In the complete paper, the authors present a novel approach that uses data-mining techniques on operations data of a complex mature oil field in the Gulf of Suez that is currently being waterflooded. Evidence is presented about how salinity data can be used to further justify the linkages between different wells obtained from cross-correlation analysis. The results presented in this research can be adapted to any waterflooded field to optimize recovery at frequent intervals where injection and production data are available continuously.
Introduction
Mature oil fields typically present challenges of increased water production and water handling. Considering the geological complexity and associated field-performance behavior, reservoir characterization to optimize waterflooding is a major challenge.
