Resolution of a Perennial Water-Cut History Match Challenge Helps to Optimize Drilling Program

Abstract

Reservoir_B7 is one of the top reservoirs in Adobe field and was considered for further development in a multi-year drilling campaign. The initial opportunity identification and new drill forecasts for this reservoir were done using an old simulation model. Over the years, the challenge with this model had been the prediction water production from existing producers which necessitated the introduction of local permeability barriers in the model. However, to validate this opportunity and ensure reliability of production forecasts, a new simulation study was commissioned. A systematic approach was employed during the new study which involved continuous engagement between Earth Modeler and Simulation Engineer. This led to identification of a low-quality facies which had not been properly characterized. Recharacterization of these facies led to an improvement in history match with an overall good pressure and saturation matches on both well-by-well and reservoir levels. The latest history matched model was used to validate the proposed opportunity and indicated a sub-economic incremental recovery. This led to elimination of hitherto top opportunity from the drilling program and preventing a bad investment by the company.