Paper: An Objective Approach To Analyzing Waterflood Performance

An easy-to-understand method of analyzing the performance of existing waterfloods is presented and its is demonstrated with examples from West Texas and other areas. Example projects having both favorable and poor performance are shown. The recommended technique requires a detailed description of reservoir properties such as net thickness, porosity, oil and gas saturation, and compilation of individual wells' production and injection history. Graphic displays are used to define efficiency of individual flood elements. Comparison of elements within a waterflood are made to determine relative efficiency and further, which elements need an overhaul or are candidates for infill drilling. The calculation procedures are based on a simplified material balance, decline curve analysis , water-oil displacement efficiency, and pressure performance of injection wells, but are easily hand done, not requiring computer assistance.