Waterflood Planning and Piloting in a Tight Sandstone with Stimulated Wells: Buena Vista Nose Case Study

Abstract

The paper covers green field development in a low-permeability reservoir, where water injection is under consideration. To maximize economic value, accurate well placement and key data gathering during delineation and appraisal will allow for early cash flow generation and preservation of ultimate waterflood reserves by operating above the bubble point pressure. Conversely, implementation of pressure support schemes absent information on reservoir connectivity, effective rock/fluid properties, and aquifer strength can result in an over-capitalization of investment via unnecessary expenditures. Implementation of a waterflood in a low matrix permeability system requiring well stimulation to achieve economic oil rates requires more sophisticated reservoir understanding compared to reservoirs with more favorable rock/fluid properties. A properly sequenced multi-disciplinary approach has been successful during reservoir characterization, optimized well/pad placement, well/completion designs, regulatory and land operations. This paper summarizes the approach used to optimize primary production operations while generating waterflood development plans, including challenges and key learnings.