--> A Strategy to Maximize Production from Naturally Fractured Gas Reservoirs

AAPG Latin America & Caribbean Region, Optimizing Exploration and Development in Thrust Belts and Foreland Basins.

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A Strategy to Maximize Production from Naturally Fractured Gas Reservoirs

Abstract

Gas recovery from naturally fractured reservoirs is sometimes limited by early water break-through and excessive water production, resulting in a low recovery factor. A possible solution to this problem is to produce water from flank wells and thereby shield the producers higher in the structure. This was successfully done in the Aguaraque field of Argentina. Aguarague is a naturally fractured Devonian sandstone gas reservoir. 3D-GEO has built a reservoir simulation model of a large gas field in the Bolivian portion of the sub-Andean foldbelt. This field is similar to Aguarague, although the aquifer is much weaker. The Bolivia Field has experienced much more pressure depletion and much less water influx than Aguarague. 3D-GEO modelled the conversion of two gas producers to water producers to access the impact on ultimate gas recovery. At both Aguarague and the 3D-GEO modelling in Bolivia, the success of the water production strategy relies on knowing the general path of water influx and being able to produce water from existing wells in these pathways.