Physical modeling of a sidetrack horizontal well production to improve oil recovery

The scaling criteria of physical modeling of a horizontal well production are discussed. A scaled experimental model was designed and realized. The experiments of a sidetrack horizontal well production have been carried out in the system, and the production curve variation is analyzed. The oil recovery of a sidetrack horizontal well production is compared with that of a vertical well, and the effect of factors such as sidetrack drilling time, water driving rate and the length of horizontal section on oil recovery are discussed. The production of a horizontal well changed both the fluid flow direction and pressure distribution in the reservoir; as a result the remaining oil in the dead oil region is recovered, and the ultimate oil output is raised.