Maximising Production And Extending Economic Life Of The Woollybutt Oil Field, Carnarvon Basin, Australia, "From Little Things, Big Things Grow"

Abstract

The Woollybutt Oil Field was discovered in 1997 and further appraisal drilling delineated two separate oil accumulations in the Early Cretaceous Barrow Group Sandstone; the Woollybutt North and South Fields. The Woollybutt North Field came on production in April 2003 with an expected field life of three years. Subsequent review and development drilling in 2005 extended the Woollybutt North Field life to 2008. The tie back of the Woollybutt South Field in 2008, previously thought to be an uneconomic area, has again increased total field life expectancy and consequently increased the expected ultimate recovery for the field. Issues with the unknown level of productivity of the poorer quality basal Mardie Greensand reservoir and the seismic velocity gradients across the field, generated a large uncertainty in both well productivity and structural closure of the field. A review was undertaken which integrated geophysical, geological and reservoir engineering expertise. This review resulted in the revision of the Woollybutt geological model and the development of the Woollybutt South Field. An additional benefit was to also extend the production life of the Woollybutt North Field. This paper describes the original geophysical and geological model and demonstrates how simulation history match feedback can influence the mapping of the structural closure of the field. This result was integrated with a wireline mini drill-stem test within the poorer quality reservoir sandstone and led to the development of a new geological model. Subsequently the decision was made to develop the Woollybutt South Field, which is dominated by this poorer reservoir; the basal Mardie Greensand. Woollybutt is operated by Eni Australia (65%) with partners Exxon Mobil (20%) and Tap Oil (15%).