The Evaluation of Development Scenarios Concerning Produced Water Management in an Iranian Oilfield

This article presents an overview of development scenarios evaluation, concerning produced water management in an Iranian oilfields. This field is located in southwest Iran and has only produced some 2% of its oil in place. Ten different scenarios were designed. The scenarios considered for the simulation address basic production methods including natural depletion, the use of artificial lift, and the use of various forms of pressure maintenance. These scenarios were critically evaluated regarding produced water management. The surface facilities were evaluated and it was ascertained that much of the equipment is old and in need of attention. The optimum cases will involve increased water handling. It will be necessary to produce and handle increasing amounts of water, and an artificial lift system will be required. The recommendations involve using a gas lift, commissioning the PU-5 desalination plant near the field, and drilling water disposal wells for produced water re-injection.