The success story of Windalia waterflood optimisation through integrated asset management in a mature field*

Abstract

Australia’s Barrow Island Windalia reservoir—the nation’s largest onshore waterflood—was developed in the late 1960s. The Barrow Island oilfield is Chevron Australia’s only mature waterflood, comprising more than 220 active injectors. The injectors pressurise and increase oil recovery from the geologically complex, low-permeable and heterogeneous Windalia Sand Member. To date it is estimated that the value of waterflooding has effectively reduced the field decline rate from approximately 18 % per annum to less than 2 %—adding millions of barrels in recovery and years on to productive field life. In September of 2008, the Windalia Waterflood achieved full field restitution. This involved the replacement and commissioning of glass-reinforced epoxy injection flow lines, a ring-main network and produced water re-injection facilities. Significant challenges were overcome in the process of realising the restitution’s full potential. Several waterflood optimisation activities have now been executed to achieve oil uplift and to capitalise on Chevron Australia’s investment. Compounded with restitution, the activities have successfully achieved the asset objective of arresting field production decline. This paper highlights the challenges encountered by the waterflood team, providing insights and lessons learned in the dynamic and holistic nature of waterflood management. It also highlights the interplay of considerations and what is crucial to achieving optimum sweep efficiency and pressurisation.