Tambora Field: Enhancing Production from Complex and Low Permeability Reservoirs

Bruno Michel, Pierre Baux, and Martin Simatupang
Geoscience, TOTAL E&P INDONESIE, Balikpapan, Indonesia

Tambora Field is a mature gas and condensate field, with oil rims, located at the apex of the modern Mahakam delta, Indonesia. Discovered in 1974 it was first produced for oil and then for gas from 1989. It consists of the stacking of deltaic series from Miocene age. The main remaining gas ressources are now concentrated in the deep zone (from 3800 to 4300 m/SS), a zone characterized with low productivity from conventional wells.

All techniques from acidizing, fracturation and horizontal drilling are used together to bring most of the different compartment configurations (more than 500 accumulations in Tambora). Experience showed us which technique is suitable for each context, and what the main challenges are for future development.

However, horizontal well success remains the key for future production. Drilling such long drain sections within very complex reservoir geometries without seismic support requires a pragmatic approach in term of well planning and while drilling data acquisition and interpretation, and above all a successful integrated work between all departments in town and on well site.

AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Cape Town, South Africa 2008 © AAPG Search and Discovery