Fluid distribution analysis supports field development planning

Overview

Seeking to better understand fluid distribution in a field for reserve booking and future field development planning, a client in the Middle East approached the Halliburton Consulting team for an integrated analysis. The aim was to aerially identify the existing condensate and oil segregation in the field and to understand compartmentalization in the reservoir. Numerous previously collected pressure/volume/temperature (PVT) samples had not been able to predict the producing gas/oil ratio (GOR).

Challenges

To better understand the fluid behavior and distribution throughout the reservoir, the Halliburton Consulting team would need to develop an innovative fluid distribution model. Additionally, a new methodology would be necessary to tune an equation-of-state model that could predict the producing GOR and the condensate/gas ratio (CGR), using well test data and available production data (including existing PVT samples).

Solutions

The Halliburton team analyzed the data, including modular dynamic testing (MDT) data, and was able to use proprietary analog reservoir information to better calibrate a model that could explain the fluid distribution. The team also used well test data to decide the fluid type being produced from the well, along with pressure and seismic data to see any structural isolations. Fault reinterpretation was completed for compartmentalization. The Halliburton team also devised a new methodology that integrated production and well test production data in an equation-of-state tuning and implemented equations-of-state tuning techniques and methods that helped match the producing GOR.

Results

The Halliburton team’s analysis provided increased confidence in the field’s fluid distribution. Additionally, accurate PVT characterization assisted the operator in deciding future infill locations and in achieving more accurate production targets for oil and gas. The Halliburton analysis also led to accurate reserve booking. Key to the Halliburton team’s evaluation was the ability to analyze data from multiple sources and to correlate it appropriately to create a new, improved fluid distribution and PVT characterization.