Diagnosing and Controlling Excessive Water Production in Sharara Oilfield

Abstract

Excessive water production is a major challenge in the petroleum industry, leading to increased operational costs, reduced well productivity, and significant environmental concerns. This study focuses on diagnosing the root causes of high water cut in the El-Sharara oil field, specifically within the Mamuniyat reservoir.

The primary methodology employed is the Chan Diagnostic Plot technique, which involves analyzing the behavior of the Water-Oil Ratio (WOR) and its derivative (WOR') over time on a log-log scale. Production data from several key wells (including A06, A13, A15, A20, and A29) were analyzed to identify the underlying mechanisms of water intrusion.

The study successfully diagnosed a range of problems, including water coning, channeling through high-permeability layers, and rising water-oil contacts. For each diagnosed problem, the study estimated the ultimate recoverable reserves and highlighted the impact of water production on the field's economic life. The findings demonstrate that accurate diagnosis is a critical and cost-effective first step in selecting appropriate water shutoff techniques, ultimately leading to enhanced oil recovery, reduced water handling costs, and improved profitability of the wells.