Separate-layer waterflooding technology based on bidirectional cable-less data transmission

Mature oilfields are challenged by increasing casing damages in water injectors, prominent interlayer contradictions, and intensive water regulation/metering workload, long period and low efficiency in traditional separate-layer waterflooding. The intelligent separate-layer waterflooding technology was investigated to enable the bidirectional cable-less data transmission of parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow rate and nozzle state and the real-time regulation of injector rate. The bidirectional cable-less data transmission system is composed of surface system (incl. surface signal control system and control circuit) and downhole system (incl. pressure wave intercommunication system, bidirectional anchor, and intelligent water distributor). Laboratory simulation of intelligent well completion was performed to verify the effectiveness and reliability of control command and control circuit. Moreover, field tests in 7 wells demonstrate the success rate of 100% for both bidirectional data transmission and regulation on separate-layer water injection. The proposed technology provides a valuable support to the improvement of reservoir waterflooding performance, cost reduction and benefit increasing.