Technology Focus: Mature Fields and Well Revitalization (January 2011)

Abstract

Technology Focus Growth in oil and gas production must stem from a combination of new-field development and effective management of existing fields. Substantial additional reserves can be secured by enhancing the recovery from mature fields. Many operators are aggressively pursuing a strategy that is based on tapping bypassed horizons, cutting costs, and implementing leading-edge technologies to combat the natural decline of mature fields. Field exploitation strategies such as resource-targeted infill drilling, field- or play-extension wells, and strategic recompletion, the locations of which are based on integrated-characterization studies, are the preferred approaches to revitalization of mature fields. Reserves growth is enhanced further by deployment of advanced characterization technologies such as 3D seismic that enable better definition of the structural framework of a mature field, enabling targeting of depositional axes for strategic infill drilling. An integrated approach built on the latest reservoir-management and production-enhancement techniques promises to accelerate the revitalization of mature fields. Production-enhancement techniques such secondary and tertiary schemes, horizontal and multilateral drilling, improved perforation and stimulation methods, new completion techniques, advanced logging procedures, artificial-lift optimization, and water control can boost the recovery from mature fields. Papers selected for this feature are aligned with the aforementioned theme of integrated reservoir management and production enhancement. Mature Fields and Well Revitalization additional reading available at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org SPE 134061 • “An Integrated Analytical Method for Identifying Remaining Potential of a Thin-Bed Reservoir in a Deltaic System—Sengata Field” by Riswan Kiay Demak, Pertamina, et al. SPE 135921 • “Technological Solutions for Marginal-Oilfield Development” by Ravil R. Ibatullin, SPE, TatNIPIneft, et al. SPE 128448 • “Optimizing Simulation Studies for Gas/Condensate-Field Development and Management” by Ahmed El-Banbi, SPE, Cairo University. SPE 132187 • “Using Drilling and Logging Data for Developing 1D Mechanical Earth Model for a Mature Oil Field To Predict and Mitigate Wellbore-Stability Challenges” by M. Afsari, Iranian Offshore Oil Company, et al.