Abstract
The advantages of Front Tracking simulation are becoming well known. This paper is directed towards demonstrating some of the advantages of front tracking simulation by briefly describing a field example of an infill well in the large Magnus Field operated by BP. This was not a test case conducted to prove the simulator but a case with the specific objective of reducing the risk associated with the infill well.
The Frontline simulator was used to investigate the movement of water in a specific layer of the Magnus oil reservoir around the PN5 infill well location on the west flank of the field. Sensitivities were conducted which reflected the geological uncertainties of the area with a view to assessing the possibility of the infill area having already been swept as water had swept through nearby wells. The PN5 block remained unswept in all sensitivities although some cases did draw water closer to the area. The PN5 area was found to be in a drainage area between a northern producer, A5, and a southern injector, D5, and would not be swept for some time without PN5.
This was the first Frontline simulation study to be conducted by BP in Aberdeen. Overall Frontline has proven to be a quick, alternative approach to assessing a reservoir sweep problem and readily provided well communication information which is not available from standard simulations. Frontline significantly reduced the uncertainty and the well was drilled shortly after the study and although part of one layer was swept the target layer was unswept and the well brought on stream in excess of 20 mbd dry oil.
