Technology Focus: Reservoir Performance and Modeling (September 2010)

Abstract

Technology Focus Understanding and management of subsurface uncertainties are crucial for successful development of early-phase projects. The development solution, drive mechanism, processing capacities, and number of slots needed all affect the net present value and the capital and operating expenses. Planning and execution of early-phase data acquisition and the effect these data have on late-life economics are a theme that deserves more attention. Concept selection is the most important part of an early-phase development from a subsurface point of view. Because of the high well cost, deepwater projects are sanctioned with few appraisal wells and limited dynamic information. The importance of an overall strategy to manage subsurface uncertainties is described in the paper regarding the development of the greater Plutonio area. Dynamic information, both horizontal and vertical permeability, is always on top of every reservoir engineer’s wish list. Wireline formation testing is a cost-effective way of addressing dynamic information, keeping in mind that an extended well test or a drillstem test is not always feasible for economic or practical purposes. Determination of remaining oil is key to increased oil recovery. A proactive approach to surveillance gives insight into the reservoir and has potential to mitigate unpleasant surprises. The paper describing the proactive well and reservoir management and the paper assessing fluid migration and quantifying remaining-oil saturation are both excellent examples of creating value through systematic reservoir surveillance. Reservoir Performance and Monitoring additional reading available at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org IPTC 13640 • “Successful Reservoir Monitoring With 4D Microgravity at Ras Laffan, State of Qatar” by A.F. AhmadZamri, SPE, RasGas Company, et al. IPTC 13185 • “Reservoir Modeling and Production Evaluation in Shale-Gas Reservoirs” by C.L. Cipolla, SPE, Carbo Ceramics, et al. SPE 127858 • “Perdido: The First Smart Field in the Western Hemisphere” by Robert K. Perrons, SPE, Shell. SPE 128137 • “Integrated-Production-Model Calibration Applied to a Gulf of Mexico Subsea Field” by L. Saputelli, SPE, Hess Corporation, et al.