Optimization of Reserves Exploitation through Integrated Asset Management in Deep Water Reservoirs, Mississippi Canyon, Gulf of Mexico

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

Drilling at Mississippi Canyon 109, a 30 well Gulf of Mexico deep water development, was completed under budget in 2.5 years and, to date, has produced 40% (16.5 MMBO) of the field's recoverable reserves. Technical and economic success was achieved through early formation of a multi-disciplinary geoscience/engineering team and maintaining that team throughout the project development. Effective integration of skills provided the foundation for improved performance through innovative approaches to platform design, reservoir description, reservoir development, and well productivity.

Early integration of exploration and appraisal drilling data resulted in a subsurface reservoir model that was used to optimize development schemes, resulting in a properly sized platform for the job. During the development phase of the project, quick integration of data into the planning process enabled the team to optimize performance on the fly. One early critical change made at MC 109 was the move from gravel-pack to frac-pack completion technology to reduce skins and improve productivity. Another improvement was the implementation of horizontal wells. While providing insight to the nature of reservoir boundaries, their ultimate benefit came by reducing the number of wells needed to develop the reservoir, providing increased initial rates, and accelerating a significant amount of il into the early life of the development.

Continuous improvement in drilling operations, well planning, completion technology, and post-drilling well monitoring and production maintenance have all resulted in a platform that has maintained plateau production over 20 MBO/D for 10 months. Lessons learned from this project are currently being implemented in other BP developments worldwide.

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