Completion Strategy for Water Control in Horizontal Wells of an Indian Western Offshore Oilfield: A Case Study

Abstract

One of the major problems faced by the oil industry is the problem of unwanted water production. High rates of unwanted water production in a well can make the well uneconomical and reduces the good lifespan. The paper studies the problems faced by a field experiencing a large amount of unwanted water production in the majority of its wells. The data gathered from one of the Indian Western Offshore Oil Fields have been analyzed to identify the problems faced in several wells. Also, the initiatives taken by the company to control high water cut has been discussed. Understanding the water shut-off methods used for mitigating the problem of high water cut and their efficiency, the availability of various Inflow Control Systems for well completion to prevent unwanted water production is studied. Studying the performance of these systems from numerous case studies and literature surveys for mitigating unwanted water production, the paper provides a complete strategy for water control in horizontal wells for different reservoir properties and for future redevelopment plan of the Indian Western Offshore Field followed by the conclusion.