An optimization study on equilibrium development technology of horizontal wells in edge water reservoirs

In the production process of horizontal well, a pressure drop exists in horizontal wellbore from the toe to the heel, leading to different producing pressure drops at various points of horizontal section. And the water will early breakthrough in local horizontal section, which influences on the development effect of horizontal wells. Thus, it is required to combine the pressure drop characteristics in horizontal wellbore with reservoir heterogeneity and the location of horizontal section, in order to achieve equilibrium development of horizontal wells. The edge water reservoir was taken as an example in this study, where the reservoir simulation technology was used for analysing the influences of reservoir permeability difference along the horizontal wellbore, thickness difference along the horizontal wellbore and the angle between horizontal section and oilwater interface on horizontal well development. As a result, reservoir parameters policy limits were obtained for achieving equilibrium development of horizontal wells, providing a basis for the optimal design of horizontal wells in edge water reservoirs.