Water production control in the C-lower reservoir, VLE-196 area, block V Lamar, Venezuela

Abstract

 The VLE-196 area, located north of Block V Lamar in Maracaibo, Venezuela, encompasses Eocene reservoirs, especially the C-SUPERIOR and C-INFERIOR sands of the MISOA formation, with a particular focus on the C-4/C-5 sands of C-INFERIOR. In recent years, water production in the 32 active wells has experienced a gradual increase, generating technical-economic problems that threaten oil recovery. The study was divided into four phases. The first consisted of the static and dynamic characterization of the reservoir. Subsequently, a well review was performed for a comprehensive analysis, which provided a diagnosis based on well characteristics and similarities/differences with neighboring wells. The final proposal included actions aimed at minimizing water production, improving sweep efficiency, extending well life, and reducing water treatment and disposal costs. Two pressure zones were identified, one to the north as a low-pressure zone and one to the south as a highpressure zone. Wells in the high-pressure zone exhibited coning primarily in C-5, while those in the lowpressure zone exhibited adedimentation in C-4 flow units. Differences in fluid behavior between C-4 and C-5 sands suggest considering these reservoirs as separate entities in future studies. The research seeks to address the current challenges through a comprehensive approach, offering solutions tailored to individual well characteristics to optimize production and mitigate water-related problems.