The term “Mature Fields” normally evokes connotations ofrnrising costs and diminished expectations, yet the emergingrnsub-surface, with its utterly different sets of rules andrnattributes, is changing our paradigms and spurring distinctlyrnhigher expectations.rnThe increasing complexity of well architectures, higher levelsrnof well intelligence and the real-time modality in wellplacementrnand field operations, are all products of recentrntechnological advances and specifically the “computer chip”.rnAdvanced diagnostics is fast becoming the norm. Do theyrnassure greening of mature fields? What should be our redefinedrnExpected Ultimate Recoveries (EUR’s)? Is 90% ofrnTheoretical Maximum Recovery Factor a sufficiently boldrntarget to shoot for? What are the major impediments tornachieving higher EUR’s for mature fields?rnThe answers invariably lie in modern reservoir managementrntenets, in-depth understanding of reservoir fundamentals, duediligencernprovisions and a wise selection of “smarttechnologies”rn(the key operative word being “wise”). SaudirnAramco’s portfolio of hydro-carbon assets have, on average, arnstate of reserves depletion of less than 30%. On the maturernend of the spectrum, Saudi Aramco’s Abqaiq Field has alreadyrncrossed the 80% reserves depletion mark, yet is going strongrnon the strength of “smart technologies” and provides a real testrnas to what the smart technology dividend will be in terms ofrnincremental recoveries and reduced costs.
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