The Forties Field, Block 21/10, 22/6a, UK North Sea

Abstract

Abstract The Forties Field is located 180 km (112 miles) ENE of Aberdeen, predominantly in UK Licence Block 21/10. It was discovered in 1970, when an exploration well encountered hydrocarbons in Palaeocene sandstone within an anticlinal structure. Four appraisal wells confirmed the existence of a major oilfield, with an area of approximately 90 sq km (35 sq miles) at a depth of approximately 2000 m (6500 ft). The reservoir occurs in thick Late Palaeocene sandstones deposited in two major sand-rich submarine fan sequences. The field has been producing oil since September 1975. Stock Tank Oil Initially in Place (STOIIP) has been calculated as 4343 MMBBL, and original reserves estimated as 2470 MMBBL, representing an overall recovery of 57%. The field came off plateau production of 500 000 BOPD in 1981, and by mid-1989 production had declined to about 250 000 BOPD. After fourteen years production, the field has produced more than 2 billion STB. Remaining reserves are about 500 MMBBL which includes recovery via artificial lift. Field life has been projected to extend beyond the year 2000. Water injection into the aquifer commenced in 1976, and continues at the present day at an average rate of 390 000 BWPD. There is also a significant contribution to pressure support from the underlying aquifer. At present there are 103 available wells in the field, 81 producers and 22 injectors.