult. Therefore, the sidetracking horizontal well technology is urgently needed in this A oilfield middle east, and a well-designed sidetrack configuration needs to be studied for the purpose of reducing water cut and re-boost oil production. In this work, reserves of each candidate layer of the reservoir have been evaluated to determine the best layer. Then, investigate the kick-off point locations and the specific sidetracking point locations to better design the sidetrack parameters, which is the most crucial section for oil production improvement and cost efficiency. One sidetracking well case is selected by applying the optimized parameters, and the detailed sidetrack plan was also designed, the numerical simulation was done to predict the production performance and complete the economic evaluation. This work can add value to re-boosting the oil production of the poor-performance wells in A oilfield, and also provides theoretical support for future sidetrack drilling wells in other oilfields Middle East.