SPE-187779-MS

A comprehensive approach to basement fractured reservoir development in

the Pannonian basin: case study
Artem Polivakho, Mile Dragosavac, Kirill Ezhov, Elena Kharyba, Ilya Bogatyrev, Leonid Stulov, NTC NIS-Naftagas
d.o.o., Tatjana Olneva, GPN-NTC

Copyright 2017, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at SPE Russian Petroleum Technology Conference held in Moscow, Russia, 16–18 October 2017.

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Abstract
The complex approach for analysis is especially actual for unconventional reservoirs of Pannonian
basin related to fractured metamorphised rocks.
Oilfield T respresents complex fractured reservoirs presented by metamorphised schists of Paleozoic
age. They composed of tectonic breccias, eroded rocks, sericite and crystalline schists.
At the beginning the field was producing by natural drive mechanism. At this period around 3 % of
geological reserves were extracted and it was resulted in formation pressure decreasing by 50-60%. After
5 years of such production there was a try to organize the system of peripheral waterflooding, but due to
the geological complexity it failed. It was observed that wells productivity is very heretogeneous and the
success of the conducted workovers is much variable.
The complex analysis of this field is of a great interest because it could be used as a reference object
for further exploration and production in the region. Also, it could be a site for new techniques and
approaches verifications, especially working with complex fractured reservoirs.
Therefore, the main goals of this work are deeper understanding of geology, estimation of
heterogeneity with localization of the most productive intervals for further infill drilling and completion,
and evaluation of oil recovery factor.
To achieve these goals all available information was analysed: geological and geophysical data,
production history, and numerous special methods, which are explained further.
2 SPE-187779-MS

Geology
T. is one of Serbia's largest oil fields. It represents the rocks of the Paleozoic basements. From the
structural and tectonic viewpoint, this field lies in the border between the Tissia micro-platform and the
Vardar zone. This disposition means that the area was deeply involved in regional tectonic activity. The
complex composition of the basement rocks is illustrated by the fact that the two deep wells discovered
reversed bedding. Paleozoic rocks bed over Triassic sediments, which, in turn, bed over Jurassic rocks.
Neogenic overburden affected by a number of faults occurred during the syn-rift and post-rift phases of
Pannonian Basin development. The latest tectonic event (presumably at the border of Miocene and
Pliocene) is affected by E-W oriented fault which could be seen through multiple structured of N-E
extension patterns which were interpreted in seismic data. Based on regional trends, the oil field is
probably undergoing the stage of being filled up with hydrocarbons; the migration is presumably taking
place from the neighbouring Serbobran depression; the basement rock is represented by the rocks of
Baden, Sarmat, and those of pannonian age. Therefore, the understanding of the neo-tectonic processes is
a crucial factor in forecasting highly fractured zones, as well as fluid migration routes. The main direction
of the stress in the region, according to the various studies is North-East. The oil field belongs to a series
of the raised blocks limited by tectonic dislocations and quite accurately mapped. During the field life,
the huge difference in production rates regardless to the block elevation was discovered. Following an
interpretation of the seismic data, it was proved that the main faults direction was the North-West; other
features were the N-E and near E-W systems, which were formed by the minor faults. Metamorphic
Paleozoic rocks are represented by fractured sericitic and crystalline schists, tectonic breccias and
fragments of the weathering crust. The mineral composition of schist includes quartz, field-spar, biotite,
mirror stone, amphibolite, etc. Sedimentary textures - thin, horizontal, layered, and thin, lens-layered. The
layered nature of the schist is punctuated by fragments of crystals. Sedimentary micro-deformations were
also discoverednd. The core data revealed several multi-directional fracture systems: stratification
fractures, near-vertical and diagonal fractures. The discovered fractures are open, with slickensided
surfaces; quartz or calcite filled or partially filled fractures; opened, with silicification along the walls.
Core studies were performed on 68 wells and did not reveal the dominant direction of the fracture
orientation. The oil field has a complex overlying seal due to the presence of regional washing-outs. The
seal is composed of Baden sediments, and locally – sarmat and pannon sediments.
There were 120 wells drilled in the oilfield, including 56 wells with a full set of production logging data
and 5 wells with resistivity wellbore imagers.
Seismic data is represented by 3D seismic data from 1992 and multi-azimuth 3D data from 2015.

Seismic survey
The multi-azimuth 3D survey from 2015 has the CDP order of 140 and the aspect ratio of 1, which make
it possible to use ES360 full-azimuth angle domain imaging and AVAZ inversion to study anisotropic
behaviour of the reservoir. The seismic cube resulting from ES360 imaging is significantly more detailed
and was used for creation of a structural tectonic model of the reservoir. We have completed structural
interpretation of the seismic cube mapped using ES360 full-azimuth angle domain imaging; the updated
structural tectonic model is also shown on figure 1.
SPE-187779-MS 3

Figure 1: Structural map of preneogenic basement

The figure 2 demonstrates the comparison between conventional PSTM data and advanced ES360
migration. PSTM data includes reflection amplitudes, diffracted energy, migration artefacts, and contains
errors in reflection dips and azimuths caused by velocity model not corrected for azimuthal moveout.
The reflected component obtained by directional stacks thus contains real boundaries, dips and azimuths.
The ES360 image clearly shows the intrapaleozoic boundaries thus making structural interpretation less
challengeable.
Тhe next planned step is AVAZ inversion application in order to predict intensity and direction of the
anisotropy and related fractures, which is crucial information for the development drilling planning.

Figure 2: the comparison between conventional PSTM data (left picture) and advanced ES360 migration (right picture)
4 SPE-187779-MS

Petrophysics
Two main factors for the petrophysical model of the reservoir in question: the multi-component
composition of the rock, including minerals with varying degrees of metamorphization, and the complex
structure of the porous medium, characterized mostly by secondary porosity. Natural fractures, wellbore
breakouts, high degree of foliation and other factors cause uncertainty and influence the quality of well
logging data. The main task of this study is to predict porosity, detect productive intervals with the
prediction of porosity specification: does the layer have storage properties, natural fractures or both of
them, the latter being the most promising conditions for long-term high flow-rate production of
hydrocarbons. Well logging is a source of the most relevant information: wellbore imagers (WBI) and
full-wave acoustic (FWA) logging provide insights into the structure of fractures [Velez et al., 2010].
One of the practical aims of this study is to analyse and detect connections between the results of
interpretation between standard and special well logging methods. Reservoir properties were evaluated
using and inversion approach based on a system of linear equations:

𝑓𝑖 = ∑𝑚
𝑗=1 𝑒𝑖𝑗 𝑉𝑗 , i = 1…n (1)

where fi is the measured value of the geophysical parameter i, linearly connected to the volumetric
content of the constituent parts;
eij is a theoretical value of the parameter i for the mineral j;
Vj is the volumetric content of j component.

Solving the reverse problem of determining the volumes of the components offers a set of solutions for
this system of equations. The criterion for the optimal solution is the minimum value of aggregated
discrepancy between the measured value of each geophysical parameter and the reconstructed synthetic
curve:

1 (𝑓𝑖 −𝑅𝑖 )2
Δ = √ ∑𝑛𝑖=1 (2)
𝑛 𝛿𝑖2

where n is a number of components in the model;

fi is the measured value of the geophysical parameter i;
Ri is the calculated value of the parameters i;
δi is the discrepancy characterised by the uncertainty of values of the geophysical parameter i.
This method of reservoir properties qualitative evaluation is widely used in the industry with its accuracy
confirmed by numerous studies [Kulyapin, Sokolova, 2014]. Fine calibration of the model was done
using the following data: laboratory measurements of porosity and permeability of core samples, results
of X-Ray diffraction (XDR) analysis on core samples and porosity values based on the results of nuclear-
magnetic logging. As a connecting element with the texture characteristics of rock detected by
interpreting the readings of WBI we chose the relative brittleness index (BI) calculated using the Richard
Rickman equation:
𝐸−𝐸𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝜈−𝜈𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝐵𝐼 = (𝐸 −𝐸 − 𝜈 −𝜈 ) / 2 (3)
𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑎𝑥
where ν is Poison's ratio,
E is Young's modulus

Shear wave was modelled using the Xu-Payne method [Xu, Payne, 2009]. According to this model
formation voids consist of four components: pores in clays (bound water), intergranular porosity,
microfractures, and caverns. Caverns correspond to the aspect ratio of about 1, and fractures are close to
0.01. It was discovered that analysing total porosity together with the BI provides indication of the
SPE-187779-MS 5

lithological properties of the rock and allows to classify it into three types: crystalline schists, breccias
and erosion surface in the top part of a studied interval. Productive intervals were detected based on
comprehensive analysis of resistivity logs, acoustic logging and analysis of bulk density. Further
classification of interval was based on the parameters of overall porosity, BI and the discrepancies
between the modelled and measured acoustic logging curves. Figure 3 shows the results of petrophysical
interpretation for one of the wells on the studied field. Yellow highlight marks the suggested perforation
intervals based on storage properties and presence of fractures. Production history shows that such
intervals provide high and long-term flow rate.

Figure 3: Layout for one of the wells of the studied field; left to right: gamma-ray curve; volumetric mineral model; T2
distribution; total porosity (green curve) and brittleness index (red curve); WBI data; density of natural and induced fractures per
meter of depth; actual perforations; intervals with storage properties, intervals with storage properties and fractures, intervals with
fractures; suggested perforation intervals.
6 SPE-187779-MS

Reservoir engineering
Oil has been continuously produced by naturally fractured and faulted Paleozoic formation since 1991.
Main drive mechanism is represented by rock and liquid expansion. Historic oil production is developed
by three stages. The first stage is represented by main drive mechanism rock and liquid expansion. At the
end of this stage pressure was 50-60% of initial reservoir pressure and around bubble point pressure. The
second stage is represented by reduced oil production and pressure maintenance using peripheral
waterflooding well pattern. Due to lack of connectivity among the producers and injectors pressure
contribution was negligible. The third stage includes hydraulically fracturing and increasing oil
production. More than fifty hydraulically fracturing have carried out for six years. Due to better
connection between hydraulic fracture and interconnected fracture network estimated ultimate oil
recovery is significant increased, but wells productivity is very heretogeneous and the success of the
conducted workovers is much variable.
So that, the main purpose of reservoir engineering study is definition of reservoir connectivity in areal
and vertical direction, assessment of formation heterogeneity with high productive zones determination,
definition of the most effective workovers and well complitions, as well as ultimate recovery factor
estimation.

Definition of areal heterogeneity

The Paleozoic formation consists of several regions with different oil water contacts that are separated by
sealing faults. Each separated region is divided by semi-sealing faults which affect pressure distribution
in the region. Estimated five reservoir regions are shown on figure 4.

Figure 4: Estimated five regions using pressure trends

The region 1 is bounded by sealing faults which were confirmed by pressure trend during water injection
period (figure 5).
SPE-187779-MS 7

Figure 5: Recorded pressure in the region 1

Significant incremental of reservoir pressure was caused by waterflooding period, because the produced
volume of the region 1 was compensated by twenty times higher injected volume and the region 1 was
overpressurized. The main region 2 is located in the central part of the Paleozoic formation. According to
recorded pressure the region 2 is divided by semi-sealing faults. The semi-sealing faults affect pressure
distribution in each sub-region and the pressure trends are similar but shifted for +/-P (figure 6).

Figure 6: Recorded pressure trend caused by semi-sealing faults in the region 2

The region 3 is situated in the southern part of the Paleozoic formation next to the region 2. There is no
fault between region 2 and the region 3 as can be seen on figure 4, but the reservoir pressure trends and
recorded reservoir water salinity classify these two region in two separated regions. Five wells were used
to confirm a boundary between the region 2 and the region 3. Three observed wells W12, W21 and W31
are located in the region 2 and two observed wells W37 and W40 were situated in the region 3, whereas
all observed wells are located close to the assumed boundary. The period of observation has been for one
year and there were not production wells in the region 3. The wells W12 and W31 were producers and
8 SPE-187779-MS

W21 was pressure observed well in the region 2. On the other hand, the wells W37 and W40 were tested
and then shut for build-up in observed period of one year. Continuously pressure decline was recorded in
observed wells located in the region 2, but also pressure build-up could be clearly seen in observed wells
located in the region 3. Therefore, recorded reservoir pressure in the region 3 in 1994 was equal to initial
pressure. Figure 7 shows analysed pressure trends in observed period.

Figure 7: Observed pressure in the region 2 and region 3

The sealing boundary was additionally confirmed by recorded water salinity, whereas 6 g/l average water
salinity was recorded in the region 3. On the other hand, average water salinity of the rest Paleozoic
formation was 12 g/l. Recorded water salinities are shown on figure 8. According to the pressure trends
analyses and water salinity analysis the boundary between the region 2 and region 3 is classified by tight
narrowed zone.

Figure 8: Recorded water salinity

The region 4 and the region 5 are located on the east side of the Paleozoic formation and west side of the
Paleozoic formation respectively. Recorded reservoir pressures classify these two regions as separated
domains.

Definition of vertical heterogeneity

SPE-187779-MS 9

The vertical puls test was carried out by oil well. The well was perforated by two intervals in two
different zones of the Paleozoic formation, which are separated by sealing packer. Vertical distance was
45 m between two tested intervals. The test was conducted by alternately producing lower interval then
shutting it in and allowing it to build to the reservoir pressure before the beginning of the next production
period. In the same time the pressure was continuously observed by upper perforated interval using
installed pressure gauge. Vertical puls test was conducted by five production period and four shut in
period. Decreasing recorded pressure in upper observed interval was caused by production period in
lower interval. On the other hand, increasing recorded pressure in upper observed interval was caused by
shut in period in lower interval. Obviously, upper and lower zones are connected. Single well vertical
puls test is shown on the figure 9.

Figure 9: Single well vertical puls test

The results obtained by single well vertical puls test can be confirmed by additional analyses of historic
pressure and well events such as perforation and squeeze events. Eight wells were used for historic
preesure and wells events analyses. The summarized results are shown on the figure 10.
Waterflooding can increase the volume of oil recovered from a reservoir; however, it can have
complicating factors. The experiences of waterflooding in the naturally fractured and faulted basement
are limited and the most important aspect of evaluating a field waterflooding project is understanding the
interconnectivities among the various parts of the reservoir. Performed analysis of vertical and horizontal
heterogeneity allows better understanding of the reservoir heterogeneity and the interconnectivities
among the separated regions. Seismic interpretation defines the fracture direction. Hence, waterflooding
well pattern might be redesigned to provide more efficient pressure maintanance.
10 SPE-187779-MS

Figure 10: Pressure and well events analyses

In order to define general vertical heterogeneity trend productivity index and injectivity index were
calculated in early stage of production or injection. The general developed trend is represented by
relationship between productivity index or injectivity index and depth of perforated intervals. In the
beginning of historic production productivity index of twenty-nine naturally flowing wells and injectivity
index of nine injectors were estimated by welltest. The tested producers and injectors were perforated in
different intervals from lower to upper zones of the Paleozoic formation. Based on welltest, productivity
and injectivity index approximately increase ten times from lower to upper zones of the Paleozoic
formation (figure 11).

Figure 11: Productivity index of naturally flowing wells and injectivity index of injectors
SPE-187779-MS 11

Material balance model

The material balance in naturally fractured and faulted basement considers unconnected and connected
volumes among the various parts of the reservoir. The generic description is that the connected volumes
are described by transfer coefficient among them. The pressure will be supported from one part of
reservoir to the other part of reservoir as one of them is depleted. Material balance in the naturally
fractured and faulted Paleozoic formation was performed by multiple tanks considering semi-sealing
faults as transmissibility between two tanks. Material balance shows a good pressure history match for a
weak water drive. An example of used material balance in separated region confirms estimated global
pressure trend (figure 12). The multiple tanks model predicted base scenario using existing producers
without pressure maintenance, whereas an estimated ultimate recovery factor of 20,5% was estimated by
material balance for base scenario. Decline curve analysis of base scenario shows the estimated ultimate
recovery factor of 20,0%. Therefore, the recovery factor difference between material balance and decline
curve analysis under current operating conditions is 0,5%.

Figure 12: Pressure trends estimated by material balance in the separated regions

Hydraulic fracturing analysis

In order to increase rates and reserves of oil in the Paleozoic formation a massive hydraulically fracturing
campaign has carried out for last six years. The hydraulic fractures are safely unlocking reserves of oil
that are located in unconnected natural fractures. Due to better connection between hydraulic fracture and
interconnected fracture network estimated ultimate oil recovery is significant increased. Obviously oil
production improvement is achieved by massive hydraulically fracturing campaign. The hydraulic
fractured intervals were designed by new log interpretation, that can identify porous and naturally
fractured zones. Figure 13 shows estimated ultimate recovery with and without hydraulic fractured wells
respectively.
12 SPE-187779-MS

Figure 13: Estimated ultimate recovery with/without hydraulic fracturing

Conclusion
Development of comprehensive oilfields could be simplified by using the special methods. In the present
paper we used such methods as: full-azimuthal migration, wellbore imagers, tracer agents, observation
well testing etc. Based on new seismic data structural model was significantly improved. Complex
analysis of conventional and special geophysical well logs has allowed to identify productive intervals
with texture characterization, which is directly connected with the type of porous medium. From the
detailed analysis of formation pressure data, formation water salinity and well inerference tests
connection between separate blocks and layers was found. This allowed to create a workflow for T
oilfield development and to find the key elements for effective waterflooding design. Well productivity to
structural factor relationship together with fractured and capacity zones determination from log data
allowed to define approach to the best perforation and hydraulic fracturing design. Common factors and
principles presented in this work will be implemented on another objects related to unconventional and
fractured reservoirs in this region.

References
1. E. Velez, J. Vasquez, and M. Frydman. Novel Approach for Fracture Characterization in a
Metamorphic Reservoir. SPE 138965. 2010.
2. Kulyapin, P., Sokolova, T.F. A Case Study about Formation Evaluation and Rock Physics
Modeling of the Bazhenov Shale. Petrophysics, Vol.55, No.3 (June 2014). – pp. 211-218.
3. Xu, S. And Payne, M.A., “Modeling elastic properties in carbonate rocks”, The Leading Edge, 28,
p66-74, 2009.
4. New approach to solving the geological model of „I“ reservoir in the oil field, M.Bejatovic, DIT,
D.Obrenovic, 2005
SPE-187779-MS 13

5. „Отчет об исследовании возможностей закачки воды в нефтяную залежь I с целью

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месторождений: разведка и добыча», Tomsk June 2017
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