Technology Focus: Mature Fields and Well Revitalization (January 2010)

Abstract

Technology Focus The focus on finding and developing new fields sometimes overshadows attempts to recover more hydrocarbons from brownfields. Nevertheless, innovative projects are being implemented around the world to revitalize mature oil and gas fields. Every mature field has unique characteristics, and often several viable options are available for revitalization. Once a decision is made to implement a particular revitalization option, it is very expensive to change course and attempt an alternative solution. Therefore, it is imperative to minimize the risk of pursuing a wrong alternative. Simulations and pilot projects can generate data to narrow down options. However, economic constraints may limit actual data gathering. Thus, previous experience in revitalizing similar types of fields can be very leveraging. Archived SPE papers can be used to identify and rank revitalization alternatives. These papers can provide useful details regarding the challenges and success of hundreds of revitalization techniques. Furthermore, recent SPE papers include current details on the use of best-available technology to revitalize mature fields effectively around the world. The revitalization techniques presented in these papers may be well-established techniques, but much can be learned by reviewing the approach taken to investigate potential solutions, the types of options considered, and the progression from ideas to realities. Mature Fields and Well Revitalization additional reading available at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org SPE 124605 • “Forties: Creating a Long-Range Development Plan for a Large, Mature, Complex North Sea Oil Field” by Alan Chesterman, Apache North Sea, et al. SPE 122402 • “Optimizing the Development Concept of a Mature Gas Field in Intensive-Drilling Context: Tunu Field Case” by Bhayu Widyoko, Total, et al. SPE 122338 • “Optimizing Horizontal-Well Placement and Reservoir Inflow in Thin Oil-Rim Reservoirs Improves Recovery and Extends the Life of an Aging Field” by G. Kartoatmodjo, Petronas, et al. SPE 124647 • “Mature-Field Production Optimization Through Standardization of Operating Procedures for Reservoir Monitoring” by Vikas Bhushan, Shell, et al.