Optimizing Water Management in Kuwait's Wells: A Case Study on Achieving a 78% Reduction in Water Production for Sustainable Water-Oil Practices

Abstract

Currently 70% of the Oil and Gas Production is from Mature fields (O'Brien et al., 2016) which has increased the challenges due to high water production. A holistic approach to balance operational efficiency, cost optimization, and environmental responsibility is key for sustainable growth. An integrated water conformance approach combining identification of source of water production, strategic engineering planning, technological innovation will be discussed in this paper. Early planning and intervention will increase the success rate of water conformance treatment by 40%.

This work will discuss water conformance holistic approach from strategic planning to implementation in a well in Kuwait which was producing at rate of 92% water cut. A chemical treatment was customized to cross-link and permanently seal interval section between oil & water producing zones. The placement will be key to prevent communication of water to upper oil producing zone. The chemical is a concentrated blend of a low molecular weight anionic polymer and a pharmaceutical grade crosslinker, that enables deep matrix penetration in low and high permeability formations.

The well was first put on production in May 2016 with an initial flow rate of 5000 bpd and a water cut of 20%. During production, the water cut percentage increased and by April 2023 reached 92% with a total flow rate of 4000 Bpd. After the PLT, it was discovered that the lower intervals of the well were produced water, and the upper intervals were produced oil. The reservoir engineering analysis of diagnostic plots indicated cause to be coning and an oil-water contact interval was identified. We injected a chemical treatment to form a protective ring in the formation with a 12 ft. diameter, which will protect the upper oil production formations from water migration from the lower aquifers. After the successful operation in January 2024, the starting flow rate of the well was the same as before the operation at 4000 bpd but with water cut of 5% (before the operation the water cut was 92%), 3 months later the water cut was 14% with the same total flow rate of 4000 bpd.

The novelty of this work like in its unique holistic approach from identification to placement which resulted in around 78% reduction in water cut which saved considerable operational costs. The quantity of water managed in this operation was immense and was achieved by integrated water management, strategic planning, and technological innovation. This will play a crucial role in controlling life cycle costs. Early planning is crucial to the success of water management.