IPA18-83-G

PROCEEDINGS, INDONESIAN PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION

Forty-Second Annual Convention & Exhibition, May 2018

HIGH PERMEABILITY STREAK OF KAIS CARBONATE: A STATIC MODEL APPROACH TO

CHARACTERIZE AN UNDEREXPLOIT INTERVAL OF MIOCENE CARBONATE IN
SALAWATI BASIN

Michael Sompie*
Eli Silalahi*
Donny Miraza*
Agung Reksahutama*

ABSTRACT WALIO FIELD

Walio Field is a giant oil field that was discovered
in 1973 and currently is the main contributor for
oil production of the Kepala Burung PSC, located
in Salawati Basin, West Papua.The field is mainly
producing from strong water-drive reservoir of the
Miocene-Kais reefal carbonate plus minor
production from overlying U-Marker and Text-II
interval. Perforation within the reservoirs were
mostly placed within grossly high-permeable
zones, which boosted up the production instantly
in the past. Nonetheless, it is observed on core data
that Kais reefal carbonate has low-permeable
zones with high-permeability streaks within. A
reservoir characterization and three-dimensional
(3D) reservoir modelling is presented in this study
to map and to model the high-permeability streaks
within grossly low-permeable zones in order to
find remaining potentials of further exploitation in
the field such as bypassed oil; or un-swept
intervals.
To better identify and localize the high-
permeability streaks, a reservoir characterization
study based on static and dynamic properties from
core data is proposed in order to construct high-
resolution reservoir zonation and reservoir rock
type. Reservoir rock-typing is based on Flow Zone
Indicator (FZI) method. Following the zonation
and rock-typing, static reservoir modelling process
integrates the interpretation from geophysicist and
petrophysicist. Eventually, the reservoir continuity
and connectivity from each modelled flow unit
(e.g. FZI) is analyzed to locate possible un-swept
area or zone to be used as a basis in
recommendation for further investigation during
next fluid-flow simulation stage.
Keywords: carbonate, mature field, low permeable
zone, high permeability streaks, unswept oil
Discovered in 1973, the discovery of the Walio field
followed the success of Kasim-1 well in finding oil
in Miocene carbonate reef that later on is known as
Kais Formation. The Field was then appraised and
developed mainly for the Kais interval. To date, there
are 318 wells drilled within the field and the
production is mainly coming from the Kais interval
albeit the younger clastic carbonate that is known as
Text-II and U-Marker. The younger clastic carbonate
is known as part of the Klasafet Formation; and
production contribution from this formation mostly
is commingled with Kais Formation. With more than
40 years of production, Kais of Walio field has been
exploited ever since to boost up production of Kepala
Burung PSC. With almost 500 MMBO in place,
Walio Field (see Figure 1 for location) is the biggest
oil field found in Salawati Basin. The efforts to add
production from this field was executed during the
past 40 years including adding new perforation,
drilling infill development wells, advanced drilling,
etc. Today, the focus is mainly to identify un-
perforated zone at Walio Field that is still considered
potential to be developed and most of it lay on the
untapped high permeability streaks within grossly
low permeable zones of Kais.
HIGH PERMEABILITY STREAKS WITHIN
LOW PERMEABLE ZONES AT WALIO
FIELD
Several studies had been conducted on Miocene-Kais
carbonate in Salawati Basin by Wilson (1974), Dark
(1974), Marks (1974), Jordan (1974), Warters
(1974), Vincelette (1976), Redmond &
Koesoemadinata (1976), Roehl (1976), Hainim
(1984), and Livingstone et al (1992), among others.
Roehl (1976) analysed the particle composition
within the reservoir, whereas Livingstone et al
(1992) analysed the reservoir lithofacies within the

* Petrogas (Basin) Ltd.

reservoir. A combination of the outcomes from these
two studies resulting in the hints to come up with the
high permeability streaks concept at Walio Field.
Roehl (1976) hypothesized that the best quality
reservoir within Miocene-Kais carbonate is related to
the high percentage of dolomite mineral and less
coral fragments. Whilst Livingstone et al (1992)
divided the lithofacies within the reservoir into five
lithofacies (later on called as stratigraphy unit);
skeletal wackestone to packstone with high porosity
and permeability, skeletal wackestone to packstone
with poor porosity and very low permeability, coral
wackestone with moderate porosity and poor
permeability, skeletal grainstone with high porosity
and permeability and skeletal packstone with poor
porosity but high permeability.
Roehl (1976) conducted detailed binocular
examination on cuttings, sidewall cores, core plugs,
whole-core slabs, and thin sections from 24
producing wells at Walio Field and some nearby
exploratory wells. He found that Kais carbonate
rocks at Walio Field are commonly composed of
carbonate particles from less than one-eighth to
several millimetres in diameter. The grains or
fragments are partly detrital from fossil skeletons and
shells, and partly composed of fecal pellets of
various sizes. Fragments of varieties of corals and
corralline algae, foraminifera, gastropods,
pelecypods, bryozoans and ostracods are present in
the “lime sand”. Common corals observed in wells
of Walio field, within the Kais carbonate are
Miocene predecessors that is similar to modern
genera such as Porites, Diploria, Acropora and
Montastrea, plus problematical milleporid
hydrocorals. Many genera of corraline algae and
foraminifera were observed whereas fragments of
other fossils were less common. Particular care was
taken to record the relative proportions of the various
grain types or particles, matrix, cement, argillaceous
content, and dolomite for each sample.
Subsequently, percentage composition for each of
the constituent was computed from detailed sample
descriptions. Slices of every 50-feet were made as
time-chronostratigraphic markers at wells (e.g.
started from Top Kais reservoir at W16 minus 50
feet). The computation of composition was made
slice by slice, resulting 11 slices in total. The results
are maps of each constituent within each slice.
Subsequently, the “best performing wells” or “best
wells” (e.g. an engineering jargon) in terms of
productivity were then plotted on the resulting maps.
It was concluded that the “best wells” are coincided
with the area on the map where dolomite minerals are
relatively abundant and less coral fragments (Figure
2). A caution must be made; the map was drawn in
1976 when Walio wells were still limited in numbers.
In addition to that, a cross-plot between non-coral
percentage versus permeability was derived; and the
cross plot suggests that the permeability is seemingly
better when non-coral percentage are higher (Figure
3). This study also concluded that the Walio field
carbonates are more likely a broad carbonate bank
rather than a mounded-reefal “build up-alike
carbonate”.
While Roehl (1976) emphasized his analysis on the
effect of composition to permeability; Livingstone et
al (1992) emphasized the analysis on the Kais
carbonate lithofacies and its porosity-permeability
characteristics. Livingstone et al (1992) conducted a
detailed description of lithofacies and diagenesis on
Walio field. It was found that W20 core (Figure 4)
represent reef-rim corraline facies while the W23
cores (Figure 5) are more typical of back reef, cyclic
lagoonal sediments. Spatial and temporal variation in
lithofacies indicate that the Walio bank (e.g. Roehl,
1976) is highly stratified and complex structure. The
following section is elaborating the characters of
each unit reported by Livingstone et al (1992). Each
unit does not mean to be homogenous. Intercalation
or interbeds by other units in between are observed.
The naming of the unit is based on the predominant
constituent.
UNIT-1 SKELETAL WACKESTONES TO
PACKSTONE WITH HIGH POROSITY AND
PERMEABILITY
Unit-1 contains a variety of fossil fragments
including foraminifera, corraline, red algae,
mollusks, and echinoderms. Scattered coral
fragments are also present, however they are not
common. This is a conformity with results from
Roehl (1976) where it is concluded that less coral
fragments create higher permeability. Sorting of
skeletal fragments is generally quite poor.
The micritic matrix varies in abundance and degree
of recrystallization. In some samples, the matrix has
been replaced by dolomite (e.g. enhancing
permeability). Complete dolomitization of both
grains and matrix also occurs, particularly near the
margins of the carbonate build up(s). Original
depositional textures are generally easy to recognize
in these units.
Porosity within this facies is a combination of molds
and vugs with some matrix microporosity.
Aragonitic grains such as corals and some mollusks
were preferentially dissolved to form molds. Other
samples show dissolution of both micrite and skeletal
grains (including grains that were originally Mg-
calcite such as red algae and foraminifera) to form
irregularly shaped vugs. This unit has a porosity
range of 20-30% with measured core permeability
range of 10-100 mD. Production analysis suggests
that the permeability within this unit could be up to 5
Darcies.
UNIT-2 POOR POROSITY AND LOW
PERMEABILITY SKELETAL WACKESTONE
TO PACKSTONE
This unit is typically skeletal wackestone with
varying amounts of detrital clay and dolomite. The
skeletal components are essentially identical to those
of the high porosity packstone and wackestone and
consist of larger benthonic foraminifera, coralline
red algae, echinoderms and mollusks. Corals are
rarely found within this unit.
These rocks tend to contain more micrite (or
dolomitized micrite) than their more porous
counterparts, perhaps reflecting the fact that they
were deposited in quieter waters.
The detrital clays apparently accumulated because
clay-rich waters swept over the carbonate build-ups
during deposition of these intervals. The clays also
played a role in increasing the amount of
dolomitization of the matrix. This unit has porosity
10% or less with permeability range of 0.1 – 0.2 md.
These unit is similar to Unit-1 above, however,
dolomitisation is seemingly less to be found.
UNIT-3 CORAL WACKESTONE WITH
MODERATE POROSITY AND LOW
PERMEABILITY
Pieces of branching corals are locally common in
both Kasim and the Walio Fields. Other wackestone
contains flat coral plates (e.g. platy corals). Both the
branching and platy coral wackestone generally form
poor reservoir rocks (e.g. Roehl, 1976), due to the
coral fragments typically are surrounded by fairly
tight micritic matrix. Even though the corals are
partly to completely be dissolved to form moldic
porosity, the pores are poorly interconnected, hence
do not provide much potential for production
potential. This unit has porosity range of 10-15%
with permeability that rarely exceeds 1 mD or lower.
UNIT-4 POROUS SKELETAL GRAINSTONE
Moderate amount of micrite matrix is almost always
present in any sample. It is interpreted that this
“grainstone” is part of porous skeletal packstone
facies. Skeletal grains are essentially the same
within these “grainstones” intervals and porous
packstone facies.
The porosity of this unit is excellent with most
skeletal particles having been leached to form an
extensive moldic network. Secondary calcite infill
is negligible and interconnection of molds is
visually fair. However, the unit is stratified with
several thin intervening horizons with very low
porosity and permeability, thus represent a barrier
to vertical fluid movement. This unit has
permeability range of 4-100 md with varying
porosity.
UNIT-5 PERMEABLE, BUT TIGHT,
SKELETAL PACKSTONES
This unit is the least common facies. It occurs only
in the upper part of the Kais. It is associated with
porous and permeable skeletal packstone facies.
Cementation of certain intervals with calcite
and/or dolomite is observed. The cementation
significantly reduced porosity, however the rocks
were subsequently fractures to enhance
permeability. It is probable that faulting helped
enhancing the permeability in these relatively tight
packstones through formation of fractures.
W23 is located near the highest part of the eastern
fault block of the Walio Field. The high position
suggests that it would contain most reefal rocks.
However, interpretation of the cores indicate that
the rocks are dominantly back reef and lagoonal
facies. Wackestone are common, but packstone
and “grindstones” beds form most of the best
reservoir intervals.
Unit-1 and Unit-4 are described as high permeable
zones (e.g. Zone-1, Zone-3, Zone-5, Zone-7 and
Zone-9), see Figure 4, 5 & 6. Unit-2 and Unit-3 are
described as low permeable zones (e.g. Zone-2,
Zone-4, Zone-6, Zone-8 and Zone-10). This paper
is focusing delicate discussion of the low
permeable zones.
Through reviewing several studies (e.g. Roehl,
1976 and Livingstone et al, 1992); high
permeability streaks are suspected as a function of
type of fragments constituent and presence of
dolomite. It is concluded that the presence of non-
coral fragments combined with dolomitisation
enhanced the quality of the reservoir. However, the
genesis of the dolomite in Miocene-Kais reservoir
is not discussed in this paper.
CAPTURING HIGH PERMEABILITY
STREAKS WITHIN LOW PERMEABLE
ZONES IN STATIC MODEL
High permeability streaks are indicated on core data
(Figure 4, 5 & 6) which illustrates porosity and
permeability of each unit based on study by
Livingstone et al (1992). The reservoir zonation
within Miocene Kais carbonate is guided by
petrophysical properties (e.g. porosity, permeability)
and sedimentological characteristics (e.g.
lithological description) from core data. The
reservoir is divided into 10 zones, which is appear to
be cyclic. Five cycles are identified indicating high
quality upward within each cycle, for example from
the underlying Zone-2 to overlying Zone-1 is
considered as one cycle of increasing quality upward.
This type of cycle is repeated five times. The high
permeability streak in this paper is referring to thin
high permeability bands within grossly low
permeable zone. The low permeable zones are the
even numbers (e.g. 10, 8, 6, 4, 2) whereas the odd
numbers (e.g. 9, 7, 5, 3, 1) indicating the high
permeable zones. Average permeability for the good
zones is 4 md with standard deviation of 46 md and
minimum to maximum range is 0.1 - 2800 md
respectively; whilst the poor zones have average
permeability of 2 md, permeability range of 0.1 to
730 md and standard deviation of 11 md.
Historically, as shown by Figure 7 that illustrates the
frequency of perforation for each zone, the
hydrocarbon production (e.g. perforation) had been
mainly focusing within the highly permeable zones
(i.e the zone with odd numbers). Therefore, the static
model was aimed to model in detail the high
permeability streaks within grossly low permeable
zones. This is done in order to determine possible un-
swept or partially swept zone or to identify isolated
connected body volume which might still have
remaining un-extracted recoverable reserves.
Following the zonation, the internal architecture of
the Kais reservoir is filled up with rock type(s). Rock
typing at Walio Field is conducted through
implementation of Flow Zone Indicator (FZI)
method by applying steps as followings:
 Compute normalised total porosity
(Norm_PHIT) at cored wells:
Norm_PHIT=PHIT/(1-PHIT)
 Compute Rock Quality Index (RQI):
RQI=0.0314*Sqrt(permeability/porosit)
 Compute Flow Zone Indicator (FZI):
FZI=RQI/Norm_PHIT
Cross plot of RQI vs Norm_PHIT vs FZI in log-log
plot can be seen at Figure 8. Subsequently, the rock
typing follows the clustering values of FZI. FZI-2
and FZI-3 were grouped as one FZI since the
porosity – permeability range for these two FZIs are
somewhat similar. Figure 9 illustrates the porosity-
permeability cross plot of each FZI and the grouping
of FZI-2 with FZI-3. FZI-5 or Rock Type-5 was
added to the rock type model to capture the
background permeability in the model using cut off
less than or equal to 0.1 md.
Wettability character was also been incorporated into
the scheme of rock typing. Based on W23 SCAL
Report, theFZI-2 is water wet, whilst FZI-1 is
ranging from slightly oil wet to strong oil wet. FZI-4
has no sample of relative permeability.
The aim of this paper is to discuss the distribution of
FZI-1, -2 and -4 within low permeable zones (e.g.
Zone-2, 4, 6, 8 and 10). It is believed that these FZIs
retain some recoverable reserves and still under-
exploited. Subsequently, a set of geo-cellular
modelling workflow was applied in order to model
the other properties (e.g. porosity, permeability,
initial water saturation). The next sections are to
discuss the technical analysis on how to define
opportunity using the model.
POSSIBLE UN-SWEPT ZONES OR AREAS
Most of the perforation of the wells in the field is
commingled. It is not possible to show cumulative
production from each zone at Walio Field (e.g. 10
zones) since the perforation is all commingle.
However, the development concept discussed in this
paper is to optimize production from the low
permeable zones (e.g. Zone-2, 4, 6, 8, 10). These
zones are expected to have non-uniform sweep
during production, Sweep efficiency (e.g. vertical
and lateral) is dictated by reservoir heterogeneity. To
localize the prospective area of un-swept oil; a suite
of technical analysis workflow is applied as
followings:
 Overlay structural map onto permeability maps
for each low permeable zones
 Overlay structural map onto Hydrocarbon Pore
Volume (HCPV) maps for each low permeable
zone
 Overlay structural map with reservoir connected
volume maps for each zone
 Finding sweet spot with criteria: non-
perforated zones, initially high HCPV, good
permeability (e.g. high permeability streaks),
and isolated connected volume. The latter
criteria are complementary; a better candidate
is expected to have more isolated connected
volume. An isolated connected volume is
believed to be un-swept by existing overlaying
and underlying perforations.
Four low permeable zones namely Zone-2, Zone-
4, Zone-6 and Zone-8 were analysed using above
workflow. Zone-10 was excluded since it is
considered near the bottom of water aquifer.
Figure 10-17 illustrate the sweet spot for future
workover program. Black-colored well symbol
indicates that the well has not been perforate for
the corresponding zone.
KEY UNCERTAINTIES
Any recommendation will have its own
uncertainties. For our recommendation here the
key uncertainties are related to static reservoir
modelling. This paper will discuss the approach to
reduce the uncertainties. Our simple approach to
reduce the uncertainties of the static model is to
validate it using recently completed workover
wells. The workover of the wells were completed
prior to the reservoir modeling.
Workover program of nine wells at Walio Field
was recently carried out. Not only for additional
production but also the wells are used to validate
the static modelling result. The workover program
was always equipped with C/O logging job. Out of
nine, only four of the wells that could be used to
validate the model. The four wells are W99, W29,
W97 and W125. They can be included since these
wells were adding new perforation within studied
zones (e.g. low permeable zones, in these
particular cases were the Zone-2 and Zone-4).
CASE OF W29 WORKOVER
The well was perforated at Zone-2 and Zone-4 (i.e.
low permeable zones). C/O log result shows
pocket of un-swept oil. The Zone-4 displays un-
uniform sweep. It can be seen that Zone-4 had been
perforated long time ago, however sweep
efficiency is seemingly un-uniform, which is
causing some recoverable oil left behind. The new
perforation at the uppermost of Zone-4 resulted 15
BOPD.
CASE OF W125 WORKOVER
The well was perforated at Zone-2. The result was
rather disappointing since it has trace oil only. The
perforated rock in this zone is reservoir rock type
5 (FZI-5), which is described as poor rock type.
CASE OF W97 WORKOVER
W97 perforated Zone-2, and the result is similar to
W125. It was perforating the poor FZI-5 that
results trace oil. Zone-4 was also perforated within
a thin high permeability streaks, and came up also
with trace oil. If we compare the Sw open hole and
Sw from CO, it can be seen that the oil has not been
swept at the zone of this particular rock type (i.e.
FZI-2). Matrix acidizing is probably an option in
for future program.
CASE OF W99 WORKOVER
W99 was perforated at Zone-2 with 2 BOPD result
(swab test). The Zone-2 still have thin (c.a. 7 feet)
un-swept reservoir body volume for possible
future program.
DISCUSSION ON THE RESULT OF
WORKOVER
The success story of adding new perforations at
Zone-2 of well W29 was not followed by the same
results at the other wells, which are wells W125,
W97 and W99. The W125 and W97 wells result in
trace oil only instead of producing oil. The W99
well results 2 BOPD, instead of the additional two
new perforations. It is noted that the W29
workover job was accompanied by matrix
acidizing for the new perforated intervals. This
finding led to a thought that the perforation job
should be accompanied by matrix acidizing
program.
Based on the results of this study the authors are
quite confidence that the high permeability streaks
seems to be present widespread all over the field.
However, the high permeability streaks are
vertically located within overall gross thickness
that are poor in terms of permeability (e.g. vertical
permeability). In order to get optimum production
from the streaks matrix acidizing seems
mandatory.
CONCLUSION
High permeability streaks within overall low
permeable zones are identified from hundreds of
existing wells. These high permeability streaks have
not been perforated in the past. Based on the static
model, this study locate the area where the wells still
have potential for workover. The high permeability
streaks are proven to retain some unswept oil. Based
on the previous perforation campaign, it is
summarized that the nature of the zone caused the
sweep efficiency to be low. To improve the
sweeping efficiency and achieve better production,
matrix acidizing is strongly suggested.
REFERENCES
Gibson-Robinson, C., & Sudirja, H., 1986,
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v. 1, p. 377-403.
Gibson-Robinson, C., Henry, N. M., Thompson, S.
J., & Tri Raharjo, H., 1990, Kasim and Walio Fields
– Indonesia, Salwati basin, Irian Jaya: AAPG
Treatise of Petroleum Geology, Atlas of Oil and Gas
Fields, Stratigraphic Traps I, p. 257-295.
Livingstone, H.J., Sincock, B.W., Syarief, A.M.,
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Walio and Kasim reefs, Salawati Basin, western Irian
Jaya, Indonesia.
Petroconsultants, 1993, Southeast Asian Tertiary
Carbonate Reservoirs: prepared by Mark W.
Longman.
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Dark, S.S., and S. Suleiman, 1974, Seismic
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AAPG Ann. Mtg. Abs., v.1, p.58.
Warters, H. R., & G. A.S. Nayoan, 1974, Regional
relations of reef development in Salawati Basin,
Irian Jaya, Indonesia, as compared to other reef
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P.O. Roehl., 1976, Salawati Basin Carbonate
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 Figure 1 - Walio Field location

 
Figure 2 - “Best producing wells” location coincide with relatively higher dolomite plus non-coral fragments percentage (Roehl, 1976). These maps were
constructed in 1976 when the wells at Walio Field were still limited in numbers. However, the dolomite percentage plus average non-coral particles
was already a positive correlation with thequality of reservoir.

 
Figure 3 - Higher percentage of non-coral fragments indicates higher permeability at Walio Field (Roehl,
1976). It is believed that the high permeability streaks nature of reservoir is related to dolomite
percentage and non-coral fragments content.

 
Figure 4 - W20 appears to be more reefal compared to W23 (Livingstone et al, 1992). Existence of coral fragments makes the quality of the reservoir poorer. This is
in agreement with Roehl (1976) which stated that coral content degraded the quality of the reservoir at Walio Field. The Kais unit penetrated in this well
are classified as Unit-2 (i.e. poor porosity and low permeability Skeletal Wackstone and Packstone). This unit is dolomitized which supposed to be good,
however the coral content makes the quality poorer instead.

 
 W23 LOG AND CORE DATA SUMMARY

Figure 5 - W23 core presents the complete varying quality of the reservoir at Walio Field (Livingstone et al, 1992).