Integrated Study for Water Management in a Highly Heterogeneous

Water-Flooded Reservoir, Western Desert, Egypt

Ahmed Aly and W John Lee,

S.A. Holditch &Associates, Znc.

-- rnanagement in a highly heterogeneous,multilayered,

.

- ihase reservoir becomes complicated when poor

--i:rrization of the reservoir by conventional methods

-.T:S
fine-scale resolution of the model.

~ o b l e mbecomes evident when the oil production rate

Xayat-Yasser, Lower Baharyia resefvoir in the western
_ c.
>f Egypt dropped 30%, and water cut increased from
-'7%. Conventional14-layer modeling could not explain
- - q d changes in reservoir behavior.

-C

: z ~ t i o n of well-log analysis, geology, and two--onal

seismic through geostatistic modeling techniques
.A?a 30-layered reservoir model that was used to calibrate
. -,-dimensional, three-phase numerical stimulation
--2

z X greater resolution in the model, we were able to

L

r. match the reservoir performance on three levels; field

individual well level, and zona1 level (production

r z g data).
L.

- y u l t of this study, we were able to identify promising

-- far redevelopment, plan strategies for optimizing

- >ir management,

and visualize approaches for

- .m=future management and development of similar

-Y~'ods in the area.

:3per presents details of this study and our

n n d a t i o n s for future field development.

Khalda Petroleum Co. (Khalda) discovered the Hayat field

in 1986, when the Hayat-1X was dnlled. The Yasser field
was discovered in 1987when Yasser-1 was drilled. The Hayat
Yasser field is located in the southeastern portion of the
Khalda West Concession, south of the Salam field, in the
Western Desert of Egypt. Oil production in this field peaked
in August 1995, at an average of 10,000 STBID, f r ~ mthe
Lower Bahariya formation, and then started to declie rapidly.
The reservoir fluid in the Lower Bahariya reservoir is a
volatile oil that may grade into black oil in the deeper poftion
of the reservoir. Khalda has requested that the reservoir
simulation model use a black oil configuration. This is an
adequate representation of the reservoir fluid if the pressure
throughout the simulation model remains above the
bubblepoint. As the reservoir pressure in the field drops below
the bubblepoint, large amounts of gas will come out of
solution and will ovemde the oil production. This may result
in a loss of oil production and production of a large amount
of gas. In addition, our reservoir simulation model will not
be adequate to handle this situation. As a result, one of our
main objectives in developing this field is to maintain the
reservoir pressure above the bubblepoint. In addition, we
need to develop the optimal scenario to recover the maximum
amount of oil.
In the rest of the paper we will present the results of the Hayat
Yasser, Lower Bahariya study &d present our conclusions
and recommendations based on these results.

In this section, we describe the reservoir model used to

simulate the history of the Lower Bahariya reservoir in the
Hayat Yasser field.

Memorias / Proceedings
On a basis of our experience with grid design and optirnization
and after considering various smaller grid-block sizes, we
built the final fine-grid model using comer-point geometry
grids to honor the faults in the field. We also applied local
grid refinement (LGR) around the severa1 wells. Fig. 1
presents the grid we used over the geostatistical model. We
applied LGR to help with our history match. .Based on the
geostatistical study, we preserved the vertical layering profile
of 30 simulation layers. The resulting model dimensions were
39 x 23 x 30. This resulted in a reservoir simulation model
with 26,910 main grid cells coupled with 32 locally refined
grid cells.
The PVT data, the relative permeability and the capillary
pressure data for the reservoir simulation mbdel were
developed and discussed by McCain.'

In this section we present the results of our history match of

the Lower Bahariya reservoir. The reservoir performance
history match helped us in determining the original oil in
place for the Hayat Yasser field with great accuracy.

For the field history match, we attempted to honor the

observed oil and watej production rates and water injection
rates. In general, we matched the production performance
as a function of time at the field level to a tighter tolerance
than at the well level. A tighter tolerance at the field level is
reasonable because field data generally have less error than
individual well data. Well data usually have more uncertainty
because of production testing measurement errors and
inaccuracies associated with allocating field data to individual
wells and further to individual reservoirs.
Initial history matching adjustments focused on overall
reservoir performance including oil, gas, and water
production and pressure. Subsequent adjustments were made
to improve individual well matches.

Table 1 presents our history matching adjustment pararneters

and the history matching criteria.

Fig. 2 shows the field oil, water, and gas production rates.
We can see from Fig 2 that the reservoir simulation model
honored the observed field oil and water rates. There is much
uncertainty in the recorded gas rate data, and the model
matched the field performance adequately, given the
uncertainty in these data.
Fig. 3 shows the gasloil ratio (GOR). The match is good and
confirms our bubblepoint match.

Fig. 4 shows the water-cut plot match, which is also gooc

We can see that we matched the arrival time of the wattwell.
Fig. 5 shows the history match of the cumulative oil, water
and gas production for the Hayat Yasser field.
Fig. 6 shows the history match of the field water injecticrate and cumulative water injection. The match is good.
Fig. 7 shows the pressure history match for the Hayat Yasscfield. Al1 the observed and simulated pressure data ar:
adjusted to the datum level (-5475 subsea true vertical depti-.
Fig. 6 shows the pressure match for the A-sand (whicincorporates most of the hydrocarbon-bearing formation. Tr::
pressure matches for the C sand (which is mostly below tk:
oil/water contact and represents the bottom part of the C sar..
geological layers) are also presented in Fig. 7. Fig. 7 shoii
a good pressure history match and adds confidence to ti-:
volumetric estimate of the OOIP from this reser\-c .
simulation model.

Well Perforinance History Match

In this section we discuss the individual well history match?.
This added a second level of history matching on individuwells to the field-wide history match. This ensured gck -.
history matches in different parts of the field @eally). 1addition, this will'assist with accurate forecasting, resen i
development, and management of the Hayat Yasser, Lou:
Bahariya reservoir.

Figs. 8 to 10 show some representative individual well histc:

matches for this field.
The good individual well history matches provided the bafor forecasting using the reservoir model.

uroduction Logging Histc

The production logging (PLT) history match provides a th-.
level of history match. Matching the PLT flow rate u.:depth ensures a history match at the zonal level after achiel r,
an acceptable history match at the total field level and at rr individual well level areally. This third-leve1 history ma. adds more verification and validity to the geostatistic
integrated model for the Lower Bahariya reservoir.
Accuracy of rates from production logs depends on flui:
produced:
m For single-phase flow (especially water injection), intc
preted results are quantitative and potentially accurats
m For two-phase, waterloil flow, results are less accurart
m For flow with a gas phase, results are only qualitativf

d=ms in production log interpretation are as follows:

= m - p h a s e injection wells, f 10%
-w-phax liquid flow (oillwater), f 20%
-mxphase flow (oil/water/gas), f 50%
- ~ g - p i m eflow in deviated wells, very large errors

13present some representativeproduction logging

I.s U

LT m h e s . These figures show that the model did a

- _-xi job of matching the zona1 production.

E nsray matching the historical reservoir performance,

ur d t t movable
~
hydrocarbon technique2 to optirnize

of this reservoir. The biggest challenge

-r
phase of the project was the complexity and
- of the reservoir system. Wells were selectively
sonyl
a few layers at a time, rather than in al1
3
- x cmce. Thus, the development of each reservoir layer
m *t.
We needed a simple and systematic approach
1
s
ranking the areas of the reservoir that were most
mmmsq for future development and infill drilling.

For the Lower Bahariya reservoir, we determined the movable

hydrocarbon for the A-sand (simulation layers 1 to lo), where
most of the hydrocarbon lies. In addition, we summed the
MHPV distribution of each layer into a summed MHPV for
the entire reservoir. Fig. 14 presents the distribution of the
sumrned MHPV for the Lower Bahariya A-sand (layers 1 to
10) initially (1989) before any production from the Hayat
Yasser field. Fig. 15 presents the summed MHPV at the end
of the history match (-1997). As shown in Fig. 15, severa1
areas in the Hayat Yasser field have much more highly
movable oil (marked in red and yellow) than the rest of the
reservo.:
We focused on those areas for our redevelopment
and infill drilling locations in the forecast runs.

Forecasts

~ m u e@ormance

LNA

e-

'w M history match of this reservoir resulted in a layer..--m= distribution of current water saturation. However,

jlrmation alone is not sufficient to identify the most

mamaqareas for redevelopment. A better indicator would
a I
f
m is related to potentially recoverable oil volume,

a -Aes into account porosity, net pay, and fluid

mmmm We selected the movable hydrocarbon technique
nd calculated it for each grid block in the simulation
apier 8mg the following equation.

STB l acre) =

7758xhx@x(S0- S,,)
(')
B
O

kas the follOwing advantages for hel~ingengineers

oareservoirforredevelo~mentandinfilldriuing.
f

m*
is a volumetric calculation, which provides a direct
bare

of the amount of potentially recoverable oil in

m-m of the reservoir.

d d r e p r e s e n t s movable oil, MHPV takes into account

011 that can be affected by changes in wat~rflood
d n s .

In this section we present the different forecast cases. We

designed our cases to forecast until the year 2008 and to shut
in and abandon the field when the field's total oil production
drops below 1,000 STBD.
We illustrate our optimal recovery case, which results in a
recovery factor of 43% at the year 2006. The optimal recovery
case shows an additional recovery factor of more than 10%
over the base (as-is) case. The optimal recovery case will
require drilling 11 new producers and 3 new injectors and
recompleting 6 shut-in wells as injectors.

Fig. 16 shows field oil production forecast comparisons for

the base case, the recompletions case, and the optimal
recovery case. This shows that we can increase oil production
by around 160%. The field oil rate will go from around 4,000
STBD to around 6,700 STBD if we develop the Lower
Bahariya using the optimal recovery scenario.
Fig. 17 is the field cumulative oil production forecast
comparison for the three cases.
Fig. 18 is a comparison of the forecasted gas production for
the three forecast scenarios. This indicates that even for the
optimal recovery case, the gas production does not increase
above the levels we had in 1995, which means the pressure
in this aggressive case did not drop below the bubblepoint.
The pressure-forecast plot illustrates this.
Fig. 19 is a comparison of the forecasted A-sand pressures
forthe forecast cases. This figure shows that the piesure in
the optimal recovery case does not drhp below the
bubblepoint as we have aggressively manzged the reservoir
and replaced the withdrawl volums with injected water.

m-is

equal to or less than zero for any areas of the

that has oil saturation below Sdr, such as near
r*
an oil/water contact. The calculation of MHPV
= sclude a filter to automatically eliminate values of
~ ~ near
i i or
~ below
zero.
,

=oir

The base case represents the as-is scenario. The base case
showed a recovery factor of around 33% at the end of the run
(2004). We assumed that we would produce this field under

Memorias / Proceedings
the current operating conditions. In this case we have 9
producing wells and 10 injection wells.

The optimal recovery case was designed as follows:

The summed movable hydrocarbon pore volume map for the

A-sand at the end of the base case (2004) is presented in Fig.
20. We still see some red spots in the field, which means that
if we apply the base-case development scenario, we will leave
some unrecoverable reserves in the Lower Bahariya reservoirs
at the year 2004 when we abandon the field. Thus, we
conclude that this development scenario may not be the
optimal scenario for the development of the Lower Bahariya
reservoir in the Hayat Yasser field.

In this case we recompleted some of the watered-out

producers as injectors. The recompletion-forecast case
showed a recovery factor of around 32% at the end of the run
(2003). In this case we used the same number of injectors
and producers as the base case, and we recompleted some
watered-out wells as injectors.
We optirnized the recompletion case by doing severa1 runs
where we injected into the C sand in the wells that are down
structure. This resulted in helping the pressure in the field
without losing production due to early breakthrough and
watering-out of producing wells.

Fig. 21 is the sumrned movable hydrocarbon pore volume

map for the A sand. We can see that at the end of this
recompletion case in the year 2003 we have some bypassed
oil and reserves in the ground. This encouraged us to develop
the optimal recovery case and to go after the remaining oil in
the Lower Bahariya reservoir.

The optimal recovery case resulted in a recovery factor of

around 43% at the end of the run (2006).
The optimal recovery case was developed after performing
multiple runs to investigate the optimal scenario to develop
the Lower Bahariya reservoirs. It included the input from
the Hayat Yasser team and the Production Enhancement Team
(PET) and the experience of the Holditch team3 in developing
heterogeneous, waterfiooded reservoirs.
We tried most of the possible locations for new wells
suggested by our movable hydrocarbon maps and the
independent work of the Production Enhancement Team. We
had two main objectives when developing this case.
m

Maintaining pressure above the bubblepoint.

Producing the maximum feasible cumulative oil from the
Lower Bahariya in the Hayat Yasser field.

Recomplete 6 shut-in wells to injectors.

Drill 3 new injection wells.
Drill 11 new production wells.
e Recomplete one new producer in the Hayat area
an injector to help maintain the field pressi.
after the well waters out.

Fig. 22 shows the summed movable hydrocarbon pc

volume map for the optimal recovery case in the year 201
In this optimal run we effectively produce the hiaccumulation pockets of movable oil.
This case proved to be the optimal case as it exceeded
economic lirnits set by the operating company by a factoi
2.
As a result, we believe that the optimal recovery case will
the best scenario to develop the Lower Bahariya reservoi:
produce the maximum cumulative oil and to maint.
pressure above the bubblepoint. Also, we must take i:consideration that the Lower Bahariya reservoir is higiheterogeneous and that it requires a phased developni.
approach and updating of the model periodically as new L!
become available (e.g., 3D seismic, new well logs, and y .
data). We also recommend an aggressive managen?:
program of this field using the reservoir simulation mo
developed in this study.

Horizontal Well Case

In this case we investigated the feasibility of drill
horizontal wells to produce some undrained pocket.
movable oil in the Lower Bahariya reservoir. We found two well-placed vertical wells will outperform a horizor
well in draining the Lower Bahariya reservoir. Thi.
reasonable because of the heterogeneous nature of the L o
Bahariy a reservoir.
The development scenario of this case is the same a<
optimal recovery case. We tried to use a horizontal \
instead of two vertical wells to drain the movable hydrocai.oil in the eastem portion of the Hayat field (Fig. 15). 7
we replaced two new vertical wells in the optimal recw.
case with one new horizontal well in this case. We perfoi Isensitivity runs to find the optimal design for this horizowell and designed a 1,900-ft horizontal well penetrating
top layers of the A-sand.

Table 2 presents the comparison between the horizontal \

and the two vertical wells. Table 2 indicates that two \ \ .
placed vertical wells will produce more ultimate cumulaoil than a horizontal well.

--m----

tsions

---

3. Follow these steps in phased field development:

Drill first well.
Update geology.
Update reservoir model.
Update forecast.
Drill new well(s).

*n m basis of our reservoir simulation study of the Hayat

Lower Bahariya reservoir, Holditch has reached the
+ ~ I : O U Iconclusions.
~

- s r g geostatistics, we developed a reservoir model with

.-al

E
&

layers to capture the vertical heterogeneity and

Lower Bahariya reservoir.

4. Include reservoir modeling in a systematic reservoir

management approach:

result of our history matching of the reservoir

m c e , we estimated the original oil in place (OOIP)
a nc Lower Bahariya reservoir with great accuracy.

Measure oil, water, and gas rates regularly.

Measure pressures regularly.
m Update model following measurements.

+ a result of investigating severa1reservoir forecasts, we

4
that:
m
m

The optimal recovery case will result in a recovery

factor of around 43%.
The optimal recovery case shows an additional
recovery factor of 10% more than the base-case.
The optimal recovery case shows that we can
increase the oil production rate by around 160% over
the base case production rate.
The optimal recovery case will require dnlling 11
new producers (one new well will be recompleted
for injection after it waters out) and 3 new injectors
and recompleting 6 shut-in wells to injectors.
The optimal recovery clearly exceeded the econornic
yardstick by a factor of around 2.
The recompletion forecast case showed that recompleting watered - out producers will not increase
ultimate recovery but will help in maintaining
reservoir pressure above the bubblepoint pressure.
The horizontal well case showed that two wellplaced vertical wells would produce more ultimate
cumulative oil than one horizontal well.

basis of our reservoir simulation study of the Hayat

r Bahariya reservoir, we make the following

'c~slopthe Hayat Yasser, Lower Bahariya reservoir using

recovery case scenario.
n aggressive reservoir management of the Hayat
wer Bahariya because the reservoir fluid is volatile
m

Monitor reservoir pressure throughout the field very

Prevent pressure from dropping below the bubblepoint because gas production will increase dramatically and oil will be lost.

k
Pb
So

= permeability, md

'= bubblepoint pressure, psia

= oil saturation, fraction

=
Bo
=
@
=
MHPV =
sor

residual oil saturation, fraction

formation volume factor, RBISTB
porosity, fraction
movable hydrocarbon pore volume, STBIacre

The authors would like to acknowledge Khalda's executive

management support and cooperation during the Hayat Yasser
project.

McCain, W.D. Jr.: "Preparation of Reservoir and Fluid

Properties for Simulation, Lower Bahariya Formation, Hayat
Yasser Field, Western Desert, Egypt," paper to be presented
at the 1998 EGPC Conference, Cairo, Egypt, 12-15 October.
Bastian, P.A. et al.: "A Case History of an Integrated Study
of a Mature Carbonate Waterflood," paper SPE 39841
presented at the 1998 SPE International Petroleum
Conference and Exhibition of Mexico, Villahermosa, Mexico,
3-5 March.
Gulick, K.E. and McCain, W.D. Jr., "Waterflooding
Heterogeneous Reservoirs: An Overview of Industry
Experiences and Practices," paper SPE 39841 presented at
the 1998 SPE International Petroleum Conference and
Exhibition of Mexico, Villahermosa, Mexico, 3-5 March.

Memorias / Proceedings
History Marching
Parameters

History Marching
Criteria

Relative
permeability
curves (oi\lwater)
Horizontal

Field relative oil and

water production

Remarks

peTmeab\\\ty

Bubblepoint
pressure
Aquifer size

Individual weii water

production and water
arrival time. Also,
pressure in the
western portion of
the Hayat field.

of 1801.65 psia
Large aquifer was
required in the
western side of the
Hayat field.

Fig. 3 History match offield gas/oil ratio.

Table 1 History Matching Parameters and Criteria.

Recovery, MSTB
Horizontal Well
Case

horizontal

Case
HN3P
vertical well
Tablc 2 - Comparison of Resuhfrom the Horizontal WeU Case and the Opfid Recovery Case.

Fig. 4 - History match offield water-cut data.

:ig. 1 Resenioir simulntion grid.

Fig. 2 - Field oil, water, and gas produciion history match.

Fig. 5 History match of curnulative oil, water, and gas productiorr

Fig. 6 History match ofjield water injection rate and cumulatii,i

injection.

f 7 - WItoty match of pressun dafa

Fig. U PLT histotypmduction match (error margin f 2Wo) of well

H4.

t I-iWory match of H4.

Fig. 12 PLT hktory match of Production Well H5 (error margin

f 20%).

-S',,P
0% 20% 40% 80% '80% 100%
Pwwnt of Total WeII Water Injecon

/mP L T SIM
~ 1

Fig. 13 PLT history match of Injeclion Well H8 (error margin f lwo).

D L?&t@y match of lvjection Well H8.

Fig. 14 Summed movable hydroearbon pore volume mup for the

Lower Bahariya A-sand at Ininial condiiions (1989).

Memorias / Proceedings

Fig. 15 - Summed movable hydrocarbon pore volume map for the

iower Bahariya A-sand at end of history match (1997).

Fig. 16 - Comparison of oil production forecasts.

Fig. 17 Comparison of curnulative oilproduction forecasts.

Fig. 18 Comparison of gas production forecast.

Fig. 19 Comparison of pressure forecasts.

Fig. 20 - Summed movable hydrocarbon pore volume at end of base

case.

Fig. 21 - Summed movable hydrocarbon pore volume map at end c!i

recompletion case.

Fig. 22 - Summed movable hydrocarbon pore volume for optimal

recovery case.

Memorias / Proceedin~s

Los Estudios Integrales y la Administracin de Yacimientos

Fernando Rodrguez de la Garza, Sergio Berumen Campos !

Jos Luis Snchez Bujano
\

Pemex Exploracin y Produccin, Miembros del CZPJi

informticos., v en consecuencia se tuvieron avancs

t a c o s tambizn importante's, particdarmente en T
ca de yacimientos. A me di^
d

--

En este trabajo se presenta una revisin de los conceptos en

que descansa la administracin moderna de yacimientos y se
hacen algunas referencias a los cambios que estos conceptos
han generado en la organizacin <en los esquemas de trabajo
en PEMEX Exploracin y Produccin. Se revisa tambin la
evolucin de los estudios integrales de yacimientos y se
presenta el caso de un campo de gas, Arcabuz-Culebra de la
Cuenca de Burgos, donde la aplicacin de estos conceptos y
la administracin adecuada de la tecnologa han permitido
incrementar substancialmente la produccin de gas.

mayor capacidad para almacenar datos, fue posible formul.

y desarrollar simuladores cada vez mas complejp.
obtenindose con ello herramientas mas confiables pc:estudiar el comportamiento de un yacimiento. Las compafi
encontraron que el Poseer tecnologa les brindaba un elemeide ventaja competitiva, crendose as un ambiente tecnolgi.
cerrado.
A principios de la dcada de los 90's se conceptualizi-.
administracin moderna de yacimientos5 y se enfatiza
papeF7. Se valor; el trabajo en equipo y se dan camb
imoortantes en la organizacin
vrcultura de trabaio de .
u
2mpresas petroleras. As mismo, se producen avan..
tecnolgicos significativos y se propicia
un ambifr
t m i c o abierto, donde abunda el software y servlc
tecnicos especializados en el mercado internacional. pfimueve el desarrollo de estudios integrales
de yacimienr
que requieren de trabajo en equipo interdisciplinario durasu ejecucin, como un medio para%alizar y definir la m?
estrategia para desmollar un campo maximizando su
econmico.

ntroduccin

--

La administracin de yacimientos consiste 1en "la integraci?,

de recursos humanos, econmicos y tecnolgicos para
m>ximiza~ las ganancias obtenidas de un yacimiento,
oDmizando la recuperacin de hidrocarburos a la vesotse
so. .de operacin".

Hasta mediados de la dcada de los 70's, la administracin

de yacimientos se limitaba a las actividades propias de la
ingeniera de yacimientos y no exista sinergia entre las
diferentes disciplinas que participan en el ciclo de vida de un
yacimiento. Los recursos tecnolgicos disponibles para
apoyar la administracin de yacimientos eran limitados en
aquellos aos.
A partir de la segunda mitad de la dcada de los 70's,
comienza a enfatizarse el valor de la sinergia entre las diversas
disciplinas de la administracin de yacimientos. Aparecen
en la literatura artculos tcnicos que describen la necesidad
y la importancia del trabajo interdisciplinario para
incrementar la recuperacin de a ~ e i t e ~Apartir
. ~ ? ~ de la dcada
los 80's se tuvieron avances importantes en los apoyos

-..

a Administracin Moderna de Yacimi

'

Los elementos centrales del proceso de administracir.

yacimientos han sido ampliamente documentados' er
literatura. El proceso comienza por: (1) Definir los objeti
que se persiguen con la administracin, lo cual depend?
las caractersticas de los yacimientos, de la tecnoli
disponible y del entorno econmico y social en que op-las empresas. Una vez que se han establecido los objeti.
(2) se define el plan de desarrollo del campo; durante e.-

estudios integrales de yacimientos juegan un papel

:mportante en la prediccin del comportamiento de la
.:;cin
del campo y sus reservas y en la previsin del
.limiento de instalaciones para su desarrollo. El proceso
. ~ministracincontina con (3) la implantacin del plan
:..-irrollo del campo, donde se establece el plan de accin
-:
olucra a todas las funciones; le siguen (4) el monitoreo
. rnportamiento del yacimiento y (5) la evaluacin del
-.;ira asegurar que se lleva a cabo, que funciona y que
:gente. (6) La revisin peridica del plan de desarrollo
I;lecuacin, cuando es necesario, es el elemento que
- - 5 1 ciclo del proceso de la administracin de yacimientos.
.:niinistracin moderna de yacimientos se da en un
- 3 de seguridad y de proteccin al medio ambiente.

. :as

- -s los elementos del proceso de administracin de

-:sntos han sido reconocidos y documentados, su

--.:acin en cada empresa ocurre en condiciones muy
.-:ares, que obedecen al entorno econmico, poltico,
.. :. cultural en el que estas operan. La administracin
: - 3 de yacimientos valora y enfatiza el trabajo en equipo
nergia entre las diversas disciplinas que en ella
- znen. Lo anterior ha provocado cambios importantes
. - rganizacin y cultura de trabajo de las empresas
::s.PEMEX Exploracin y Produccin, PEP, una de
_:.diarias que integran el Corporativo de Petrleos
--los. al igual que muchas empresas petroleras que
.: :n el contexto internacional, ha reconocido la
-2ncia de tener una organizacin que genere valor
a sus actividades, hecho que motiv su reciente
_--:zacin. El ncleo central de la operacin de los
- .;e tiene en los activos de produccin, como ocurre
:;presas petroleras modernas, aunqe en PEP se tienen
:::os
de organizacin que obedecen a las
- .-.lndades del entorno en que opera y que son diferentes
2 2 otras compaas operadoras.
Es en los
- -rradores de los activos en quienes recae la
- Xibilidad de integrar los recursos econmicos,
--'
y tecnolgicos que tiene a su alcance para lograr
- e::\-os de la administracin moderna de yacimientos.

:
:
:noce.que

la tecnologa y el desarrollo profesional

Z-.sntos esenciales en la generacin de valor agregado
xiividades. Por este motivo, parte importante de su
- -3anizacin es la Subdireccin de Tecnologa y
..-.:!o Profesional, STDP, que tiene dentro de sus
-- difundir en las reas operativas de la empresa
q u e m a s de administracin de la tecnologa. Los
- I---scentrales del proceso de administracin de la
.;L en PEP son: (1) La deteccin de necesidades, (2)
-:-:reo y valoracin de tecnologa, (3) su adquisicin,
i ~ ~ t a c i (5)
n , la evaluacin de su impacto y (6) el
- 2 ~cnico,todo ello sustentado en el desarrollo
rA del personal tcnico de la empresa y alineado

con la estrategia tecnolgica de PEP, sus recursos y

organizacin. Cabe destacar que la estrategia tecnolgica de
r fuerte, lo que requiere de excelencia
para encontrar y aplicar tecnologa en vez de crear nuevT
tecnologa. La excepcin de esta estrategia est prevista para
aquellos casos donde la tecnologa disponible en el mercado
no es capaz de manejar y resolver de manera adecuada la
problemtica de nuestros yacimientos, dadas sus
peculiaridades y su importancia estratgica para Mxico,
como es el caso de las tecnologas que se aplican en la
caracterizacin, simulacin numrica y en los procesos de
recuperacin mejorada de yacimientos naturalmente
fracturados con porosidad vugular. En estos casos, la
estrategia de PEP es apoyar la investigacin y el desarrollo
de las tecnologas requeridas, lo que permitira eventualmente
a Mxico tomar posiciones de liderazgo tecnolgico.
En el contexto de la administracin moderna de yacimientos,
la administracin adecuada de la tecnologa contribuye de
manera importante en las ganancias y posicin competitiva
de las compaas petroleras, entre otros, reduciendo el riesgo
de la exploracin, reduciendo el costo del desarrollo de los
campos, aumentado el factor de recuperacin de
hidrocarburos y la productividad de los pozos.

h s estudios integrales de yacimientos y su

El desarrollo de tecnologas relacionadas con el mejoramiento
de la resolucin para detectar fenmenos fsicos, as como
nuevas formas de organizacin interdisciplinaria han sido un
disparador importante en el desarrollo de diferentes ciencias.
En las geociencias e ingeniena del subsuelo, a partir de los
80's las tcnicas empleadas en la descripcin esttica de
yacimientos evolucion aceleradamente con el crecimiento
de tecnologas tales como la ssmica 3D, los mtodos '
microssmicos para describir propiedades entre pozos, y los
mtodos geoestadsticospara modelar la variabilidad espacial
de las propiedades de los yacimientos, entre otras. Como
resultado importante, los estudios integrales de yacimientos,
EIY, se han visto favorecidos y a travs de ellos ha sido posible
establecer mejores planes de desarrollo de los campos. La
reduccin del riesgo en el desarrollo de los campos, con el
consecuente incremento en su productividad, es solo un
ejemplo de cmo los estudios integrales se han constituido
en una herramienta fundamental en la planeacin exitosa de
la explotacin los yacimientos.
En el contexto histrico, la planeacin de la explotacin de
yacimientos se circunscribi, hasta principios de la dcada
de los 70's al uso de mtodos clsicos de anlisis y evaluacin
de yacimientos. El modelado de dimensin cero, o balance
de materia, y los mtodos volumtricos eran utilizados
paralelamente al estado que guardaban las tcnicas de

Memorias / Proceedings

descripcin geolgica. En general, la descripcin de

yacimientos fue hasta los 60's definida solamente mediante
la correlacin de informacin de registros geofsicos y
ncleos, y a partir de la dcada de los 70's, paulatinamente
se fue incorporando la informacin ssrnica 2D en los estudios
de yacimientos.
A principios de los 80's la aplicacin de nuevas formas en la
administracin de yacimientos, basadas en equipos
interdisciplinarios, condujo en forma natural a la generacin
de prcticas ms eficientes para realizar lo que actualmente
se conoce como estudios integrales de yacimientos. En estos
estudios se integran los datos geolgicos, geofsicos,
petrofsicos y de ingeniera disponibles para construir un
modelo numrico detallado del yacimiento, o campo, en
estudio. Los estudios integrales de yacimientos son el
elemento bsico utilizado hoy da en la planeacin del
desarrollo de los campos.
Los estudios integrales de yacimientos utilizan la tecnologa
moderna de hardware y software que permiten visualizar y
entender mejor y en tiempos razonablemente cortos los
yacimientos. Las etapas bsicas de un estudio integral
normalmente inician con la (1) recopilacin y anlisis de
datos, para generar unabase de datos validada y actualizada
con la informacin disponible para el estudio; se procede
luego a la (2) construccin del modelo geolgico-petrofsico
del campo en estudio y se contina con la (3) fase de
ingeniera bsica de yacimientos y de produccin; concluida
esta fase, se est en condiciones de iniciar la (4) fase de
simulacin numrica, que comienza con el ajuste del
comportamiento histrico de presin-produccin y termina
con la prediccin y evaluacin econmica del
comportamiento del campo bajo esquemas de explotacin
de inters a la administracin de yacimientos. El estudio
integral concluye con su ( 5 ) documentacin.
La exactitud de los modelos se ha mejorado notablemente
mediante la integracin de la ssmica 3D en los estudios
integrales8. Esto es, la arquitectura estructural, la estratigrafa
y modelos de facies interpretados ssmicamente, as como la
integracin de 10s datos ssmicos con datos de pozos,
proporcionan un proceso consistente en la construccin del
modelo geolgico. una mejor definicin del marco
estratigrfico ~ e r m i t subdividir
e
los intervalos modelados en
zonas y10 facies, y posicionar espacialmente las
heterogeneidades y continuidad de los yacimientos, con las
ventajas obvias en la simulacin numrica de la dinmica
del flujo de fluidos en el yacimiento. Adicionalmente, los
mtodos geostadsticos son una herramienta poderosa en la
caracterizacin de la distribucin espacial de propiedades,
como porciento de arena, porosidad y permeabilidad.

Sin duda que en las dcadas de los 80's y 90's han habido
desarrollos de inters en el anlisis de pruebas de pozos as

como en la simulacin de yacimientos. Los mtodos

anlisis de datos de presin basados en la derivada del camb
de presin con respecto al t i e m p ~ ~representan
.'~.
tambin 11
respuesta al desarrollo de herramientas de alta resolucic
Estos mtodos de anlisis permiten mejorar en gran mecli
la caracterizacin de los yacimientos, especialmente ei-i
deteccin de barreras y10 fallas, lmites de yacimientc
propiedades de flujo. Similarmente, los avance< .
simulacin de yacimientos han estado razonablemei
apoyados, principalmente, con el desarrollo de hardwai c
su bajo costo relativo. Los resultados de la simulacin
yacimientos se han favorecido con modelos geolgicl
petrofsicos que caracterizan mejor los yacimienr
facilitando con ello el ajuste de su historia de presil
produccin y reduciendo la incertidumbre en la predicc
de su comportamiento, lo que ha permitido mejo
sustancialmente los estudios integrales de yacimientos.
Recientemente se ha buscado integrar el modelado del 11
de fluidos en las instalaciones superficiales de produccii
modelado del flujo de fluidos en la tubera de produccii
yacimiento. Sin embargo, el desarrollo de solucio
numricas para simular de manera integral estos sistemas t
estado hasta ahora fuertemente limitadas por la velo cid,^
capacidad de proceso del hardware disponible; para f i
prcticos, esto solo ha sido viable de aplicarse en problei
de flujo monofsico. La extensin a problemas de fl
multifsico representa un reto para la industria en
prximos aos, en el sentido de desarrollar mejc
metodologas para la conduccin de estudios integrale.
yacimientos
En Mxico, la evolucin de los estudios de yacimiento,
estado marcada por el seguimiento de prcticas y tecnolo;
utilizadas por compaas lderes en la industria. Los prim~
estudios de yacimientos, bajo esta perspectiva, en M\
fueron desarrollados a principios de los 80's. Los estul
de los Campos Abkatn, y Akal de la zona marina, !
Buena Suerte de la cuenca de Sabinas, durantL
de cmo
de la dcada de los 80's,
resultados de la simulacin numrica de yacimientos f i i ~
empleados en la ~laneacindel desarrollo de yacimiento
aceite y gas en Mxico.
En la actualidad, la administracin de algunos yacimis
del sistema petrolero nacional ha encontrado en los estu,
integrales la oportunidad de mejorar sus planes de desan I
Un ejemplo de esto, que a continuacin se presenta 5
Campo Arcabuz-Culebra de la Cuenca de Burgos, que er
ltimos aos ha estado sujeto a un desarrollo agre.
fundamentado en la aplicacin de tecnologas modern.
en una administracin moderna de sus yacimientos.

l R caso de campo: El Campo ArcabuzCulebra de la Cuenca de Burgos del

3e Mxico.
- m p o Arcabuz-Culebra es un campo ae gas maduro, con

- -de 30 aos de explotacin, que se encuentra localizado

cuenca gasfera de Burgos en el noreste de Mxico.

1994 se utilizaron tecnologas convencionales para su
---~o110; la produccin de gas del campo era en esas fechas
- 13 MMPCD. El campo est constituido por areniscas
- -Asas, caracterizadas por una gran falla de crecimiento
parte central.
-

---;1

- A

- ~scisinde re-desarrollar el campo fue tomada con base

planes de desarrollo de la Cuenca de Burgos, a fin de

la reactivacin de la industria de la zona norte de
- :o A partir de 1995 y como resultado de un estudio de
--.-.ilidad, se plane la ejecucin de un estudio integral a
- 2 implantar el desarrollo adicional del campo. A fines
- -95 se adquiri informacin ssmica 3D con la cual se
- - - . a una mejor definicin de la continuidad y estilo
~ ~ n udea las
l principales arenas productoras del campo,
,- x > Mount Selman. Esta informacin ssmica marca el
dc una nueva era en el desarrollo de Arcabuz-Culebra,
- - :o
principalmente a la mejor definicin de la
-sstamentalizacin estructural que gobierna el estilo del
-m
: >. y las nuevas oportunidades que de ello se derivan.
- 'iicimientos de este campo son arenas compactas de
~ z i l i d a menor
d
a 1 mD, y es prctica comn fracturarlas
r i c a m e n t e para obtener una produccin comercial de
-

-r

--U-

integracin de la interpretacin de la ssmica 3D del

-in?en la caracterizacin de los yacimientos", el estudio
permiti proporcionar localizaciones de nuevos pozos
--zrc la marcha del estudio. Estos pozos, una vez
c . d o s , mostraron presiones de poro muy cercanas a la
-':a
inicial de los yacimientos, 450 Kg/cm2. La estrategia
r -110
inicial, basada en la integracin de informacin
.=ay de ingeniera del campo, asegur el xito de la
etapa del desarrollo del Arcabuz-Culebra. A partir
r %el estudio integral jug un papel muy importante en
rt-arrollo de este campo. La produccin, que
---damente
en un 70% proviene de la arena Wilcox 4,
: k z e n t en mas de 600 %; se ha establecido un plan de
is a l l o que involucra la perforacin de mas de 300 pozos
2 -Zzw y extensin en un trmino de tres aos. En general
'r-ac7amiento de los nuevos pozos es de alrededor a 400
TC-x > las nuevas prcticas de fracturamiento ofrecen
- de hasta 500 pies de extensin, lo cual favorece la
T~YL-vidadcon relacin al espaciamiento.

Wilcox, que ha permitido entender mejor la dinmica de los

compartimentos que definen los yacimientos compactos del
campo. En este sentido, la simulacin ha proporcionado
elementos que confirman que la ssmica 3D en este campo,
no ha logrado definir algunas barreras o fallas que influyen
en el comportamiento dinmico del flujo. Es decir, se ha
observado que existen fallas o barreras subssmicas asociadas
a compartimentos. Estas observaciones han permitido
posicionar mejor los pozos de relleno en el desarrollo del
campo.
El modelo numrico construido en esta etapa ha sido validado,
ya que reproduce la historia de presin-produccin que el
campo ha experimentado durante su vida productiva. La
representacin espacial de las fracturas hidrulicas asociadas
a los pozos del campo represent un reto en la simulacin,
ya que no fue fcil garantizar soluciones numricas adecuadas
con un refinamiento local de malla arbitrario, adems del
alto costo de la simulacin bajo este concepto. Una vez
calibrado el modelo, se analizaron los siguientes escenarios
d produccin": es-amiento
e m e pozos,lGgitud de
fr a c x y uso de compresin. Se realizaron corridas de
sensibilidad, con diferentes espaciamientos entre pozos, a
..
fin de A
o~timizaresta variable. Asimismo, se investia el
efecto de diferentes longitudes de fractura en la producci6p.
Finalmente se analizaron diferentes niveles de contrapresin
en los pozos y su relacison la produccion. La t i g b 1
muestra la Cecuencia metodolgica aplicada en la etapa de
simulacin. Todos estnc pcrpnnrir\rre analizaron
econmicamente a fin de observar su impacto en los costos
de vroduccin.

La Figura 2 muestra un resumen de estos resultados.

Y 2

Una tercera etapa del estudio integral, an en desarrollo, es

la simulacin dinmica de sistema integral yacimientostubera-redes superficiales. El anlisis de escenarios de
produccin utilizando esta modalidad integral ofrecer una
mejor calidad en los estudios integrales de yacimientos de
Arcabuz-Culebra.
Los beneficios de un estudio integral utilizando tecnologa
moderna y una organizacin interdisciplinaria muestran en
los resultados del desarrollo del Campo Arcabuz-Culebra un
excelente ejemplo. Un incremento sustancial en la
productividad del campo se ha visto apoyada por una
organizacin basada en prcticas modernas de administracin
de yacimientos.

etapa del estudio integral se ha concentrado en

mun modelo numrico de simulacin para las arenas

Las administracin moderna de yacimientos ha propiciado

cambios importantes en la organizacin y esquemas de
trabajo de las empresas petroleras, coadyuvando a maximizar el valor econmico de sus yacimientos.

Memorias / Proceedings
Permian Basin Oil and Gas Recovery ConfereiMidland, TX, Marzo 8-9, 1990.

Los estudios integrales de yacimientos requieren de la

sinergia entre ingenieros petroleros, gelogos geofsicos
y petrofsicos, lo que se ha dado de manera natural en la
administracin moderna de yacimientos.

Wiggins, M.L. y Startzman, R.A.:"An Approach to !

servoir Management," Artculo SPE No. 20747 prftado en Reservoir Management Panel Discussion. 65
Conferencia y Exposicin Tcnica de SPE. '.
Orleans, LA, Septiembre 23-26, 1990.

Los estudios integrales son la base de la planeacin del

desarrollo exitoso de un campo.
El campo Arcabuz-Culebra, de la Cuenca de Burgos es
un ejemplo claro de los beneficios de la administracin
moderna de yacimientos y del empleo de nuevas tecnologas.

En los ltimos cuatro aos la produccin de gas de este

campo se ha visto sextuplicada.

'

Satter, A,, Varnon, J.E. y Hoang, M.T.: "Reservoir '

nagement: Technical Perspective, " Artculo SPE
22350 presentado en el SPE Internacional Meetir.,
Petroleum Engineering, Beijing, China, Marzo 21..
1992.
Jourdan, C. A. y Erling, E.T.:"Integrating 3D Seisn: .
Multidisciplinary Reservoir Modeling Projects, .
Enero 1997,30-32.
"

Tiab, D. y Kumar, A. :"Applications of the p'D FUE.

to Interference Analysis," JPT , Aug. 1980, 1465- 1 - -

Satter, A. y Thakur, G.:"Integrated Petroleum Reservoir

Management: A Team Approach", Tulsa, OK, PennWell
Books, 1994.

Bourdet, D., Whittle, T.M., Douglas, A.A. y Pirar:

M.:"A New Set of Type Curves Simplifies Well Analysis," World Oil, May 1983, 95-104.

Halbouty, M.T.: "Synergy is Essential to Maximum Re

covery," JPT, July 1977,750-754.

Vazquez, R., Mendoza, A,, Lopez, A,, Linares.

Bernal, H.:"3D Seismic role in the Integral Studb
Arcabuz-Culebra Field, Mexico," The Leading Edgs.
1997, Vol. 16, NO. 12, 1763-1766.

Craig, Jr., F.F., Willcox, P.J., Ballard, J.R. y Nation,

W.R.: "Optimized Recovery Through Continuing Interdisciplinary Cooperation," JPT, Julio 1977, 755-760.
Harris, D.G. y Hewitt, C.H.:"Synergism in Reservoir
Management- The Geologic Perspective, " JPT, Julio
1977,761-770.

Berumen, S., Sanchez, J.M. y Rodriguez, F.: "A Strfor Additional Developments in the Burgos Basin Arcabuz-Culebra Gas Field", Artculo SPE No.
presentado en International Petroleum Conferencc
Exhibition of Mexico, Villahermosa, Tab. Mxico. \'.
3-5, 1997

Thakur, G.C.: "Reservoir Management: A Synergistic

Approach," Artculo SPE No. 20138 presentado en SPE

Areas de Drene

Elemento de

Malla de
Simulacin
Pozo

- Fractura

tiempo

entre pozos (mts)

Figura 1- Metodologta de lo Simulaci6npara un modelo de sectores de yacimiento.

104

3Wm

4mn

5wm

V W *

so0 lm.

Esquemas de Espaclamientw
a

Figura 2- Incrementos econmicos respecto del caso base para diferentes esquemas de

espaciamientos.

FERNANDO RODRIGUEZ DE LA GARZA

:sde 1996 es Gerente de Administracin de Yacimientos en la Subdireccin de Tecnologa y Desarrollo Profesional
de Pemex Exploracin y Produccin.
Se incorpor a PEP en 1991 y fue comisionado a la UNAM, donde fue profesor y jefe de la Seccin de Ingeniera

trolera en la Divisin de Estudios de Posgrado de la Facultad; actualmente es profesor de asignatura.

ue 1989 a 1991 fue contratado por PETROBRAS y comisionado al Departamento de Ingeniera Petrolera de la
Universidad de Carnpinas en Sao Paulo, Brasil, donde fue profesor e investigador
: 1982 a 1989 fue investigador del Instituto Mexicano del Petrleo, en la Divisin de Ingeniera de Yacimientos.

t u 1 ~ 8 obtuvo
2
el grado de doctor en ingeniera petrolera en la Universidad de Stanford. En 1978 obtuvo el grado
cle maestro en ingeniera petrolera en la DEPFI-UNAM. Se gradu como ingeniero petrolero en el Instituto Politcnico
Nacional en 1973. De 1973 a 1978 trabaj para el IMP en la Divisin de Ingeniera de Yacimientos, en el rea de
simulacin numrica.

Su rea de especialidad es la ingeniera de yacimientos, con nfasis en simulacin numrica de yacimientos

naturalmente fracturados.
Ha publicado mas de 50 artculos tcnicos en revistas y memorias de congresos, tanto internacionalescomo nacionales.
Ha sido editor tcnico de SPE, y miembro de diversos comits tcnicos de SPE y de AIPM.
hi distinguido en 1987 con la "Medalla Juan Hefferan", otorgada por la AIPM y en 1993 con el premio a la
Investigacin en Ingeniera Petrolera, otorgado por el Instituto Mexicano del Petrleo.

Memorias / Proceedinas

Integrated Reservoir Study Optimizes Development for a Communicating Gas,

Volatile-Oil and Black-Oil Reservoir Complex

Nathan C. Hill, Duane A. McVay, Pavel A. Zliassov, S. .-i

Holditch & Associates, In .

Brock E. Morris, and D. Leigh Dickso~:

Society of Petroleum Engirzet

understanding of this complex reservoir system and

optimize future performance of the oil reservoirs.
An integrated reservoir study was performed to determine
the optimum development plan for two of three adjacent,
communicating reservoirs located in the Americas. The three
reservoirs are within one mile of each other, have three distinct reservoir fluids, and are in pressure equilibrium. The
lowest reservoir is gas, the next highest reservoir is a volatile
oil, and the highest reservoir is black oil. A compositional
reservoir model that includes al1 three reservoirs was built
using geophysical, petrophysical, and geological and engineering analyses and was calibrated using production and
pressure data. Production data and reservoir modeling indicate that there is movement of hydrocarbons between the
structures. With the calibrated model, we determined that
altemating water and gas injection (WAG) in selected wells
offered the optimum future performance for the two oil reservoirs.

The three reservoirs in this study are structural traps separated by northwest-trending structural saddles. The reservoirs are named Reservoir A, B and C, as seen in the schematic cross-section in Fig. 1. Reservoir A is the gas reservoir, while Reservoir B is the volatile oil and Reservoir C is
the black oil. Mosr of the wells are on the crests of the structures. At the time of this study, there were 4 wells in Reservoir, 11 wells in Reservoir B and 10 wells in Reservoir C.
Only 2D seismic data were available over the reservoirs.
The reservoirs are located in an area without a gas market
and regulations do not allow flaring of the gas. Thus, aIiy
produced gas from Reservoirs B and C has to be reinjected.
Three of the four active wells in the gas reservoir are used as
observation wells. This study was performed to develop an

Geological and Petrophysical Analyses

Zndicate Depositional Environment
The reservoir sandstones are shallow marine, strandpla
barrier, and fluvial-deltaic deposits. These sediments u cdeposited along a retrogradational coastline. Faults bou
some of the basement highs and offset the reservoir sarstone. Thus, the thinness or absence of the sandstone str,
over the structurally high areas is a result of erosional t r L
cation. These faults also affected depositional patterns
well as fluid migration. Fig. 2 shows the top of structb
map of the reservoirs.
We divided the reservoir sandstones into three princi~
layers or flow units. The two productive intervals are r UW and the LW layers. The G layer is the lowest layer ahas no reservoir potential. Mineralogy and diagene~
control reservoir character of individual layers, which in tureflect the depositional setting of the layers. General
reservoir quality improves upward in the reservoir sandsto
as a result of coarser-grained sediments with higher quar
content being deposited in higher energy settingThe G layer was most likely deposited below wave base ir
low-energy marine environment.
The LW layer was deposited in a higher energy environmsthan the G layer. The LW layer is afine- to medium-grain~
quartzarenite that is well cemented by quartz overgrou t!
that reduce intergranular porosity and the.size of many por.
throats. Mudstone clasts composed of clay minerals wsr.
deformed during compaction and further reduced effecti..
porosity and pore throat size.

r r LW layer was deposited in a high-energy coastal envi-

l:.zlznt. It is a coarse- to very coarse-grained quartzarenite

-2 Aso is cemented by quartz overgrowths. Only minor
- i are present in the UW layer. Mudstone clasts
~ ~ l r s i t in
e dthe UW layer were most commonly composed
-~~-bonate
rock fragments. During diagenesis, many of the
- - x a t e clasts dissolved, creating secondary porosity that
.__..-bed
._. the reservoir quality of this ayer.
--c xtrophysical

analysis included normalizing the log data

- r 25 wells (some of which were from the same formation

- r e r nearby fields), performing borehole corrections, and
-.mting the log data with the core data. The-calibrated
zsre then used to determine values of porosity, water
;--=ion
and shale content. The average effective porosity
- =e LW layer is 13.2%, while the average in the LW layer
L I 5 . The petrophysical analysis of the core data did not
- i , z e any flow barriers between the UW and LW layers.
-; at'the

wells are clustered on top of the structures. To

the maps of net pay and porosity, the sandbody
z retry and reservoir layer trends were extended on the
-- of seismic amplitude analysis and published des- r o n s of the regional depositional setting and paleoslope
~--=on.

- - production from the field was from Well B10. Well

produced for more than 600 days before the second

-rarted production. Initial production from Reservoir C
--=ii
at about 1000 days. At about this time severa1 wells
Y? :ompleted and began producing. Fig. 3 shows the oil
- a - t i o n rates from Reservoirs B and C with time
z n c e d to the start of production from Reservoir B.
- 2 :shows that the pressures in al1 the reservoirs began to
-- c -igificantly with the increase in production rates.
1

r-

oir A was not produced and Wells A7, A14, and A19
ujed as pressure observation wells. Fig. 4 shows that
:S Iressures in A7 and A14 dropped as a result of the
-u-tion from Reservoirs B and C, although at different
-*.\t about 1400 days, gas injection was started in well
5 3 Reservoir B. Fig. 5 shows the gas and water injection
111 Reservoir. B. Within 100 days of the start of gas
- c m ,the measured pressures in Reservoir B start leveling
Fig. 4). The production rates in Reservoir B were also
- ~ utodkeep the pressure above the bubble point.

It initially tested oil at original solution GOR and remained

shut-in as a pressure observation well. Severa1 months after
the initial oil test, test data showed very high WOR and low
GOR. A few weeks later, the well was very high GOR while
maintaining high WOR. The test was about 70 days after the
start of gas injection and the initial theory was early breakthrough. However, early gas breakthrough did not explain
the water production. Well B10, which was in between the
injector and the test well, produced water free oil at original
gas-oil ratio. The conclusion was that gas expanding in
Reservoir A pushed water from the saddle area up the
northeast flank of the structure toward area of B 18. The water
was followed shortly thereafter by gas migrating out of
Reservoir A. The reservoir study was started.soon after this.

About 1700 days after initial production five wells were

drilled and RFT test measurements were taken. The RFT
data show that there is good lateral cornmunication within
the UW layer. The data also show that the LW layer pressure
was 9.5 to 38.7 kglcm2 (135 to 550 psi) higher than the UW
layer, and that this pressure difference is maintained even as
the pressure drops in both layers. The fact that the LW
pressure was declining from the original pressure shows that
there is vertical communication between the layers with
fluids migrating from the LW to the UW since there was
very little production from the LW itself. The pressure
difference between the two layers shows that the vertical
communication is limited. Considering the areal extent of
the reservoirs, the vertical transmissibility must be very small
to maintain this pressure difference. This lirnited vertical
communication between layers has a direct impact on
secondary recovery in the LW layer.

1ress su re Buildi

t Data Supports
Estimates and Layer
a

.ZZT

bdziction Data Show Communication

UW
production test data on well B 18. Well B 18 is on
-;
-..rtheast corner of the top of the Reservoir B structure.

--z

rirst direct evidence of fluid migration within the

ia as

Pressure buildup tests were analyzed on eight wells in

Reservoir C and seven wells in Reservoir B. The pressure
buildup tests that were mn early show that the UW layer has
a permeability of about 800 to 1000 md on the top of the
structures while the LW layer has permeability of 15 to 30
md: Pressure buildup tests in the UW layer that were run
after a significant pressure drop in reservoir pressure al1 show
indications of layer cross flow between the UW and LW
layers. As an example, the type curve plot in Fig. 6 shows a
buildup- pressure
test from Well C 11. Reservoir simulation
.
history matching with a single well model was required to
analyze the test. The analysis showed that crossflow was
occurring and that only a minimum permeability could be
obtained. These results confirmed the RFT results

Memorias / Proceedinas
- . .-

x--- - - -

Reservoirs
Fluid samples were analyzed from four wells in the three
reservoirs. The results, summarized in Table 1, show that
Reservoir A has a gas with a dew point, Reservoir B has a
volatile oil with a bubble point and that Reservoir C has a
black oil with a bubblepoint. Since it appeared there was
migration of fluid between reservoirs, one set of equationof-state (EOS) parameters was developed to describe al1 three
reservoirs. Since the objective of the study was the optimization of Reservoirs B and C, the three sample analyses from
these two reservoirs were used for calibration of the EOS
model.

A compositional reservoir model was built and then calibrated

using the pressure and production data. The objectives in
calibrating the model were to match the pressure responses
in the oil reservoirs (Reservoirs B and C), match the gas and
water production in well B18 and fit the general pressure
trend of the gas wells in Reservoir A. The approach was to
specify the oil rates and calculate the gas and water rates and
the pressures. The results of the pressure match from the
reservoir model calibration are shown in Fig. 7.
Al1 three reservoirs were initially at equilibrium at a
pressure of 327 kg/cm2 (4656 psi) at a subsea datum of
2930.7m (-9615 ft), which is below the water contact in al1
three reservoirs. As Reservoir B is produced and the
pressure is reduced, water migrates and the pressure drops in
Reservoir A, allowing the gas to expand. The gas expands
below the spill point and starts migrating into Reservoir B.
The gas-oil ratio match of Well B 18 in Fig. 8 shows the early
gas-oil ratio increase caused by gas migration. The lines on
the graph are the model results, while the symbols are the
observed data. Although not shown, water migration
between the reservoirs causes a water-oil ratio in Well B 18.
The pressure data and reservoir modeling also showed that
t h e are
~ partial transmissibility barriers that limit communication within Reservoir A, the gas reservoir. This limited
comm unication between wells in the gas reservoir has a
significant impact on long term production performance in
Reservoir B.
At the time gas injection was started in Reservoir B, it was
not determined if Reservoir C was in cornrnunication. As
the pressure in Reservoir B leveled off, the data show that
the pressure decline changed in Reservoir C, indicating
communication.

ptimal Re1s 1
Alternatina-Gas Znjection
_

- - -

.-~

.- .
-

To optimize performance of this reservoir complex, we con-bined the reservoir model, an economic model and a wellborr
model. The economics were calculated an wellbore modc
The economics were calculed on an incremental basis ar .
were used to judge the various operational scenarios. Soni:
major factors affecting the economics were the costs of ns
wells and the operating costs for the gas and water injectii facilities. The produced gas is reinjected because there is r
market for the gas and it cannot be flared due to regulatior.
During the optirnization phase, cases were developed investigate the sensitivity of different model paramete:
These included parameters affecting surface facilitis
comrnunication between the reservoirs, reservoir layer a:
fluid properties, and individual well production.
The results of our optimization showed that gas inject~~
should remained capped at the current capacity and tkwater and gas should be injected in Reservoir C. Tpressure in the UW layer in Reservoir B should maintained above the original bubble point pressure
maintain gas miscibility until the oil production can:
economically support gas injection. This happens abouyears after the end of the current history match. Tpressure should then be allowed to drop but still maintairabove the Reservoir C bubble point pressure. This d r o ~
Reservoir B pressure allows additional migration of gas fr Reservoir A and increases cross flow from the LW to rUW layer, thus reducing injection requirements.
We determined that water-altemating-gas (WAG) inject:
should be used to maintain reservoir pressure and optim
sweep in the UW layer. The alternating over-ride of :miscible gas and underride of the water provides excel1:sweep efficiency. The permeability of the LW layer is :
low to use WAG. We also determined that WAG injectior
the UW layer does not have a negative effect on recovep
the LW because of the pressure differential toward the L-.
Secondary recovery in the LW found to be was 1.:
accomplished by injection of gas. The gas is miscible \a
the oil, thereby reducing viscosity and improving cross fi
to the UW layer.
We also recommended adding severa1 wells to improve x:.
sweep, and we determined that horizontal wells in the L
layer provide an economically viable option if the drillirisks can be overcome.

Reservoirs A, B and C are al1 in communication

through a common aquifer.
The optimum recovery method in the UW formation
of Reservoirs B and C is WAG injection.

Gas is migrating from ~eservoir

A to the oil reservoir
in Reservoir B because of the decline in pressur in
Reservoir B.

The optimum recovery method is the LW in Reser

i~oirsB and C is gas injection only.

There is limited vertical communication between

the UW and LW layers in Resenoir B and C.

Horizontal wells in the LW formation appear to be

sconomic; however, t he nsks associated with
hrizon-tal drilling in this area should be quantified
kt.

Table 1- Summary of Reservoir Fluid Properties

Reservoir

B
C

Saturation
Pressure
TYP~
Dewpoint
Bubblepoint
Bubblepoint

Saturation
Pressure
kg/cms2
308 (4390)
224 (3 186)
158 (2244)

Mole % of
C7+

2.58
27.62
39.93

Reservoir C
Bubblepoint 158 kg/cm2
OMI -2766 m SS
Reservoir B
Bubblepoint 224 kg/cm2
OMI -2864 m ss
Reservoir A
Dewpoint 308 kg/cm2
GMI -2931 m ss

- < S - s e c t i o n of Reservoirs A, B and C.

Memorius / Proceedings

r rg. L lop oj imucnrrejor

Reservoirs A, B and C.

lo000

lo00
P
E

-i

-od

flerewair c

1O0

1o
O

500

1000

1500

2000

2% ?

Time, days

Fig. 3 Oil production rates from Reservoirs

B and C.
340

320
300

2 280 ---P
e% 260 ---2
n
5 240 -2 220 ---200 -"

180

-500

"O

Resewoir B
All Wells

~
O

J ~
A'9
~ ' ~

vvv

*N
O

*+

@i+++++
Resewoir C
All Wdls

\&
d

"B

" l i ' i i i i i i i l i i i i l i i i i ~ i i i t
O
500
lo00
1500
2000

2500

Fig. 4- Reservoir pressure history in all threr

reservoirs

1E+mE

---

1OOOOO

-.
-

g
---

2~ann,~
----r-m

lo00

(dd

---

100
1200

Water Injection

" '

1400

water injection rates

1600

1800

2000

2200

B.

Fig. 6- Log- plot of plo t of presura buildup test

dotofivm WeU CII.

Fig. 7 Cabmcion of motiel to reservoupressures.

Memorias / Proceedings

Fig. 8- Calibrntion of model to gas-oil ratio hislory

Manager of Reservoir Engineering - Venezuela Division

S. A. Holditch & Associates, Inc.

B.S., Petroleum Engineering, Texas A&M University

M.S., Petroleum Engineering, Texas A&M University

Mr. Hill received a B.S. degree in 1983 and an M.S. degree in 1984 in Petroleum Engineering from Texas AS
University. He joined S.A. Holditch & Associates, Inc. part time in May 1984 and full time in January 1985. 1
principal area of responsibility is the design and enhancement of computer models to assist in engineering evaluat
of projects. Recent software projects include well test analysis and production analysis programs. Mr. Hill 1
participated in engineering projects for litigation and presentation to state regulatory agencies. He has also bc
involved in reservoir simulation, pressure transient analysis, well logging analysis, and well performance projectit
In 1998, Mr. Hill moved to the Venezuela Division to manage the reservoir-engineering group.
7

Memorias / Proceedings

The Use of a Multi-Disciplinary Team Approach for the Reservoir

Characterization of a Mature Field, Alto de Ceuta, Block VII,
Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela
Gomez, Ernest; Elphick, R. Y;; Forrest, G. F; Gustason, E. R.
McChesney, D. E., Vivas, M. A.; Doe, M. F
GeoQuest Reservoir Technologies, Denver, Ci

Gonzalez, J. A., Rampazzo, M., Chan, B., Mora, J. L., and Rivas, O
PDVSA, Caracas, Venezuela, ar
Ripple, R. .4
ARCONICO, Jakarta, Zndone
\

During the past several years the importante of u.

integrated multi-disciplinary teams in reser\
characterization and simulation has been recogniz.
Integration of the various disciplines allows for
construction of geologic and reservoir models that naccurately represent what is happening in the field. Altho- .
an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach is useful in fic
of any size, it is especially vital in mature reservoirs that complex structurally and stratigraphy. The subject of paper, Alto de Ceuta Field (ADC), falls into this cates
and is located in the southeast comer of Lake Maraca Venezuela (Figure 1).

The Alto de Ceuta (ADC) Field is located in the southeastern

part of Lake Maracaibo. The field was discovered in 1957
and has produced over 480 MMBO through 1997 from the
Miocene Lagunillas and Eocene Misoa formations. The
field's structure is characterized by inversion of Eocene
through Miocene sediments along a convergent, left-lateral,
right-stepping zone of re-activated, rift-related, Jurassic
faults. Progressive deformation combined with changes in
the dynamics of the eastern Maracaibo microplate have
resulted in relaxation and tensional tectonics across the ADC
high in the post-Miocene. The later tectonic history affected
deposition of the Miocene and served to compartmentalized
both the Miocene and Eocene reservoirs.

A joint team of PDVSA and GeoQuest professionals ..

formed in late 1996 to study the Alto de Ceuta Field. T
first objective of the study was to construct a geologi,
static model of Alto de Ceuta using the available geologi..
geophysical, petrophysical and engineering data. Once :reservoir characterization has been completed the g e o l ~
model will be validated through reservoir simulation pselected basis. The resulting dynamic reservoir model
then be used to optimize production. At present tbe geoli
model of the Alto de Ceuta Field is nearing completion this paper will focus the methodologies used durins
construction and to a lesser extent on the results.

A multidisciplinary team consisting of engineers, geologists,

geophysicists and petrophysicists was assembled to
characterize and simulate the field. The available data
included 3-D seismic, open hole logs from over 200 wells, 9
cores with routine core analysis, and production and pressure
measurements. Because of the complex stratigraphic and
structural nature of the ADC Field, it was especially important
to integrate data from al1 the disciplines to accurately
characterize the field. Pressure measbrements and production
history were combined with the seismic interpretation, log
analysis, core description, log correlations, Statistical
Curvature Analysis Technique (SCAT) and mapping to define
fault compartments. Engineering data also proved very
helpful in the stratigraphic correlations.

'

first step in an overall integrated reser\

characterization and simulation study is the constructior
the geologic model. The geologic model is static. That : .
reflects the state of the field based on the data available n F .
it is built. No as sumption is made of what will happen \(
time and additional operating activities within the field. T

i.urate geologic model incorporates data from geology,

-:

T -!sics, petrophysics and reservoir engineering (Figure

--,1consists of the structure, isopach and property maps

~sjervoir.

-:

9 geologic model is built it can be validated using a

-7ic model through numerical simultaion (Figure 3). The
.i.
structure.
;
isopach and property maps are input into
- .
.:mulator. If the geologic model is indeed-an accurate
--z~ntation
of the field, the
- production
- - and pressure history ,
-zs duplicated or matched 5 the reservoir simulator. In
. 7 this z
i f ever happens on the initial attempt. A
Aely scenario is that the model will be reviewed and
eJ by the integrated technical team that built it (Figures
. -:
;J.
Several iterations may be necessary until an
.::~blc history match can be achieved. The resulting
--sd reservoir model is dynamic. That is the model
- ;sx with time and in response to different operating
-70s. This dynamic feature allows the model to be used
- E prediction of field behavior using different operating
---os From these various realizations the field operator
i cct the optimal scenario that is the best solution given
.-.lnomic and operating constraints.
.t

I ro de Ceuta Field was discovered in 1957 and has

--<sd over 480 MMBO through 1997 from the Miocene
- _ - 113s and Eocene Misoa formations (Figure 4). The
- - .tructure is characterized by inversion of Eocene
-1-1
Miocene sediments along the Pueblo Viejo Fault, a
- sed, rift-related, Jurassic normal fault. The Alto de
- .mctural high forms where the left-lateral strike-slip
- Viejo Fault makes a right-hand overstep. The
rxation creates a restraining overstep associated with
- .hortening and uplift (Biddle and Christi-Blick, 1985).
--:-sive deformation combined with changes in the
- 3 ~ of
s the eastem Maracaibo microplate have resulted
-1vion and tensional tectonics across the ADC high in
-1-Miocene (Roure and others, 1985).+
-1

- -7 sedimentation has also been highly influenced by

--=m motion along the Pueblo Viejo Fault. Sedimentation
-the
; Eocene resulted in thicker fluvial, estuarine and
..--e <diments of the Misoa B and Pauji Formations being
:sd to the east of the Pueblo Viejo Fault on the
.-imwn side. During subsequent Late Eocene-Oligocene
- :.e Pauji and part of the underlying Misoa B section
- -?moved over the Alto de Ceuta structure. The rnissing
r includes periods of both erosion and non-deposition
approximately 30 Ma at the crest of the structure
- and others, 1996). The Eocene section is highly
.. md
-in
:
addition to reservoir compartmentalization,
-;
has probably enhanced permeabilities through

The Alto de Ceuta structure was a positive feature throughout

Miocene time. The Lower Lagunillas, Laguna and
Bachaquero members of the Lagunillas Formation are thinned
or absent over the feature, the result of non-deposition and/
or erosion. West of the Pueblo Viejo Fault, the Bachaquero
thickens abruptly. While faulting is much less pronounced
in the Miocene than the Eocene, changes in sand unit
thicknesses and facies due to minor fault relief exert a major .
influence on reservoir heterogeneity and quality. The
complex nature of the structure and stratigraphy at Alto de
Ceuta meant that the construction of an accurate geologic
model would require close intergration of the various
technical disciplines.

The data available at Alto de Ceuta included various vintages

and types. Cores of the Miocene and Eocene reservoirs were
among the first pieces of data to be reviewed. &otal of 9
cores were described for this study. Five of the c o r z e r e of
wells within the field and the remaining 4 came from wells
immediately adjacent to the Alto de Ceuta Field. The cores
provided valuable information on depositional environments
and reservoir properties including porosity and permeability.
In addition, special core analysis had been preformed on two
of the cores. Opep hole logs existed for the 212 wells within
the field and adjacent area. The types of logging suites
reflected the field's 40 year history. Earlier wells had SP and
resistivity logs while more recent wells also contained
porosity tools (i. e. density, sonic and neutron) and gamma
ray.
A 3D seismic survey covenng 192 km2had been acquired by
PDVSA in the Alto de Ceuta Field in 1988-89.Adverse lakebottom conditions exist over a large part of the field and this
has had a negative affect on the quality of the seismic data
within the study area. The dominant frequency of the data is
8 - 14 Hz. The poor quality of the seisrnic data dictated that it
be used only for gross structural interpretation as well as dip
rate and dip direction within each fault block. The seismic
was not suitable for detailed stratigraphic interpretation.
Production and injection data were available for al1 active
wells from the Miocene and Eocene reservoirs. Mechanical
well histories were incorporated into the engineering data
base which included perforation, sleeve histories, stimulation
and completion data for al1 the wells drilled in the field. The
engineering data base also included over 2200 static pressure
measurements, 70 pressure transient tests and laboratory
analysis from 62 PVT fluid samples.

- -- 2-0.

The construction of the Alto de Ceuta geologic model started

with the collect and cataloging of the data. The objectives of

this task was to see what data was available, identify missing
data sets and to build the data base that would be used for the
remainder of the study. The data and specific tasks performed
during this stage will be reviewed by discipline in this section
(Figure 3).

The geologists were responsible for developing the

stratigraphic framework that will be used through out the
field (Figure 3). The first step of this process is to examine
the available core within the Alto de Ceuta Field and adjacent
areas. The cores provided information on depositional
environments, rock type and porosity and permeability.
PDVSA was able to provide valuable information on the
field and regional stratigraphy in the form of unpublished
interna1reports. The core descriptions and previous PDVSA
geologic studies were then incorporated into the final
stratigraphic framework used for the study. The geologist
then took this framework, and aided by seismic, petrophysical
information and the pressure and production data, extended
the correlations to the remainder of the field (Figure 3).
Although the geophysicist had the primary responsibility in
developing the structure model for the field, the geologist
also played an important role .The geophysicist and geologist
incorporated the regional structure as interpreted by PDVSA
and other workers into the Alto de Ceuta structural
interpretation, modifying it as dictated by the well and
seismic data. Statistical Curvature Analysis Technique
(SCAT) was used with the dipmeters to aid in the structural
interpretation. The Alto de Ceuta Field has had a complex
structural history resulting in multiple fault blocks with
different pressure and hydrodynamic regimes. Fine tuning
of the final smctural framework required input of the pressure
and petrophysical (i. e. oillwater contacts) data.

The seismic data quality at Alto de Ceuta rendered it suitable

only for gross structural interpretation. For this reason only
six horizons were interpreted; Laguna, Eocene Unconformity
(EUNC), Miosa B1, Misoa B6, Misoa C1 and Cretaceous
Colon. These seisrnic horizons were tied to the stratigraphic
framework developed by the geologist from the well control.
Structure maps of the seismic horizons and severa1 other
geologic markers were constructed and used to build the
structural framework of the field (Figure 3).

The petrophysicist's first responsibilty was to build a digital

log data base for the Alto de Ceuta Field that would be used
for log analysis and stratigraphic and seismic correlations
(Figure 3). This started with editing of the existing digital

logs, looking for inconsistencies and correcting the dig::

data to the original paper prints. After the digital logs ascorrected, environmental corrections were applied and r logs were normalized. This normalized data set was rk.:
used for the stratigraphic correlations and log analysis. Y .
sand, net pay,.average porosity and average water saturar:
were among the petrophysical properties calculated r mapped for the Alto de Ceuta Field (Figure 3).

The project engineers had two tasks during constructior

the geologic model. The first was to build the data base :.
would be used in the geologic model. The second objecr:
was to prepare the data for an eventual reservoir simular.
study.
The largest component of of the engineering data base :;.
the well histories (perforations, sleeve histories
completion data). Almost al1 of this data was in hard ci T
form and had to first be placed into a digital format. Tpressure and production data was allocated based on i stratigraphic correlations developed by the geologist igeophysicist. This pressure and production data playei important role in fine tuning of the stratigraphicand strucrL-frameworks (Figure 3). Along with static press-measurements, pressure transient tests (mostly pressbuildups), were evaluated to assist in identifying flow b a r :
(i. e. sealing faults).
L-

The engineering data gathered and evaluated during built. of the geologic model will be instrumentalin the construcr~
of the reservoir simulation models. Data such as rela:
permeability, fluid properties, rock properties and L :
histories will be used in the final reservoir simulation m@::
The geologic model as reflected in the individual reser.
models will serve as a basis for further understanding a Ihistory match proceeds.

Data integration occurred continuously during the reser.

characterization and building of the geologic model. Ha\ .the project team work in close proximity to each other res~:-.
in discussion and enhanced the integration process. 1structure, isopach and property maps that make up the i-.
geologic model incorporated al1 the data sets availr(Figure 3). In this way it is anticipated that an accur.
geologic model of the Alto de Ceuta Field will be construi::

As stated previously a finalized geologic model is nor

available. However, based on some prelirninary results 5; conclusions can be drawn.

77r

new geologic model for Alto de Ceuta Field repre-

ents the complex stmcture and stratigraphy better than

of Economic Paleontologist and Mineralogist, Special

Publication no. 37, p.375-386.

~ s v i o u attempts.
s
litial volumetrics of the main Eocene B6 reservoir
zpear to match closely with figures from previous
=DVSAstudies. This allows for increased confidence in
:
:
geologic model constructed during the study.

Ghosh, S., Pestman, P., Melendez, L. and Zambrano, E.,

1996, El Eoceneo en la Cuenca de Maracaibo; facies
sedimentarias y paleogeografia: Vo Congreso Venezolano de
Geofisica, 8 p.

--:zgration of the various technical disciplines helped to

z iplain and correct apparent discrepancies in the data.

Roure, F., Colletta, B., De Toni, B., Loureiro, D., Passalacqua,

H., and Gou, Yves, 1997, Within-plate deformations in the
Maracaibo and East Zulia Basins, westem Venezuela: Marine
and Petroleum Geology, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 139-163.

K. T. and Christie-Blick, N., 1985, Glossary -Strike~=formation,basin formation, and sedimentation, in,
.::s. K. T., and Christie-Blick, N., eds., Strike-slip
qation, Basin Formation, and Sedimentation: Society

The authors wish to thank PDVSA and GeoQuest for the

opportunity to present this paper. Doug Crane assisted in
preparation of the illustrations.

22.

Alto de Ceuta
Field

Fault

- Location map, Alto de Ceuta Field, Venezuela.

Memorias / Proceedings

Fig. 2 - l x s e r v o i r clinracterizntiori and simulatiorz workflow.

Methodology and Work Flow

Alto de Ceuta Geologic Model Construction
Previous Work
(Interna1 PDVSA
Sudies)

Fig. 3 - Diagram of the methodology and workflow used in the construction of the Alto de Ceuta geologic model.
Geological, geophysical, petrophysical and reservair engineering data was integrated to produce the final geologic model.

150

Q)

C
Q)

Bachaquero

m
m
u-

Z=:
3

Laguna

13)

Lower
Lagunillas

La
Rosa

Marine Shale
Santa Barbara

Pauji
Upper "B"
Q)

c
Q)

Cd

Lower "B"

cn

"C"

Fig. 4 Genemzed Miocene and Eocene strrtlgraphic column, Alto de C e m Fieki