--> ABSTRACT: Integrated Interpretation of the B-15 Trap, the Most Prolific Producing Reservoir of the Orinoco Belt, Eastern Venezuela, by D. M. Flores, M. De Mirabal, and W. E. Arias; #91021 (2010)

Datapages, Inc.Print this page

Integrated Interpretation of the B-15 Trap, the Most Prolific Producing Reservoir of the Orinoco Belt, Eastern Venezuela

FLORES, D. M., M. DE MIRABAL, and W. E. ARIAS

The B-15 Trap of the Orinoco Belt contains more than 2 billion barrels of 10. API oil in place. Its exploitation has been extensive during the last fifteen years, reaching a production potential of 50,000 barrels per day using cyclic steam injection as the main production mechanism. In 1994 three horizontal wells were drilled to ascertain the potential of cold production in the reservoir. An integrated reservoir characterization study was undertaken to sustain the project. Six electrofacies were recognized, which allowed the recognition of depositional sequences. Two main sequences were recognized, both of them characterized by amalgamated sandstones overlying sharp erosional surfaces. The lower sequence is overlain by a regional shale interval, representing the maximum flooding surface, and agradational, slightly progradational parasequences sets of fluvial, distributary and deltaic sands intercalated with shales, silts, muds and coals of overbank, interfluve and distal deltaic facies. The two amalgamated sandstones comprise the largest heavy oil accumulations. Locally, the isolated meandering channels and distributary sands show good potential for horizontal drilling. Forty horizontal wells have been drilled so far in the main reservoir, with a cold production range between 700 and 2,500 barrels, which account for about 80% of the current production of 72,000 barrels of oil per day. Cold production through horizontal wells has replaced cyclic steam injection as the main production mechanism. Oil mobility is affected by the extremely high permeability of the reservoir, foamy oil phenomena under solution gas drive conditions, compaction of pore space and by water drive. 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91021©1997 AAPG Annual Convention, Dallas, Texas.