Waterflooding optimization based on the streamline method and solving the linear programming problem

Abstract

At all stages of the life cycle of a field from putting into development to applying various methods of enhanced oil recovery at the final stage, specialists solve optimization problems in order to increase the recovery of reserves, increase current oil production, increase the economic efficiency of projects, etc. The efficiency of waterflooding of oil fields is influenced by a wide range of factors, the negative impact of which can lead to uneven and low depletion of reserves. Solution of the problem of waterflooding optimization is proposed, calculation the injection rate, which ensure maximum oil rate from production wells while implementation the restrictions on the total volume of injected water and on bottom hole pressures of production and injection wells. The suggested approach is based on the use of the streamline method and the solution of a linear programming problem. An example of using the proposed algorithm for solving the problem is shown and the technological efficiency of changing the operating modes of injection wells is calculated. The predicted increase in the oil recovery factor under the considered conditions was 5.75% over 15 years of development. Keywords: waterflooding optimization; streamline method; linear programming; interwell connectivity.