Comprehensive Study of Development Strategies for High-Pressure, Low-Permeability Reservoirs

Abstract

Currently, there is no well-established framework for studying development patterns in high-pressure, low-permeability reservoirs. The key factors influencing development effect typically include the reservoir properties, well pattern, well spacing, and the rate of oil production. Reservoir A is a representative of this type of reservoir. Starting from its physical properties, a study of the development mechanism was conducted using the tNavigator (22.1) software. A total of 168 sets of numerical experiments were conducted, and 3D maps were innovatively created to optimize the development mode. Building upon the preferred mode, an exploration was carried out for the applicability of gas flooding and the optimization of water flooding schemes for such reservoirs. All experimental results were reasonably validated through Reservoir A. Furthermore, due to the high original pressure in such reservoirs, the injection of displacement media was challenging. Considering economic benefits simultaneously, a study was conducted to explore the rational utilization of natural energy. The research proved that for a reservoir with a permeability of about 10 mD, the suitable development scheme was five-point well pattern, a well spacing of 350 m, water–gas alternating flooding, and an initial oil production rate of 2%. When the reservoir underwent 8 months of depleted development, corresponding to a reduction in the reservoir pressure coefficient to 1.09, the development efficiency was relatively favorable. Over a 15-year production period, the oil recovery reached 29.98%, the water cut was 10.31%, and the reservoir pressure was maintained at around 67.18%. The geology of the newly discovered reservoir is not specific in the early stage of oilfield construction, and this research can help to determine a suitable development scheme.