Analytical Evaluation of Kukaku Field

Abstract

Analytical studies serve as the primary (first pass) models for evaluating field performance before proceeding to full field numerical models. The decision to proceed to a full field numerical model is usually determined by results of the analytical study and cost of the study relative to the estimated reserves in the field. This implies that for smaller fields, analytical studies may be the major reference for field development. This paper presents the workflow and results of integrated analytical studies performed on Kukaku, an onshore field in Niger Delta belonging to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), jointly operated by NPDC and SIPEC. The studies done include petrophysical analysis, welltest (DST) interpretation, NODAL™ analysis, choke performance studies, coning studies and material balance forecast. The paper focuses on key areas of integration in the workflow and best practices in the study. Conclusion from the study is that integration is also a key concept in analytical field studies especially for smaller fields in which the reserves size precludes the use of expensive numerical models. In such cases, critical analysis of available data and best use of such data to generate rigorous and robust analytical models are key to the optimal development of such fields.