Impact of Aquifer Strength on Carbonate Gas Condensate Field Development Strategy, Case Study

Abstract

Before beginning the development of a carbonate gas condensate field, it is necessary to consider all the technological risks of development, related with pressure dropping below dew point pressure, thus the productivity of the aquifer. The field under consideration is carbonate, where the key words are the conductivity of fracture components, because of advancement of fluids in the pore space and matrix for storage of hydrocarbon reserves with low permeability. The reservoir drive mechanism assumed for this field is gas cycling. There was performed a comparative material balance analysis of aquifer influence with an analog field with similar geology but with differing hydrocarbon saturation, where waterflooding is considered the main drive mechanism. Then sensitivity studies were conducted on a simulation model of the field. It was important to define the strength of the aquifer in the matrix and fracture parts, to determine the aquifer productivity, permeability properties and other parameters. The conclusions were taken into account in the planning the versions of development, and compared with the initial technological indicators. As well as recommendations for improving development strategies.