--> ABSTRACT: An Approach to Management of Field Compartmentalization in Stacked Shelf Margin Delta Systems, by W. H. Mills, K. L. Badgett, S. P. Mitchell, G. S. Vinson III; #91020 (1995).

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An Approach to Management of Field Compartmentalization in Stacked Shelf Margin Delta Systems

W. H. Mills, K. L. Badgett, S. P. Mitchell, G. S. Vinson III

Proximity to the sediment source influences the degree of compartmentalization seen in the stacked shelf margin delta system encompassing the two main pays in BP Exploration's MC 109 field. The upper pay, G Sand, is closer to the sediment source as demonstrated by thick, generally continuous, high-quality reservoir. The J Sand is characterized by thinner sands, poorer-quality reservoir, and less connectivity across the field.

The nature of the G Sand makes it easier to define the depositional system and investigate reservoir compartmentalization issues. A combination of well log, 3D seismic, pressure, and fluid information form the data base for the field model and yield highly predictable well results. In the more distal J Sand however, it is possible to use the model only in a general sense. Complications with seismic amplitudes and a less reliable tie between wireline and seismic data require the use of additional techniques such as pressure transient analysis to efficiently exploit the reservoir.

Strategic use of horizontal wells provided insight into reservoir connectivity and reduced the number of conventional wells drilled from the platform by joining several isolated compartments with one wellbore. Advances in completion technology proved beneficial at both horizons by improving well performance. Using frac pack completions in place of traditional gravel packed completions increased well efficiencies by lowering completions skins. Additional study of the pressure transient data resulted in optimization of the breaker system which ultimately led to well completions that consistently had skins close to zero.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91020©1995 AAPG Annual Convention, Houston, Texas, May 5-8, 1995