RESEARCH TITLE:

Integrated Reservoir Characterization and Improved Flow Simulation Studies of Oilfields

from Matured Parts of Niger Delta Basin

BACKGROUND
While big discoveries and major new development grabs the headlines, mature fields are the
backbone of global oil and gas production (Joel Parshall, 2012). Effective solution for optimizing
matured field performance begins with reservoir characterization because successful exploitation
of oil and gas reserves depends upon a good understanding and accurate description of the
reservoir. A good understanding and handling of the reservoir heterogeneity can have a large
impact on reservoir performance and hence its development (Paradigm, 2011).
Reservoir description is an art of characterizing the reservoir to gain more understanding of its
geologic framework, fluid flow physics, connectivity and volume of hydrocarbon in place.
A field may be considered matured when production has declined to less than 50% of its plateau
rate. Matured field is characterized by pressure decline, water influx, sand production etc.
Operators of matured field worldwide constantly seek effective ways of identifying and
extracting bypassed reserves, while shutting off water producing zones whenever possible. Fluid
contact movement, excessive water production and unbalanced sweep can significantly impact
oil production and increase water handling expenses, jeopardizing the overall economic recovery
of hydrocarbon within a matured field.
Development strategy of a mature oil and gas field involves a great amount of investment .
At every developmental phase of the reservoir, a large number of parameters related to
geological modeling and reservoir simulation are involved (Debashis et al, 2008).
There are many different data sources with relevant information, e.g. well data, seismic data,
well tests, production history, outcrops and general geological knowledge. These data sources
have very different properties. The main challenge in reservoir evaluation is to integrate these
different data sources consistently and in particular quantify the large uncertainty which still is
left. The key objective is to model each reservoir units, Increase your proven reserves, discover

by-passed pay, reduce development time and costs, improve production rates, and rejuvenate old
fields (Yang and An-Ping, 1997).
The oil and gas industry have advanced in terms of technological acquisition which has assisted
in using modern day techniques to resolve uncertainties in old wells were old tools with poor
resolution were run. The evolution of improved equipment and techniques mean a more
improved characterization of such fields could be carried out to check production decline, hold
back increasing water cut and maximize recovery, increase reserves and improved development
planning and recovery of bypassed oil by generating optimal location of infill wells.
Hence, integrated reservoir description and improved flow simulation would be required. This
would improve understanding of the static and dynamic nature of the subsurface reservoir by
integrating key components. A properly characterized full earth model will maximize your
fields productivity.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
To test the accuracy of improved reservoir characterization and flow simulation as
predictive tool in resources preservation of matured oil fields
To provide a detailed understanding of the reservoir architecture and heterogeneity
Explain past reservoir performance; understand reservoir depletion trend and provide
detailed post production reservoir fluid distribution/ fluid contact movement (OOWC and
POWC), also pressure behavior and relative permeability change
To investigate that economically significant unrecovered oil can be recovered, thereby
increasing reserves
Improved prediction of key reservoir property distribution across the field
Better development planning for optimum recovery
To generate a five year reservoir surveillance plan for optimal field management.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Review previous work on reservoir characterization in Niger Delta Basin
Data gathering and quality check

 Quantitative petrophysical analysis; integrating core and log data to interpret and quantify
petrophysical properties (porosity, permeability, net pay, water saturation, and hydrocarbon
volume)
Seismic interpretation and development of synthetic seismogram
Integrate geologic data effectively to build a better subsurface geologic model
Analysis of Engineering data
Development of pore scale multiphase flow model
Up-scaling of pore scale information into field-scale simulation through a multiple-grid
based up-scale method coupled with network model at pore scale
Creation of accurate reservoir simulation model (Dynamic Reservoir Model)
Perform streamline multiphase phase simulation
Develop reservoir surveillance plan

Data Required
3D Seismic volume data, 3D base structure map, Structural/Correlation Panels, Biofacies
and Stratigraphic information.
Well log data: Open hole well log data (GR, RES, NEU, DEN, CAL), Cased Hole well
log data (RST/RPM/RMT), Core data.
Well completion diagram/Current well status.
Deviation records, Well summary, Velocity Data (Checkshots).
Reservoir pressure data, well test data, production data, Ultimate Recovery (UR),
Cumulative production (Np), Stock Tank Oil Originally in place (STOIIP), PVT data.

SOFTWARE REQUIRED
Schlumberger Techlog, Petrel Schlumberger Reservoir Modeling Software, and
Schlumberger Eclipse Reservoir Simulator.
EXPECTED RESULT
A realistic model from geological and engineering data that will provide a very effective
tool for reservoir development during secondary and tertiary oil recovery processes.
A detailed Reservoir Surveillance Workflow for production Optimization of Matured
Fields.

 Develop a multi-scale simulation model that will couple network models at pore scale
directly with conventional grid-based simulation at larger scale to overcome uncertainties
inherent in conventional up-scaling techniques.
Recover additional oil from matured oil fields approaching their economic limit.
Better economics in the development and management of mature fields in areas with high
operating cost.
REFERENCE
Debashis Chakravorty, Kamleshwar Rai, Dr. M.C.Kandpal, Ram Avtar: Integrated
geological modeling of a mature oil field in North Cambay Basin, India. 7th International
conference & exploration on petroleum geophysics, 2008.
Bahar, Ansul, L.G. Thompson and Mohan Kelkar:Integrated Reservoir Description and
Flow Performance Evaluation: Glenn Pool Field-Self Unit Study. SPE Annual Technical
Conference & Exhibition, 1995.