Methods of Division of Development Unit for Thick Carbonate Reservoir—A Case Study of the Mishrif Formation, A Oilfield, Middle East

This paper is aimed at introducing a method for the division of development units of thick carbonate reservoirs. This method consists of eight steps, ranked according to impact weight, each of which is independent but intrinsically linked. When there is a conflict between studies in different steps, the results of the previous step take precedence. (1) Pressure is the most important and reliable data. When the wells with an abnormal pressure gradient in the same interval account for more than 60%, further division of the reservoir is appropriate. (2) Baffles are the second most important and reliable basis. When there are continuous baffles or poor reservoirs that encounter more than 80% wells, it is appropriate to further divide reservoirs. (3) Without the two mentioned above, but with an unconformity surface or discontinuity surface between two sequences, it is appropriate to treat these two sequences as two development units. (4) Without the three mentioned above, if the permeability above and below the sequence boundary differs by 10 or more times, reservoirs above and below the sequence boundary are appropriate as distinct development units. (5) When the thickness, continuity, distribution pattern, and microstructure of two adjacent sequences are significantly different, it is appropriate to treat these two sequences as two development units. (6) If the development units are based on sequences, check for homogeneity within the stratigraphy. If depositional facies or physical property discontinuities are present, the sequence would be reconsidered for subdivision. (7) The reserves in each development unit should account for more than 20% of that of the whole reservoir. (8) When the division of the development units is complete, it needs to be examined to ensure that there is a consistent structure, fluid property, and free water level. If inconsistencies exist, then subdivision is considered. The method was successfully applied to A oilfield, Central Arabian Basin, in combination with the cores, cast thin sections, regular or special core analysis, wireline logging data from 450 wells, formation pressure from 63 wells, and more than 100 wells with a production logging test. The Mishrif reservoir was divided into four development units, in which different well patterns and well types were deployed. The improved development effect proves that the division of development units for thick bioclastic limestone reservoir is reasonable.