Results of the First Norne Field Case on History Matching and Recovery Optimization Using Production and 4D Seismic Data

Abstract

AbstractIn preparation for the SPE Applied Technology Workshop, "Use of 4D seismic and production data for history matching and optimization – application to Norne (Norway)" held in Trondheim 14-16 June 2011, a unique test case (Norne E-segment) study based on real field data of a brown field offshore Norway was organized to evaluate and compare mathematical methods for history matching as well as methods on optimal production strategy and/or enhanced oil recovery.The integrated data set provided an opportunity to discuss emerging and classical history matching and optimization methods after being tested using real field data. The participants of this comparative case study were expected to come up with a history matched model preferably using an integration of production and time-lapse seismic data and with an optimal production strategy for the remaining recoverable resources for the future period. Participants were allowed to suggest techniques to enhance recovery. Taking into account that the Norne benchmark case is a case study based on real data and no one exactly knows the true answer, participants and delegates were encouraged to discuss the methods, results and challenges during the course of the workshop, and thus in this case there are no winners or losers. Everyone who participated gained experience during the course of the exercise.Participants were asked to history match the model until the end of 2004 and optimally predict the production (oil, water and gas rates) performance until the end of 2008. Participants were from different universities in collaboration with other research organizations namely Stanford University in collaboration with IBM and Chevron, TU Delft in collaboration with TNO, Texas A&M University, and NTNU in collaboration with Sintef. This paper summarizes the presented results from these groups and the outcome of the discussion of the workshop delegates.