Recognizing and Developing Bypassed Oil in the Saddle Area between Two Anticlines of a Mature Giant Middle East

Reservoir Jaber Al- Hunaif Kuwait Oil Company, P.O.Box 9758 61008 Ahmadi, Kuwait E-Mail Add. jhunaif@kockw.com
Abstract Integrated evaluation of the mature Umm Gudair field has opened up new areas for development making very high returns on a small investment. Improved reservoir description, carefully planned surveillance and studies using flow simulators have enabled recognition and successful drilling of undrained saddle area between two anticlines of the reservoir which has been on production for about 35 years. The result is an incremental production of about 30 mbbl/d and 100 mmbbl of reserves addition. This paper highlights the field history, recent data campaign and evaluation that led to the delineation of the area and its development. The carbonate reservoir consists of two separate anticlines linked by a saddle area with a common oil water contact. Due to the absence of faults and the presence of different fluid properties in each anticline (i.e., lobe), it was postulated that the lobes communicate only through the water column. Because of a steep structural dip towards the flank, rock quality deterioration towards the aquifer and a rise in oil water contact with production from main areas, the production potential of the saddle area was assumed to be not prospective for drilling. Recently, a detailed review of the current development status was carried out with extensive data gathering including 3D seismic to reduce reservoir uncertainties. The 3D geological and reservoir simulation models built on the basis of this newly acquired data showed gentler structural dip towards the flank, slower water influx to wells close to the saddle and a significant amount of undrained oil. An appraisal well was drilled in the middle of the saddle with a contingency plan to deviate it. Data from this well showed the saddle area to have significant higher structure, very small rise in OWC and good quality rock. This resulted in further appraisal and development of the reservoir, which are now providing very high returns.