Abstract
Well placement decisions are routinely made on the basis of simulation models that are created before production operations begin. Real-time downhole pressure data and surface flow rate information can provide a significant set of calibration information early in the life of the reservoir. In this paper we describe a method for comparing a set of assumed reservoir parameters, especially the presence of a connected aquifer and its size, with a set of simulation models to assist with well placement decisions.
In the South Timbalier 316 block, a delineation well penetrated the steeply dipping B4 reservoir near the oil/water contact. Based on a comparison of downhole pressure data, with data from simulation models, the operator concluded that a connected aquifer was present and estimated its size. This information was sufficient for the operator to know that the well would not be needed as a water injector and to justify a sidetrack from the downdip location to an updip location.
When the updip sidetrack well was drilled, reservoir rock quality was below the minimum for a commercial completion. This brought into question the viability of any hydrocarbon storage capacity in the northern portion of the field. As soon as the updip sidetrack well was logged, a "what-if" reservoir model was run to simulate a no-hydrocarbon-reservoir scenario in the northern portion of the field. This reduction represented approximately 25% of the reservoir hydrocarbon pore volume. The model results clearly indicated that this was not a reasonable model and gave the operator confidence to sidetrack the well directly to the west, to a slightly downstructure position, whereby a successful completion was made. Without this "quick-response reservoir model" the well may have been sidetracked to the south, resulting in a less-than-optimal well location.
