--> ABSTRACT: Geological Modeling Challenges and Applications: San Miguelito Oil Field, Ventura, California, by Miller, Donald D.; Harris, John H.; Johnston, Duane; Liang, Ling; Simlote, Visheshwar N.; #90142 (2012)

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Geological Modeling Challenges and Applications: San Miguelito Oil Field, Ventura, California

Miller, Donald D.*1; Harris, John H.2; Johnston, Duane 1; Liang, Ling 1; Simlote, Visheshwar N.1
(1) Occidental Petroleum/Vintage Production CA, Bakersfield, CA.
(2) Numeric Solutions LLC, Ventura, CA.

Old oil fields with complex geology present a unique set of challenges to 3D geologic modeling and reservoir characterization. The San Miguelito oil field represents a remarkable example in many respects, discovered in 1929 in the Ventura basin, located between the Rincon and Ventura Avenue fields, with more than 1 billion barrels of combined production. The field is notable for its structural complexity and unusually thick stack of reservoir sands. Redevelopment of this field with more than 10,000 ft. of stacked Deepwater turbidite reservoirs and complex foldbelt geometry has multiple characterization and modeling challenges that invoke novel and creative solutions.

Reservoir characterization and modeling goals focus on optimizing the critical geologic factors for growing production from the previous water injection operations, anticipating that geologic complexity results in zones of un-swept oil in the reservoir. Geological modeling challenges include modeling thin-and thick-bedded turbidites, structural complexity, varying data vintage, and multiple oil water contacts. We solve these challenges with unique and creative approaches in our geologic modeling interpretation and calibration to historic rates and reservoir simulation values.

Through iterative collaboration between geologists and reservoir engineers and the application of sensitivity analysis, streamline modeling , material balance and black oil reservoir simulation, the project demonstrates reliable and accurate production history matches and . These geological models and engineering simulations drive current waterflood strategies.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90142 © 2012 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, April 22-25, 2012, Long Beach, California