Key Performance Drivers For Horizontal Wells Under Waterflood Operations In the Layered Pembina Cardium Reservoir

Abstract

Between 1990 and 1994, 18 horizontal wells were drilled and completed in the Pembina Cardium pool. Increased application of this technology in the pool has been curtailed by limited understanding of the performance of these wells and lack of reliable prediction models. This paper focuses on the analysis of performance of the 18 wells and the development of a methodology leading to a reliable performance prediction model for horizontal wells in the pool. The model was developed using analytical modelling techniques. A major advantage of the analytical technique over reservoir simulation, besides its low cost and quick turn-around, is that it involved more focus on key performance drivers. The analytical model couples a material balance model with a reliable horizontal well productivity model.This methodology provides deep insights, particularly into the performance of horizontal wells within a stratified reservoir under waterflood. It shows that traditional methods of modelling horizontal wells by history matching vertical wells or using type curves to establish reservoir parameters may lead to inaccurate or unreliable performance predictions, particularly in layered reservoirs under waterflood. A material balance model coupled to a proper horizontal well productivity model, the application of a detailed reservoir description, and correct averaging techniques are critical to successful performance forecasting.The methodology developed in this study has resulted in the identification of key reservoir characteristics leading to selection of reservoir targets for successful application of horizontal wells in the Pembina Cardium pool.

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