Enhancing Reservoir Model Agility: Integrating New Drilling and Performance Data into Business Planning - A Case Study

Abstract Objectives/Scope This paper tackles the challenges of field development planning and optimization in a green onshore oil field where production data is limited. An agile workflow was employed to enhance the existing reservoir simulation model, preparing it for the selection of the optimal field development plan (FDP) while accounting for uncertainties. Subsequently, the paper reassesses the FDP considering the performance of wells drilled during the execution phase and the necessary updates derived from acquired data. Methods, Procedures, Process Through a comprehensive uncertainty analysis, multiple subsurface realizations were generated. A wide range of development scenarios and options were screened considering the uncertainties. Viable scenarios were then economically evaluated, leading to an optimal Field Development Plan (FDP) that not only addresses uncertainty robustly but also minimizes economic risk. The workflow employed was particularly suited to integrate new geological, drilling, and petrophysical data for updating the reservoir geological model. The challenges this workflow addresses include: Results, Observations, Conclusions The most robust development concept was chosen and analyzed, taking into account various viable development strategies such as plateau rate, drilling schedule, phasing, water injection timing, and artificial lift timings. A phased development approach was adopted, allowing for the acquisition of necessary data to reduce remaining uncertainties and prevent costly consequences of significant over- or under-capacity. Data obtained in one development phase were assessed and used to potentially update subsequent planned phases. The study revealed that field development could tolerate a delay in either water injection or artificial lift implementation. While it wasn't recommended to delay either at this stage, it's important to note that a potential long lead time in artificial lift implementation or the risk of lower injectivity wouldn't significantly impact field performance or ultimate recovery if contained within a few initial years of production. These findings further underscored the robustness of the proposed development plan. Novel/Additive Information Addressing large subsurface uncertainty alongside an extensive array of potential development scenarios necessitated cutting-edge uncertainty analysis and screening workflows to identify the optimal Field Development Plan (FDP). These innovative workflows, tailored for such unique challenges, hold significant promise for application in similar green fields. Detailed descriptions of these workflows will be provided in the paper. Category (Complete) 056: FIELD DEVELOPMENT: Innovative Oil Development Plans and Case Studies