The North Kuwait Carbonate (NKJG) reservoirs are currently under development by KOC (Kuwait Oil Company). The appraisal and development of the NKJG offer challenges such as lateral variations in reservoir quality, tight to very tight reservoirs and natural fracturing to a varying degree spatially. The presence of open, connected fractures is one of the key elements to achieve a successful development. Also, the presence of fracture corridors increase the risk associated with drilling. Numerous fracture modelling studies have been supporting both appraisal and development strategies of the fields. A structural evolution model has been developed based on field observations and linked to the regional phases of deformations. Detailed fracture characterization using static BHI (bore hole images) and core data as well as dynamic data has been achieved. Small scale detailed DFN (Discrete Fracture Network) in support of planning and drilling activities of future appraisal wells has been carried out. Full field DFN in support to production history matching and forecast has been completed. The core and pressure transient analysis data have been used to calibrate the permeability and porosity of the DFN property ahead of the dynamic simulation work. This paper illustrates some examples of best practices of the various study components with a focus on core to BHI calibration, fracture porosity calibration using core data and calibration of DFN models using pressure transient analysis data.

The North Kuwait Carbonate (NKJG) reservoirs are currently under development by KOC (Kuwait Oil Company). The appraisal and development of the NKJG offer challenges such as lateral variations in reservoir quality, tight to very tight reservoirs and natural fracturing to a varying degree spatially. The presence of open, connected fractures is one of the key elements to achieve a successful development. Also, the presence of fracture corridors increase the risk associated with drilling. Numerous fracture modelling studies have been supporting both appraisal and development strategies of the fields. This paper illustrates how small scale detailed DFN (Discrete Fracture Network) can support the planning and drilling activities of future appraisal wells. A series of detailed DFN models has been built around existing wells. The DFN models are based on a thorough structural understanding, detailed fracture characterization using bore-hole image (BHI) and core data around the wells of interests. In addition to the fracture characterization work, mechanical stratigraphy has been elaborated using E-facies and geomechanical logs. Fracture connectivity analysis has been carried out to calibrate the DFNs to the static and dynamic well data. Scenarios of DFN models can now be used to communicate with drilling in order to illustrate the potential fracture corridors distribution in the sub-surface.

The North Kuwait Carbonate Reservoirs (NKCR) are currently under development by KOC (Kuwait Oil Company). The appraisal and development of the NKCR offer challenges such as lateral variations in reservoir quality, tight to very tight reservoirs and natural fractures with a high degree of spatial variations.The presence of open, connected fractures is one of the key elements to achieve a successful development. Also, the presence of fracture corridors increases the risk associated with drilling. Numerous fracture modelling studies have been supporting both appraisal and development strategies of the fields. This paper illustrates how small sector scale detailed DFN (Discrete Fracture Network) can support the planning and drilling activities of future appraisal wells.A series of detailed DFN models has been built around existing wells. These DFN models are based on a thorough structural understanding combined with a detailed fracture characterisation using bore-hole image (BHI) and core data around the wells of interests. In addition to the fracture characterization work, mechanical stratigraphy has been developed using E-facies and geomechanical logs. Fracture connectivity analysis has been carried out to calibrate the DFNs to the static and dynamic well data. DFN models have also been created around appraisal well locations based on the calibration with the existing wells. These DFN models are now being used to communicate with drilling in order to illustrate the potential distribution of fracture corridors in the sub-surface. These DFN models are also helping to improve the placement of the planned wells with respect to their associated risks and objectives.