Reduction of Oil and Gas Coning Effects by Production Cycling and Horizontal Wells

Abstract

This article investigates by simulation, coning mitigation during oil production from thin oil rim reservoirs using horizontal wells and production cycling. Production cycling is an operating technique in which the well is produced and then shut in for periods of time. During the shut-in periods, the cone reduces. This work suggests that production cycling delays water breakthrough. However, once breakthrough occurs, the well must be put on continuous production due to difficulties in unloading the wellbore and with the assistance of gas lift.