Waterflood-Induced Fracturing: Water Injection Above Parting Pressure at Valhall

Abstract

During a three year waterflood pilot program at the Valhall field, injection at a pressure higher than the Formation Parting Pressure (FFP) was employed to improve injectivity. Due t o concerns about premature water breakthrough and reduced sweep efficiency, an engineering study was performed simulating the dynamic growth of the induced fracture. The work provided a better understanding of the dominant physical processes occurring during the Valhall waterflood pilot and gave a tool for predicting future performance.

Simulation and field analysis of waterflood induced fracturing

“…This paper describes new modelling techniques developed for the analysis of field tests and the design of projects. These techniques have been used successfully to analyze several North Sea waterflood pilots (see e.g., Eltvik et al,1992). This paper describes our understanding of waterflood fracturing and the current state of modelling tools which have evolved over a period of several years in the course of analyzing pilot waterflood projects in several North Sea fields.…”