| Popis: |
Well placement is often an arduous task because of the need to integrate varied information, from subsurface to surface; while trying to maximize business goals. Conducting this activity in a non-systematic manner can be frustrating to a team as well as reduce the chances of obtaining an optimal well placement and more so non-approval of execution proposal. This paper documents a systematic approach employed by the Field Z team in selecting the well locations of 4 – 8 wells scheduled for near term execution to ensure best value for all stakeholders. Understanding of the subsurface information is the foundation of well placement. Identification of optimal subsurface location for maximum recovery was done using dynamic simulation. Being a brown field, available data from numerous producing reservoirs in the field were analyzed and used in representing some of the key factors affecting recovery. Upon determination of an appropriate subsurface location, we went ahead to highlight the various possible surface locations to check for slot availability. Other considerations made in choosing the surface locations for each of the wells in this brown field "re-development" include: (1) jacket condition / cost of refurbishment, (2) drillability, (3) collision assessment, (4) impact of well path on recovery potential, (5) bottleneck analysis of production network, (6) impact of well path on completion installation, (7) Impact of well path on future well work and (8) well economics. This paper puts forward a systematic approach ("Well Location Decision Matrix") to facilitate the decision-making process in selecting an optimal well location in a brown field; clearly articulating the values and trade-offs considered during the process. The ultimate value being the selection of optimal well location from reservoir management and economic points of view as well as obtaining all key stakeholders’ alignment/approvals for the project maturation. |
