Artificial Communication Between Compartmentalized Reservoirs to Maximize the Value with Existing Infrastructure in Offshore Fields

Abstract

This paper aims a solution to improve dynamic connectivity between regions in compartmentalized reservoirs. The proposal is to drill horizontal wells whose main objective is to communicate the zones where compartmentalization has been detected. The fluid flow between compartments will occur due to the potential difference existing between them. The flowrate will depend on the petrophysical properties of reservoir, physicochemical properties of fluids and the design of horizontal well. The work develops a mathematical model that represents the potential behavior of each compartment over time when they are communicated through a horizontal well. It considers the special application for gas cap systems and it presents an example, which demonstrates the impact and benefits of this solution. The implementation of this proposal will help exploiting the hydrocarbons reservoir through the existing infrastructure in adjacent regions, thus, reducing or eliminating the requirement of new infrastructure and extending the lifespan of existing infrastructure, thereby maximizing the value and recovery of the fields, which can represent great economic benefits for many oil companies.