Unlock the Potential of Tight Carbonate, Challenges and Mitigation, Mauddud Reservoir, Bahrah Field, North Kuwait, Kuwait

Abstract

The Bahrah Field was drilled by the first discovery well with trace of oil in Kuwait in 1936. The field is located on the Kuwait arch, on the north side of Kuwait Bay, and just to the south of the prolific Sabiriyah and Raudhtain Fields. Twenty-two wells were drilled targeting Mauddud reservoir, out of which six wells were successful with failure ratio of 73 % and only one well that has produced significant amounts of oil. This contrasts with the neighboring Sabiriyah & Raudhatain fields, which have been on production from the Mauddud reservoir since the 1950’s. Bahrah Field is very complex stratigraphic and structural setting that are controlling the oil accumulation and its production behavior. Mauddud reservoir is considered similar to unconventional reservoir Improved reservoir characterization and subsequent high definition 3D Static model increased the possibility of successfully testing Mauddud Reservoir, estimate the realistic oil in-place & reserve. The implementation of drilling seven (7) well locations with very encouraging results increased the field production to seven times. Acid fracture of some vertical wells have proven productivity of the Mauddud formation. The results of the vertical well fracturing indicated the potential for better well performance in a horizontal well acid fracturing where it can take advantage of exposing a greater length of stimulated formation to the well bore. Accordingly, the first horizontal well was successfully drilled with multi stage acid frac, utilizing 7 stages. This has resulted in maximizing the well production into 2.5 times compared to vertical Mauddud wells These results were used to support a development plan for the reservoir and identified follow-up actions that aid increased oil production and reserve addition. These successful activities helped in understanding the reservoir heterogeneity and reduced the uncertainty in the identification of sweet spot. In addition, it helped to develop Mauddud Reservoir leading to new Drilling and Workover opportunities. This led to increase in Oil Production, and recoverable reserves. Ultimately it will support a long-term development plan and reserves growth for North Kuwait.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90332 © 2018 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Cape Town, South Africa, November 4-11, 2018