A sour carbonate reservoir has been identified for water flooding to improve hydrocarbon recovery. The field is situated in the South of Oman and was discovered by PDO in 2005. Production began in 2007 and contains crude oil with 30° API oil gravity and solution GOR of 80 Sm3 /m3 , as well as, sour fluid contaminants of 5 mol% H2S and 3 mol% CO2. Reservoir water fluid samples confirm salinity is more than 220,000 mg/L chloride ions. While the reservoir is over-pressured at more than 600 bara with a bubble-point pressure of 140 bara, reservoir pressure continues to decline during the initial depletion phase of the field development. Although water flooding will arrest pressure decline in the reservoir, due to subsurface challenges and uncertainties, artificiallift is considered a key project requirement during the expected field life. Initially, reservoir water salinity is expected to contribute to an increased risk of salt precipitation and related flow assurance concerns as the water flood approaches the production wells. In addition, expected producing conditions are considered to be extremely corrosive. This paper will provide a summary of the expected field conditions, water flood project background and key artificial-lift application challenges including the proposed conceptual well completion designs to support the field development. A summary of artificial-lift selection, design and implementation strategy will be explained including objectives, scope and results of the recent jet-pump field trial. Finally, a brief summary of the key conclusions and plans forward will be shared.

A sour carbonate reservoir has been identified for water flooding to improve hydrocarbon recovery. The field is situated in the South of Oman and was discovered by PDO in 2005. Production began in 2007 and contains crude oil with 30° API oil gravity and solution GOR of 80 Sm3 /m3 , as well as, s...