Growth and Subside of Water Coning Estimation Using Physical and Numerical Simulation Method

This paper focuses on the growth and recession of the water cone in bottom water drive reservoir by using 3D physical simulation technology and numerical simulation method. The results of physical simulation revealed that: a 3D physical simulation model can truly reflect the progress of the growth and subside of the water cone and shut-in coning control method may reduce the water cut, increase the oil production and enhance the recovery ratio of the bottom water drive reservoir. Meanwhile both physical modeling and numerical simulation studies show that the water cone subsides with a decreasing speed. It drops fastest in the first four years, and then gradually slows down. Given the economic factors, it suggests that the best shut-in time in the oilfield is four years.