Continued Development of Mature Heavy-Oil Field with Strong Waterdrive Using Mechanistic Reservoir Simulation

摘要

Recent success with horizontal infill wells is evaluated using mechanistic modeling to aid in the understanding of observed performance and then assesses potential for unswept regions and additional drilling opportunties. A mechanistic simulation approach is used to model the reservoir because few modern logs and only key production rates are available. Historical reservoir pressure, oil rates and water cuts of vertical and recent horizontal wells were modeled successfully. The model shows that edge-water drive has limited effect on oil displacement in the upper-section of reservoir with proximity to the aquifer. Early vertical wells drilled in this area had low oil recovery because of the bottom water. Recent horizontal well production performance has bolstered confidence to drill near the edges of the field to provide additional incremental production. Recent drilling results support these findings. Mechanistic simulation approach was successfully used as a fast and efficient technique to understand recovery mechanisms and exploit potential.