Field B is a marginal green field located offshore Sarawak, Malaysia with formation depth of less than 1000 meters. The compressional sonic transit time range is from 100 – 115 μs/ft, which immediately triggered the possibility of using active downhole sand control as this range is assumed to be unconsolidated. However, the rock mechanical strength characterization tests from sidewall core indicated contradictory result of a consolidated formation. Since the field is considered as a small field, the cost of the well especially on downhole sand control device need to be extensively optimized. Hence, sand prediction study for a small green field development using field and laboratory measurements was performed. Several methodologies of sand prediction were utilized to evaluate the optimum sandface completion and sand control management for the field. Empirical and analytical sand prediction based on the well logs, sidewall cores analysis, and sand prediction software are employed to evaluate the likelihood of sand production and the optimum well completion design for the field development. The available data from appraisal wells of Field B is also calibrated to the nearby brown field, Field A that has been producing for more than 30 years. This paper will discuss on the sand onset prediction results between full perforation versus oriented perforation, and pressure depletion impact on the sand production. The study shows that the formation is not prone to sand production especially in the early part of the production life with high reservoir pressure and low watercut. The expected Critical Drawdown Pressure (CDP) generated from different methods show large variation of sand onset pressure if the sandface is completed using full perforation. Oriented perforation tremendously expands the sand free drawdown limit. Based on the results of the study, expected reservoir pressure depletion and watercut, the completion of the wells adopted Oriented Perforation with no other downhole sand control equipment. This paper is beneficial for petroleum and well completion engineers especially on sand prediction part of well completion design in development stage. This will assist in ensuring the field meets the EUR and bring forward economic value as well as well integrity assurance.
During the low oil price era, the ability to deliver a small business investment yet high monetary gains was the epitome of success. A marginal field with its recent success of appraisal drilling which tested 3000bopd will add monetary value if it is commercialized as early as possible. However, given its marginal Stock Tank Oil Initially in Place (STOIIP), the plan to develop this field become a real challenge to the team to find a fit-for-purpose investment to maximize the project value. Luxuries such as sand control, artificial lift and frequent well intervention need to be considered for the most cost-effective measures throughout the life of field ‘Xion’. During field development study, several development strategies were proposed to overcome the given challenges such as uncertainty of reservoir connectivity, no gas lift supply, limited footprint to cater surface equipment and potential sand production. Oriented perforation, Insitu Gas Lift (IGL), Pressure Downhole Gauge (PDG), Critical Drawdown Pressure (CDP) monitoring is among the approaches used to manage the field challenges will be discussed in this paper. Since there are only two wells required to develop this field, a minimum intervention well is the best option to improve the project economics. This paper will discuss the method chosen to optimize the well and completion strategy cost so that it can overcome the challenges mentioned above in the most cost-effective approach. Artificial lift will utilize the shallower gas reservoirs through IGL in comparison to conventional gas lift. Sand Production monitoring will utilize the PDG by monitoring the CDP. The perforation strategy will employ the oriented perforation to reduce the sand free drawdown limit compare to the full perforation strategy. The strategy to monitor production through PDG will also reduce the number of interventions to acquire pressure data in establishing reservoir connectivity for the second phase development through secondary recovery and reservoir pressure maintenance plan. This paper will also explain the innovative approaches adopted for this early monetization and fast track project which is only completed within 4 months. This paper will give merit to petroleum engineers and well completion engineers involved in the development of marginal fields.
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