Abstract
The economic development of thin oil rims associated with large gas caps in multi-stacked reservoirs presents many challenges. In the structurally complex Champion West field, offshore Brunei, innovative well designs together with detailed subsurface studies have unlocked thin oil rims. Earlier development phases comprised deviated and snake wells with multi-zone smart completions. In some areas these wells have resulted in cross-fault depletion of the remaining smaller oil targets. An appraisal strategy was put in place to address the major uncertainties associated with the smaller targets, such as complex fluid distribution and connectivity to existing producers. This strategy comprised drilling pilot holes from development wells, which were evaluated using advanced mud gas logs, downhole pressure measurements and wireline/ logging whilst drilling (LWD) logs to confirm fluid distribution and understand connectivity. This paper discusses one such example, where production data from smart wells has been incorporated with appraisal data to optimise well design, placement and production from a thin depleted oil rim. Multi-rate test information has been used to adjust down-hole inflow control valve (ICV) settings, initially to balance drawdown along the horizontal wells and later to minimise water and gas cap production.
