Implementing Convection in a Reservoir Simulator: A Key Feature in Adequately Modeling the Exploitation of the Cantarell Complex

Abstract

Summary As with some thick and highly fractured Iranian fields, the Cantarell complex located offshore Mexico presents features [decreases in the production gas/oil ratio (GOR) and bubblepoint pressure with time] that reveal the effect of convection. This effect on the past homogenization of fluid properties is discussed and supported by a thorough characterization of the thermodynamic properties of actual reservoir fluids. To model convection, the reservoir simulator used for this study was purpose adapted. Sensitivity runs were performed to demonstrate the necessity of accounting for convection when matching the past history of the Akal field, which is part of the Cantarell complex.