Panetta, Brian¹ 
(1) University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL

ABSTRACT: Integrated Geologic Modeling and Simulation, North Blowhorn Creek Oil Field, Lamar County, Alabama

North Blowhorn Creek Oil Field is located in northeastern Lamar County, Alabama. It was discovered in 1979. The field was unitized and a water flood project was started in 1983. In 1992, a microbial permeability profile modification (MPPM) project began as a result of continued declining production. During the field’s development, the original oil in place (OOIP) was estimated to be 16 million barrels. However, this study suggests that the OOIP may have been lower than originally estimated. To date, the field has produced over 6 million barrels of oil. Production is from the Mississippian Carter sandstone. 
The integration of 3-D geologic modeling, reservoir simulation and decline curve analysis has improved the understanding of the geology, geometry, and flow characteristics of North Blowhorn Creek Oil Field. 3-D modeling and simulation was performed using software by Landmark Graphics Corporation. The simulation was performed to validate and improve the geologic model. However, the scarcity and/or poor quality of key data, such as rock permeabilities, pressure data, and water saturations, made simulation efforts difficult. 
2-D modeling and decline curve analysis was performed using PETRA, a PC based software package by Geoplus Corporation. 2-D modeling involved creating contour and bubble maps of oil and water production, watercut, OOIP, remaining oil in place (ROIP) and estimated ultimate recovery (EUR). An estimated OOIP of 14.5 million barrels was derived from both decline curve analysis and geologic modeling and simulation. 2-D modeling proved useful in identifying a fracture in the southwestern part of the field.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90026©2004 AAPG Annual Meeting, Dallas, Texas, April 18-21, 2004.