SPE 161693

Challenges and Key Learning for Developing Tight Carbonate Reservoirs

Bovan K George, Cedric Clara, Suhaila Al Mazrooei, Saadi Manseur, Medhat Abdou, Tee Sin Chong, Muna Al
Raeesi, Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO)

Copyright 2012, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, 11–14 November 2012.

This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper have not been
reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect any position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its
officers, or members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper without the written consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is prohibited. Permission to
reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of SPE copyright.

Abstract
Fast track development projects, with timely data acquisition plans for development optimization, are very
challenging for tight and heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs. This paper presents the challenges and key learning
from initial stages of reservoir development with limited available data. Focus of this study is several stacked
carbonate reservoirs in a giant field located in onshore Abu Dhabi. These undeveloped lower cretaceous reservoirs
consist of porous sediments inter-bedded with dense layers deposited in a near shore lagoonal environment. The
average permeability of these reservoirs is in the range of 0.5-5 md.

Mapping the static properties of these reservoirs is difficult since they are not resolved on seismic due to the low
acoustic impedance contrast with adjacent dense layers. Petrophysical evaluation of thin porous bodies inter-
bedded with dense layers in highly deviated wells pose significant challenges. Laterolog type LWD resistivity
measurements which are less affected by environmental effects, offer more accurate formation resistivity
compared to propagation type measurements. With limited suite of logs, some of the zones with complex lithology
had to be evaluated innovatively as detailed in the paper. Integrated studies are initiated to improve reservoir
description by carrying out accurate permeability mapping, SCAL, geomechanical and diagenesis & rock typing
studies.

Significant challenges exist regarding the development of thin, tight and highly heterogeneous reservoirs, in terms
of recovery mechanism, well architecture, well count, drilling, well completion and economics. Static and dynamic
models were used extensively to evaluate different development scenarios and conduct sensitivity studies to
bracket uncertainties. Various geo-steering options were discussed and the paper also details maximizing the
reservoir productivity using long reach MRC (Maximum Reservoir Contact) wells.

Tight and heterogeneous reservoirs call for extensive and real time reservoir surveillance activities to assess well
performance and reservoir connectivity. This paper highlights how these challenges are overcome through upfront
surveillance planning and proactive well completion strategy.

Introduction
Development of low permeable reservoirs has become increasingly important and attractive due to the current high
oil price and maturing/decline of the existing prolific reservoirs. As part of a comprehensive plan to increase the
production capacity, several thin, tight and heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs are being developed in onshore
Abu Dhabi. This paper discusses various challenges faced and presents an integrated approach to the
development of the tight carbonate reservoirs by synergizing the available data from all disciplines to form an
optimum field development strategy.

The subject field was discovered in 1959 and consists of 18 stacked carbonate reservoirs separated by thick dense
layers. Two of the tight reservoirs, X and Y, are currently being developed and chosen for discussion in this
paper.The reservoirs consist of thin porous bodies inter-bedded with dense/stylolitic layers. Diagenesis played an
2 SPE 161693

important role during the evolution of these rocks. Rapid variation of the reservoir properties, both vertically and
laterally, makes the evaluation very difficult with significant uncertainties. This is exacerbated by limited data
availability, posing further challenges to the development of the tight reservoirs, in terms of reducing the key
subsurface uncertainties and optimizing the development plan.

Geological Overview
The subject field is a relatively gentle elongated anticlinal structure (approximately 46 km by 26 km) trending NE-
SW. These alternating intervals are a function of changes associated with sea level fluctuations and various
diagenetic processes. The reservoirs X and Y are of early cretaceous age and consist of porous sediments
interbedded with dense/stylolitic layers. The sequence stratigraphic set-up of these reservoirs is given in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Sequence Stratigraphic set-up of Early Cretaceous Formation

The reservoir X was deposited in an intertidal to inner shoal environment of a very large restricted lagoon. Average
thickness of this reservoir is about 24 ft and it was further divided by lithological correlation into three porous
bodies (Upper, Middle and Lower) separated by dense stylolitic intervals. Three facies present have been defined
as algal foraminifera pelloid packstone wackstone, skeletal peloid grainstone and algal skeletal packstone.
Reservoir X is a saturated reservoir with a large gas cap.

Depositional setting of reservoir Y has been interpreted as protected (lagoon) near shore environment (Fig. 2). The
lithology consists of peloidal, bioclastic and intraclastic, dolomitic packstone, grainstone, microporous, dolomitic
lime mudstone and wackestone. The average thickness of this reservoir is about 28 feet and it was further divided
into two porous reservoir layers R1 and R2 separated by a dense layer. Unlike Reservoir X, Reservoir Y is an
under-saturated reservoir and has no gas cap.
SPE 161693 3

Figure 2: Conceptual Depositional Model

Petrophysical Evaluation
Quantitative petrophysical evaluation of these thin, tight and lithologically complex reservoirs was a major
challenge. Many of the wells penetrating these reservoirs are horizontal development wells for the underlying
reservoirs. Only standard LWD log suites (electromagnetic propagation resistivity, neutron, density and GR) were
used for logging when crossing the subject reservoirs at high angles ranging from 50-75 degrees.

The main challenge during quantitative petrophysical interpretation was obtaining accurate formation resistivity in
thin reservoirs and highly deviated/horizontal boreholes. One of the problems faced with the electromagnetic
propagation type LWD resistivity tools which are routinely used in these wells is its inability to read accurately in
thin reservoirs and highly deviated/horizontal boreholes. This is due to the fact that propagation type resistivity
measurements are affected by bed boundaries (polarization horns caused by charge accumulation along the
boundaries), shoulder bed effects and resistivity anisotropy. Whilst laterolog type LWD resistivity tools has a
smaller depth of investigation and less affected by the above environmental effects, therefore gives more accurate
resistivity measurements in such conditions, especially at LWD times.

For the purpose of comparison, both electromagnetic propagation & laterolog type LWD logs were recorded in
some of the wells. Comparison of logs in the same interval (Fig. 3) shows higher resistivity (4-10 ohm-m) for
propagation type tools than for the laterolog type tools (3-8 ohm-m), which is due to the influence of resistive bed
boundaries caused by dense/stylolitic layers present in the reservoir. For a 20 pu formation, using standard Archie
parameters and an Rw of 0.015 ohm-m, this results in a decrease of water saturation by about 30% (optimistic)
while using propagation type resistivity logs. The shallow laterolog LWD resistivity less affected by the above
environmental effects provide a better choice for resistivity measurements. Based on the available data and
existing reservoir knowledge, laterolog resistivity log is used in this well W1 for the water saturation calculation,
resulting in more accurate description of the reservoir. It should also be noted that towards the bottom section
(X4000-X5000 ft), both the resistivities are coming closer due to the homogeneous nature of the reservoir as
evidenced in the borehole image log.

Some of the porous bodies like R1 in Reservoir Y was characterized by complex lithology consisting of varying
dolomite and calcite minerals with minor amounts of shale and anhydrite. Since the logs are mostly from the wells
completing in deeper reservoirs, there was no strong emphasis to acquire sufficient and reliable data when passing
through the subject reservoirs. The challenge here was to carry out proper petrophysical evaluation of these
complex reservoirs with limited/insufficient data set. As a result, the development team had to make do with the
minimum log suite available and tried to glean as much information from the logs as possible.
4 SPE 161693

Figure 3: Comparison of Propagation & Laterolog type resistivities

To supplement the sparse data available for porosity modeling, it was decided to utilize all the log data from these
highly deviated wells for porosity evaluation. Since the number of logs available for solving all the formation
components present in these complex reservoirs were not sufficient statistically, a fit-for-purpose petrophysical
evaluation was carried out by computing variable grain density of the formation. Neutron, Density and
Microresistivity logs, having similar depth of investigation were used in a deterministic model to compute the grain
density and evaluate porosity of these lithologically complex formations (Fig. 4). Addition GR provides four
equations which can be used for solving four unknowns namely, Vsh, Rho-mat, Phi and Sxo. The grain density
plotted on the second last track (from right) shows that it is continuously changing in Zone 1. The last track shows
the porosity (PHIE) evaluated using the computed grain density. Porosity evaluated by this method was found to
have a good match to the porosity evaluated in the close by vertical pilot holes having full suite of data. Water
saturation was not calculated for these high angle wells since only propagation type resistivity logs were available
which are highly influenced by the environmental effects.

PHIE

Zone 1
Dolomite
(Dolomitic)

Grain
Density

Figure 4: Porosity Evaluation of Deviated Wells

SPE 161693 5

Log porosity from vertical and highly deviated boreholes along with the core porosity was utilized to model 3D
distribution of porosity in the reservoir. The core porosity was first corrected to overburden stress and the log
porosity was reconciled to the overburden corrected core porosity. Since most of the highly deviated wells are
located around the crest of the anticline structure where reservoir properties are good (properties deteriorates
towards the flanks) and the vertical wells are evenly distributed across the reservoir, different reconciliation factors
were applied for vertical and deviated wells so as not to be biased by the flank wells with poor reservoir facies.

Log and core porosity distribution was found based on the P5, P50 and P95 values and separate functions were
obtained for the log-core porosity reconciliation of vertical and deviated wells (Figs. 5 & 6). This technique ensured
that the porosity reconciliation is not unduly biased by any particular values or ouliers. This study helped in
doubling the well data available for static reservoir modeling (from 42 to 89) resulting more accurate reservoir
characterization.

25
LOGPOR CPOR y = 0.0044x2 + 1.0512x - 0.5755
p5 0.83 0.3
20
p50 6.1 6
p95 18.77 20.7
CPOR (%)

15

10

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

LOGPOR (% )

Figure 5: Log-Core Porosity Reconciliation of Vertical Wells

0.3

LOGPOR CPOR 2
y = 0.4125x + 1.0091x - 0.0059
p5 0.009 0.003 0.25

p50 0.087 0.085

p95 0.23 0.248
CPOR (V/V)

0.2

0.15

0.1

0.05

0
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25

LOGPOR (V/V)

Figure 6: Log-Core Porosity Reconciliation of Deviated Wells

A key learning here is that integrated approach should be adopted in developing vertically stacked reservoirs, by
maintaining a holistic view of the overall field development, so that maximum benefit can be realized for all
reservoirs when planning any data acquisition program, and not just for the target reservoir only. As part of this
approach, an integrated earth model is being developed (Fig. 7) by combining all the reservoirs, overburden and
underlying layers, surface data, production results and other information available.
6 SPE 161693

The objective of this model is to:

 Integrate all individual reservoir models, subsurface, surface and production data
 Identify and correct the inconsistencies in the development of stacked reservoirs resulting from models
constructed in isolation
 Highlight the challenges related to exploration and development of vertically stacked reservoirs

Figure 7: Integrated Earth Model of Stacked Reservoirs with Well Penetrations

Reservoir Modelling
Seismic Interpretation
Static reservoir modelling was carried out by integrating all the available data to build a fit-for-purpose model for
reservoir development. The challenge during seismic interpretation was the mapping of these thin and tight
reservoirs which are bounded above and below by dense layers. The subject Reservoirs X and Y are below the
seismic resolution due to the low acoustic impedance contrast with the adjacent layers and the lateral variation of
the reflectors due to the heterogeneous nature of the formation (Fig. 8).

Figure 8: Seismic Section showing various Reflectors

SPE 161693 7

To overcome this challenge, a solution was found by using the seismic map of overlaying good quality and thick
reservoir. This good reflector is about 160 ft above reservoir X and have very good impedance contrast and lateral
continuity. The target reservoirs X and Y were mapped by isochoring the good quality reflector downwards and
using the thickness maps and well markers. Some of the highly deviated boreholes had to be excluded from this
process due to the depth uncertainties of the reservoir top caused by measurement errors in gyroscope surveys.

Fluid Contacts Determination

Fluid contacts determination in thin, tight and heterogeneous reservoirs was a major challenge due to the
significant variation of the rock properties and the reservoir fluid composition, both vertically as well as laterally.
Due to the tight nature of the reservoir, the formation pressure data are very scattered and it was impossible to
draw any fluid gradient line through the data with confidence. Moreover, given the variation in fluid composition, the
fluid gradient does not form a straight line. All the wells drilled so far are either located in the oil pool or in the gas
cap, and open hole logs cannot detect the fluid contacts with great certainty due to the poor rock quality. As a
practical solution to this challenge, reliable estimates were made regarding gas down-to (GDT), oil up-to (OUT), oil
down-to (ODT) and water up-to (WUT) information from the open hole logs of several key wells located near the
likely fluid contacts.

Real time LWD logs unaffected by the mud filtrate invasion provide true formation properties. Hence investigations
on GOC in reservoir X were conducted focusing on LWD log data. The Neutron-Density (N-D) logs exhibit
indicative separation in gas bearing intervals which was used for GOC identification. Average neutron-density
porosity separation and resistivity response were plotted for another reservoir Z to estimate the fluid contacts (Fig.
9). The plot shown with different porosity cut-offs to reflect different rock quality shows a high neutron-density
porosity separation above the GOC and a gradual increase in resistivity above the FWL.

Bab Thamama A - GOC Location Bab Thamama A - GOC Location

Average Neutron Density Separation (5 ft bins) Average Resistivity Response (5 ft bins)
7900 7900

7950 7950

8000 8000

8050 8050

8100 8100

8150 8150

8200 8200
Bab TZB GOC 8229 ft
8250
GOC8250
Bab TZB GOC 8229 ft
Depth (ft TVD SS)
Depth (ft TVD SS)

8300 8300

8350 8350

8400 8400

8450 8450

8500 8500

8550 8550

8600 8600
Bab TZB FWL 8640 ft
8650 FWL8650
Bab TZB FWL 8640 ft
8700 8700

8750 8750

8800 8800
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12 0.1 1 10 100 1000
Separation (Porosity Units) Resistivity (ohms)

Por Cut Off = 0.15 Por Cut Off = 0.10 Por Cut Off = 0.15 Por Cut Off = 0.10
Por Cut Off = 0.05 Por Cut Off = 0.00 Por Cut Off = 0.05 Por Cut Off = 0.00

Figure 9: Average Neutron-Density Separation and Resistivity for GOC Estimation

The Free Water Level (FWL) in reservoir X was evaluated by analyzing all available petrophysical data, production
testing results, wire line formation test results and MICP capillary pressure data. Open hole log data from 87 wells,
formation pressure and sampling data from 9 wells, well test results from 15 wells and mercury injection capillary
pressure data (MICP) from 50 plugs (16 wells) were used in the study. These wells represent good statistical
sampling and area coverage for the field. Capillary pressure data (MICP) were converted to reservoir conditions
and integrated with the log derived water saturation profiles to evaluate FWL (Fig. 10). The GOC and FWL
8 SPE 161693

evaluated from the logs were found to be consistent with the analysis of formation pressure and PVT data (Figs. 11
& 12). Key learning from this study is the need for a thorough review and integration of all relevant data. Summary
of the fluid contacts evaluation studies is given in Figure 13.

Figure 10: Free Water Level Estimation

9200

9300
0.15 psi/ft

9400

9500
GOC
GOC
9600

0.21 psi/ft

9700

FWL
FWL
9800
4650 4700 4750 4800 0.55 psi/ft 4850
Pressure, psi

Figure 11: Formation Pressure Data Plotted against Depth (TVD SS)
9200

Well W1
Bb-914

9300 0.11 psi/ft

9400

9500

GOC
9600 Well W2
Bb-861 Bb-783
Well W3

0.25 psi/ft
9700

9800
4400 4450 4500 4550 4600 4650 4700 4750 4800 4850
Pressure, psi
Figure 12: Measured and Modeled Initial Reservoir and Saturation/Dew Point Pressures
SPE 161693 9

Fluid Contacts Estimation

9450
WUT
9500 ODT / OUT
GDT

9550 GOC: X550 ft

Depth, ft, TVD SS

9600

9650

9700
Deepest tested oil: X734 ft
9750
Free Water Level: X770 ft

9800
Bb-760
Bb-872
Bb-352
Bb-870
Bb-93
Bb-524
Bb-389
Bb-72
Bb-69
Bb-70
Bb-501
Bb-701
Bb-361
Bb-373
Bb-536
Bb-71
Bb-695
Bb-748
Bb-815
Bb-517
Bb-759
Bb-783
Bb-687
Bb-681
Bb-671
Bb-679
Bb-672
Bb-699
Bb-598
Bb-714
Bb-600
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z a b c d e

Wells
Figure 13: Summary of Fluid Contacts Estimation

Static Properties Modelling

Geological modeling of thin, heterogeneous and tight reservoirs was another major challenge, given that these
reservoirs are below the seismic resolution which limits the inputs for reservoir properties modeling to the well data.
Therefore, additional efforts were put into the spatial data analysis for porosity modeling and alternative
permeability modeling methodologies were tested. At the time of carrying out the reservoirs studies, proper
diagenesis and Reservoir Rock-Log typing studies were not available, presence of which would have added high
value to the static models by conditioning the properties models to either depositional facies maps or rock types
maps/3D models.

The 3D structural modeling was carried out by subdividing the target reservoirs into several internal subzones to
capture the vertical variability and to reflect correlative reservoir quality. This process reduces bias and ‘smearing’
of the reservoir properties while scaling up the porosity and permeability data within the individual internal layers
prior 3D property modeling. Thickness maps of the internal subzones were subsequently generated and used
together with the isochored seismic maps and well markers to generate the 3D structural model. This was followed
by further subdivision of the internal subzones into number of proportional layers based on the vertical
heterogeneity, potential flow units, fluid phases and recovery mechanisms to be evaluated during dynamic
simulation.

For porosity modeling, reconciliation of log porosity to core porosity data was required. One effective approach is to
consider the hydrocarbon types in this process by filtering the log and core data within gas cap, oil leg and the
aquifer of reservoir X. In principal, gas oil and hydrocarbon legs may undergo different types and degrees of
compaction and chemically induced diagenetic changes to the pore morphology which may affect the fluid effects
seen in porosity log measurements.

Lateral and vertical porosity data trends were also investigated. Some regional trends ware reflected on the
reservoir quality distribution, but the more effective trends are related to depth. In plotting the porosity/permeability
data of reservoir X, an influence of structural position on reservoir quality can be seen (Fig 14). By highlighting the
main data cluster in each location it is clear that there is a reduction in overall range of porosity and permeability
when moving from crest to mid-flank to outer flank areas of the field. In the outer flank area, the reduction becomes
greater which may be attributed to prolonged effects of cementation in the flanks of the structure where
hydrocarbon emplacement was slightly later than in crest areas, coupled with higher percentage of poorer quality
depositional facies. These trends were modeled, where appropriate.
10 SPE 161693

Shoulders/
Stylolite
Crest s cap)
ga
ef i ned as
(d

Mid flank
crest,
4km of the
(area wit in
h
ool area)
almost oil p

Flank

Figure 14: Reservoir X porosity/permeability data trend with depth

Spatial data analysis relies primarily on the understanding of regional geology and porosity variogram maps
extracted from available well data. Cases of porosity anisotropic distribution were clearly reflected by reservoir X
horizontal variograms. This information was subsequently used to generate multi equi-probable porosity
realizations which were ranked based on statistics and visual inspection but, primarily based on pore volume of the
hydrocarbon interval.

Since permeability data is less continuous than porosity data, porosity model was used as an input into the
permeability modeling workflow in order to provide a soft control for permeability distribution while the primary
variable for permeability modeling remains the scaled up permeability data at cored well locations. A third input
was the pseudo porosity/permeability clouds which were used to mimic the original core data porosity permeability
relationships. These three inputs are the components of Bi-variate Transform method which provided reasonable
results of matrix permeability modeling. Multi equi-probable realizations were generated and ranked primarily
based on the deliverability (kh) within the oil leg. The selected base case porosity and permeability models were
used as the basis for dynamic simulation. This was followed by several static-dynamic iterations in order to reach
to the target calibration of dynamic data. This workflow in other cases includes discrete fracture network modeling
(DFN) through which fracture permeability was modeled and added into the dynamic simulation loop.

Dynamic Modelling

Dynamic reservoir modeling had to be carried out with limited number of reliable data due to the fact that the
subject reservoirs are in the very early stages of development. Factors like reservoir heterogeneity, tightness and
compositional variation of fluid properties added to the complexity. Most of the dynamic data available are from
limited duration/short term tests, hence only a few data could actually be used to calibrate the dynamic model.

PVT data analyses showed that only few samples ( 3 for reservoir X & 4 for reservoir Y) could be considered as
valid from each of these reservoirs for PVT modeling. Obtaining representative PVT sample from tight reservoirs
with H2S environments was another challenge, especially when the reservoir pressure being close to bubble point
pressure. Formation fluid sampling using dual packer assembly which can draw fluid from a larger area thereby
reducing the drawdown, along with single phase bottles were used to overcome this challenge. Analysis of PVT
data showed significant compositional gradients with more volatile oil at the top of the structure. Formation
pressure data was also acquired in a number of wells, but due to the tightness of the reservoir, a significant spread
of the data was observed and it was difficult to firmly conclude about fluid gradients or fluid contacts.

Lack of sufficient good quality SCAL data was also a challenge during the modeling of the reservoir. Only 3 water-
oil relative permeability curves (for both reservoirs X and Y) and 4 gas-oil relative permeability curves (for reservoir
X) were available from the earlier SCAL measurements. To supplement the database, analogues data from nearby
SPE 161693 11

reservoirs were used wherever possible. Additional SCAL data are being acquired from several preserved cores as
part of the future data acquisition strategy to fill the critical data gaps.

Fracture Determination

Presence of fractures and faults were observed in some of the wells during the drilling of the horizontal holes (Fig.
15). Understanding the faults and fracture systems and its impact on reservoir modeling, drilling, production and
injection performance is a major challenge. Resistivity and density based image logs along with the conventional
LWD logs are recorded in the subject reservoirs to understand and evaluate the faults and fractures. Analysis of
the image logs recorded in another well showed a number of conductive features which were interpreted as
fractures. Image logs were analyzed along with the openhole (OH) logs and PLT interpretation results (Fig. 16) to
understand the effect of fractures on the production profiles, especially the need for a permeability multiplier during
history matching process. PLT results suggested that the fractures appear to be localized and not contributing to
the reservoir flow. High precision temperature and spectral noise logging which can differentiate various flow
regimes based on the frequency of the noise and possibly identify fracture flow is being planned to confirm the
above findings. This analysis shows that an integrated study involving production testing results, high resolution
image logs, PLT, Temperature and Noise Logging would help in understanding the impact of fractures and faults
on the production profile. A detailed 3D geomechanics study was also initiated with the objectives of identifying,
modeling & predicting the fracture networks, producing effective fracture permeability maps and, understanding the
overall impact of geomechanics on the production and injection performance.

Figure 15: Resistivity Image Logs showing Cluster of Conductive Fractures

PLT Oil Rate

Fractures

Figure 16: Analysis of OH Log Data, PLT results and Image Interpretation for Fracture Evaluation
12 SPE 161693

Development Scenario Screening

The fine grid geological model was upscaled vertically to find out the optimum layering scheme to ensure run time
efficiency while preserving the reservoir heterogeneity. Due to the large areal extent and heterogeneous nature of
the reservoir, many sector models were constructed to assess well performance and recovery mechanisms. The
findings were incorporated in the full field model for screening various development scenarios like recovery
schemes, well count, well length, well spacing, phasing and production management. Gas injection based recovery
scheme is found to be more efficient for reservoir X whereas water injection is the preferred option for the
development of reservoir Y.

Uncertainty Analysis and Risk Management

Detailed uncertainty analysis was carried out to identify key reservoir parameters influencing the STOOIP,
production profiles and the ultimate recovery. The main parameters considered for the static model uncertainty are
structural configuration, fluid contacts, porosity, water saturation, Net-To-Gross (NTG) and formation volume factor
(Fig. 17). The figure shows that uncertainties on GOC, Porosity and FWL have the greatest impact.

Structure

GOC

FWL

NTG

Porosity

Sw

Bo

LOW CASES HIGH CASES

Figure 17: Uncertainty Analysis of Static Parameters for STOOIP Variance

The parameters were classified in three categories: (i) static parameters, (ii) dynamic parameters and (iii)
operational parameters. Static parameters influence both STOOIP and production profiles, while dynamic
parameters have an impact on production profiles only. Operational parameters are related to production/injection
strategy adopted in the field. For the uncertainty analysis of dynamic reservoir parameters (Fig. 18), two depletion
scenarios viz. Water Injection and Gas Injection were considered.

The shapes for the two Tornado plots are quite similar which means that whatever the final selected depletion
scenario (water or gas injection based), key uncertainty parameters that can make a difference are the same.
There are globally more risks than potential upsides identified from the base case. The analysis shows that major
parameters that require special attention are: Absolute Reservoir Permeability, Oil/Water and Oil/Gas Relative
Permeabilities and Dense Zone Properties. The minimum THP has also some relative importance, mainly for water
injection scenario.
SPE 161693 13

-75% Ultimate
-50% Recovery
-25% Variance
0% Vs Base
25% Case50%
(%) 75% Ultimate Recovery Variance Vs Base Case (%)
Structure Structure

GOC Water Injection Case GOC

FWL FWL
meters”
Static Parameters meters”
Static Parameters Gas Injection Case
NTG NTG

Porosity Porosity

Sw Sw

Bo Bo

K K

Kr o/w Kr o/w

Kr o/g Kr o/g

Sorw Sorw
arameters”
Dynamic Parameters Sorg
arameters”
Dynamic Parameters
Sorg

Kv/Kh Kv/Kh

Tz in DZ Tz in DZ

Faults Faults

BHFP BHFP

Operational Parameters
meters” BHIP BHIP
meters” Parameters
Operational
THP THP

LOW CASES HIGH CASES LOW CASES HIGH CASES

Figure 18: Uncertainty Analysis on the Ultimate Oil Recovery for Water and Gas Injection Cases

Drilling and Completion Options

Long horizontal wells with Maximum Reservoir Contact (MRC) are being drilled to develop the low permeable and
thin reservoirs. The main advantages of drilling MRC wells in these reservoirs are 1) improved productivity by
maximizing the reservoir contact and 2) reduced number of wells needed for development and reduced drilling
costs.

A major challenge was to successfully drill long horizontal wells in these complex and heterogeneous reservoirs by
targeting thin porous layers and avoiding dense layers. This is particularly true with uneven formation dipping,
presence of faults and other geological uncertainties. Proactive geosteering approach using the latest LWD
technology (distance to boundary measurements) along with real-time resistivity/density images integrated with
other LWD logs and updated 3D reservoir models, were used in tracking the sweet spots and drilling the wells
efficiently. Since the well was planned to be completed with slotted liner for better accessibility, another challenge
was to drill a smooth long horizontal hole without much dog leg severity (DLS). Rotary steerable systems (RSS)
with well deviation measurements close to the bit, were used to closely control the trajectory and obtain better data
coverage due to the continuous rotation of the bottom hole assembly (BHA).

The well W4 was drilled as a 6000 ft horizontal well in reservoir Y which consists of two porous bodies R1 and R2
of thicknesses 5 ft and 12 ft respectively separated by a stylolite of thickness 2 ft (Fig. 19). Many sub-seismic faults
which could not be predicted beforehand were encountered during drilling this unevenly dipping formation. The
subject well was proactively geosteered and successfully drilled, without exiting the thin faulted reservoir, to a
smooth trajectory through R1 (~3200 ft), Stylolite (500 ft) and R2 (~2300 ft) with an average DLS of 0.88deg/100 ft.

Well accessibility was the main challenge during the completion design of long horizontal wells. Since the open
hole completion results in reduced accessibility, these MRC wells are being completed with perforated liners to
facilitate easy access. The advantages of perforated liner completion are 1) improving accessibility for coil tubing
(CT) operations like acid stimulation (rig-less operation) 2) permitting Distributed Temperature Sensor (DTS) for
real-time monitoring of zonal production/injection profiles along the lateral boreholes and 3) determining relative
contribution between different layers to optimize completion for subsequent wells. Another challenge was the
activation of non-productive zones in these heterogeneous thin layers. Different techniques like perforating the
non-productive zone with CT conveyed gun and/or selective acid stimulation using appropriate diverting agents are
considered to ‘activate’ the non-productive zones in lateral holes.
14 SPE 161693

Figure 19: Horizontal section of well W4 showing the trajectory and faults encountered during drilling

Conclusions
 Developing multiple tight reservoirs requires innovative solutions to address various development challenges.
An integrated earth model of the field, combining all the reservoirs is a useful tool to ensure a holistic approach
to the development of vertically stacked reservoirs.

 Electromagnetic propagation type LWD resistivity measurements in thin reservoirs and highly
deviated/horizontal wells are affected by bed boundaries, shoulder bed effects and resistivity anisotropy.
Laterolog type LWD resistivity tools having a smaller depth of investigation and less affected by the above
geometrical effects, provide more accurate resistivity measurements in such conditions. Innovative
petrophysical evaluation is required to derive maximum information using minimum/insufficient log data suite
for lithologically complex formations.

 Seismic mapping of thin and tight reservoirs is difficult due to the low acoustic impedance contrast with the
adjacent layers and the lateral variation of the properties. Well markers and isochores from seismic
interpretation of the overlying strong reflectors offers a practical choice for the mapping of these reservoirs.

 Fully integrated diagenesis and reservoir rock typing studies play an important role in the modeling of tight
heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs where various diagenetic processes have significant impact on the
present day rock properties. Detailed SCAL studies are essential for reducing the key subsurface uncertainties.

 Determination of fluid contacts in thin, tight and heterogeneous reservoirs calls for an integrated evaluation of
petrophysical data, production testing results, wireline formation test/sample results and MICP capillary
pressure data.

 Dual packer formation fluid sampling provides more representative PVT samples in tight reservoirs especially
when the reservoir pressure is close to bubble point pressure.

 Successfully drilling long horizontal wells in thin, faulted and unevenly dipping reservoirs requires proactive
geosteering approach using the latest drilling and LWD technologies like RSS, distance to boundary
measurements along with real-time resistivity/density images and logs.

 Well accessibility is the key challenge in the completion design of long horizontal/MRC wells in tight carbonate
reservoirs. Slotted liner equipped with distributed temperature sensor (DTS) provides easy access and real-
time monitoring in long horizontal/MRC wells.
SPE 161693 15

Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore
Oil Operations (ADCO) management for permission to publish this paper. The authors also wish to acknowledge
the support of their colleagues in ADCO for their valuable comments.

Abbreviations
BHA Bottom Hole Assembly
DLS Dog Leg Severity
DTS Distributed Temperature Sensor
FWL Free Water Level
GDT Gas-Down-To
GOC Gas Oil Contact
LWD Logging While Drilling
MICP Mercury Injection Capillary Pressure
MRC Maximum Reservoir Contact
ODT Oil-Down-To
OUT Oil-Up-To
OWC Oil Water Contact
PLT Production Logging Tool
RSS Rotary Steerable System
SCAL Special Core Analysis
STOOIP Standard Oil Originally In Place
THP Tubing Head Pressure
WUT Water-Up-To

References
1. Abdelaal A.F., Ihab T.M., Sayed R.H., Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO), Murray D.,
Djamila B. and Hui W., Schlumberger, High Resolution Logging-While-Drilling, Lateral Well Resistivity and Image
Interpretation- A Case Study, Paper GG, SPWLA 53rd Annual Logging Symposium, 16-20 June 2012

2. Griffiths R., Morriss C., Ito K., Rasmus J., Maggs D., Schlumberger, Formation Evaluation in High Angle and
Horizontal Wells- A New and Practical Workflow, Paper FF, SPWLA 53rd Annual Logging Symposium, 16-20 June
2012

3. Naroso G., Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO), Hofland J, Shell, How Smart Completion Can
Maximise Oil Production and Recovery Factor in Stacked-Marginal Reservoir, SPE 136634, Abu Dhabi International
Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), 1-4 November 2010

4. Ramos L., Ali S., Al Maskary S., Abou-Mostafa S., Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO), Mirto
E., Padiav P., Schlumberger, Geosteering Optimization in Thin Carbonate Reservoirs, SPE 118139, Abu Dhabi
International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), 3-6 November 2008

5. Salamy S., Al-Mubarak S., Al-Mubarak H., Al-Dawood N., Al-Alawi A., Saudi Aramco, Maximum Reservoir
Contact Wells: Six Years of Performance-Lessons Learned and Best Practices, SPE 118030, Abu Dhabi International
Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), 3-6 November 2008

6. Woodhouse R., Statistical Line-fitting Methods for the Geosciences: Pitfalls and Solutions, M. Lovell and N.
Parkinson, eds., Geological applications of well logs: AAPG Methods in Exploration No. 13, p 91-114, 2002

7. Jensen, J.L., Lake, L.W., Corbett P.W.M., Goggin D.J., Statistics for Petroleum Engineers and Geoscientists, Prentice
Hall Petroleum Engineering Series, ISBN 0-13-131855-1, 1997

8. Schlumberger, Log Interpretation Principles/Applications, 1989