Waterflooding East-Messoyakhskoe Heavy Oil Field in Unconsolidated Reservoir – Challenges and Proactivity

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to share experience obtained from waterflood implementation in unconsolidated reservoir PK1-3 with heavy oil in East-Messoyakhskoe oil field. Key geological features of PK1-3 reservoir are presented, on which attention should be paid during waterflooding organization in unconsolidated reservoir with heavy oil. Typical effects are described, which are observed during waterflooding of such reservoirs, their analysis is made, based on world experience and actual field results. The history of waterflood implementation from the design and pilot stage to the full-field implementation stage and obtained results are highlighted. Waterflooding strategy and tactics used at this field development stage are described in details: analytical tools, selection and justification of injection pressure, selection of target VRR, individual injection rates selection, investigation program, tactical waterflood management. In addition, proactive actions to improve waterflooding efficiency and field development of PK1-3 reservoir are described. We hope that our experience will be useful to colleagues - reservoir engineers who already started or only plan to start field development with waterflooding of similar fields.