Cyclic Production Scheme for High WC and Low-Pressure Wells for Reservoir Management

Abstract
Lower Burgan (LB) is one of the most mature reservoirs in north Kuwait divided in to 3 layers, first layer under partial depletion drive and suffer from low reservoir pressure, the second layer under edge-partial water drive and the last layer under active water drive. Increasing trend of water production and high GOR has become a big challenge to control the reservoir production, several of studies done to evaluate the best strategy to enhance the reservoir performance. A comprehensive review of the performance of the wells was conducted to diagnose the specific reason and necessary remedial measures to be adopted. The review included the assessment of the results of the material balance and numerical simulation studies, depletion strategies, wettability/ relative permeability footprints; proximity to the OWC; past completion practices, well integrity and the time lapse PNC/PLT/ Well testing data. Workflows were developed for the sublayers within the hydraulic unit for systematic water cut diagnostics and preventive steps. Identification of suitable technology to address water cut and GOR management was also done. The typical trend of water cut and GOR performance with time and the depletion strategy was established to add value to the ongoing production activities and well allowable for each hydraulic unit. Rate sensitive performance was analyzed for the integration into the production plans. Cyclic production is identified as one of the new ways to reduce the water production and maintain the production for the wells producing below the bubble point. The concept was tried at high water cut wells successfully to revive the well from about 100% to 87% water cut with a closure cycle for 3 month and sustaining the production for high GOR wells with good ESP performance. In addition, suitable candidates have been identified for Coning Control Completions to weaken the water encroachment into the downhole wellbore. The overall water cut for the reservoir has been stabilized during last one year, thus helping the water handling constraints at the gathering facility. This paper will discuss the successful approach to control coning and water encroachment for active Bottom and Edge-Water drive layer and how this approached helped to sustain the production on high GOR wells running below bubble point with necessary diagnostics and remedial measures.