Reservoir Characterization and Development Strategy in a Low Net to Gross, Discontinuous Fluvial System, Endicott Field, Alaska

HARVEY, S. L., S. R. JOHNSON, and A. R. O. WOOD, BP Exploration, Houston, TX

The upper Kekiktuk Formation of the Endicott field contains stacked, low net to gross, discontinuous fluvial sands. There are a variety of facies amid slightly sinuous to meandering channels. Stratigraphic correlations utilize log profile patterns, RFT measurements (differential depletion), and surveillance data. Incorporation of depositional facies into geological maps provides the framework for reservoir simulation models.

Field performance coupled with an extensive surveillance program indicates that better sand continuity exists than was previously estimated from early stochastic models. Finely gridded two-dimensional models, incorporating the depositional facies and stochastic shale distributions, were built to characterize gas and water secondary recovery processes. Two-dimensional results were scaled up to three-dimensional models to determine field development strategy.

Model results have been utilized to locate production and injection wells and to optimize offtake strategy. Water injection has been initiated, and sustained high injectivity has been achieved. The evolution from stochastic sand distribution to deterministic mapping and detailed reservoir simulation is predicting substantial recovery benefits compared to early models.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91004 © 1991 AAPG Annual Convention Dallas, Texas, April 7-10, 1991 (2009)