Understanding waterflood performance with modern analytical techniques

Application of reservoir simulation models to understand and forecast reservoir performance is the norm. In contrast, analytical tools provide required simplicity while capturing the events occurring at smaller time scales, which are ordinarily sacrificed in numerical simulations to keep the run time reasonable.This study illustrates the use of some recently developed analytical tools with high-frequency production data to understand field-wide and well-based flood performance. Also, modified definitions of coupled capacitance–resistance-aquifer model and reciprocal productivity index are introduced. Dynamic flow and storage capacity curve concept is developed using production data only. The use of these curves for characterizing the type of interwell and reservoir connectivity is illustrated with two case studies.The methods presented are based on fundamental-reservoir engineering concepts; therefore, they are versatile and easy to use. Synthetic examples illustrate and verify the methods used in the study. Case studies demonstrate the power of integrating analytical models for better understanding of evolving waterfloods.

► A new model for discerning non-uniform aquifer strength acting on each well. ► Dynamic flow-storage capacity curve concept is developed using production data. ► Coupled capacitance-resistance/aquifer model. ► Integration of modern analytical techniques.