A review of studies on the phenomenon of bottom-water coning in oil and gas wells
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31471/1993-9868-2025-2(44)-114-126Keywords:
bottom water; coning; watering; critical water-free rate.Abstract
Review articles play an important role in scientific research, summarising existing knowledge on a particular topic, assessing its relevance and identifying areas for further research. This paper analyses the results of theoretical and experimental studies on the influence of geological, physical and technological factors on the process of water ingress into production wells during the development of deposits with bottomhole water. The analysis covers a wide range of issues, including forecasting the development of the bottomhole water cone in vertical and horizontal wells, assessing critical water-free oil and gas flow rates, and the influence of formation anisotropy on the rise and fall of the water cone. Particular attention is paid to the effectiveness of various methods of combating water flooding, including limiting pressure depression on the formation, using water-proofing screens, joint extraction of oil or gas together with water, and periodic well operation technology to control the subsidence of the bottomhole water cone. Classic cone formation models, the results of mathematical calculations and their comparative analysis are considered. Particular emphasis is placed on how thoroughly the authors of the studies covered the topic, how critically they approached the evaluation of the research results, and whether they managed to formulate an objective and structured picture of the subject of the study. Based on the results of the analysis, the strengths and weaknesses of existing methods for predicting and combating cone formation of bottom water are identified, as well as their practical significance and prospects for further research in the field of managing the development of oil and gas fields underlain by bottom water. An important aspect of the work is the emphasis on the need for additional research on the patterns of rise and fall of the bottomhole cone during the development of gas and gas condensate deposits. The presented results may be useful both for scientists studying cone formation processes and for engineers working on optimising the development of deposits under water pressure conditions
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