Design and Evaluation of a Water Injection System for Enhanced Oil Recovery

Thesis Abstract

The efficiency of oil recovery processes remains a critical challenge in the petroleum industry, particularly in mature fields where primary and secondary recovery methods have largely been exhausted, necessitating the implementation of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques such as water injection. This study focuses on the design, implementation, and comprehensive evaluation of a water injection system tailored for optimized EOR performance within a specific mature oil field. The primary aim is to develop a reliable, cost-effective water injection framework capable of maximizing oil extraction while maintaining reservoir integrity. To achieve this, the research establishes specific objectives to analyze existing water injection practices, design an innovative injection system incorporating real-time monitoring and control, and evaluate its operational performance through pilot testing and simulation. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach integrating quantitative and qualitative techniques. The quantitative component employs a case study research design within the selected oil field, with a target population consisting of reservoir engineers, production managers, and technicians involved in water flooding operations. A purposive sample of 30 key personnel and 10 existing water injection sites will be selected. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires to assess operational parameters and system performance, supplemented by in-depth interviews for expert insights. Additionally, reservoir and production data spanning the last five years will be analyzed. The design incorporates the use of high-resolution sensors and control systems for real-time data acquisition, along with simulation models created using ECLIPSE reservoir simulation software. The quantitative data will undergo statistical analysis through regression analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and diagnostic checks to evaluate the system's performance metrics. The qualitative data derived from interviews will be analyzed thematically to capture operational challenges, stakeholder perceptions, and system improvements. Key expected findings include a demonstrable increase in oil recovery factor by at least 15% compared to baseline operations, enhanced water injection efficiency through optimized flow rates and pressure maintenance, and improved system reliability attributable to integrated monitoring and control mechanisms. The study anticipates identifying critical operational parameters that influence EOR effectiveness and establishing best practices for implementation. The findings are expected to show that deploying a tailored, sensor-assisted water injection system not only enhances recovery rates but also reduces operational costs and reservoir damage risks. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a novel, replicable framework for designing water injection systems that integrate contemporary sensor technology and reservoir simulation principles within the context of EOR. It bridges gaps identified in prior studies concerning the scalability and operational stability of water injection methods, offering an evidence-based approach rooted in real-world application. The theoretical underpinning primarily draws upon the Darcy’s Law, the Buckley-Leverett theory of two-phase flow, and systems engineering principles related to control and automation, providing a comprehensive analytical perspective. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of technological integration for optimizing water injection strategies and presents a model for sustainable EOR practices. Recommendations include adopting the designed system in similar reservoir contexts, investing in staff training for operation and maintenance, and further refining the system through continuous monitoring. Future research should explore the integration of additional EOR techniques such as chemical flooding and thermal methods, expanding the applicability of the developed framework. Overall, this research enhances operational efficiency in mature oil fields, contributing significantly to resource sustainability and industry profitability.