Technology Focus: Mature Fields and Well Revitalization (January 2017)

Abstract

Technology Focus In last year’s Technology Focus concerning mature fields, I highlighted the topics of refracturing, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Evidently, these three topics remain as the critical aspects of mature-field development. However, for 2017, I would like to steer readers’ attention to new technology, advanced modeling, and the interesting topic of fracture hits. Advanced modeling, the ability to capture reservoir information in high definition and translate the knowledge into mathematical expressions, has always been a key enabler that allows our industry to maximize well performance. For instance, advanced modeling allows much more thorough derisking of enhanced-oil-recovery investment and leads to the maximization of financial returns. Concerning new technology that improves mature-field development, the advanced geosteering and reservoir-scale mapping tool not only enhances oil production from the target reservoir but also can help the asset team in proper reservoir characterization and redevelopment planning. It has been a challenge for our industry to implement new technology for the past 2 years because of market depression. However, 2017 is certainly the year to revisit the topic of new technology and prepare ourselves for the activity uptick. In this feature, I would like to bring up the topic of fracture hits. While in-field drilling is becoming more common, this crosswell communication initiated while pumping a hydraulic-fracturing treatment seems to be inevitable. It is not entirely clear how to prevent or control this phenomenon. However, there are several years of data and publications regarding this matter, plus some new technology to minimize fracture hits. I believe this will open up new opportunities for further maximization of well production. In this editorial, I talked about advanced modeling, new technology, and fracture hits. Therefore, I have selected several papers on these topics to share with you. Enjoy your reading. Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org. SPE 177148 State of the Art in 3D Reservoir Characterization: Palo Azul Field, Ecuador by J. Sandoval, Halliburton, et al. SPE 179177 Advanced Modeling of Interwell Fracturing Interference: An Eagle Ford Shale Oil Study—Refracturing by Adrian Morales, Schlumberger, et al. SPE 177060 Geomodeling Work Flow Adapted to a Mature Extraheavy-Oil Field—Case Study: Modelization of Petrocedeño Deltaic Reservoir for the EOR Polymer Project by R. Mulder, Statoil, et al.