Optimal Field Development Planning of Well Locations With Reservoir Uncertainty

Abstract

Abstract The paper presents a process for determining optimal subsurface locations for producing and injecting wells in a field to improve reservoir performance and value. The process is illustrated by optimizing well locations in an initial development planning context. The process involves planning a set of wells on a static reservoir model using an automated well planner. These locations are then optimized with dynamic flow simulation to achieve higher recovery or economic benefit. In this work, we present the framework for optimizing many well locations simultaneously, with reservoir simulation and economic analysis. This method is demonstrated byapplying it to a field-scale simulation model with water injection.