SPE 138886

Gas Condensate Field Development Plan by Means of Numerical

Compositional Simulation
V. A. Huerta, A. Lanchimba, L. Villagra, R. Chacon, Repsol Peru, E. Savoy, YPF S.A. & P. Colonomos, SPE

Copyright 2010, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the 2010 SPE Latin American and Caribbean Petroleum Engineering Conference held in Lima, Per, 31 Nov 3 December 2010.
This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper have not been
reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect any position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its
officers, or members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper without the written consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is prohibited. Permission to
reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of SPE copyright.

Abstract
During the latest years, some gas condensate fields have been discovered in the Peruvian Amazonian rainforest. One of these
fields is an anticline structure controlled by a reverse fault norwest southeast; a wildcat well, drilled at the top, tested gas and
condensate from NIA, NOI and ENE reservoirs; commercial decision on developing this gas condensate field will strongly
depend on estimating its hydrocarbon potential.
Structural, rock-type, fluid-type and reservoir performance uncertainties are closely linked to 2D seismic grid and restricted
information implicit to this exploratory well. A conceptual compositional simulation model was built for this gas-condensate
field during its early stage to integrate seismic interpretation, petrophysical analysis, fluid behavior, and eventually, to come up
with a reasonable estimation of resources, predict production performance and visualize development options.
Structural uncertainties were addressed by testing some geology maps, which were prepared with different velocity models for
time to depth conversion. In addition, rock properties were sensitized with multiple deterministic and probabilistic executions
taking into account ranges and cut offs of analogous fields. The fluid was characterized by means of two equations of state
Peng-Robinson of three parameters and clustered into 13 pseudocomponents (for NIA and ENE-NOI reservoirs); despite
sampling was not strictly representative, a calibration process was successfully done with experimental observations of PVT
tests to account for gas, condensate, as well as, condensable gases production. And, DST results were matched to a VLP wellmodel.
A holistic analysis was carried out by integrating compositional simulation to sensitize production performance, and
montecarlo simulation to evaluate for field size uncertainty when estimating gas and liquid resources. As a result, a matrix was
designed to visualize and evaluate the most feasible development alternatives: depletion, depletion supported by a mediumsize aquifer, partial and full cycling. 3D-Seismic and further appraisal wells will be useful towards reducing uncertainty of
simulation model output and improving development decision-making process.
Introduction
Numerical Simulation is largely the most powerful tool towards optimizing the evaluation and planning of a field
development, in early stages. Several studies have been conducted during the first years of life, or even previous to start
production on gas condensate-fields.
The Sleipner st Ty field1, a strong waterdrive gas-condensate field, showed an initial reservoir pressure slightly higher than
dew point. It started production in 1993 under a depletion mechanism, but eventually, in 1996, a massive dry gas rinjection
strategy was carried out, causing an increase in the condensate gas to ratio during these years.

1
Kjersti M. Eikeland, SPE & Helga Hansen, Statoil (2007). Dry-Gas Reinjection in a Strong Waterdrive Gas- Condensate Field Increases Condensate
Recovery Case Study: The Sleipner Ty Field, South Viking Graben, Norwegian, North Sea. SPE 110309

SPE 138886

Tracers were injected to wells in order to monitor the sweep efficiency and to identify unswept areas; injection was stopped to
evaluate the possibility of change drainage pattern by well interventions and infill drilling. Numerical compositional
simulation showed that at least 10% of injected gas could have been trapped in the norther region, which has no producers,
taking into consideration the waterflooded western saddle area between the northern and souther regions. The effectiveness of
the dry gas cycling programme raised the estimated ultimate recovery of condensates from 50% (depletion mechanism) to
81%.
Another example of the contribution of numerical compositional simulation may be noted in Arun field2, one of the worlds
giant retrograde gas-condensate reservoirs. After 10 years of continuous production at high rates, a significant loss in well
productivity was observed in some wells. A radial compositional simulation model confirms that the productivity loss was due
to liquid accumulation, as it was detected on pressure transient response. Numerical simulation showed that condensate
banking is a crucial factor to consider when predicting future well performance as well productivity may be reduced by 50%,
futher research might be conducted on miscible and/or lean gas injection to mitigate condensate accumulation in the near
wellbore.
Field Development Optimization Workflow
In early stages, when technical information is very limited, it is quite difficult to define a suitable development plan (number
and location of wells, flowrate, wellhead pressure, etc.). However, the most feasible development alternatives were conceived
and conceptualized for K gas condensate field, following a holistic analysis integrating reservoir modeling, numerical
simulation and uncertainty analysis. Figure 1 shows a flow chart methodology for field development planning in K field.
Figure 1 Integrated Methodology for Field Development Planning in K Field

Petrophysics K1XWellLogs
2DSeismic
Interpretation

Reservoir
Characterization

Upscaling
WD
F

TTA

PVT
SCAL

Compositional
Simulation

qo _ sc , q g _ sc , q w _ sc

Sales
Requirement

UncertaintyAnalysis
Structural
Analysis

Rock&Fluid
Properties

Depletion
Mechanism

OptimizedWellDeveloptment Plan
WD:WellDeliverability,TTA:TransientTestAnalysis
SCAL:SpecialCoreAnalysis
F FeedBack

2
Deddy Afidlick, N. J. Kaczorowski & Srinivas Bette, Mobil Oil Indonesia Inc (1994). Production Performance of Retrograde Gas Reservoir: A Case Study
of the Arun Field. SPE 28749

SPE 138886

Reservoir Description and Modeling3

Geology
K gas condensate field is an anticline related to an overthrust with NE vergence. The structure is 30 Kms long and 3.5 Km wide.
This structure is dip closed in three directions,the north east limit is a major thrust fault trending in northwest-southeast direction.
The Petroleum System in the K structure is similar to nearby gas condensate fields; this kitchen has demonstrated to be very
active and is composed by sources rocks from Carboniferous and Permian ages; it is worth poiting out that most of the
hydrocarbons of K field were generated and expelled predominantly from Ambo group, mainly in the deeper most part. The
regional model shows that the gas and condensate reached earlier the Permian reservoirs, during the early Tertiary though
migration and entrapment continued into the late Tertiary. The basin modelling evidence also shows that a lateral migration
from long distances is required to charge the prospects.
On the other hand, the primary reservoirs in the area are rocks of Permian (ENE, NOI and lower NIA) and Pre cretaceous
(Upper NIA) ages, comparable to those in nearby exploratory and development wells. Upper Nia was formed in a fluvial
environment, whereas, lower NIA and NOI are eolian sands, and ENE reservoir was deposited in a marginal marine environment.
The principal structure style in the area is the thin skinned tectonic, the thrust fault detachment is mainly at the shaly level of
the Cabanillas group (Silurian Devonian in age). Commonly, the anticlinal geometries are related to fault-bend folds
modified by short cut and back thrust faults. The K structure, is an anticline dip-closed in three directions, the east flank is
formed by a fault trending in a northwest-south directions. K field has a structural style similar to nearby gas condensate fields
of Camisea, which are on trend to the south west, and were generated by the same tectonic event.
Furthermore, reservoir seals are provided by mudstones and shales within each of the formations. For K field, the Shinai
mudstone is the top seal for NOI and ENE formations, while mudstone at middle NIA formation is the top seal for lower NIA
formation and upper NIA reservoir is sealed by basal mudstones of lower Chonta formation.
Reservoir Modeling4
The task of modeling K field was complex due to limited availability and quality of data; a very-disperse 2D seismic was
collected from K field every 4km or more) and there is a high source of uncertainty in lines processing and time-to-depth
conversion. In addition, only logs for Upper, Lower NIA and NOI formations were run in K1X well, with absence of core
analysis and pressure gradient tests. As a result, there is another important source of uncertainty in rock properties distribution
and fluid contact locations. The following workflow was used to model K gas condensate field:
a. Grid Construction
The grid was prepared using corner-point geometry, with dimensions of 54 x 163 x 205 cells. The model was not upscaled in
order to keep the geological details, such as faults trajectories and vertical resolution of the layers. It is important to mention
that the grid has been oriented along the main direction of deposition of the reservoirs ENE, NOI & NIA (45 of Azimuth).
Compositional simulation process used the exported grid from Petrel and established a work area including only 105035 active
cells, which are composing the main segments of K structure (Figure 2): Southern (I), Central (II) and Northern (III).
The size of the cells in XY direction is 250 x 250 meters, which is suitable for the 1000 meters of average well spacing
considered for K field. Vertical cells are in a range of 6 to 7.5 of thickness for NIA and approximately 27 of thickness for
NOI and ENE.
The correspondence between the simulation layers and the flow units is the following:

Layers 1 a 40: Upper Reservoirs (turn off)

Layers 41 a 70: Upper Nia
Layer 71 a 85: Seal
Layers 86 a 135: Lower Nia
Layer 136 a 165: Shinai
Layers 166 a 174: Noi
Layers 175 a 185: Ene

3
G & G Repsol Peru (2008). Post Drill Evaluation of K1X Well. An internal report by Repsol Peru.
4 Development Area Repsol Peru (2009). Numerical Simulation Study for K Field. An internal report by Repsol Peru.

SPE 138886

Figure 2 3D Reservoir Modeling of K Gas Condensate Model

Segment III
Segment II

Segment I

Figure 3 shows a cross-section with the flow units by each segment:

Figure 3 Cross-Section showing the different Flow Units by each Segment

SPE 138886

b. Facies Modeling
Rock properties were assigned to each cell of the geocellular model built in PETREL; net to gross, saturation distribution,
porosity, as well as, permeability in the three directions.
A facies model was created integrating data coming from well-log of K1X, nearby wells, and 2D seismic data. Three facies
were defined for the whole model; irreducible water saturation and net to gross values were assigned for each facie, and
allocated to K field reservoirs.
In addition, a geostatistical technique was used to distribute porosity and horizontal permeability through K field; vertical
permeability was calculated by using kv/kh relationship measured from core analysis (nearby gas fields).
In order to model facies distribution, a lithofacies log was created for existing K1X Well, based on the clay volume (VCL),
derived from petrophysics and populated in RMS using geostatistical techniques. The facies distributed in the geological
model were not upscaled.
The facies log for K1X has 3 values related to VCL, according to the following percentages:
Facies = 1
Facies = 2
Facies = 3

VCL > 50%

15% < VCL 40 %
VCL 15%

Shales
Shaly sands
Sands

c. Porosity and NTG

A variogram was built to distribute porosity into the model, based on the information of K1X and nearby gas wells. The
direction established in the facies distribution is the same one used for the porosity distribution.
A quality control procedure was carried out in order to verify if porosity ranks from histograms built with K1X logs, by each
facie and by sandstone, fit with the corresponding ones calculated with the porosity distribution function.
The geological restriction applied to the model is that the porosity will be zero when the facie is 1 (shale). The sequence to
distribute porosity in the 3D grid required the porosity to be transformed to a normal or Gaussian distribution.
Figure 4 shows the porosity histograms for facies 2 and 3. Figure 5 shows porosity distribution in a 3D model.
Figure 4 Porosity Histograms for K field Reservoirs.

SPE 138886

Figure 5 Porosity Distribution - 3D Model

d. Permeability
Permeability calculations were based on effective porosity distribution. Even though, it was not possible to measure
permeability from cores in K1X well, and set a regression equation with the porosity, a Timur equation was used to distribute
permeability in the 3D grid (see Figure 6).

100 * 2.25

K =
Swi

Timur equation depends on porosity and irreducible water saturation Swi. As a result, there is uncertainty in permeability
calculations due to the assumption of Swi in our model; the average permeability calculated for NOI reservoir matched with
figure estimated from DST, while there is a contrast between the permeability calculated for Lower Nia reservoir and its
corresponding value estimated from DST.
Vertical permeability was calculated using kv/kh = 0.5, according to results of core analysis in nearby gas fields. It was used a
multiplier in the numerical model (0.5) to incorporate these values in the model.
e. Irreducible water saturation
Irreducible water saturation values per each facie were read from electrical logs, and populated through the grid.

f. Gas-Water Contacts
Lowest known gas and gas water contact were only identified by log interpretation of K1X well (see Table 1); it should be
noted that new data from logs, core analysis and pressure gradient tests from further appraisal wells would be useful to validate
this.

SPE 138886

Figure 6 Permeability 3D Model

Numerical Compositional Simulation

Once K gas condensate field was characterized and upscaled, a compositional simulation model was prepared and calibrated
with PVT and DST tests run for ENE, NOI and Lower NIA reservoirs, using ECLIPSE 300. The following steps were
followed to build and execute the numerical simulation model for K Gas & Condensate field.
a.

Reservoir Fluid Analysis and Phase Behaviour Characterization

A sound sampling procedure was followed in K1X well to recover both bottomhole and surface samples from Noi and Lower
Nia formations at stabilized conditions during DST.
As initial reservoir pressures were slightly higher than dew point, bottomhole samples were disregarded, and separator samples
were recombined to calculate fluid composition for NIA and NOI formations at reservoir conditions. As it has been observed
from nearby fields, fluid composition indicates a lean gas condensate reservoir (less than 4% of retrograde liquid saturation).
Consistency of these results was verified by numerical calculations using two methodologies: Molar recombination at reservoir
conditions, and molar balance of CVD. Both methods proved that separator samples of NIA and NOI were suitable to
thermodynamically characterize phase behavior and calibrate an equation of state (EOS) for each reservoir; EOSs calibration
consisted of grouping, and then, splitting the C7+ into three pseudocomponents according to molecular weight and boiling
temperature (see Table 1)5.
Then, using the PVTi software, each PVT test was matched with an equation of state (EOS) Peng-Robinson of three
parameters (to correct molar volume and adjust cubically accentric factor) in order to reproduce phase behavior. It is worth
pointing out that critical temperature and pressures of each pseudocomponent were used for regression and matching.
Finally, main fluid properties such as relative volume, liquid saturation & mole recovery observed during constant
composition expansion (CCE) and constant volume depletion (CVD) lab tests were compared to EOS output to assure a good
calibration process (see figures 7 to 10)

E. Savoy (2008). Caracterizacin del Comportamiento Termodinmico: Fluidos de Reservorio, Yacimiento K. An internal report by YPF, Direccin de
Tecnologa.

SPE 138886

Table 1 NOI Grouping

Component

C7A

C7B

C7C

Group

NIA Grouping

Component

Group

N2

N2

N2

N2

CO2

CO2

CO2

CO2

C1

C1

C1

C1

C2

C2

C2

C2

C3

C3

C3

C3

IC4

IC4

IC4

IC4

NC4

NC4

NC4

NC4

IC5

IC5

IC5

IC5

NC5

NC5

NC5

NC5

C6

C6

C6

C6

C7

C7-C11

C7

C7-C11

C8

C7-C11

C8

C7-C11

C9

C7-C11

C9

C7-C11

C10

C7-C11

C10

C7-C11

C11

C7-C11

C11

C7-C11

C12

C12-C15

C12

C12-C15

C13

C12-C15

C13

C12-C15

C14

C12-C15

C14

C12-C15

C15

C12-C15

C15

C12-C15

C16

C16-C19+

C16

C16-C20+

C17

C16-C19+

C17

C16-C20+

C18

C16-C19+

C18

C16-C20+

C19

C16-C19+

C19

C16-C20+

C19+

C16-C19+

C20+

C16-C20+

Figure 7 CCE Relative Volume for NIA Formation

Figure 8 CVD Liquid Saturation for NIA Formation

C7D

C7E

C7F

SPE 138886

Figure 9 CCE Relative Volume for NOI Formation

Figure 10 CVD Moles Recovery for NOI Formation

It should be noted that properties of connate water were calculated by correlations, taking into account, formation pressure &
temperature and salinity.

b.

Density: 62.83 lb/ft3

Bw (rbbl/STB): 1.027
Viscosity (cp): 0.303
Capillary Pressure and Relative Permeabilities Curves

SCAL data was not acquired from K 1X well due to its complicated trajectory; thus, the nearby gas condensate fields were
used as references to obtain some correlations and rock-fluid properties.
It was observed from logs and cores of nearby fields that there is a relatively small transition zone (TZ) of 30 above the watergas contact (almost equal to the FWL), which were similar to interpretation K1 well logs. A single average capillary pressure
curve was designed for all the reservoirs of K field (table 2) based on the size of TZ, analogy to neighboring wells, average
porosity-permeability data and an irreducible saturation of 20%.
Table 2 Capillary Pressure for NIA, NOI and ENE Formations
H (FWL)
Pcr
J
Sw
100.0
34.9
3.8
0.20
90.0
31.4
3.4
0.20
80.0
27.9
3.0
0.20
70.0
24.4
2.6
0.20
60.0
20.9
2.3
0.20
50.0
17.4
1.9
0.20
40.0
13.9
1.5
0.20
30.0
10.5
1.1
0.33
20.0
7.0
0.8
0.39
10.0
3.5
0.4
0.50
0.0
0.0
0.0
1.00

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SPE 138886

On the other hand, corey correlation with information of neighboring fields was used to build relative permeability curves (see
table 3), that eventually were incorporated to the simulation. As these curves are strictly empirical and provide an uncertainty
source in production performance and recovery factor estimations, a sensitivity analysis changing Corey exponents was done.
Figure 11 shows relative permeability curves for water, condensate and gas phases.
Table 3 Coreys Inputs for Relative Permeability Curves

Figure 11 Relative Permeability Curves for Gas, Condensate and Water Phases

Before using rough capillary and relative permeability curves in the dynamic model, it was necessary to use an end-point
scaling procedure to honor irreducible water saturation values. As a result, original gas in place calculations with, both
dynamic and geological models, were quite similar.
c.

Transient Testing Analysis6

Three multirate DST tests were run for ENE, NOI and lower NIA formations. Four drawdowns periods and a corresponding
long build up were conceived for each test. Pressure and temperature were recorded and measured at bottomhole conditions
each second, while gas and liquid rates were registered at separator and tank conditions, respectively.
Plots of pseudopressure and its derivate against time (Figure 12) showed in all cases the infinite acting radial flow period.
Reservoir pressure, effective permeability and pseudoskin were calculated from semilog plots (Figure 13). Special attention
was given to late time effects, and interpretions were integrated to the structural model of K field.
Figure 12 Pseudopressure and Derivate log plots for ENE, NOI and Lower NIA
1E+8

1E+8

1E+7

1E+7

1E+6
1E-5

1E-4

1E-3

0.01

0.1

10

1E+6
1E-4

Log-Log plot: dm(p) and dm(p)' [psi2/cp] vs dt [hr]

1E-3

0.01

0.1

Log-Log plot: dm(p) and dm(p)' [psi2/cp] vs dt [hr]

10

Log-Log plot: dm(p) and dm(p)' [psi2/cp] vs dt [hr]

A.C. Gringarten, M. Bozorgzadeh, S. Daungkaew & A. Hashemi, SPE Imperial College, London (2006). Well Test Analysis in Lean Gas Condensate
Reservoirs: Theory and Practice.

SPE 138886

11

Figure 13 Semilog plots for ENE, NOI and Lower NIA

3600

3560

MainModelParameters
C 1.21E4bbl/psi
TotalSkin 7.02
k,average 2.21md
Pi 3638psia

3520

3480

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

MainModelParameters
C 0.00141bbl/psi
TotalSkin 2.58
k,average 2.7md
Pi 3639psia
0.7

0.8

Horner plot: p [psi] vs log(tp+dt)-log(dt)

d.

0.9

1.1

MainModelParameters
C 0.00196bbl/psi
TotalSkin 13.4
k,average 21.9md
Pi 3348psia

1.2

Semi-Log plot: m(p) [psi2/cp] vs Superposition time

Semi-Log plot: m(p) [psi2/cp] vs Superposition time

Vertical Lift Performance and Well Deriverabiliy

In order to model the fluid behavior in the near wellbore and through the tubing, a set of VLP curves were prepared using the
available PVT results, DST tests, as well as, survey and completion information of K1X well. The VLP tables for each
development well were done under PROSPER 10.3 platform (a very similar table was also prepared using PIPESIM), using a
like Black Oil PVT method to describe thermodynamic fluid behavior (a good approximation for poor gas condensate
reservoirs), a Petroleum Experts 2 correlation to model vertical lift performance, and a Beggs and Brill correlation for surface
hydrocarbons flow. The reservoir tables were built sensitizing a set of variables including gas production, condensate-gas ratio,
water-gas ratio and well-head pressure. Figure 14 shows the set of VLP curves for K field compositional simulation.
Figure 14 Vertical Lift Performance Curves

On the other hand, inflow performance relationships (IPRs) were prepared and absolute open flows (AOFs) were estimated
based on flow after flow estabilized rates and pressures for each test; it is worth pointing out that Upper NIA IPR was
simulated using reservoir petrophysics, analogous behaviour of Lower NIA reservoir and some correlations. Then, the whole
set of IPR curves were suitably combined in different scenarios and used for a commingling test simulation, aiming for the
optimal production scheme. As it was expected, better results were achieved for an Upper and Lower NIA scenario of
commingling production with a combined AOF of 400 MMscfd.
Finally, the well deliverability model was sensitized simulating different tubing head pressures. As we are dealing with AOFs
of 400 MMscfd (quite similar to nearby gas condensate wells), 7 production tubing seems to be the desired options as, liquid
loading problems should not be considered for a long time (Figure 15).

12

SPE 138886

Figure 15 Well Deliverability Analysis for K Gas Condensate Field

e.

Fluid Distribution

Four flow units were conceived for K field compositional simulation model. Gas water contacts and lowest know gas levels
were only placed by means of well-logs interpretation, without having pressure gradient tests. In addition, transiente testing
analysis provided initial static reservoir pressures for each reservoir.
f.

Surface Facilities and Production Rates

Recovery factor strongly depends on boundary surface conditions such as: separator pressure and temperature, minimum
wellhead pressure, compression requirement and performance of cryogenic facilities. Consequently, the model was set up with
a separator pressure and temperature of 1300 psi and 103F, so as to conform to current facilities of nearby gas fields; a
minimum tubing wellhead pressure of 500 psi was defined as a technical boundary to avoid excessive compression
requirement.
In addition, it was necessary to set an NGL table to account for the left liquid hydrocarbons recovered from the wet gas stream
(mainly LPG) after surface separator (when condensates are gathered); eventually, liquid recovered from surface and
cryogenic facilities will be collected, as well as, net-sales-dry-gas (fuel consumption is discounted) and sent to the Peruvian
liquid and gas pipelines.
On the other hand, K field gas and liquid rates were chosen aiming the longer production plateau, taking into account
deliverability of gas wells, future net gas sales, as well as, available capacity of cryogenic plant and pipelines.
g.

History Matching

Since there is no production data from K field, production performance observed in isochronal and flow after flow tests of
K1X well were reproduced by compositional simulation. DST was simulated using a radial local-grid refining model and very
short time steps; observed wellhead and bottomhole pressures, as well as, gas and liquid rates were honored by simulation.
Uncertainty Analysis
Major sources of reservoir uncertainties when modeling K field were identified and grouped into three main categories7:
a.

Seismic Interpretation

Differents seismic interpretation were carried out as a consequence of processed 2D pre and poststack dataset from different
campaigns, in order to respond the structural uncertainties, which were caused due to different velocities utilized in each 2D
seismic processed; they manly affected upper NIA structure size and deep at flanks (no GWC was observed in K1X well).
The relevant facts that generate uncertainties were the space between seismic lines and their limitation to follow the faults
azimuths, also the lowest control in one deviated well that does not permit safely correlation around the structure. However,
the acquisition parameters and processing sequences show good amplitude and well reflector correlation, and it was well tied
with the synthetic seismogram (Figure 16).
7

V. Singh, M. Hegazy & L. Fontanelli, Repsol (2009). Assessment of Reservoir Uncertainties for Development Evaluation and Risk Analysis.

SPE 138886

13

Figure 16 Synthetic Seismogram of K1 Well

Nevertheless, the 2D seismic grid considering the long offset between lines reproduced the limits and the shape of the structure
showing geometric closure.
After the interpretation process, three models were finally conceived, 2 of them were processed in prestack depth migration,
and the third one, was interpreted in prestack time migration and converted to depth. Each interpretation shows a different
structural model that was an input to static characterization when analizing uncertainty. It is worth pointing out that the two
additional models show a structural continuity, in constrast to the original model (base case), in which the field appears to be
compartmentalized in 3 main segments, I, II and II, divided by east-west faults whose transmissibility is a matter of
uncertainty themselves.
b.

Rock & Fluid Properties

Main rock and fluid properties such as porosity, permeability, net to gross, capillary pressure and relative permeability curves,
as well as, fluid composition were sensitized in order to evaluate their impact on hydrocarbon volumes calculations, as well as,
production performance and recovery efficiency. Initially, a deterministic approach was conceived and several executions
were implemented in order to analyze the effect of each parameter in gas in place figures and production plateau. As a result,
porosity and permeability ranked as the most influencial properties in the prospectivity and performance of K field. They were
eventually selected, in conjunction with the structural variables (GWC position in Upper NIA and faults transmisibility) to set
a probabilistic experimental design.
c.

Statistical Experimental Design

We decided to run a statistical experimental design in order to fulfill a complete sensitivy analysis with significantly fewer
simulation runs8. To set a statistical experimental design, uncertain parameters are varied simultaneously and model results are
collected into a response surface. The response surface is sampled statistically with a Monte Carlo method to determine the
probabilistic range of results. COUGARTM was used as a software platform to execute multilple simulations over the same
project by varying permeability, porosity, GWC position in Upper NIA, east-west faults transmissibility (which were set as
deterministic parameters), along with the size and change of the structural model, defined as the stochastic variable. The
method assumed that each varying parameter is probabilistically independent.
The deterministic parameters were combined to populate fifteen discrete realizations. The total number of runs to be
performed is equal to the number of simulations, proposed by the face centered composite analysis, times each grid file (which
includes every structural model). Therefore, a quadratic RS model with only 45 realizations was obtained to cover the whole
range of potential change in gas and liquid recovery for K field.
Results showed that porosity, position of GWC in Upper NIA and east-west faults transmissibility are the main factors
affecting gas and liquid recovery, as it is presented in a Pareto plot and a response model surface (see Figure 17).
In addition, a cumulative distribution curve of gas resources, and forecasts of cumulative gas & condensate recoveries were
plot, enclosing P0 to P100 estimations (see Figure 18).
Another important output was the evaluation of the gas production plateau; in this case, after plot the realizations, 4 possible
plateaus were found (1) 3 years (2) 5 years (3) 11 years (4) 21 years (see Figure 18).
8
Elvind Damsleth, SPE, Asmund Hage, Norsk Hydro A/S, and Rolf Volden, Norwegian Computing Center (1992). Maximum Information Information at
Minimum Cost: A North Sea Field Development Study with an Experimental Design. SPE 23139.

14

SPE 138886

Figure 17 Pareto Plot & Response Model Surface for a Risk Analysis in K Field

Figure 18 Cumulative Production and Rates for a Risk Analysis in K Field

Depletion Mechanism and Development Plan

According to the results of the statistical and probabilistic experimental design, three equi-probable reservoir models were
adjusted and selected to honor the P10, P50 and P90 resources estimates of K gas condensate field.
Pure depletion, partial and full cycling, as well as, depletion with a strong aquifer scenarios were linked and suitable combined
to each structural model, according to the following matrix (see table 4).

Model \ Scenario
P90
P50

P10

Tabla 4 Scenario Analysis for K Field Development Optimization

Depletion
Full-Cycling
Partial-Cycling
1 Platform
--------------------------3 producers
1 Platform
1 Platform
1 Platform
2 producers
2 producers
3 producers
1 injector
1 injector
2 Platforms
2 Platforms
2 Platforms
3 producers
3 producers
5 producers
2 injectors
2 injectors

Depletion + Aquifer
1 Platform
2 producers
1 Platform
2 producers
2 Platforms
4 producers

The main conclusion of the scenario analysis leads us to establish a three-wells-depletion base case, as the most likely case to
develop the southern region of K gas condensate field. In addition, a two-wells-depletion case appears to be suitable for the
conservative model, while 5 wells with two platforms in a partial cycling scenario (no more than 4 years) sounds reasonable
for the optimistic model. It should be noted the shorter the size of K field, the higher the chance of a fast water encroachment.

SPE 138886

15

Conclusions and Recommendations

1. As initial reservoir pressures were slightly higher than dew point in K field, recombination of separator gas and liquid
samples was selected as the best technique to assure representivenss and consistency when calculating fluid composition at
reservoir conditions
2. Moles recovery, liquid retrograde saturation, relative density and z factors were suitably pounded to calibrate PengRobinson EOS.
3. The 2D seismic grid considering the long offset between lines reproduced the limits and the shape of the structure showing
geometric closure.
4. Remarkable differences in processing prestack seismic acquisition (depth or time migration) plays a major role in structural
uncertainty, while abscense of data from cores and pressure gradient tests are crucial towards evaluating variations in rock
properties and original fluid distribution.
5. Statistical experimental design provided us a powerful tool to perform a fulfill sensitivity analysis coping with structural
and rock & fluid properties uncertainties, with fewer simulation runs.
6. Uncertainty analysis showed that porosity, position of gas water contact in Upper NIA and east-west faults transmissibility
are the main variables affecting gas and condensate prospectivity, production performance, and recovery factors in K field.
7. Scenario analysis results lead us to a three-well depletion scheme for the most likely reservoir model of K field.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Repsol Peru for their authorization to publish this paper and for their support providing us
necessary data and resources to elaborate the paper.
Nomenclature
DST
PVT
VLP
WD
SCAL
TTA
VCL
GWC
K

Swi
kv/kh
CCE
CVD
EOS
FWL
TZ
IPR
AOF
RMS

=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=

Drill stem test

Pressure - Volume - Temperature
Vertical lift performance
Well deliverability
Special core analysis
Transient testing analysis
Volume of clay
Gas water contact
Permeability
Porosity
Initial water saturation
Relationship of vertical to horizontal permeability
Constant Compostional Expansion
Constant Volume Depletion
Equation of state
Free water level
Transition zone
Inflow performance relationship
Absolute open flow
Response Model Surface

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