Downhole Fluid Analysis and Sampling Establishes Compositional Gradient in a Deep Water Gas-Condensate Reservoir

Abstract

fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractThe paper demonstrates how to establish a compositional gradient in Dhirubhai-26 (MA) retrograde gas-condensate reservoir situated in a deep water territory of KG Basin, India, with the help of real-time Downhole Fluid Analysis (DFA).The reservoir consisted of an oil rim sandwiched by a large gas cap and bottom water. Very low contamination samples were captured downhole, using a Wireline Formation Tester (WFT), in Single Phase PVT bottles. This success was achieved through the combined use of DFA results, PVT data and a tuned Equation of State (EoS).PR Peneloux (T) EoS was tuned to the PVT data and used to populate the PVT properties of the reservoir. The resultant fluid composition versus depth was correlated to the DFA results to verify the EoS simulated compositional gradation. Subsequently a reliable GOC was established using the combined result of WFT pretest derived gradients, PVT property derived gradients and saturation pressure curves. Establishing the existence or non-existence of compositional gradient and reservoir compartmentalization in this reservoir were key prerequisites for the formulation of an optimum Field Development Plan (FDP) and estimation of the associated financial implications.The methodology adopted in this paper is applicable to any gas-condensate reservoir that exhibits similar PVT properties. It would help to evaluate a more accurate in-place reserve estimate and reduce the reservoir risk, which in turn would lead to an optimum FDP (that would maximize the oil recovery and returns).The paper highlights the value of wireline conveyed DFA tools and latest wireline sampling methods coupled with a tuned EoS for an accurate PVT description of complex reservoir fluids. It can not only detect the presence of compositional gradients at an early time but also help refine the PVT model to establish the gradation in composition, thus providing a cost-effective solution for deep water ventures.