An Innovative Approach to Brown Field Reservoir Management in Marginal Field Operation

Abstract

A major cause of increase in the number of well abandonments in small heterogenous formations with high geological complexities is early water breakthrough into completions which leaves pockets of bypassed oil that ultimately affects the overall recovery from such formations. This paper highlights some reservoir management strategies adopted to improve reserves from a Niger Delta formation with an API of 22 Deg. Reservoir management strategies adopted included the use of down hole gauges, inflow control devices, and detailed production/injection surveillance. Updated 3D simulation model and material balance analysis were also used for evaluation of waterflood recovery efficiency and real time Reservoir management decisions. Other Reservoir management practice helped in stimulating gas cap expansion that increased daily oil rate from this reservoir and field gas rate that helped in gas lifting wells in other heavy oil reservoirs with high BSW.