Substantiation of Reservoir Lateral Hydraulic Connectivity Based on Integrated subsurface and Production test result - Niger Delta Field Experience

Abstract

Field X is one of SPDC's major gas fields located onshore of Nigeria with six well penetrations and two key reservoirs, A1000X and B4000X,. The field is covered by a 1992 3D seismic reprocessed PSDM with relatively poor imaging quality. This caused uncertainties with respect to the interpretation of possible intra-reservoir fault compartmentilization. These intra-reservoir faults are on the footwall of two major southern and eastern boundary faults. To optimally develop these reservoirs, it was proposed to drill an appraisal well in the eastern fault block, modelled as a reservoir compartment, and subsequently carry out an interference test to establish the lateral hydraulic connectivity of the reservoirs. A new seismic data was acquired and processed to resolve the uncertainties associated with the poor imaging quality of the 1992 seismic. The interpretation of the new seismic showed similar structural trend, albeit with better clarity of the subsurface images in the fault shadow zones. It also showed continuous seismic reflection loops suggesting a more better lateral reservoir connectivity To better understand the reservoir lateral hydraulic continuity, a multidisciplinary integrated study was conducted using all available data (production tests, Seismic and Petrophysical data). This paper covers the multi- disciplinary work carried out to establish the lateral connectivity of the reservoirs and its significant cost reduction to the total project cost.