TABLE OF CONTENTS Thomas, Mahoney, and Winter (1989) pointed out that in determining the suitability of a candidate reservoir for waterflooding, the following reservoir characteristics must be considered:
Reservoir geometry
Fluid properties
Reservoir depth
Lithology and rock properties
Fluid saturations
Reservoir uniformity and pay continuity
Primary reservoir driving mechanisms
Each of these topics is discussed in detail in the following subsections.
The areal geometry of the reservoir will influence the location of wells and, if offshore, will influence the location and number of platforms required. The reservoir's geometry will essentially dictate the methods by which a reservoir can be produced through water-injection practices.
An analysis of reservoir geometry and past reservoir performance is often important when defining the presence and strength of a natural water drive and, thus, when defining the need to supplement the natural injection. If a water-drive reservoir is classified as an active water drive, injection may be unnecessary.
The physical properties of the reservoir fluids have pronounced effects on the suitability of a given reservoir for further development by water-flooding. The viscosity of the crude oil is considered the most important fluid property that affects the degree of success of a waterflooding project. The oil viscosity has the important effect of determining the mobility ratio that, in turn, controls the sweep efficiency.
Reservoir depth has an important influence on both the technical and economic aspects of a secondary or tertiary recovery project. Maximum injection pressure will increase with...
