Optimization of Well Patterns in Offshore Low-Permeability Thin Interbedded Reservoirs: A Numerical Simulation Study in the Bozhong Oilfield, China

Guangai Wu, Yingwen Ma, Yanfeng Cao, Anshun Zhang, Wei Liu (), Jinghe Wang and Xinyi Yang
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Guangai Wu: CNOOC China National Offshore Oil Corporation Research Institute, Beijing 100027, China
Yingwen Ma: CNOOC China National Offshore Oil Corporation Research Institute, Beijing 100027, China
Yanfeng Cao: CNOOC China National Offshore Oil Corporation Research Institute, Beijing 100027, China
Anshun Zhang: CNOOC China National Offshore Oil Corporation Research Institute, Beijing 100027, China
Wei Liu: College of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, China
Jinghe Wang: College of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, China
Xinyi Yang: College of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 2, 1-16

Abstract: Offshore low-permeability thin interbedded reservoirs contain significant oil reserves and are crucial for future development. However, due to the high cost and operational challenges associated with offshore fracturing, large-scale fracturing common in onshore fields is uneconomical. Furthermore, offshore low-permeability reservoirs often have sparse well placement and wide well spacing, in contrast to onshore low-permeability fields, which leads to low recovery. Additionally, there is a lack of comprehensive theory on optimizing the well patterns and fracture networks to maximize net income, highlighting the need for further research. This study tackles these issues in a low-permeability thin interbedded reservoir in the Bozhong Oilfield by using reservoir numerical simulation. First, fracture parameters, including fracture half-length and conductivity, are optimized for different well patterns. Subsequently, well pattern optimization is conducted under fractured conditions, targeting maximum net income under various conditions. The results indicate that when fractures are confined to a single reservoir layer and the main reservoir layer accounts for less than 36% of the development section, fractured directional well patterns yield a higher net income. Conversely, when fractures penetrate all reservoir layers, fractured horizontal wells with closer fracture spacing a higher number of fractures are the most profitable option, particularly in offshore fields with large well spacing. The findings provide critical insights into optimizing well patterns and fracture network designs for offshore low-permeability thin interbedded reservoirs.

Keywords: low-permeability reservoirs; hydraulic fracturing; optimum well pattern; numerical simulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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