Case Study of the Application of Pressure Transient Testing to Characterize the Pumping Wells in the Calcutta Field in Suriname

摘要

The Calcutta field in Suriname is comprised of shallow, low-pressure, heavy-oil sandstone reservoirs that are being produced by progressive cavity pumps. These reservoirs are difficult to characterize because of the complexity of the depositional environments encountered in the wetlands of Suriname. The unconsolidated nature of these reservoirs makes it virtually impossible to recover any core successfully; hence, petrophysical parameters were originally derived from well-log analyses. Completions consist of gravel pack with screens to control the unconsolidated sands. Initial quality checks with surface liquid samples for PVT analysis routinely involve measurement of the bubble point pressure at ambient temperature. However, the emulsified water in the heavy oil made it difficult to conduct such PVT analysis. The inability to obtain reliable core or fluid samples, made pressure-transient testing an essential tool for characterizing these reservoirs. After the initial operational and mechanical restrictions were resolved, a field-wide program was implemented in 2008. However, the quality of the recorded pressure data was adversely affected by frequent power failures that resulted in unplanned pressure buildup periods. The pressure transient analysis was also influenced by limitations in production data gathering during the flow periods. Additionally, uncertainty in fluid properties and problems with mechanical and pumping equipment caused undesirable pressure disturbances during the well testing periods. Analyses of the tested wells showed better formation properties than suggested by the initial well-log-derived potentials, i.e., wells suspected to have formation damage proved to have negative skin, instead. Formation permeability was also found to be higher than the log-derived permeability values; this difference could have been caused by the gravel pack. The geological interpretations were improved and uncertainties regarding completion efficiency have largely been eliminated. The results have contributed to a better understanding of reservoir performance and have led to increased production optimization efforts. The field examples presented here illustrate the unique challenges experienced while applying pressure-transient testing in pumping wells to characterize the geologically complex reservoirs of the Calcutta field. This paper also describes the mechanical issues, well preparations, water production problems, and installation of permanent gauges in these wells.