Discover More Producible Oil-Flow Characterization for Oil Mobilization

Wadleigh, Eugene¹, Paul Hannah¹ (1) Full-Spectrum Monitoring, LLC, Casper, WY

Flow characterization applies the quantitative integration of formation, performance, and pressure measurements to map the cross-field variance in reservoir recovery mechanism efficiency. A fast-paced dynamic pressure data collection process tests the range of formation flow character by focusing on field extremes. Areas of high connectivity and fracture enhanced flow vs. areas of restricted flow/ compartmentalization (deformation bands, faulting, or depositional thins/quality lows) are tested.

Observations become meaningful through up-scaling via discrete feature network (DFN) flow simulation to preliminary full-field reservoir simulation. Results are output as maps of recovery mechanism efficiency. These maps enhance asset development planning through improved prioritization of in-fill or horizontal completion locations. Also waterflood pattern enhancement or de-spacing through conversion of water injectors back to production may be supported.

Often studies have focused on an optimum recovery method for each field, mature fields require a cost effective conversion to optimum mechanisms by area. Field data from Cretaceous reservoirs is presented to demonstrate the methodology for turning data into results. The technique is especially useful for the strongly structurally influenced reservoirs of the Rockies. Geology, performance, pressure, and concept (capillary and bond numbers) merge to define oil mobilization targets.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90055©2006 AAPG Rocky Mountain Section Meeting, Billings, Montana