PAMFC15- 130

Overcoming a Challenging Characterization of Tilted Oil-Water

Contact: Hydrodynamic Effects or Aquifer Heterogeneities?. A
Case Study of Sacha Field, Oriente Basin of Ecuador

L.D. Rodriguez, Halliburton; J.R. Leal, Halliburton; H.F. Sanchez, ORNCEM;

G.R. Hinojosa, ORNCEM; J.J. Castillo, PDVSA.

This paper has been selected for presentation and/or publication in the proceedings for the 2015 Pan American Mature
Fields Congress. The authors of this material have been cleared by all interested companies/employers/clients to authorize
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ABSTRACT interpretation, providing a more realistic reservoir Sw model.

Accurate positioning of Original Oil-Water Contact (OWC)
has a direct impact on the Original Oil in Place quantification
and field development planning. Identification of an irregular
OWC becomes challenging when there are factors affecting its
interpretation, such as, rock textural features, hydrodynamic
flow control or a combination of both.
These are important factors when studying the Cretaceous
Lower Hollin Formation in the Sacha Field, a mature field in
Oriente Basin, Ecuador. This reservoir is characterized by a
sequence of amalgamated sandstones deposited mainly by
braided stream system and underlying aquifer that maintains a
stable pressure. This reservoir displays OWC’s at different
levels in the wells, with a variation of up to 70 feet across the
field.
Identification of aquifer heterogeneities and possible
hydrodynamic flow was taken into account separately to
address this problem, by using available core data, log-derived
water saturation (Sw) model, rock quality model, and dynamic
performance. Aquifer heterogeneities were identified as facies
changes, faults, and capillarity effects, causing OWC
irregularities which do not prevent a vertical fluid
communication within the reservoir; however, they represent
an important step for proper electrical rock property
The creation of rock-fluid surfaces helps in identifying the
aquifer heterogeneities related to steady state OWC’s depths.
The applied methodology has allowed the establishment of
a tilted OWC with a gentle eastward dip. In the southern part
of the field, where several strike slip faults are merging,
OWC´s vary their inclination rates from 2 ft/Km in the north
to 13 ft/Km in the south of the field. The steepening of the
OWC gradient strongly suggests the importance of these faults
as water carriers. Integration of geological and petrophysical
studies provides a robust analysis that helps to build a strong
reservoir model and optimize the drilling development plan.
KEY WORDS
Tilted Oil-Water Contact, petrophysics, reservoir
characterization.
INTRODUCTION
Difference on fluid levels is perhaps one of the most
discusses issues when modelling a reservoir. Variations on
fluid level might be due to structural complexities, rock
heterogeneities, hydraulic movement effects, that could
encompass even the field development philosophy at early
production stages. Aquifer heterogeneities governing the
formation main targets, flow capacity, and remanent reserves,
becomes a critical point for future performance when dealing

1 Pan American Mature Fields Congress 2015

with mature field characterization that has had an accelerated
production since the beginning.
The Sacha Field, one of the largest fields in the central part
of the Oriente Basin of Ecuador (Figs. 1.1 and 1.2), meets the
above mentioned characteristics. Indeed, it has over 40 years
of historical production with cumulative oil production of 852
MMSTB and remaining reserves in the order of 592 MMSTB.
This field has been operated by Operaciones Rio Napo
CEM (ORNCEM), a joint venture company between
PAM&PDVSA since 2009; currently it has an average oil
production of 72,000 STB/D of oil (26.5 °API) from 225
active wells. Oil is pumped up by different systems that
include electric submersible pumps (ESP) 84%, hydraulic
pump 14%, and mechanical pump 2%.
A dynamic reservoir simulations project is underway in this
field. One of the most difficult input data has been the
definition of the Original Oil-Water Contact in the most
prolific producer reservoir of the field, known as the Lower
Hollin Formation. This reservoir is characterized by 250 feet
of amalgamated sandstones deposited mainly by braided
fluvial system underlying by a strong aquifer that maintains a
stable pressure around 4300 psia. Notably, the degree of
amalgamation is greater towards the base of the reservoir
changing progressively towards the top to a greater body
differentiation.
Despite a GR cylindrical pattern, the information from
mineralogical and porosity data using density-neutron
responses indicate significant variations in rock quality. Even
though such variations do not prevent fluids vertical
communication into the reservoir zone, they do represent an
important factor for the interpretation of Sw and representative
Ro to effectively position the oil-water contact levels. In
addition, the strong aquifer influx causes a rapid sweep of oil
which challenges the interpretation of the original fluid
surface position.
This paper attempts to clarify the technical aspects for the
calibration of a fluid distribution model integrating the
geological setting and production of the field, analyzing the
equilibrium of the original fluid levels that make existing
traps. This model helps to quantify the OOIP and establish a
background for dynamic reservoir simulation.
GEOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK
Structurally, the Sacha field consists of an anticlinal fold of
north-south orientation, with 30 km long and 7 km wide in
average. It is bounded to the west by a high angle reverse
fault. Some strike slip faults (transpressive - dextral) with
NW-SE direction have been inferred based on reservoir
2 Pan American Mature Fields Congress 2015
behavioral. Reservoir pinch-out from east to west contributes
to the stratigraphic trap development.
The stratigraphic column of the field consists of
siliciclastic / carbonate sequence of Cretaceous age (Fig. 2),
represented by sedimentary facies associated with platform,
shallow marine, transitional environments, and fluvial
environments. The stratigraphic units include from the base to
top: Hollin Fm. (lower Cretaceous), Napo Fm. (Lower Albian
- Late Cretaceous) which is subdivided into the following
Members: “C” Limestone, Napo T, “B” Limestone, Napo U,
“A” Limestone, “M2” Limestone, “M1” Limestone, Upper
Napo Shale, and Basal Tena (Maastrichtian age) (Jaillard,
1997).
There are 5 producer reservoirs in Sacha Field, which are
vertically separated by capillary and regional pressure seals
(The reservoirs depths vary from 8,500 ft to 9,700 ft TVD),
each of them with distinctive mineralogical and fluid
characteristics. However, this paper is particularly focused on
Lower Hollin Formation.
Lower Hollin Fm. Consists of quartz rich, consolidated
cross-bedded sandstones, in part friable, generally coarse
grained, subrounded to subangular, well sorted with
occasional clay matrix, and local coal, displaying aggrading
pattern. The depositional environment for Lower Hollin Fm.
varies from braided system at the base to estuarine system
towards the top. The reservoir characteristics are: 27.8 °API,
Bo 1.108 RB/STB, µo 4.42 cPs, Pi: 4378 psia, underlying by a
strong aquifer that maintains reservoir pressure at 4300 psia.
The porosity generally is higher than 16% and permeability
reaches values of 600 mD on average.
The Upper Hollin Fm. gradually varies to very fine grained,
subrounded, well sorted, glauconitic rich quartz sandstone,
interbedded with thin limestone, marl, and shale (White et al,
1995), consolidated, with clay matrix and calcareous cement,
informally known as Upper Hollin Fm. The reservoir
characteristics are: 27.8 °API, Bo 1.108 RB/STB, µo 4.42 cPs,
Pi: 4378 psia, current Pr (4287-2150 psia). Porosities are
usually lower than 13% and permeability ranges from 10 mD
up to 50 mD.
STATEMENT OF THEORY AND DEFINITIONS
Original Oil-Water Contact (OWC): is a bounding surface
in a reservoir above which predominantly oil occurs and
below which predominantly water occurs. Although oil and
water are immiscible, the contact between oil and water is
commonly a transition zone and there is usually irreducible
water adsorbed by the grains in the rock and immovable oil
that cannot be produced. The OWC is not always a flat
horizontal surface, but instead might be irregular or tilted due
to hydrodynamics fluid conditions.
 Oil Down To surface (ODT): is defined in a fully oil
content wellbore. This means, that reservoir is fully oil content
throughout the well section up to the deepest porous sandstone
deposit. The deeper reached ODT represents the probability
P90 that the OWC can be found under this depth.
Water Up To surface (WUT): is defined if a well is drilled
in a water zone bellow OWC. It is established to the top of
water-filled sandstone. Shallower WUT represents the P10 of
OWC location.
If an OWC is not evidenced in drilled-wellbores over a
field, it can be taken the deepest ODT and/or the shallowest
WUT as the likely OWC depth. (Rodriguez et al, 2012).
These levels are schematically represented on Fig. 3.
DISCUSSION AND RESULTS
The comprehensible explanation for the observed OWC´s
depth variation was achieved by fully integrating the
understanding about the structural configuration of a reservoir,
its stratigraphic setting, and rock main features. This analysis
was carried out by addressing these questions in separate
stages, thus avoiding bias in the final result.
Identification of Rock Quality Changes
Possible aquifer heterogeneities that may cause reservoir
compartmentalization and uneven OWC levels include rock
quality changes, barrier, or baffles layering, and faults. The
capillary pressure comprehension may help to understand the
complexity of pore throat network.
A combination of capillary pressure (CP) data by centrifuge
and HPMI methods were analyzed. In general terms, the
HPMI gives good idea for pore throat radii governing the
flow, but is the centrifuge CP that really exerts the rock
wettability condition and as consequence a more reliable
Swirr.
The Kair from available CP plugs ranges between 0.29 mD
to 2924 mD as it is summarized in Table 1 (Figs. 4 and 5).
After a correspondent transform from laboratory-system
condition to oil-brine reservoir condition, for such rock
qualities it is observed a height above FWL of 5 ft in average
with a transition zone about 32 ft.
Isolines rock qualities given by the Winland R35 model
were used to recognize changes in rock types (Fig. 6). This
analysis shows at least 5 rock types that govern the flow. Pore
throat radii ranges from 2 microns to 45 microns according to
this approach. Windows porosity limits were established with
the help of available capillary pressures information (Fig. 6).
Associating the CP data with Winland R35 approach helped
in identifying the rock types. 3D facies model has been
verified, demonstrating that on the basics of previously
3 Pan American Mature Fields Congress 2015
mentioned rock types, rock types 1 and 2 are the most
prevailing reservoir rock qualities for Lower Hollin Fm.
Although, poorer rock qualities do exist; however, they
represent lower percentage of frequency associated with facies
that are fully or partially eroded by overlying channels. Such
layers considered as baffles, are not continuous across the
reservoir.
The Kv/Kh relationship was also analyzed for Lower Hollin
Fm. using the core SA-170V. Each core plug was described in
terms of their respective sedimentary facies, in order to link
the Kv/Kh relationship to its paleo depositional environment
(Rodriguez, 2014).
These sedimentary facies were classified according to best
qualities of texture and grain sizes, a total of 20
sedimentological facies types, for both Upper and Lower
Hollin Fm., were recognized whose reservoir quality decrease
as it increases in number (Fig. 7) (Gaibor, 2013).
According to this analysis, the Lower Hollin Fm. presents a
predominance of AM and AX facies (related to bars and
channels deposits) compared to ALF, ALC, and H facies,
where ALF and ALC facies are related to sandflat while H
facies is related to mudflat deposits (Gaibor, 2013). This
tendency gives a Kv/Kh ratio of 0.84 that indicates a high
coalescence level for this formation (Fig. 8-a) (Rodriguez,
2014). XRD Information shows that quartz is the most
predominant mineral and the kaolinite is the prevailing clay-
mineral (Fig. 8-b).
Early Drilling Campaign Recognition
In order to observe a possible Oil-Water Contact movement
to its original position, it was created lists of drilling wells per
year. After analyzing the exploitation pattern of the field and
the starting in-fill wells drilling, it was decided to choose for
this study the wells drilled between years 1969 and 1990, a
total of 118 wells, (Fig. 9). Toward the periphery of the field,
some wells were drilled after 2005, therefore 12 recent wells
were taken for geological control only.
By analyzing the early drilling campaign, it is observed that
wells drilled between years 1969-1970 (wells in yellow) was
aimed at defining the extent of the reservoir in north-south
direction (Wells: S-2, S-1, S-3, and S-4) (Fig. 10). On the
other hand, drilling campaign during years 1971-1972 (wells
in blue) was focused on penetrate the top of the structure in
the central area of Sacha field (Fig. 10).
Subsequent wells drilled during 1973-1974 (wells in
magenta) were located toward the flanks of the reservoir
(north, south, and east) (Fig. 10). The periods 1976-1980
(wells in orange color) and 1980-1990 (wells in dark green)
denote in-fill drilling at the top of the structure, many of
which did not penetrate fully into the Oil-Water Contact of
Lower Hollin Fm. This last strategy well-thought to control
water risk during wellbore drilling, it was however a
disadvantageous action for reservoir characterization.
The wells for geological control to field boundaries are
denoted in black (Fig. 10). Also were included wells from
neighbor field MDC (MDC-1, MDC-2, and MDC-3).
Structural Sections and OWC-ODT-WUT Maps Analysis
It was generated structural sections with North-South
orientation (13 sections) and East-West orientation (18
sections) to display lower Hollin OWC levels. These sections
have no projection. Each of these sections is helpful for
interpretation of fluid-fluid surfaces (OWC) and fluid-rock
surfaces (ODT, WUT) using petrophysical criteria based on
rock type, Ro, and Vsh.
Afterward, several maps were generated evidencing the
trends in levels of OWC, ODT, and WUT for Lower Hollin
Formation, over 118 wells drilled between years 1969 and
1990 plus 12 control wells. As a result, 42 wells of them
displayed OWC, 49 with ODT, and 19 wells with WUT. It is
important to pointing out that wells did not show Gas-Oil
Contact (GOC) due to undersaturated reservoir condition.
Although, during modelling were analyzed many structural
and stratigraphic sections, in this paper it will be discussed
those who possess relevant aspects just for practical reasons.
In addition, for easily viewing, in the structural sections which
are discussed below, the fluid surface representing OWC will
be displayed in blue, the ODT in green, and purple for the
WUT.
The structural section 1 (Fig. 11) shows the variation of the
first drilled-wells in the field, corresponding to the wells’ S-2,
S-1, S-3, and S-4 from South to North direction, respectively.
it is evident that well S-2 located at southern part of the field
has a deeper OWC level compared to well S-1 well located in
the central region (-9052 and -9028 ft Tvdss, respectively),
with a difference of 24 ft Tvdss over a distance of 7.8 Km.
Among the well S-1 (center-west) and the well S-4 (northern
part) there is a OWC´s difference of 14 ft Tvdss over a
distance of 12.9 km. In this section we observe how the OWC
slope is gentler to the north and steeper southward.
The structural section 2 (Fig. 12) is focused on wells
located in the northern part of the field. Here, it is shown the
variation between S-38 and S-69 wells (NE-SW orientation).
The well S-38 shows an OWC of -9030 ft Tvdss. The wells
S-71 and S-69 are structurally deeper which have consistently
shown WUT levels of -9052 and -9075 ft, respectively. The
comparison between the OWC level from well S-38 and ODT
level in well S-66 allow defining an OWC approximately at
-9030 ft Tvdss to the north area.
The structural section 3 (Fig. 13) is a complement of the
previous one (reference wells: S-38, S-270V, and S-280D),
4 Pan American Mature Fields Congress 2015
where the wells are located structurally deeper than the
governing OWC surface, exhibiting WUT levels around -9112
ft Tvdss. It allows to interpret an OWC variation level
between -9000 and -9040 ft tvdss, from west to east,
respectively (Fig. 14-a).
By contrasting the OWC and WUT maps (Figs. 14-a and
14-b) it is evidenced that Lower Hollin Fm. to the north of the
well S-38 is located below the OWC, a structurally deeper
area fully water-filled. This is a structural oil entrapment
whose "spill-point" is located at a depth of -9040 ft Tvdss near
the well S-38 as a reference.
WUT and ODT zones were generated to have certainty
about OWC location. Essentially, the deeper ODT value must
be shallower than the average OWC value. In doing so, a
control quality is achieved and some erroneous interpretation
may be identified as well as compartmentalized areas
(Rodriguez et al, 2012).
Regarding the fluid analysis at the central part, there are
several partially penetrating wells into the Lower Hollin Fm.,
hampering the interpretation of fluid levels (e.g.: Structural
Section 4-1, Fig. 15-a). However, it could be interpreted a
general OWC range between -8982 to -9011 ft Tvdss for the
wells S-40 and S-16, respectively (Fig. 15-b), showing a
dipping northward of the section.
The structural section 5 relates the wells from the central-
eastern part of the Sacha field with the wells of MDC
Neighbor field (see Fig. 16). The well S-57 has an ODT
@ -9065 ft Tvdss while the well S-79 evidences a WUT
@ -9089 ft Tvdss. This indicates that the OWC must
necessarily be located below the ODT level and above WUT.
It is observed that OWC level continues dipping southward to
the wells MDC-3, MDC-1, and MDC-2. When compare with
structural section 6, it shows a general OWC dipping eastward
from -9050 ft tvdss (reference well: S-2) to -9146 ft (reference
well: MDC-1), over a distance of 8.8 Km. This OWC´s plane
matches the singular OWC exhibited by the well S-310V
at -9072 ft Tvdss located right in the middle of the section (see
Fig. 17).
At the same time, the 3D model was checked to evidence
any possible facies barriers or baffles that may cause such
distribution. In response of this comparison, it was not seen
remarkable facies changes throughout the field (Fig. 18).
After of being interpreted all fluid levels by each well, the
suggested Original Oil-Water Contact map (OOWC) displays
a gentle dip angle pattern. It is noted that all wells placed in
the Central-Western flank of the field denote shallower OWC
and ODT levels, which are dipping northward and eastward,
as shown on Fig. 19.
This pattern may constitute a major evidence of
hydrodynamic conditions, because of constant fluid contact
dip angles and directions over the field despite any facies
changes.
Variation of Water Salinity.
In addition to the tilted Original Oil-Water Contact
documented by structural analysis, there are significant
changes in salinity as defined by the electrical response for
those 100% water saturated sandstones (Ro). This is a striking
difference between the northern part of the field, which
exhibits a range of Ro varying between 10-60 ohm.m, and the
central and southern zones of the field, with a Ro range
between 80-300 ohm.m, (Fig. 20-a and 20-b). XRD and CEC
data show similar mineral distribution all over the field.
Changes in water salinity changes coincide closely to the
dipping inclination angle of the field. As the water salinity
decreases the inclination dip increases which can be attribute
to water recharge point.
The greater the OWC inclination, the greater the
hydrodynamic effect and as consequence there is less salty
water formation (higher Ro), typical of the central and
southern part of the Sacha field. Such decrease in the salinity
of water formation may be associated with water recharge of
meteoric fresh water. In contrast, the northern field area is
characterized by smaller OWC inclination and corresponds to
the most salty water formation (lower Ro).
Production Performance and Pressure Analysis
The geological and petrophysical characterization explains
the mechanism of fluid distribution. However, it is important
to benchmark such distribution through production
performance and pressure analysis.
One of the methods for determining fluid contacts within a
well is the pressure profile through reservoir tests. It allows
the estimation of free water surface from pressures and fluid
density measurements.
However, there are limitations in the accuracy of this
information as it usually needs significant corrections, leading
to use only corrected shut-in pressures unaffected by nearby
production for the evaluation.
To understand the behavior of pressure at Lower Hollin
Fm., it was used the information analyzed by Eng. Rubys
Hernandez-Halliburton 2013, in which indicates the
availability of 479 Build-Up test and 3 RFT test in the studied
reservoir. After analyzing the information, it is evidenced that
pressure decline is low and/or inexistent according to the
small variation between the initial reservoir pressure of 4378
psi and the current pressure of 4307 psi (by December 2012),
both pressures referred at datum of -8992 ft Tvdss (Fig. 21), as
consequence, a global pressure map does not show significant
variation (Hernandez, 2013).
5 Pan American Mature Fields Congress 2015
Even with high produced volumes (about 382 MMSTB),
the pressure decline in this reservoir has been very low,
demonstrating the support provided by the underlying aquifer,
being the water influx the main drive mechanism by the action
of an infinite aquifer (Fig. 21), (Hernandez, 2013).
Due to this fact, some considerations were taken into
account for demonstrating subtle changes in pressure
variations upon the first drilled-wells without affectation of
nearby producer wells. By analyzing the four first drilled-
wells depicted on Figs. 11 / 22, it can be seen small changes in
pressure from 4024 psi (NP < 265 MMSTB) at the well S-2
located in the southern part of the field, reaching the highest
pressure value of 4342 psi at the well S-1 (NP <0.5 MMSTB)
located in the central zone and slightly decreasing up to 4327
psi (NP <0.5 MMSTB) in the northern well S-4. It closely
relates the OWC seemed on log-responses and suggest slightly
pressure support at the central part of the field that might be
positioning shallower OWC level, (all pressure are referred at
the datum of -8992 ft Tvdss).
From west to east direction the analysis is much more
complicated, due to early in-fill drilling perforation. A subtle
difference is seen in the structural section west-east orientation
involving the wells: S-118 / S-1 / S-96 (Fig. 22) showing
higher pressure near to the fault plane (wells: S-118 with 4394
psi, NP < 268 MMSTB) and decreasing progressively up to
4123 psi (NP < 169MMSTB) at the well S96 (Fig. 22).
Additional information regarding that the Lower Hollin
water formation from drilled-wells can be produced by natural
flow from bottom to surface facility, strongly suggesting the
presence of a confined aquifer with flowing artesian wells.
This fact, in conjunction with geological and petrophysical
analysis previously discussed, provides the framework for the
conceptual model described in this paper (Fig. 23).
Detail pressure analysis and geological-petrophysical
framework have allowed the interpretation of possible strike-
slip faults at the central-western flank of the Sacha field (Fig.
19) to be providing the fairway for a possible "recharge
point", and therefore the tilting of OWC, suggesting major
aquifer pressures at points with shallower OWC levels. The
greater the distance from the "recharge point", the lower the
pressure exerted by the aquifer and, as consequence, the OWC
levels tend to be deeper. This fact creates inclination rates
throughout the field that vary according to the distance from
the suggested "recharge point”, as mentioned before from 2
ft/Km to the north, 13 ft/Km in the central part (west-east
orientation), to 11 to 14 ft/Km towards the south of the field.
Establishing equilibrium regions for reservoir simulations
taking into account the OWC dipping, allowed a good
full-field history match (Fig. 24) (Sandoval, 2013).
CONCLUSION ACKNOWLEDGMENT
 The Sacha Field evidence variation in its Original
The authors would like to thank Operaciones Rio Napo
Oil- Water Contact, showing inclination towards the
CEM (ORNCEM) for permission to publish this paper. We
east, north, and south of the field.
also thank Mr. Pierre Kummert for his insightful guidance.
 The shallower level corresponds to the Midwest zone We thank to all those engineers who made possible this
of the field whose OWC area is located between publication through their technical contribution.
-8990 and -9010 ft (Tvdss). This reaches maximum
values of -9040 ft Tvdss to the north (reference well
S-38) and -9075 ft Tvdss towards the east of the NOMENCLATURE
field.
°API = API gravity
 The merge of strike slip faults located in the Central-
3D = Tridimensional
West axis of the field exerts dynamic control as water
carrier to position the OWC at the shallower level ALC = Sandstone with crinkle laminations
(-8990 ft Tvdss). ALF = Sandstone with flasser laminations

 OWC´s vary their inclination angle from 2 ft/Km to AM = Massive Sandstone

the north, 13 ft/Km in the central part (west-east AX = Cross-Bedded Sandstone
orientation), to 11 to 14 ft/Km towards the south of Bo = Oil Volumetric Factor
the field.
BSW = Basic Sediment and Water
 On the basis of first drilled-wells, the observed CEC = Cation Exchange Capacity
transition zones range from 0 to 20 ft, depending on CP = Capillary Pressure
rock quality changes and their occurrence
frequencies. According to available capillary pressure cPs = centipoises (viscosity unit)
data, the most representative OWC is located at 5 ft E = East
above FWL with a transition zone not higher than 32 Fm. = Formation
ft above FWL.
ft = Feet (length unit)
 Lower Hollin Fm. has pore throat radii from 2 FWL = Free water level
microns to 45 microns according to Winland R35 GR = Gamma ray
rock type classification. There are a total of 5 rock
H = Heterolitic Facies
types for Lower Hollin Fm. (3 reservoir rocks, 2 non-
reservoir rocks). HPMI = High Pressure Mercury Injection
Kair = Air Permeability
 The Kv/Kh ratio is around 0.84 which in conjunction
with coalescence analysis evidence high vertical Km = kilometer (length unit)
transmissibility. Kv = horizontal permeability
Kv = vertical permeability
 The sedimentary facies with high occurrence
Kv/Kh = vertical/horizontal permeability relationship
frequencies are massive and cross bedded sandstone
related to sand channel/bars deposits. Mb. = Member
MD = Measured Depth
 Wells drilled after 20 years of production exhibit
significant OWC movement from its original N/D = Neutron / Density
position. N/S = Neutron / Sonic
NE = North-East
 The lower Hollin Fm. has a confined aquifer with
flowing artesian wells pattern. Np = Cumulative production
NW = North-West
ODT = Oil Down To
ORNCEM = Operaciones Rio Napo,
Campania de Economia Mixta
OWC = Oil Water Contact

6 Pan American Mature Fields Congress 2015

PAM = PetroAmazonas Napo T, and Basal Tena Reservoirs, Sacha Field.
Halliburton-C&PM, Quito-Ecuador.
Pi = Initial Pressure
7) SHANMUGAM, G.; POFFENBERGER, M. ; and
Pr = Reservoir Pressure TORO, J. 1998. Tide-Dominated Estuarine Facies in
the Hollin and Napo ('T' and "U") Formations
Psia = Pound Per Square Inch Absolute (pressure unit)
(Cretaceous), Sacha Field, Oriente Basin Ecuador.
RD = Deep Resistivity AAPG Annual Convention Abstract Salt Lake City,
Utah – USA.
Ro = 100% water saturated sandstones
8) WHITE, H.J; SKOPEC, R.; RAMIREZ, F.; RODAS,
RT 1,2,3 = Rock Type 1, 2, 3… J.; BONILLA, G. 1995. Reservoir Characteristics of
SE = South-East the Hollin and Napo Formations, Western Oriente
Basin, Ecuador. In: Petroleum Basins of South
So = Oil Saturation
America. American Association of Petroleum
STB = Stock Tank Barrel (volume unit) Geologists Memoir 62.
STB/D = Stock Tank Barrel per Day (daily production rate)

SW = South-West TABLES
Sw = Water Saturation
Swirr = Irreducible Water Saturation
Tvd = True vertical depth
Tvdss = Sub-sea True vertical depth
W = West
WUT = Water Up To
XRD = X-Ray Diffraction
μo = Oil Viscosity Table 1. Capillary Pressure Data, Sacha Field.

REFERENCES FIGURES
1) GAIBOR, J.V. 2013. Sedimentological Model from
Static and Dynamic Modelling for Hollin, Napo U,
Napo T, and Basal Tena Reservoirs, Sacha Field.
Halliburton-C&PM, Quito-Ecuador.
2) HERNANDEZ, R. 2013. Reservoir Analysis from
Static and Dynamic Modelling for Hollin, Napo U,
Napo T, and Basal Tena Reservoirs, Sacha Field.
Halliburton-C&PM, Quito-Ecuador.
3) JAILLARD, E. 1997. Stratigraphic and
Sedimentological Synthesis of Cretaceous and
Paleogene, Eastern Basin Of Ecuador.
Petroproduction-ORSTOM Edition.
4) RODRIGUEZ, L.D; CONTRERAS, A. 2012.
Handling an adequate Geosciences´ Synergy for
Modelling an Original Fluid Distribution in
Unconsolidated Sandstone Containing Extra Heavy
Oil. 2012 World Heavy Oil Congress, Aberdeen
Scotland, Paper WHOC12-382.
5) RODRIGUEZ, L.D. 2014. Absolute Permeability
Modelling in Hollin, Napo U, Napo T, and Basal
Tena Reservoirs, Sacha Field. Technical Report
Figure 1.1. Geographic Relative Location, Sacha Field.
Presented in Operaciones Rio Napo CEM, Quito-
Ecuador.
6) SANDOVAL, J.C. 2013. Simulation Model from
Static and Dynamic Modelling for Hollin, Napo U,

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 Figure 3. Squematic Identification of Fluid-Fluid Contact and Rock-
Fluid Contact.

Figure 1.2. Sacha Field Location Map.

Figure 4. Capillary Pressure Plots, Sacha-263.

Figure 2. Log Type Sacha Field, SA-381D.

Figure 5. Capillary Pressure Curves By Rock Types, Oil-Brine
Reservoir System.

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 Figure 8-b. Mineralogical information from XRD, Lower Hollin. Fm.

Figure 6. Winland R35 Plot, Lower Hollin. Fm.

Figure 9. Drilling Campaign, Number of Wells per Year

Figure 7. Facies Ranking, Hollin. Fm (Taken From Gaibor 2013)

Figure 8-a. Kv/Kh Relationship, Lower Hollin. Fm.

Figure 10. Wellbore Distribution According to Year of Perforation.

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 Figure 11. Structural Section 1, SW-NE Orientation, the four first
drilled-wells

Figure 14. A) OWC Map, B) WUT Map, Northern Part of the Field.

Figure 12. Structural Section 2, SW-NE Orientation, Northern Part of

the Sacha Field.

Figure 15. A) Structural Section 4-1 (Up-side), B) Structural Section

4-2 (Down-side), central Part of the Field.

Figure 13. Structural Section 3, SW-NE Orientation.

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Figure 16. Structural Section 5, NW-SE Orientation, Correlated with
Neighboring Field.

Figure 18. 3D Facies Modelling, Upper and Lower Hollin Fm (Taken

from Sandoval 2013).

Figure 19. Tilted OWC Map, Lower Hollin Fm.

Figure 17. Structural Section 6, SW-NE Orientation, Correlated with

Neighboring Field.

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Figure 20. A) Ro Map (left-side) Showing Difference Betweeen
Northern and Southern Part of the Sacha Field.
B) Cl- Salinity Map (right-side).

Figure 22. Build Up Information Upon Key Wells, pressures referred

at the datum of -8992 ft Tvdss, Lower Hollin Fm.

Figure 21. Pressure Performance and Drive Mechanism,

Lower Hollin Fm (Taken From Hernandez 2013).

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 Figure 23. Proposal of Conceptual Tilted OWC Model.

Figure 24. Full-Field History Match (Taken From Sandoval 2013).

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