CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Statement of Problem
Reservoir development and well placement have been one of the existing challenges in the
petroleum industry over the years. This is because different engineering, geological and
economic variables affecting reservoir performance are practically involved.
More importantly, the decision on how to increase oil recovery and maximize the economic
profitability of field development projects is the pivot point. Therefore, an extensive evaluation
of certain decision variables such as reservoir properties, production scheduling parameters, type
of well, location to drill new wells and an effective technique to obtain the best economic
strategies are required. Also, consideration should be given to the spatial distribution of
geological and rock properties such as porosity and permeability in order to locate potential
hydrocarbon zones for drilling activities. This involves critical evaluation of development
strategies to produce the greatest amount of hydrocarbons within the physical and expected
economic limits.
Several techniques have been adopted to achieve efficient reservoir development process which
significantly affects the productivity and economic benefits of an oil reservoir. However, the aim
of this work is to evaluate the impact of well placement on cumulative oil recovery during the
development of a green field.
In this study, reservoir simulation and spatial based modeling approaches will be used as key
evaluating elements for the development of the greenfield oil reservoir to improve its
productivity.
1.2 Objectives
The objectives of this study are to:
• Use geostatistical methods to distribute the petrophysical properties in building a 3D
static model of the reservoir;
• Find the optimum number, type, and placement of wells required to develop the
greenfield.
1.3 Methodology
The methods to be used include;
• Build a 3D static model of the green field by
o Digitization of structural and isopach maps of the A-1 reservoir
o Estimation and distribution of Porosity, Permeability, and Thickness at all
locations in the reservoir
o Estimation of Original Oil in Place (STOOIP)
• Construction of a 3D dynamic reservoir model
• Use of the 3D dynamic model to find the optimum number, type, and placement of wells to develop the reservoir.
1.4 Facilities and Resources
The facilities and resources used for this project include;
• AUST library and internet facilities