Al Fatah University

Faculty of Engineering
Petroleum Engineering Department

Production Optimization of Heavily

Faulted & Fractured Reservoir
(Belhedan Oil Field)

Prepared By

Mohamed.M.Al Amari Sulayman .J. Al Baruni

Supervised By

Dr.Shaban.A.El Usta
 Al Fatah University
Faculty of Engineering
Petroleum Engineering Department

Production Optimization of heavily

Faulted & Fractured Reservoir
(Belhedan Oil Field)

This Project is submitted to the faculty of Engineering in partial

fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science
(B.Sc.) in Petroleum Engineering

Prepared By

Mohamed.M.Al Amari Sulayman .J. Al Baruni

Supervised By

Dr.Shaban.A.El Usta

Fall 2009
 ‫﴿قُ ْل ه َْل َي ْستَوي الَّذينَ َي ْع َل ُمونَ والَّذينَ الَ َي ْعلَ ُمونَ‬
‫إنَّ َما يَتَذَ َّك ُر أ ُ ْولُواْ األ َ ْلبَاب﴾‬

‫صدق هللا العظيم‬

‫سورة الزمر اآلية (‪.)9‬‬
CONTENTS

Acknowledgement II
Abstract III
Table of Contents IV
List of Tables IX
List of Figures X

CHAPTER ONE STUDY AREA

1.1 Review of Belhedan Oil Field 2
1.2 Location of Study 3
1.3 Structure of the Study Area 3
1.4 Reservoir Geology 4
1.5 Wells Description 5
1.6 Main average fluid & rock properties 7
1.6.1 Average Fluid Properties 7
1.6.2 Average Rock Properties 7

CHAPTER TWO FRACTURED RESERVOIRS

2.1 Introduction 9
2.2 What is a Fractured Reservoir? 10
2.3 Physical Properties Of Rocks In Fractured Reservoir 10
2.3.1 Porosity 10
2.3.2 Permeability 11
2.3.3 Fluid saturation in a fractured reservoir 12
2.4 Production Mechanism Of A Fractured Reservoir 12

IV
 2.4.1 The reservoir gas-oil ratio Vs. Recovery 13
2.4.2 The rate of pressure decline per unit of oil produced 13
2.4.3 The absence of transition zones in a fractured reservoir 14
2.4.4 Pressure drop around producing well 15
2.4.5 The free-water oil production in a fractured reservoir 15

CHAPTER THREE INVESTIGATE THE EFFECT OF ESP UPGRADING ON WELLS

PERFORMANCE
3.1 Introduction 17
3.2 ESP Upgrading 20
3.3 Objective 20
3.4 History of the Wells 20
3.4.1 History of Well V4 20
3.4.2 Well V4 performance analysis 24
3.4.2.1 Before Upgrading 24
3.4.2.2 During Upgrading 24
3.4.2.3 After Upgrading 24
3.4.3 History of Well V23 25
3.4.4 Well V23 performance analysis 28
3.4.4.1 Before Upgrading 28
3.4.4.2 During Upgrading 28
3.4.4.3 After Upgrading 28
3.4.5 History of Well V26 29
3.4.6 Well V26 performance analysis 32
3.4.6.1 Before Upgrading 32
3.4.6.2 During Upgrading 32
3.4.6.3 After Upgrading 32

V
 3.5 State of Problem 33
3.5.1 History of Problem 33
3.5.2 Summary of Case Study 33

CHAPTER FOUR DIAGNOSTIC OF WATER PRODUCTION PROBLEM

4.1 Introduction 36
4.2 Conventional Plots 36
4.3 Diagnostic Plots 37
4.4 Application of WC Diagnostic Plots in Belhedan Field 38
4.5 Water Coning And Critical Production Rate Analysis 41
4.6 Critical Rate Calculations 41
4.6.1 The Meyer-Garder Method 41
4.6.2 Schols method 42
4.6.3 Chaperon Method 43
4.6.4 Chaney et al Method 43
4.7 Critical Rate Results 47
4.7.1 Results of well V4 47
4.7.2 Results of well V23 47
4.7.3 Results of well V26 48
4.7.4 Summary of critical rate analysis 48

CHAPTER FIVE THE EFFECT OF THE WELL PLACEMENT

5.1 Introduction 50
5.2 Average Flow Rate 52
5.3 water cut 53
5.3.1 After first year from the start of production 53
5.3.2 After Ten years from the start of production 54

VI
 5.3.3 After thirty years from start of production 55
5.4 Cumulative Oil Production 55
5.5 Decline Curve Analysis 57
5.5.1 Well by well decline analysis 57
5.5.2 Total field decline analysis 58

CHAPTER SIX THE EFFECT OF THE WELL COMPLETION

6.1 Introduction 61
6.1.1 Open Hole Wells 61
6.1.2 Cased Hole Wells 62
6.2 Belhedan Wells Classification 62
6.3 Wells average Flow Rate 64
6.4 Performance of water cut 65
6.4.1 After first year from the start of production 65
6.4.2 After Ten years from the start of production 66
6.4.3 After thirty years from start of production 66

CHAPTER SEVEN THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

ON WELLS & RESERVOIR PERFORMANCE
7.1 Introduction 69
7.2 Objective 72
7.3 Pressure Distribution Regions in the Field 72
7.3.1 Central & East Field Region 72
7.3.2 Western Field Region 73
7.3.3 South Eastern Field Region 73
7.4 Pressure Performance in Some Selected Wells 75
7.4.1 Pressure Performance in Well V4 76
7.4.2 Pressure Performance in Well V5 77

VII
 7.4.3 Pressure Performance in Well V22 77
7.4.4 Pressure Performance in Well V26 77

CHAPTER EIGHT CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

8.1 Conclusions 80
8.1.1 Conclusions of ESP upgrading 80
8.1.2 Conclusions of well placement 81
8.1.3 Conclusions of well completion 82
8.1.4 Conclusions of pressure distribution 82
8.2 Recommendations 83

References 85
Appendix A: (Diagnostic plots of water production) 86
Appendix B: (The Effect of pressure Distribution) 91
Appendix C: (Production Decline Curves) 100

VIII
LIST OF FIGURES

Fig (1.1) The location map of Belhedan oil field. 3

Fig (1.2) Structure Map of Belhedan Oil Field. 4

Fig (1.3) Well Location Map of Belhedan Oil Field. 6

Fig (2.1) The natural fracture in the rock. 9

Fig (2.2) Simplified representation of vugs & fracture void space 11

Comparison of GOR vs. Recovery in a conventional &
Fig (2.3) 13
a fractured Reservoir.
Reservoir decline (P/Np) behavior in a
Fig (2.4) 14
conventional and a fractured reservoir.
Water-oil and gas-oil contact in a conventional and a
Fig (2.5) 15
fractured reservoir.
The location map of wells V4,V23,V26 in Belhedan
Fig (3.1) 18
Oil Field.
Fig (3.2) The Cross Section of the Wells V4,V23&V26. 19

Fig (3.3) The ESP Upgrading & Downgrading Diagram. 20

Fig (3.4) The Schematic Diagram of Wellbore V4. 22

The production performance history of well V4 & the
Fig (3.5) 23
stages of ESP Upgrading.
Fig (3.6) The Schematic Diagram of Wellbore V23. 26
The production performance history of well V23 & the
Fig (3.7) 27
stages of ESP Upgrading.
Fig (3.8) The Schematic Diagram of Wellbore V26. 30

X
 The production performance history of well V26 & the
Fig (3.9) 31
stages of ESP Upgrading.

The water cut in the wells V4,V23 and V26 in

Fig (3.10) 34
Belhedan Oil Field.

Fig (4.1) The Water /Oil Ratio versus Time for Well V4. 39

Fig (4.2) The Water /Oil Ratio versus Time for Well V23. 39

Fig (4.3) The Water /Oil Ratio versus Time for Well V26. 40

Fig (4.4A) Critical Rate by Chaney's Curves. 45

Fig (4.4B) Critical Rate by Chaney's Curves. 46

Wells placement compared to the faults in Belhedan oil
Fig (5.1) 51
field.
Wells Productivity compared to approximation to
Fig (5.2) 52
faults.
The percentage of the water cut after the first year of
Fig (5.3) 53
production in the well near & far from the faults.
The percentage of the water cut after the ten years of
Fig (5.4) 54
the production in the well near & far from the faults.
The percentage of the water cut after the thirty years of
Fig (5.5) 55
the production in the well near & far from the faults.
The percentage of the cumulative oil production from
Fig (5.6) 56
wells near & far from the faults.
The Decline Curve Analysis for the wells were drilled
Fig (5.7) 59
near the faults.
The Decline Curve Analysis for the wells were drilled
Fig (5.8) 59
far from the faults.
Fig (6.1) Open hole Vs. Cased hole. 61

Fig (6.2) The wells completion type in the Belhedan oil field. 63

Fig (6.3) Wells flow rate with comparison to type of completion. 64

XI
 The performance of the water cut after the first year of
Fig (6.4) 65
production in the open & cased hole wells.
The performance of the water cut after ten years of
Fig (6.5) 66
production in the open & cased hole wells.
The performance of the water cut after thirty years of
Fig (6.6) 67
production in the open & cased hole wells.
Fig (7.1) The Average Reservoir Pressure Performance. 70
The Pressure Distribution Regions in Belhedan Oil
Fig (7.2) 71
Field.

Fig (7.3) The Production wells in Central & East Field Region. 72

Fig (7.4) The Production wells in Western Field Region. 73

Fig (7.5) The Production wells in South Eastern Field Region. 74

The sealing fault separating south Eastern Region from
Fig (7.6) 75
main central field Region.

Fig (7.7) The place of these wells in Belhedan oil field. 76

XII
LIST OF TABLES

Table (1.1) The average fluid properties of Belhedan oil field. 7

Table (1.2) The average rock properties of Belhedan oil field. 7

Table (3.1) The productivity index of the wells. 17

Table (3.2) The ESP workover of the well V4. 23

Table (3.3) The ESP workover of the well V23 in Belhedan field. 27

Table (3.4) The ESP workover of the well V26 in Belhedan field. 31

Table (4.1) The results of critical rate by all methods in well V4. 47

Table (4.2) The results of critical rate by all methods in well V23. 47

Table (4.3) The results of critical rate by all methods in well V26. 48

Table (5.1) Number of wells near & far from the faults. 50

Table (5.2) The results of production curve analysis for each well. 57

Table (5.3) The results of production curve analysis for all well. 58

Table (6.1) Number of wells open & cased hole wells. 62

IX
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First, thanks to Allah our guide in this journey, Second thanks to our
families for their unlimited support, patience and pray to Allah to show us
the way during the study time, all this enabled us to complete our study
and this project.

We are deeply indebted to our supervisor Dr. Shaban.A.El Usta whose

help, stimulating suggestions and encouragement, helped us in all the
time of research and writing of this project.

We have furthermore to thank the planning department of Waha Oil

Company, for providing the data required for this project.

We are also bound to Eng. Essam.M.Reich who shared his ideas with
us and who was the invisible man in this work.

We want to thank the Petroleum engineering Department, faculty

members, students, technicians, and engineers.

Our close colleagues from the department those who supported us

during the project, we want to thank them for all their help, support,
interest and valuable hints.

Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to every single person

who may give us the possibility to complete this Project.

II
ABSTRACT

Although fractured reservoirs are considered very potential due to

existence of effective fractures system, which represents a main
contributor for oil production as results of significant increase of
permeability through these fractures, the reservoir management of
fractured reservoir represents a real challenge specially in presence of
active water drive where, fractures rework may extent into water zone.
Gargaf, quartzite sandstone reservoir in Belhedan filed, is a fractured,
heavily faults and complex structure, the reservoir consists of several
blocks separated by many faults with depth displacement reaches up to
200 ft in some blocks.
The aim of this project was to help in designing production
optimization scenario by study the effect of several factors on the
production performance of this fractured reservoir.
The studied factors are named as, effect of producing wells at high rate
using ESP upgrading, effect of well placement in approximation to faults,
effect of type of well completion and regional change of pressure
performance throughout the reservoir.
The study showed that, producing wells at high rate using ESP
upgrading can instantly increase the oil production, but it will lead to
rapid increase in water cut, which could not be decreased using ESP
downgrading.
The study showed that well placement with approximation to faults in
addition to type of completion has a big rate in determining wells
productivity and performance.

III
Chapter 1
STUDY AREA
CHAPTER ONE STUDY AREA

1.1 Review of Belhedan Oil Field

The Belhedan oil Field is located in the Sirte Basin .The Belhedan structure,
located on the south-eastern edge of the Beda Platform, is a small horst block
which trends north-northeast.

The primary zone of interest is the Belhedan Gargaf reservoir which was
discovered in 1962 by Waha Oil Company when the first exploratory Well V1
was drilled in this field. Development drilling which was started immediately
after the first discovery.

The reservoir development started early after first discovery in 1962 when the
well V-1 tested commercial oil production, Belhedan field started commercial
production in October 1963. The reservoir was developed to produce under the
mechanism of natural bottom water drive.

Field development has continued since its discovery, as of December 31,

2008, a total of 40 wells have been drilled in Belhedan field and the field had
produced 179.840 million barrels, with substantial reserves are still remaining
in the main development area of the field. Presently, all wells are being
produced by ESP. As of December 31st 2008, The field average oil production
rate was 24691 BOPD, with 27.4% WC.

2
CHAPTER ONE STUDY AREA

1.2 Location of Study

The Belhedan Oil Field is located in southwestern part of Sirte Basin in Libya.
Geographically it is located between latitudes 28º and 29º north, and between
longitudes 19º and 20º east.

Fig (1.1) The Location Map of Belhedan Oil Field.

1.3 Structure of the Study Area

The Belhedan structure, located on the southeastern edge of the Beda

Platform, is a small horst block, which trends north-northeast. The field is
bounded by a local graben to the west that separates the field from the Samah
and Balat Fields.
The Gargaf section may be subdivided into two parts Upper more sandy and
Lower more Silty and shally interval and most of the hydrocarbon production

3
CHAPTER ONE STUDY AREA

come from the Upper weathered part of Gargaf. The reservoir sequence was
found at an average depth of 6800 ft below sea level.

1.4 Reservoir Geology

3D seismic data of Belhedan area were interpreted to construct a structure

map on top of Gargaf formation. Belhedan Structure map is shown in Fig (1.2)

Fig(1.2) Structure Map of Belhedan Oil Field

4
CHAPTER ONE STUDY AREA

Belhedan oil field consists primarily of a large horst block controlled by

normal faulting on all sides. Faulting on the flanks of the field is more
propounded in the northeast and western sides with faults displacement varies
from 100-200 ft.

The field is a complex block faulted system. Fractures are evident in cores
and on logs; Tectonic faults have the control over the development of the
fractures system in this field. High productivity wells are always located close
to the indicated faults within the structure

Gargaf formation in the Belhedan area consists of interceded sandstone,

siltstone and shale, the formation is very thick, reaches up to 2142 ft as for well
V-1.

Gargaf formation is correlated into six layers GL-1 to GL-6 based on facies
analysis the top three layers GL1-GL3 are the most productive as mainly
consists of clean sandstone.

1.5 Wells Description

As of December 31, 2008 a total of 40 wells have been drilled in Belhedan

field, 24 wells were on line, 4 shut-in wells, 3 observation wells and 6
abandoned wells and Fig(1.3) showing the Well Location Map.

5
CHAPTER ONE STUDY AREA

Fig (1.3) Well Location Map of Belhedan Oil Field.

6
CHAPTER ONE STUDY AREA

1.6 Main average fluid & rock properties

1.6.1 Fluid Properties

Table (1.1) The Average Fluid Properties of Belhedan Oil Field
Fluid Properties Symbol Value
Saturation Pressure Pb 536 Psig
Gas Oil Ratio GOR 110 scf/stb
Oil Formation Factor Boi 1.135 bbl/stb
Oil Viscosity µo 1.575 cp
Oil Gravity @ 60ºF ºAPI 36.0

1.6.2 Average Rock Properties

Table (1.2) The Average Rock Properties of Belhedan Oil Field
Rock properties Symbol Value
Porosity φ 8.0%
Horizontal Permeability K 10-100 md
Water Saturation Swi 36%

7
Chapter 2
FRACTURED RESERVOIRS
CHAPTER TWO FRACTURED RESERVOIR

2.1 Introduction

The study of the fractured reservoir requires the study of the relationship
between the fracturing process and the geological events which took place
during this phase. This includes the elaboration of a correct theory of fracturing
and a valid diagnosis of the features of a fractured reservoir. Rock fracturing
will most commonly have a tectonic origin, developing in folded beds or in
connection with faulting or joint patterns. Sometimes it may also be caused by
differential rates of diagenesis and lithification.

however, necessary to remember that the evaluation of fracturing is far more

complex than the evaluation of porosity and permeability in a conventional
reservoir.

Fig (2.1) The natural fracture in the rock

In fact, the fracturing depends on the pattern of mechanical stresses of the

rock material and rock properties. Hence, the results of fracturing, such as
fracture openings, size, distribution, orientation, etc., will be related to stresses
and type of rock, structural conditions, depth (overburden stress), lithology, bed
thickness, etc

The geological conditions of fracturing are examined, including rock

mechanics vs. geological events (faulting, folding, etc) and the rock
characteristics and their variations vs. fracturing. In order to develop a valid
geological model of a fractured reservoir, various geological events and

9
CHAPTER TWO FRACTURED RESERVOIR

fracturing developments are examined in detail. The results obtained offer

many possibilities for further development.

2.2 What is a Fractured Reservoir?

The definition of a reservoir fracture is a broad one, and the definition of the
“fractured reservoir” even more so. Because natural fracture systems can have
a variety of effects on reservoir performance in primary, secondary, and tertiary
recovery, and because these effects must often be predicted long before they are
evidenced in production data, an operational definition of a fractured reservoir
becomes a necessity. A fractured reservoir is defined as a reservoir in which
naturally occurring fractures either have, or are predicted to have, a significant
effect on reservoir fluid flow either in the form of increased reservoir
permeability and/or reserves or increased permeability anisotropy, The study
of this effect is important operationally because the data necessary to quantify
a fractured reservoir must be collected very early in the life of a reservoir, We
must often, Therefore, Predict the “significant effect” and treat the formation
as a fractured reservoir prior to true substantiation by production history

A fracture can also be defined, in a more general way, as the discontinuity

which breaks the rock beds into blocks along cracks, fissures, joints or
whatever they may be referred to as, and along which there is no displacement
parallel with the planes of discontinuity.

Basically, whether a fracture is considered a joint or a fault depends on the

scale of investigation, but in general, that which is called a fracture corresponds
to a joint.

2.3 Physical Properties Of Rocks In Fractured Reservoir

2.3.1 Porosity
Fractured reservoir rocks are made up of two porosity systems; one
inergranular formed by void spaces between the grains of the rock, and a
second formed by void spaces of fractures and vugs (Fig 2.2).

10
CHAPTER TWO FRACTURED RESERVOIR

The first type is called primary porosity and is typical of sandstone or

limestone. The second type is called secondary porosity or, when referring to
only vugs or fractures, vugular porosity/fracture porosity.

Secondary porosity is generally found in compact, brittle rock of relatively low

intergranular porosity, such as compact limestones, shales, shaly sandstones,
siltstones, schists, etc. Secondary porosity is normally caused by rock
fracturing, jointing and dissolution by circulating water.

Fig(2.2) Simplified representation of vugs & fracture void space

Often secondary porosity is reduced with time by becoming partially filled

with minerals younger than those of which the matrix is composed. These
minerals are the result of dissolution and precipitation. In carbonate rocks, such
as limestones and dolomites, the solution channels and the vugs are formed
during weathering or burial in the sedimentary basin.

2.3.2 Permeability

The basics of permeability established in the case of a conventional reservoir

remain valid in the case of a fractured reservoir. But in the presence of two
systems (matrix and fractures), permeability may be redefined as matrix
permeability, fracture permeability and system (fracture-matrix) permeability.

This redefinition of permeability may create some confusion especially

concerning fracture permeability, which may be interpreted either as single
fracture permeability or as fracture network permeability, or sometimes as
fracture permeability of fracture-bulk volume. Therefore, the various
expressions of permeability will be examined and discussed in detail.

11
CHAPTER TWO FRACTURED RESERVOIR

2.3.3 Fluid saturation in a fractured reservoir

In a fractured reservoir, the matrix fluid saturation is a problem similar to that

of a conventional reservoir. The evaluation of saturation is obtained by the
same procedure through logs (indirectly) or in the laboratory by direct
measurements.

The low value of the secondary porosity (fracture network, vugs) compared
with the primary porosity, does not influence saturation in hydrocarbons per
unit of volume. In any case, saturation in fractures could be considered 100%
with the fluids of respective zones (water in water zone, oil in oil zone, etc.).
But the problem of fluid saturation in a fractured reservoir must be examined in
the frame of a double porosity system. In this case the relationship between
matrix saturation vs. fracture saturation is evidenced by a series of peculiarities.

2.4 Production Mechanism Of A Fractured Reservoir

Reservoir engineers often try to predict the future behaviour of a fractured

reservoir by examining its past history and estimating its future behaviour
through conventional reservoir approaches and procedures. But, unfortunately,
very seldom will the behaviour resulting through conventional reservoir
calculation procedures match with the real past history of a fractured reservoir.
A matching may be obtained only modifying the basic data to a completely
unrealistic extent. Thus, an example, a matching may be obtained artificially by
increasing by several times the volumetric oil in place.

The impossibility of a valid matching when the methods of predicting

a conventional reservoir are used for a fractured reservoir is a direct
result of specific production mechanisms which develop in a fractured
reservoir due to fracture-matrix characteristics.

These differences can be understood by comparing the behaviour

of a conventional reservoir where fluid and rock characteristics are in the same

12
CHAPTER TWO FRACTURED RESERVOIR

range of magnitude as a fractured reservoir but where in addition a network of

fractures of very different characteristics is extensively developed throughout
the reservoir.

2.4.1 The reservoir gas-oil ratio Vs. Recovery

The reservoir GOR Vs. Recovery is substantially lower in a fractured

reservoir than in an unfractured reservoir (Fig 2.3), This behaviour is due to the
liberated gas, which will rapidly segregate towards the top of the reservoir
through fractures instead of flowing towards the well .The segregation of gas
during the flow of fluid toward the wellbore is possible since the pressure drop
in the fracture network is generally very small. Consequently, pressure
gradients supporting the movement of fluid toward the wellbore are below
gravity gradient, especially far from the wellbore surroundings.

Fig(2.3) Comparison of GOR vs. Recovery in a conventional & a fractured

Reservoir

2.4.2 The rate of pressure decline per unit of oil produced

The rate of pressure decline per unit of oil produced is normally low
in a fractured reservoir (Fig 2.4), Such improved behaviour in a conventional
reservoir may be obtained only if a large amount of produced gas should be
reinjected. Comparing two identical reservoirs of which one is fractured and

13
CHAPTER TWO FRACTURED RESERVOIR

the other is not, the conventional reservoir may show a similar behaviour to that
of a fractured reservoir if up to 80% of produced gas has been reinjected.

Fig(2.4) Reservoir decline (P/Np) behavior in a conventional and

a fractured reservoir

2.4.3 The absence of transition zones in a fractured reservoir

The absence of transition zones in a fractured reservoir represents a specific

characteristic of this reservoir. In fact, the two-phase contact of water-oil or
gas-oil is represented in a fractured reservoir by distinct separation surfaces and
not by large transition zones as in a conventional reservoir (Fig 2.5).

In a fractured reservoir the two-phase contact is sharp and horizontal in static

or dynamic conditions since the transmissivity in a fractured network is high
due to large permeability of fractures, and any change in level is rapidly
reequilibrated. On the contrary, in a conventional reservoir the transition zone
may be large in static conditions and thus will remain so in dynamic conditions
too.

14
CHAPTER TWO FRACTURED RESERVOIR

Fig(2.5) Water-oil and gas-oil contact in a conventional and a fractured

reservoir

2.4.4 Pressure drop around producing well

Pressure drop around producing well in a fractured reservoir is very low

since the high permeability of the fractures even for very high well rates does
not call for significant pressure drop. The resulting small pressure gradients are
sufficient for transportation of oil through fractures, but are too small to control
the exchange of fluid between matrix and fractured network. Thus, the
production process of the matrix block is controlled by the specific producing
mechanisms which are developed as a result of different fluid saturations of
fractures and matrix blocks (where capillary and gravity play a substantial role),
and not by pressure gradients resulting from producing wells.

2.4.5 The free-water oil production in a fractured reservoir

The free-water oil production in a fractured reservoir is essentially a function

of production rate, while in a conventional reservoir free water-oil production
depends on rock characteristics, PVT characteristic distribution, and also on
production rate.

15
Chapter 3
INVESTIGATE THE EFFECT OF ESP
UPGRADING ON WELLS
PERFORMANCE
CHAPTER THREE EFFECT OF ESP UPGRADING

3.1 Introduction

Although fractured reservoirs are considered very potential due to existence

of effective fracture system which represent a main contributor for oil
production as result of significant increase of permeability through these
fractures The reservoir management of fractured reservoir represents a real
challenge specially in presence of active water drive where fracturing net work
may extent into water zone.

Belhedan field as being fractured reservoir is laying among those type of

reservoirs that need carful reservoir management to optimize oil recovery
without harming the reservoir.

In this chapter will investigate the effect of production some Belhedan wells
at high rate using ESP upgrading.

In the year 2003 the Waha Oil Company decided to increase production in the
Belhedan Oil Field with increase in the production capacity for some of the
wells that using ESP upgrading .

Based on PI calculation of Belhedan wells Table (3.1), three wells: V4, V26
and V23 were selected ,because of their high productivity.

Then the company undertook ESP upgrading for these wells, the following
map clarifies the locations of these wells in the field Fig (3.1).

Table (3.1) the productivity index of the wells in Belhedan Oil Field
Well No. Oil Rate BOPD Pumping Press Psig Static Press Psig PI B/D/Psi
V 23 2765 1657 2594 2.95
V 26 5410 894 5,410 2.82
V4 2315 1,195 2,850 1.40
V14 303 1281 1632 0.86
V 12 766 1516 2613 0.70
V 17 792 1090 2787 0.47
V 19 668 1052 2507 0.46

17
CHAPTER THREE EFFECT OF ESP UPGRADING

Fig (3.1) The location map of wells V4,V23,V26 in Belhedan Oil Field.

18
CHAPTER THREE EFFECT OF ESP UPGRADING

19
CHAPTER THREE EFFECT OF ESP UPGRADING

Fig (3.2) The Cross Section of the Wells V4,V23&V26.

3.2 ESP Upgrading

It is an operation of changing the electrical submersible pump into a pump

which has extra potential and this to increase the production and it is the
opposite of the downgrading operation.

20
CHAPTER THREE EFFECT OF ESP UPGRADING

Fig (3.3) The ESP Upgrading & Downgrading Diagram

3.3 Objective

Study the exercise of the ESP upgrading (Producing Well at High Rate) in
Belhedan Oil field in wells V4, V23 and V26, In order to determine the effect
on wells production performance.

3.4 History of The Wells

3.4.1 History of Well V4

The well V4 is one of the oldest wells in the Belhedan oil Field , it was drilled
in the year 1962 soon after the discovery of the field and it was completed open
hole and it is one of the highest producer wells in the Field, In 1996 the well
become incapable of natural production an electrical submersible pump (ESP)
type REDA GN2500 was installed and the average flow rate at that time was
1100 bbl/day.

21
CHAPTER THREE EFFECT OF ESP UPGRADING

In April 2003 this well was chosen for ESP upgrading, When bigger ESP
type REDA DN3100 was installed in this well and put on produce with an
average rate of 1850 bopd.

15 months after upgrade the company decided to downgrade the ESP to a

smaller size (DN25000) after some increase in water cut was noticed in this
well.

Well is continued produced using downgraded ESP until 31 Dec 2008,

wellbore Schematic diagram and production performance for well V4 are
shown in Fig (3.4) And Fig (3.5).

22
CHAPTER THREE EFFECT OF ESP UPGRADING

Fig (3.4) The Schematic Diagram of Wellbore V4.

23
CHAPTER THREE EFFECT OF ESP UPGRADING

Fig (3.5) The production performance history of well V4 & the stages of ESP
Upgrading.

The following table clarifies the important events in the operations of wall V4

Table (3.2) The ESP Workover of the well V4 in Belhedan Oil Field

Type of Workover Pump Type Date

Drilling & initial Testing \ 8/1962
Start Production Natural 3/1963
Install ESP REDA GN2500 5/1996
ESP Change Out (Upgrading) REDA DN 3100 4/2003
ESP Change Out (Downgrading) REDA DN 2500 8/2004

24
CHAPTER THREE EFFECT OF ESP UPGRADING

3.4.2 Well V4 performance analysis

The production performance of well V4, before, during, and after the exercise
of ESP Upgrading is shown in Fig (3.5).

3.4.2.1 Before Upgrading

Well was produced using ESP REDA GN2500 with average oil rate of
1100 Bopd And WC of 24%.

3.4.2.2 During Upgrading

Well was producing at average rate of 1850 Bopd for 15 months, during the
period, water cut starts as low as 10 %, and this is mainly due to producing oil
accumulate in the fracture system as wells was shut-in for some times ,Then
WC jumped to average WC as before up grading (around 24%).

After a normal ESP change out, the oil rate decline to about 1347 Bopd
accompanied with increasing WC to about 40%.

This was considered alarming problem and decision was made, to downgrade
the ESP to control WC.

3.4.2.3 After Upgrading

In an attempt to reverse or control the increasing trend of WC, ESP in this
well was downgraded to ESP size REDA DN2500, the well was kept
producing, using this ESP from Aug.8.2004 to Dec.12.2008.

The main observation over this period that, although oil rate was
maintained at average of around 1000 Bopd, the WC could not be decreased,
further more the tread of WC increased rapidly from about 40 % to 57 % by
end of 2008.

25
CHAPTER THREE EFFECT OF ESP UPGRADING

3.4.3 History of Well V23

The well V23 was drilled in the year 1988 and began production in 1989,
completed as open hole.

In 1991, the well become incapable of natural production an electrical

submersible pump (ESP) type REDA GN2500 was installed and the average
flow rate at that time was 2510 bbl/day.

In April 2003, this well was chosen for ESP upgrading using a bigger ESP
type REDA GN5600 when flow rate was increased to an average of 3750 Bopd.

Seven months after upgrade a decision was made to downgrade ESP to

smaller size because of the fear of increasing WC as noticed in wells V4 and
V26.

ESP was downgraded to GN2500 and well kept producing using this pump
size until Dec.31.2008, wellbore Schematic diagram and production
performance for well V23 are shown in Fig (3.6) And Fig (3.7).

26
CHAPTER THREE EFFECT OF ESP UPGRADING

Fig (3.6) The Schematic Diagram of Wellbore V23.

27
CHAPTER THREE EFFECT OF ESP UPGRADING

Fig (3.7) The production performance history of well V23 & the stages of ESP
Upgrading.

The following table clarifies the important events in the operations of wall V23

Table (3.3) The ESP Workover of the well V23 in Belhedan Oil Field

Type of Workover Pump Type Date

Drilling & initial Testing \ 7/1988
Start Production Natural 4/1989
Install ESP REDA GN2500 1/1991
ESP Change Out (Upgrading) REDA GN5600 4/2003
ESP Change Out (Downgrading) REDA GN2500 11/2003

28
CHAPTER THREE EFFECT OF ESP UPGRADING

3.4.4 Well V23 performance analysis

The production performance of well V23, before, during and after the
exercise of ESP Upgrading is shown in Fig (3.7).

3.4.4.1 Before Upgrading

Well was produced using ESP REDA GN2500 with frequent ESP failure and
average production rate of 2510 Bopd and WC of 28%.

3.4.4.2 During Upgrading

Well was initially produced flow rate of 3755 bopd with water cut range from
10% to 20%.

ESP Upgrading lasted about seven months with fluctuated flow rate and
water cut, due to unstable ESP performance, at end of seven months period,
ESP was downgraded again to ESP type GN2500 in fear of increasing water cut
as it was observed in other wells (V4 and V26).

3.4.4.3 After Upgrading

Stable ESP performance was observed with initial oil rate of 2130 bopd
declined to about 1242 bopd by Dec.31.2008, while water cut increased from
about 32% to 50%for the same period.

it is noticed that, while oil rate was almost stable for this period, water cut
could not be arrested or decreased although, it was increasing in slow trend.

29
CHAPTER THREE EFFECT OF ESP UPGRADING

3.4.5 History of Well V26

This well was drilled in 1981 ,it was completed open hole and production did
not begin until 1991 , it had produced accumulate oil of 20,533 MM bbl until
Des2008, this well continued natural production with an average production
rate 2170 bbl/day for six years until 1997, Then electrical submersible pump
(ESP) type REDA GN4000 was installed to produce well artificially at
an average oil rate about 4600 Bopd.

In April 2003, this well was chosen for ESP upgrading using bigger ESP type
REDA GN5600, when flow rate was increased to an average of 5220 Bopd.

22 months after Upgrading decisions was made to downgrade the ESP to

small size REDA GN4000 after some increase in water cut noticed in this well ,
the well V26 is continued produced, using the downgraded ESP REDA
GN4000 until Dec.31.2008.

Wellbore Schematic diagram and production performance for well V26 are
shown in Fig (3.8) And Fig (3.9).

30
CHAPTER THREE EFFECT OF ESP UPGRADING

Fig (3.8) The Schematic Diagram of Wellbore V26.

31
CHAPTER THREE EFFECT OF ESP UPGRADING

Fig (3.9) The production performance history of well V26 & the stages of
ESP Upgrading.

The following table clarifies the important events in the operations of well V26

Table (3.4) The ESP Workover of the well V26 in Belhedan Oil Field

Type of Workover Pump Types Date

Drilling & initial Testing \ 5/1981
Start Production Natural 11/1991
Install ESP REDA GN4000 9/1997
ESP Change Out (Upgrading) REDA GN5600 4/2003
ESP Change Out (Downgrading) REDA GN4000 2/2005

32
CHAPTER THREE EFFECT OF ESP UPGRADING

3.4.6 Well V26 performance analysis

The production performance of well V26, before, during, and after the
exercise of ESP Upgrading is shown in Fig (3.9).

3.4.6.1 Before Upgrading

Well was produced using ESP REDA GN4000 with average oil rate of 4600
Bopd and WC of 6%.

3.4.6.2 During Upgrading

Well was initially produced at flow rate of 5220 Bopd with water cut range
from 6% to 11%.

But quickly production oil rate began to fall and returned to the original level
4600 Bopd then decline until it reached 3080 Bopd, in the same period it was
observed that there was a higher increase in water cut from 11% to 25 %.

This was considered alarming problem and decision was made, to downgrade
the ESP to control WC.

3.4.6.3 After Upgrading

Stable ESP performance was observed with initial oil rate of 2130 bopd
declined to about 1242 bopd by Dec.31.2008, while water cut increased from
about 25 % to 30 % for the same period.

It is noticed that, while oil rate was almost stable for this period, water cut
could not be arrested or decreased although, it was increasing in slow trend.

33
CHAPTER THREE EFFECT OF ESP UPGRADING

3.5 State of Problem

3.5.1 History of Problem

ESP upgrading was implemented in Belhedan Wells V4, V23, and V26 with
aim to increase the Production Rate from there Wells, as their productivity
index showed a good potential for higher production.

Shortly after the implementation of ESP Upgrading it was noticed that, the oil
rate was increased from wells V4, V23, V26 by 41%, 33%, and 11 %
Respectively, water cut increased from 24 % to 40 % in well V4, and from 6 %
to 25 % in well V26.

In order to control water cut in there wells and prevent increase WC which
will results in losing oil recovery, ESP in these wells were downgraded to
smaller size.

Production performance during the ESP upgrading period and the following
downgrading period was monitored to evaluate the effect of producing wells at
high rate in fractured reservoir.

3.5.2 Summary of Case Study

The increase of oil production through ESP Upgrading was implemented in
three wells (V4, V23, and V26) in Belhedan Field, which is fractured reservoir.

Although it was possible to increase oil production rate from these

wells, a problem of increasing water cut was noticed in wells V4, V26 with
strong possibility that same phenomena will be observed in well V23 if it
should have been produced for long period.

Reducing production rate from these wells was implemented using ESP
downgrading with aim to decrease the water cut, Production performance
during the stage especially the water cut was carefully monitored in the three
wells as shown in Fig (3.10) the main observation that , by ESP
Downgrading the level of water cut could not be reduced back to its level
before ESP Upgrading.

34
CHAPTER THREE EFFECT OF ESP UPGRADING

ESP Downgrading succeeded to slow down the trend of the water cut
performance, but not to decrease the water cut in each of these wells.

This proves the difficulty in controlling water cut when producing wells at
high rate in fractured reservoir; therefore, for better reservoir management, and
water cut control, it is preferred to produce wells at optimum rates to maximize
oil recovery, without enhancing the increase of WC, when it becomes
uncontrollable.

Fig (3.10) The water cut in the wells V4, V23 and V26 in Belhedan Oil Field.

35
Chapter 4
DIAGNOSTIC OF
WATER PRODUCTION PROBLEM
CHAPTER FOUR DIAGNOSTIC OF WATER PRODUCTION PROBLEM

4.1 Introduction

In general, there are three basic classifications of water production problem.

Water coning, multi-layer channeling and near wellbore problems are most
noticeable among others .Field experience showed successful job design would
not be the same for different mechanisms, However, there are no effective
methods to discern these differences, In reality, the problem could be very
complex, and usually is the combination of several mechanisms taking place
over a period of time and compounding one with the other.

Based on systematic numerical simulation studies on reservoir water coning

and channeling , it was discovered that log-log plots of WOR (Water/Oil) Ratio
Vs. time show different characteristic trends for different mechanisms.

This technique was applied on wells in several fields around the world, plots
using the actual production data determined the production problem
mechanisms, which can be used to quickly diagnose and evaluate the
mechanisms .It mainly uses plots generated from available production history
data .The set of plots include:

1. Production history for the entire period or waterflood period for

water, oil and gas.
2. WOR and its derivatives.
3. Cumulative oil produced or recovery efficiency.
4. Oil and gas rate declines

These plots provide a composite picture of the past and current production
behaviors and the remaining production potential of the well .The methodology
can become an effective tool for the selection of water control treatment
candidates to enhance treatment success.

4.2 Conventional Plots

Conventionally, water cut Vs. time linear plots were used to show the
progress and severity of the excessive water production problems .The

36
CHAPTER FOUR DIAGNOSTIC OF WATER PRODUCTION PROBLEM

correlation between water cut or fractional water flow and average reservoir
water saturation for two-phase flow is well known .However, it is not practical
since saturation distributions throughout the reservoir are changing with time.

Linear or semi-log WOR plots have been used to evaluate recovery

efficiency .A special plot (known as X-plot) that uses a correlation of a
modified fraction flow function with the recovery efficiency has also been
shown to be capable of representing normal waterflood volumetric sweep
efficiency .These plots could be useful to evaluate production efficiency, but
they do not reveal any detail on reservoir flow behaviors.

For multi-layer flow, the WOR had been expressed as the ratio between the
sum of the product of the permeability and the height of the water-out layers
and that of the remaining oil production layer .Again, this overall estimation
approach in evaluating excessive water production behavior does not shed any
clue on the timing of the layer breakthrough and the relationship between the
rates of change of the WOR with the excessive water production mechanism.

4.3 Diagnostic Plots

A set of diagnostic plots have been generated by conducting a series of

systematic water-control numerical simulation studies using a black oil
simulator .This three dimensional, three-phase simulator is capable of modeling
the performance of reservoir flow under different drive mechanisms and
waterflood schemes .Log-log plots of the WOR (rather than water cut) Vs .time
were found to be more effective in identifying the production trends and
problems mechanisms .It was discovered that derivatives of the WOR Vs. time
can be used for differentiating whether the excessive water production problem
as seen in a well is due to water coning or multi-layer channeling.

Fig (A.1) to Fig (A.10) in Appendix (A) showing the shape of diagnostic plots
for water production under different mechanisms, such as coning,
channeling…etc.

37
CHAPTER FOUR DIAGNOSTIC OF WATER PRODUCTION PROBLEM

This technique has several advantages:

1. It mainly uses available production history data .

2. It can be used to rapidly screen a great number of wells.
3. It entails the best reservoir engineering principles and practices .
4. It could yield results to form the basis for conducting a production
mechanism survey, compare mechanisms between adjacent wells, good
production wells vs .problematic production wells, and by area or by well
pattern.
5. With the WOR vs .cumulative oil production plot and the oil rate decline
curves, it would become an effective methodology to select candidate
wells for water control treatments.

4.4 Application of WC Diagnostic Plots in Belhedan Field

To evaluate the problem of water production in Belhedan field, and to

determine the possible cause of excessive water that entering the reservoir (i.e.
water coning ,multilayer channeling, rapid channeling…etc), the production
data from wells V4 ,V23, V26 was used to generate the diagnostic plots of
WOR and WOR’ .Vs time , as shown in Fig (4.1,4.2,4.3).

The obtained plots were compared with the classic diagnostic plots developed
by Chan(4), showing in Fig (A.1) to Fig (A.10) in Appendix (A).

The cause of water production in well V4 could not be easily identified as it

appears as results of mixed influence of bottom water drive coning and near
well bore water channeling.

The water production in V23 is most likely due to early stage of multilayer
channeling.

The water production in V26 appeared as results of bottom water drive

coning, The high fluid withdrawal from this well and high cumulative oil
production of 20 MM STB helped to rise the water table around this well.

38
CHAPTER FOUR DIAGNOSTIC OF WATER PRODUCTION PROBLEM

10
WOR WOR' WELL V4

1
WOR & WOR'

0.1

0.01

Before Upgrading After Upgrading

0.001
10 100 1000 10000
Time (Days)

Fig(4.1) The Water /Oil Ratio versus Time for Well V4

10
WOR WOR' WELL V23
1
WOR & WOR'

0.1

0.01

0.001

Before Upgrading After Upgrading

0.0001
10 100 1000 10000
Time (Days)

Fig(4.2) The Water /Oil Ratio versus Time for Well V23

39
CHAPTER FOUR DIAGNOSTIC OF WATER PRODUCTION PROBLEM

1
WOR & WOR' WOR WOR' WELL V26

0.1

0.01

Before Upgrading After Upgrading

0.001
1000 10000
Time (Days)

Fig(4.3) The Water /Oil Ratio versus Time for Well V26

The diagnostic plots for Belhedan wells V4,V23,V26 has shown that, The
indicators of water production problems starts even before the exercise of ESP
upgrading (V4,V23), but it looks that the problem was accelerated during the
last period of production (after 2003). This is most likely because of producing
the wells at higher rate during the stage of ESP upgrading.

The attempt to decrease WC using ESP downgrading could not succeed to

decrease the water cut, as water has already broken through into the fractures
network connected into the well bores.

40
CHAPTER FOUR DIAGNOSTIC OF WATER PRODUCTION PROBLEM

4.5 Water Coning And Critical Production Rate Analysis

Water cone formation in oil reservoirs is a scientific problem with direct

applications to the oil industry .For instance, if the oil production rate exceeds a
critical production rate, the water cone will propagate into the well, and oil and
water is produced simultaneously. This is unwanted, because it will affect the
ultimate oil recovery.

Increasing water saturation around the well bore owing to raising the water
oil contact line near the well bore due to high drawdown pressure which
coming from high production rate.

Coning studies involve, the determination of the maximum oil Production

rate at which a well can be produced without coning any water .This oil
production rate is called the "Critical Rate ".

In this section, will conduct production rate analysis for the studied wells, to
determine its critical rate, this will help to know whether these wells were
produced above their critical rate, which caused the water coning problem.

4.6 Critical Rate Calculations

There are several empirical correlations that are commonly used to predict the
oil critical rate, including the correlations of:
1. Meyer-Garder Method.
2. Chaney et al Method.
3. Schols Method.
4. Chaperson Method.

4.6.1 The Meyer-Garder Method

Meyer and Garder analytically determined the maximum allowable flow of
oil into a well without the water zone coning into the production section of the
well, Meyer and Garder derived the following equation for critical rate
calculation.

41
CHAPTER FOUR DIAGNOSTIC OF WATER PRODUCTION PROBLEM

(𝜌𝑤 −𝜌𝑜) 𝑘𝑜
𝑞𝑐 = 0.264𝑋104 ( 𝑟 ) (ℎ2 − 𝐷2 ) Equation (4.1)
ln(𝑟 𝑒 ) 𝜇𝑜 𝛽𝑜
𝑤

Where
qc = Critical production rate , STB/D.
w -o = Density difference between water and oil, Lb/ft3
h = Oil zone thickness, ft.
D = Perforated interval, ft .
Ko = Permeability, md.
µo = Oil viscosity, cp.
βo = Oil formation volume factor, RB/STB
re = Drainage radius, ft.
rw = Wellbore radius, ft .

4.6.2 Schols method

Based on experiments conducted in Hele-shaw models, Schols derived an
empirical formula for critical rate as follows:

(𝜌𝑤−𝜌𝑜 )𝑘𝑜(ℎ2 −𝐷2 ) 𝜋 ℎ

𝑞𝑐 = 𝑋 (0.432 + 𝑟 ) 𝑋(𝑟 )0.14 Equation (4.2)
2049𝜇𝑜 𝛽𝑜 ln(𝑟 𝑒 ) 𝑒
𝑤

Where
qc = Critical production rate , STB/D.
w -o = Density difference between water and oil, g/cc
h = Oil zone thickness, ft.
D = Perforated interval, ft .
Ko = Permeability, md.
µo = Oil viscosity, cp.
βo = Oil formation volume factor, RB/STB
re = Drainage radius, ft.
rw = Wellbore radius, ft .

42
CHAPTER FOUR DIAGNOSTIC OF WATER PRODUCTION PROBLEM

4.6.3 Chaperon Method

This method, based on an approximate analytical solution, and is used to
determine the well oil production without the water zone coning into the
production section of the well , Chaperon derived the following equation for
critical oil rate calculation:

𝑘ℎ ℎ2 (𝑝𝑤 −𝑝𝑜 )
𝑞𝑐 = 4.888𝑋10−4 [ ] 𝑋(𝑞𝑐 )∗ Equation (4.3)
𝜇𝑜 𝛽𝑜

Where
(qc*) is a function of (reD) given by:

1.9434
(𝑞𝑐 )∗ = 0.7311 + ( ) Equation (4.4)
𝑟𝑒𝐷

And, the dimensionless drainage radius, reD, is defined by :

𝑟
𝑟𝑒𝑑 = ( 𝑒 )√𝑘𝑣 /𝑘ℎ Equation (4.5)
ℎ

4.6.4 Chaney et al Method

Chaney et al developed a set of curves from which critical flows rates Be
determined at various lengths of perforations, the rates obtained from Chaney’s
curves have the following form:

𝑞𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑒 = 0.1313(ℎ2 − 𝐷2 ) − 23.2 Equation (4.6)

Where
qcurve = Critical production rate from Chaney’s curves, RB/D
h = Zone thickness, ft.
D = Perforated interval, ft.

43
CHAPTER FOUR DIAGNOSTIC OF WATER PRODUCTION PROBLEM

For critical rate calculation, it is necessary to correct the rates obtained from
Chaney's curves Fig(4.4A,4.4B) or Equation(4.6) for the actual values of fluid
and rock properties by the following equation:

0.00333𝑘𝑜 (𝜌𝑤 −𝜌𝑜 )

𝑞𝑐 = 𝑋 𝑞𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑒 Equation (4.7)
𝜇𝑜 𝛽𝑜

Where
w -o =Density difference between water and oil, g/cc.
µo = Oil viscosity, cp.
βo = Oil formation volume factor, RB/STB .

44
CHAPTER FOUR DIAGNOSTIC OF WATER PRODUCTION PROBLEM

Fig(4.4A) Critical Rate by Chaney's Curves

Previous critical rate curve for sand thickness of 12.5 ft., well radius of 3 in.,
and drainage radius of 1,000 ft. Water coning curves: O, open hole; perforated
interval A, 1.25 ft. B, 2.5 ft ; C, 3.75 ft ; D, 5.00 ft and E, 6.25 ft.

45
CHAPTER FOUR DIAGNOSTIC OF WATER PRODUCTION PROBLEM

Fig(4.4B) Critical Rate by Chaney's Curves

Previous critical rate curve for sand thickness of 25 ft., well radius of 3 in., and
drainage radius of 1,000 ft. Water coning curves: O, open hole; perforated
interval A, 2.5 ft. B, 5 ft ; C, 7.5 ft ; D, 10 ft and E, 12.5 ft.

46
CHAPTER FOUR DIAGNOSTIC OF WATER PRODUCTION PROBLEM

4.7 Critical Rate Results

4.7.1 Results of well V4
Before ESP upgrading the average flow rate equaled about 1100 bopd and
1475 bfpd after ESP upgrading the average flow rate 1850 bopd and 2655 bfpd
that is higher than the critical flow rate which caused water coning at the well
and the Table (4.1) showing the results of critical flow rate calculation using the
previous methods.
Table (4.1) The results of critical rate by all methods in well V4

Method Critical rate (STB/Day)

The Meyer and Garder 1668
Chaney et al 1764
Schols 1231
Chaperon 1750

4.7.2 Results of well V23

Before ESP upgrading the average flow rate equaled about 2510 bopd and 3882
bfpd after ESP upgrading the average flow rate 3750 bopd and 5008 bfpd that
is higher than the critical flow rate which caused water coning at the well and
the Table (4.2) showing the results of critical flow rate calculation using the
previous methods.
Table (4.2) The results of critical rate by all methods in well V23
Method Critical rate (STB/Day)
The Meyer and Garder 1605
Chaney et al 1430
Schols 1181
Chaperon 1609

47
CHAPTER FOUR DIAGNOSTIC OF WATER PRODUCTION PROBLEM

4.7.3 Results of well V26

Before ESP upgrading the average flow rate equaled about 2170 bopd and
3131 bfpd after ESP upgrading the average flow rate 4900 bopd and 5346 bfpd
that is higher than the critical flow rate which caused water coning at the well
and the Table (4.3) showing the results of critical flow rate when we used the
previous methods.
Table (4.3) The results of critical rate by all methods in well V26
Method Critical rate (STB/Day)
The Meyer and Garder 3224
Chaney et al 2876
Schols 2478
Chaperon 3591

4.7.4 Summary of critical rate analysis

The critical rate analysis of Belhedan wells V4,V23 and V26 using several
correlations namely (Meyer-Garder, Chaney et al, Schols and Chaperson) has
shown that, the three wells were produced with a production rates higher than
the specific critical production rate for each well, before and after the ESP
upgrading.

Producing wells at higher rates, results in water coning and channeling

problems.

48
Chapter 5
THE EFFECT OF THE WELL PLACEMENT
CHAPTER FIVE THE EFFECT OF WELL PLACEMENT

5.1 Introduction

Optimal placement of oil, gas, or water wells is a complex problem that

depends on reservoir and fluid properties, well and surface equipment
specifications, as well as economic parameters.

Gargaf, Quartzite sandstone formation, which is the main reservoir in

Belhedan field is a fractured, heavily faulted and complex structure, the
reservoir consists of several blocks separated by faults, with depth displacement
reaches up to 200 ft in some blocks.

Well placement in such nature of reservoir, looks to have an important role to

determine wells productivity and affect wells production performance.

In this study it was focused on one side, which is the approximation of wells
to the faults in Belhedan oil field, it was concentrated on the effect of the wells
placement on the production rates, cumulative Oil Production, water cut,
production decline behavior, and reserve.

Wells were classified to the near or far from the faults, according to the
distance between the well and the nearest fault, wells with distance less than
500 ft to the faults, were classified as “near to faults”, while wells with distance
more than 500 ft from faults were classified as “far from faults”. Table(5.1)
shows the number of producing wells, near and far from the faults, and
Fig (5.1) shows the wells placement compared to the faults in Belhedan oil
field.

Table (5.1) The Number of wells near & far from the Faults in Belhedan Field

Number of Produced Wells 24

Near to the Faults 17

Far from the Faults 7

50
CHAPTER FIVE THE EFFECT OF WELL PLACEMENT

Fig (5.1) Wells placement compared to the faults in Belhedan oil field.

51
CHAPTER FIVE THE EFFECT OF WELL PLACEMENT

5.2 Average Flow Rate

There are 17 wells drilled near to the fault in Belhedan oil field, and 82% of
these wells are producing in average flow rate more than 500Bopd, but there is
seven wells drilled far from the faults, 57% of these wells are producing in
average flow rate more than 500Bopd.
AFR =2000- 3600 bbl/day AFR >1000 bbl/day AFR >500 bbl/day

82%
65%

57%
29%

AFR >500 bbl/day

24%

AFR >1000 bbl/day

0%

AFR =2000- 3600 bbl/day

Near from Faults
Far from Faults

Fig (5.2) Wells Productivity compared to approximation to faults.

When start researching on the wells that have production more than 1000
Bopd we found about 65% of wells that near to the fault are producing over
1000 Bopd and about 29% of wells that far to fault producing over 1000 Bopd.

There is no any well that far from the fault is producing over 2000 Bopd but
there are around 24% from the wells that near to the fault producing over 2000
Bopd.

52
CHAPTER FIVE THE EFFECT OF WELL PLACEMENT

5.3 water cut

We studied the effect of well placement on water cut for three different
periods: after one year, ten years and thirty years of the start of the production
in the wells drilled near and far from the faults.

5.3.1 After first year from the start of production

We studied the effect of increasing the water cut after one year of the
production, and it was found that 33% of the wells drilled near to the faults
had water cut more than 2% compared to 29% of the wells drilled far from the
faults that had water cut above 2%, as shown in Fig (5.3).

There were 13% wells drilled near to the faults, that had water cut more than
5%, but there was no wells far from the fault had water cut more than 5%, Also,
by end of first year, 7 % of near fault wells reached water cut of 15 %
compared to no well from wells located far from faults.
WC=15-18 % WC>5% WC>2%
33%

29%
13%

WC>2%
0%
7%

WC>5%
0%

WC=15-18 %
Near from Faults
Far from Faults

Fig (5.3) The percentage of the water cut after the first year of production in the
well near & far from the faults.

53
CHAPTER FIVE THE EFFECT OF WELL PLACEMENT

5.3.2 After Ten years from the start of production

There was 88% of the wells near to faults that had water cut more than 2%
compared by 67% of the wells far from the faults that had the same percentage
as shown in Fig(5.4).

Also, it was found that after 10 years of production, 38% of wells near faults
had produced more 15% of water cut compared to only 17% of wells drilled far
from faults which had produced the same level of water cut.

WC=15-43% WC>5% WC>2%

88%

67%
63%

33%
38%

WC>2%

WC>5%
17%

WC=15-43%
Near from Faults
Far from Faults

Fig (5.4) The percentage of the water cut after the ten years of the production in
the well near & far from the faults.

54
CHAPTER FIVE THE EFFECT OF WELL PLACEMENT

5.3.3After thirty years from start of production

There were 50% of the wells near and far from faults had produced water cut
more than 15% as shown in Fig(5.5).

After 30 years of production, it was found that no well from the wells located
far from faults, had produced a water cut more than 25%, while for wells near
faults, 50% of them had produced water cut more 50%, and 25% of them, had
produced a water cut more than 50%.
WC=50-80 % WC>25% WC>15 %

50%

50%
50%
25%

0%

WC>15 %
WC>25%
0%

WC=50-80 %
Near from Faults
Far from Faults

Fig (5.5) The percentage of the water cut after the thirty years of the production
in the well near & far from the faults.

5.4 Cumulative Oil Production

The effect of well placement with reference to faults was investigated in this
study, oil production of (10 MM, 50 MM, 100 MM and 179 MM STB) was
analyzed as shown in Fig (5.6), at field cumulative oil production of 10 MM
STB, it was found that 50.53 % came from wells located near to faults, while
the contribution of wells located far from faults was 49.47 %.

55
CHAPTER FIVE THE EFFECT OF WELL PLACEMENT

179,840 M BBL 100000 M BBL 50000 M BBL 10000 M BBL

50.53%
49.47%
72.84%

65%

54%

46%
35%
27.16% 10000 M BBL
50000 M BBL

100000 M BBL

179,840 M BBL
near from faults
far from faults

Fig (5.6) The percentage of the cumulative oil production from wells near & far
from the faults.

At cumulative oil production of 50 MM STB, there was slight increase of the

contribution of wells near faults reaching 54%, at field cumulative oil
production of 100 MM STB and 179 MM STB, the contributions of near faults
wells were 65 % and 73 % respectively.

The main conclusion of this analysis, that at early stage of field life, the
contribution of both categories were close to eash other, because of high
number of wells drilled far from faults, but at later development stage (after
1991) most new wells were drilled near to faults. Therefore, the contribution of
near to faults wells to the field cumulative production has increased signifialy
reaching about 73 % as of December 2008.

56
CHAPTER FIVE THE EFFECT OF WELL PLACEMENT

5.5 Decline Curve Analysis

The objective of this analysis was to investigate, whether the wells locations
reference to the approximation to faults has effect on wells production
performance especially the decline type.

5.5.1 Well by well decline analysis

In Belhedan oil field, there are 13 wells from 24 producer in the reservoir
reached the stage of decline, other wells did not reached to the decline phase
yet, because they drilled after 2003, Table(5.2) shows the output that was
obtained from a production decline analysis of the wells ,We used the oil field
manager (OFM) software to calculate the production decline shown in
Appendix (C)..

Table(5.2) The results of production curve analysis for each well.

Total Reserve Remaining Reserve Abandonment
N. Near/Far Type b
( M BBL) ( M BBL) Date
V19 N EXP 0 4826.81 1902.75 06/30/2024
V13 N EXP 0 7506.49 3384.51 08/31/2075
V23 N EXP 0 12852.65 2201.38 09/30/2018
V17 N EXP 0 12858.73 9934.39 08/31/2075
V21 F EXP 0 13593.47 5946.17 09/30/2032
V1 N EXP 0 16610.42 131.94 05/31/2010
V26 N EXP 0 26334.71 9800.81 07/31/2034
V22 N EXP 0 28413.63 6315.56 10/31/2027
V5 N EXP 0 52118.98 15924.10 08/31/2075
V4 F HYB 0.12 30318.70 5006.60 10/31/2039
V12 F HYB 0.17 6295.78 3428.05 07/31/2032
V9 F HYB 0.23 10353.73 452.53 07/31/2013
V18 F HYB 0.27 1963.11 356.12 10/31/2011

To view the Figures that show the decline for each well, see Fig (C.1) to Fig
(C.13) in Appendix (C).

It is through the results have been observed that all the wells which were
drilled near to faults had shown exponential decline, while four out five of the
wells drilled far from faults, have shown hyperbolice decline , with only one

57
CHAPTER FIVE THE EFFECT OF WELL PLACEMENT

well that shown exponential decline , The values of reservoir factor was ranged
0.12 to 0.27.

The total and remaining reserve of the producing wells drilled near the faults
were greater than the wells were drilled far from the faults, As well as for
Abandonment date was noticed that the wells were drilled near the faults are
more durable than wells were drilled far from faults.

The main reason for this is the effective water mechanism , and great support
from the aquifer by the ability of water influx to more quickly through the
natural fractures due to faults.

The effective fractures system associated with faults, results in better

horizontal permeability and reflected in higher production rates, The increase in
water cut, for wells located near to faults, as seen in previous section did not
affect the reserves of these wells, because of their initial high productivity.

5.5.2 Total field decline analysis

All wells on the field were categorized into two groups:
 Group-1:wells located near to faults.
 Group-2:wells located far from faults.
The results show that the two categories gave exponential decline, and
Table(5.3) shows the results obtained from the two categories, Fig (5.9) and Fig
(5.10) show the decline curve analysis for the two categories

Table(5.3) The results of production curve analysis for all well.

Total Reserve Remaining Reserve Abandonment
Classification Type b
( M BBL) (M BBL) Date

Near to the faults EXP 0 400324 272355 8/31/2075

Far from the faults EXP 0 67285.8 18748.9 01/31/2045

But the reserve of wells near the faults was found much higher than reserves
of wells located far from the faults. This is as results of wells high productivity
because of fracture effect which is concentrated around faults.

58
CHAPTER FIVE THE EFFECT OF WELL PLACEMENT

Fig (5.7) The Decline Curve Analysis for the wells were drilled near the faults.

Fig (5.8) The Decline Curve Analysis for the wells were drilled far from the
faults.

59
Chapter 6
THE EFFECT OF WELL COMPLETION
CHAPTER SIX THE EFFECT OF WELL COMPLETION

6.1 Introduction

Completions are often divided into the reservoir completion (the connection
between the reservoir and the well) and the upper completion (conduit from
reservoir completion to surface facilities), Fig(6.1) shown the open hole Vs.
cased hole.

Fig(6.1) Open hole Vs. Cased hole

6.1.1 Open Hole Wells
The uncased portion of a well. All wells, at least when first drilled, have open
hole sections that the well planner must contend with. Prior to running casing,
the well planner must consider how the drilled rock will react to drilling fluids,
pressures and mechanical actions over time. The strength of the formation must
also be considered. A weak formation is likely to fracture, causing a loss of
drilling mud to the formation and, in extreme cases, a loss of hydrostatic head
and potential well control problems. An extremely high-pressure formation,
even if not flowing, may have wellbore stability problems. Once problems
become difficult to manage, casing must be set and cemented in place to isolate
the formation from the rest of the wellbore. While most completions are cased,

61
CHAPTER SIX THE EFFECT OF WELL COMPLETION

some are open, especially in horizontal or extended-reach wells where it may

not be possible to cement casing efficiently.

6.1.2 Cased Hole Wells

The cased hole is the portion of the wellbore that has had metal casing placed
and cemented to protect the open hole from fluids, pressures, wellbore stability
problems or a combination of these.

A wellbore lined with a string of casing or liner. Although the term can apply
to any hole section, it is often used to describe techniques and practices applied
after a casing or liner has been set across the reservoir zone, such as cased-hole
logging or cased-hole testing.

There are 17 wells in Belhedan oil field completed as open hole, and the other
wells completed cased hole, Fig(6.2) shown the wells completion type in the
field.

6.2 Belhedan Wells Classification

We have classified the wells to open hole and cased hole, according to the
type of completion, Table(6.1) shows the number of production open and cased
hole wells, at time of start study.

In this chapter will study the effect of well completion on production

performance such as average flow rate, water cut.

Table (6.1) The Number of wells open and cased hole wells in Belhedan Field

Number of Produced Wells 24

Open hole 17

Cased hole 7

62
CHAPTER SIX THE EFFECT OF WELL COMPLETION

Fig(6.2) The wells completion type in the Belhedan oil field.

63
CHAPTER SIX THE EFFECT OF WELL COMPLETION

6.3 Wells average Flow Rate

The analysis of the wells average flow rate, with reference to type of
completion is shown in Fig(6.3).
AFR =2000- 3600 bbl/day AFR >1000 bbl/day AFR >500 bbl/day

82%

71%
65%

29%
24%

AFR >500 bbl/day

AFR >1000 bbl/day
0%

AFR =2000- 3600 bbl/day

Open Hole
Cased Hole

Fig (6.3) Wells flow rate with comparison to type of completion.

The analysis showed that, 82% of the open hole wells produced more than
500 Bopd, compared to 71% of cased hole wells that reached same level of
production.

It was found also, that 65% of open hole wells reached production rate of
1000 Bopd compared to only 29% of cased hole wells.

Finally, there were 24% of open hole wells that reached a production rate of
2000 Bopd or more, where there was no well of cased hole, reached a
production rate of 2000 Bopd.

64
CHAPTER SIX THE EFFECT OF WELL COMPLETION

6.4 Performance of water cut

We studied the effect of well completion type on water cut for three different
periods: after one year, ten years and thirty years of the start of the production
in the wells completed open and cased hole.

6.4.1 After first year from the start of production

We studied the effect of increasing the water cut after one year of the
production, it was found that 27% of the wells completed as open hole reached
water cut more than 2%, compared to 43% of the wells completed as cased
hole that reached water cut above 2%, as shown in Fig (6.4).
WC=15-18 % WC>5% WC>2%

43%
27%
13%

WC>2%
0%

WC>5%
7%

0%

WC=15-18 %
Open Hole
Cased Hole

Fig (6.4) The performance of the water cut after the first year of production in
the open & cased hole wells.

It was noticed that 13% and 7% of open hole wells reached more than 5% and
15% of water cut respectively at end of first year, but there was no well from
cased hole wells reached a water cut of 5 %.

65
CHAPTER SIX THE EFFECT OF WELL COMPLETION

6.4.2 After Ten years from the start of production

The analysis of water cut performance after 10 years of production has shown
that, 86% and 43% of open hole wells reached more than 5% and 15% of water
cut respectively compared to 43% and 14% of cased hole wells that reached the
same level of water cut respectively, as shown in Fig(6.5).

WC=15-43% WC>5%

86%

43%
43%

WC>5%
14%

WC=15-43%
Open Hole
Cased Hole

Fig (6.5) The performance of the water cut after ten years of production in the
open & cased hole wells.

6.4.3After thirty years from start of production

After 30 years of production, it was found that no well from the wells
completed as cased hole, had produced a water cut more than 25%, while for
wells completed as open hole, 50% of them had produced water cut more 25%,
and 25% of them, had produced a water cut more than 50%, as shown in
Fig(6.6).

66
CHAPTER SIX THE EFFECT OF WELL COMPLETION

WC=50-80 % WC>25%

50%
25%

0%
WC>25%
0%

WC=50-80 %
Open Hole
Cased Hole

Fig (6.6) The performance of the water cut after thirty years of production in
the open & cased hole wells.

67
Chapter 7
THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION
ON WELL & RESERVOIR PERFORMANCE
CHAPTER SEVEN THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

7.1 Introduction

Average reservoir pressure is used for characterizing a reservoir, computing oil

in place, performing reservoir monitoring by material balance, estimating
productivity indexes and predicting future reservoir behavior and ultimate
recovery. It is truly important to understand much reservoir behavior in any stage
of the reservoir life: primary recovery, secondary recovery and pressure
maintenance projects. The average reservoir pressure plays a critical role in field
appraisal, well sizing, and surface facilities sizing. Almost every well intervention
job requires the knowledge of this parameter, the estimation of the average
reservoir pressure is normally obtained from buildup tests.

Average reservoir pressure in a naturally fractured reservoir is usually computed

in a similar way with that of a conventional homogeneous reservoir. However,
because of the different flow regimes that exist in the pressure transient test of a
naturally fractured reservoir, it is necessary to understand the implication of each
flow regime on the estimation of average reservoir pressure.

Belhedan reservoir is produced under strong water drive mechanism, the

cumulative pressure drop since start up until 2008 (43 years of production life) was
736 psi from the initial reservoir pressure of 3102 psi.

The planned 2008 SBHP & PI program was implemented during the period of
October to December 2008. The pressure survey indicated an average reservoir
pressure of 2364 psi. This is still significantly higher than the reservoir bubble
point pressure of 536 psi, shown in Fig(7.1) the average reservoir pressure
performance.

In this chapter we undertook a study to distribute the pressure in the Belhedan oil
field on the basis of pressure data from the year 2001 to 2007 and on the basis of
this study the field was divided into three main regions which are the Central &
East region, Western region and south eastern region, and Fig(7.2) shown the
pressure distribution regions in Belhedan oil field

69
CHAPTER SEVEN THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

70
CHAPTER SEVEN THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

Fig (7.2) The Pressure Distribution Regions in Belhedan Oil Field.

71
CHAPTER SEVEN THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

7.2 Objective

To identify the different pressure region in the Belhedan oil field and the reasons
for the different pressure behavoirs inside the reservoir.

7.3 Pressure Distribution Regions in the Field

7.3.1 Central & East Field Region

This region that includes the largest number of wells (14 wells) shown in
Fig(7.3), and it includes all the productive wells in the center and east of the
reservoir, and the cumulative oil production was more than 133 MM BBL until
December of 2008, the average pressure drop was equal to 673 Psi since the
beginning of production in the year 1963 (44 years).

Fig(7.3) The Production wells in Central & East Field Region.

Since the year 2001 until the year 2007, i.e. during six years the pressure drop
was equaled 123 Psi, despite fact, that the daily production rate (fluid withdraw)
from this regions is very high reaching an average of 23,937 Bfpd for the year of
2008, this means that there is a good pressure maintenance in this region, because

72
CHAPTER SEVEN THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

of the presence of a strong support from the aquifer (strong water drive
mechanism), Fig(B.1) to Fig(B.6) in Appendix (B) shown the pressure distribution
in the Belhedan oil field from 2001 to 2007.

7.3.2 Western Field Region

This region includes three wells (V5,V19 and V23) shown in Fig(7.4), and the
productive area in the west of the reservoir, The cumulative oil production from
this region 49 MM BBL until December of 2008, the average pressure drop was
equal to 1016 Psi since the beginning of production in the year 1963 (44 years).

Fig(7.4) The Production wells in Western Field Region

Since the year 2001 until the year 2007, i.e. during six years the pressure drop
equaled 445Psi, this could be due limited pressure support from aquifer at the
western side of the field. Fig(B.1) to Fig(B.6) in Appendix (B) shown the pressure
distribution in the Belhedan oil field from 2001 to 2007.

7.3.3 South Eastern Field Region

This region include the wells (V21,V22,V27 and extends to V14 at the south end
of the field) shown in Fig(7.5), This includes the productive wells in the south
eastern of the reservoir, with cumulative oil production of 31 MM BBL until
December of 2008, The average fluid withdrawal (production rate) was 5,214 Bfpd

73
CHAPTER SEVEN THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

during last year of production (2008), The average pressure drop was equal to 1534
Psi since the beginning of production in the year 1963 (44 years), This pressure
drop is more than two times the pressure drop in the central and east field region,
althrough the daily fluid with drawal from central region is 4.6 times the
production from the southeastran region.

Fig(7.5) The Production wells in South Eastern Field Region

Since the year 2001 until the year 2007, i.e. during six years the pressure drop
was equaled 748 Psi, It is noticed that the pressure drop during this period
represents half the total pressure drop in this region.

This due to limited aquifer support to the south eastern part of field, as it is
located between two major faults, the first faults is bounding the reservoir from
east side, The second fault is surrounding the region from west side, extending
from south to north (close to V22 and V27), pressure transit analysis showed that
this fault is a sealing faults (see Fig(7.5) , Fig(7.6)).

Other reason for pressure drop in this region, is the relatively high production
rate reached 9,500 Bfpd in 2004 compared to the limited aquifer support,

74
CHAPTER SEVEN THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

especially after putting V27 on production since 2003 in additives to high

production from V21 and V22.

The pressure distribution in the Belhedan oil field from 2001 to 2007 is shown in
Fig(B.1) to Fig(B.6) in Appendix (B).

Fig(7.6) The sealing fault separating south Eastern Region from main central field
Region.

7.4 Pressure Performance in Some Selected Wells

A number of wells in the Belhedan field were selected to study its pressure
performance, The choice was based on a number of factors of which the most
important was the productivity of the wells and the location of the wells (region).

The chosen wells are (V5 in the western region, V26 in the central region and
V22 in the south eastern region).

The well V4 was chosen for study, because of a great drop of pressure in the last
phase and accordingly the number of wells studied equal 4 wells, Fig(7.7) shown
the location of these wells.

75
CHAPTER SEVEN THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

Fig(7.7) The place of these wells in Belhedan oil field.

7.4.1 Pressure Performance in Well V4

This well located in the east region, the average reservoir pressure in this well
was 2960 psi in 1991, with only a pressure drop of 110 psi over a production
period of 28 years this due to the reservoir is produced under strong water drive
mechanism.

In the year 2001 the average pressure equaled 2900 Psi and in the year 2007
equaled 2404 Psi with a pressure drop of 506 Psi, this amounts is a very large drop
if we compare it to the drop from 1963 to 2001 such that the drop equaled 192 Psi
that is 72% from the total pressure drop was during the last seven years.

The biggest reason for pressure drop was due to ESP upgrading in the month of
April 2003 until the month of June 2004, which caused a drop of 200 psi during
ESP upgrading.

76
CHAPTER SEVEN THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

7.4.2 Pressure Performance in Well V5

This well located in the western region, the average reservoir pressure in this
well was 2980 psi in 1968 & 2780 psi in 1993, this represent decline of 200 psi
over a period of 24 years . V5 showed higher pressure depletion compared to well
V4, most likely due to a water aquifer support from western side of the field.

It was observed that the drop in pressure has increased since October 1997 and
the cause was the increase in production after the installation of an ESP on the
well, since it was producing naturally from 1963 to 1997, In the year 2001 the
average pressure equaled 2575 Psi and in the year 2007 equaled 1806 Psi with a
pressure drop of 769 Psi.

The pressure drop in this well is because of limited aquifer support, as well as
high production rate.

7.4.3 Pressure Performance in Well V22

This well located in the southeastern region, the Average reservoir pressure in this
well was 2460 psi in 1991 with a pressure drop of 610 psi over a production period
of 28 years, due to limited aquifer support, for this region.

In the year 2001, the average pressure equaled 2129 Psi and in the year 2007
equaled 1655 Psi with a pressure drop of 1074 Psi. The drop in pressure has
increased since October 1997 and the cause was the increase in production after the
installation of an ESP on the well as happened in the well V5.

7.4.4 Pressure Performance in Well V26

This well located in the central region, which has the lowest pressure drop among
the reservoir. In the year 2001, the average pressure equaled 2884 Psi and in the
year 2007 equaled 2664 Psi with a pressure drop of 220 Psi, This due to the
reservoir is produced under support of strong water drive mechanism.

In spite of ESP installation in 1997 and ESP upgrading in this well in 2003, this
did not affect pressure drop in the long run and this because the well is drilled near

77
CHAPTER SEVEN THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

from the fault, where more fractures exist and proved better communication
between reservoir and aquifer, thus better pressure support, in contrast to the well
V4 which is drilled far from the fault.

78
Chapter 8
Conclusions & Recommendations
CHAPTER EIGHT CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

8.1 Conclusions

8.1.1 Conclusions of ESP upgrading

1. The increase of oil production through ESP Upgrading was implemented in

three wells (V4, V23, and V26) in Belhedan Field, which is fractured reservoir.

2. Although it was possible to increase oil production rate from these wells,
to a range of 11% to 41%, a problem of increasing water cut was noticed in
these wells, where water cut was increased two times and up to four times.

3. Reducing production rate from these wells was implemented using ESP
downgrading with aim to decrease the water cut, Production performance
during the stage especially the water cut was carefully monitored in the these
wells, by ESP Downgrading the level of water cut could not be reduced back
to its level before ESP Upgrading.

4. ESP Downgrading succeeded to slow down the trend of the water cut
performance, but not to decrease the water cut in each of these wells.

5. This proves the difficulty in controlling water cut when producing wells at
high rate in fractured reservoir; therefore, for better reservoir management, and
water cut control, it is preferred to produce wells at optimum rates to maximize
oil recovery, without enhancing the increase of WC, when it becomes
uncontrollable.

6. The cause of water production in well V4 could not be easily identified as it

appears as results of mixed influence of bottom water drive coning and near
well bore water channeling.

7. The water production in V23 is most likely due to early stage of multilayer
channeling.

80
CHAPTER EIGHT CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

8. The water production in V26 appeared as results of bottom water drive coning,
the high fluid withdrawal from this well and high cumulative oil production of
20 MM STB helped to rise the water table around this well.

9. The diagnostic plots for Belhedan wells has shown that, The indicators of water
production problems starts even before the exercise of ESP upgrading , but it
looks that the problem was accelerated during the last period of production
(after 2003). This is most likely because of producing the wells at higher rate
during the stage of ESP upgrading.

10. The attempt to decrease WC using ESP downgrading could not succeed to
decrease the water cut, as water has already broken through into the fractures
network connected into the well bores.

11. The critical rate analysis of Belhedan wells has shown that, the wells were
produced with a production rates higher than the specific critical production rate
for each well, before and after the ESP upgrading.

8.1.2 Conclusions of well placement

1. Wells near the faults produce at higher rate compared to wells drilled far from
the faults, and there is no well far from faults produce more 2000 barrels per
day.

2. The wells which were drilled near to faults had shown exponential decline,
while four out five of the wells drilled far from faults, have shown hyperbolice
decline, with only one well that shown exponential.

3. The total and remaining reserve of the producing wells drilled near the faults
were greater than the wells were drilled far from the faults, As well as for
Abandonment date was noticed that the wells were drilled near the faults are
more durable than wells were drilled far from faults.

81
CHAPTER EIGHT CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

4. The main reason for this is the effective water mechanism , and great support
from the aquifer by the ability of water influx to more quickly through the
natural fractures due to faults.

5. The effective fractures system associated with faults, results in better horizontal
permeability and reflected in higher production rates, The increase in water cut,
for wells located near to faults, as did not affect the reserves of these wells,
because of their initial high productivity.

6. But the reserve of wells near the faults was found much higher than reserves of
wells located far from the faults. This is as results of wells high productivity
because of fracture effect, which is concentrated around faults.

8.1.3 Conclusions of well completion

1. Open hole completion gives us a better flow rate compared to cased hole wells,
but, the water cut is high in open hole wells compared to cased hole wells.

2. Open hole wells characterized by high recovery, despite of high WC because of

wells high productivity.

8.1.4 Conclusions of pressure distribution

1. Analysis of pressure performance of Belhedan oil field indicated three pressure

regions, identified as, central and eastern region, western region, and
southeastern region.

2. Although, that most of the cumulative oil production of Belhedan oil field came
from the central region and most high productivity wells are located in this
region, this region has lowest pressure drop at 673 psi from initial reservoir
pressure of 3100 psi, and over production life of 44 years.

82
CHAPTER EIGHT CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

This region is heavily faulted with extensively associate fractures, this provides
good communication through the reservoir and to the aquifer, which results in
good hydraulic movement of fluid, thus better aquifer support and pressure
maintenance.

3. The western, southeastern regions, showed a significantly pressure drop with

1016 psi and 1534 psi respectively, from the reservoir initial pressure of 3100
psi, over production life of 44 year, This because of limited pressure support
from the aquifer and high production withdraw from the wells located in these
two regions.

8.2 Recommendations

1. In order to maximize oil recovery from Belhedan oil field and control the
problem of water production, it is recommended to optimize the production rate
of each Belhedan well, so not to exceed the critical rates.

2. It is not recommended, to use ESP upgrading to increase production rate, even

with high productivity wells, as this will enhance water breakthrough into
fractures rework connected to well bore and results in rapid increase in water
cut which is difficult to cure or controlled.

3. For the studied wells, V4, V23, and V26, it is recommended to run production
log (PLT) to investigate the entry point of water and possibly conduct water
exclusion workover, if water is entry the well from bottom section of open hole.

4. Near to the faults is the best well placement in Belhedan field due to the
presence of effective fractures system close to faults.

5. Open hole completion still highly recommended for Belhedan new wells to
obtain high productivity, although these is possibility of difficulty to control
water cut.

83
CHAPTER EIGHT CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

6. It is recommended to optimize the cased hole completion using fractures

indicator logs such as FMI, UBI to optimize the perforation intervals.

7. As far as the central region, there is no fear of pressure drop in this region
because of support from the aquifer but it is necessary to monitor pressure and
optimize production from wells, so not to create pressure sinks within the
region.

8. For the western region, there is an observed drop in pressure, thus it is

recommended to decrease production from this region wells, and carefully
monitor the pressure in this area.

9. Due significantly drop in pressure of the southeastern region, it is recommended

cut back production from this region by shut-in some of area wells, pressure
must be carefully monitored and if it is still declining, then water injection
should be considered in this region.

10. It is recommended to located future infill drilling in the central, east and north
areas of the field and stop new drilling in the west and south regions.

84
REFERENCE

1) T.D.Vangolf-Racht, Fundamentals of Fractured Reservoir

Engineering, Elsevier Scientic Publishing Company, Amsterdam,
Netherlands, (1982).
2) R.A. Nelson, Geologic Analysis of Naturally Fractured Reservoirs,
Second Edition, Gulf Professional, USA, (2001).
3) T.Ahmed & P.D.Mckinney, Advanced Reservoir Engineering,
Elsevier inc, Oxford, (2005).
4) K.S.Chan, Water Control Diagnostic Plots, SPE Paper 30775, (1995).
5) Thomas O. Allen & Alan P. Roberts, Production Operations, Second
Edition, Oil & Gas Consultants Inc, Oklahoma,USA, (1982).
6) Jonathan Bellarby, Well Completion Design, Elsevier, First Edition ,
Amsterdam, Netherlands, (2009).
7) Don Hauett, Petroleum Geology of Libya , Elsevier B.V, Amsterdam,
Netherlands, (2002).
8) Bill Bailey Mike Crabtree & others, Water Control, Oilfield Review,
(2000).
9) Training and Exercise Guide, Oil Field Manager Forecast Analysis
Fundamentals, Schlumberger Information Solutions, (2005).

85
Appendix (A)
DIAGNOSTIC PLOTS OF WATER PRODUCTION
APPENDIX (A) WATER CONTROL DIAGNOSTIC PLOTS

Diagnostic Plots of Water Production (*)

Fig(A.1) Multilayer Channeling.

* From K.S.Chan, Water Control Diagnostic Plots, SPE Paper

87
APPENDIX (A) WATER CONTROL DIAGNOSTIC PLOTS

Fig(A.2) Multilayer Channeling With Production Changes.

Fig(A.3) Normal Displacement With High WOR.

88
APPENDIX (A) WATER CONTROL DIAGNOSTIC PLOTS

Fig(A.4) Rapid Channeling.

Fig(A.5) Bottom Water Drive Coning.

89
APPENDIX (A) WATER CONTROL DIAGNOSTIC PLOTS

Fig(A.6) Near Well Bore Water Channeling.

Fig(A.7) Water Flood Expended Diagnostic Plots.

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APPENDIX (A) WATER CONTROL DIAGNOSTIC PLOTS

91
Appendix (B)
THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION
APPENDIX (B) THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

The Effect of Pressure Distribution

Table (B.1) The average pressure in three regions since 2001 to 2007.

Average Pressure (Psi)

Years Central & East Region Western Region South Eastern Region

2001 2552 2531 2316

2002 2651 2550 2265
2003 2610 2420 2113
2005 2438 2222 1709
2006 2421 2219 1682
2007 2429 2086 1568

Table (B.2) The average reservoir pressure since 2001 to 2007.

Years Average Reservoir Pressure (Psi)

2001 2534

2002 2589

2003 2560

2005 2470

2006 2451

2007 2245

92
APPENDIX (B) THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

Fig (B.1) The Reservoir pressure Distribution in 2001.

93
APPENDIX (B) THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

Fig (B.2) The Reservoir pressure Distribution in 2002.

94
APPENDIX (B) THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

Fig (B.3) The Reservoir pressure Distribution in 2003.

95
APPENDIX (B) THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

Fig (B.4) The Reservoir pressure Distribution in 2005.

96
APPENDIX (B) THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

Fig (B.5) The Reservoir pressure Distribution in 2006.

97
APPENDIX (B) THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

Fig (B.6) The Reservoir pressure Distribution in 2007.

98
APPENDIX (B) THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

Fig (B.7) The Cumulative Oil Production in Belhedan Oil Field in December 2008.

99
Appendix (C)
THE PRODUCTION DECLINE CURVES
APPENDIX (C) THE PRODUCTION CURVE ANALYSIS

The Production Decline Curves for Production Wells

Fig (C.1) The Production decline curve for well V1.

Fig (C.2) The Production decline curve for well V4.

101
APPENDIX (C) THE PRODUCTION CURVE ANALYSIS

Fig (C.3) The Production decline curve for well V5.

Fig (C.4) The Production decline curve for well V9.

102
APPENDIX (C) THE PRODUCTION CURVE ANALYSIS

Fig (C.5) The Production decline curve for well V12.

Fig (C.6) The Production decline curve for well V13.

103
APPENDIX (C) THE PRODUCTION CURVE ANALYSIS

Fig (C.6) The Production decline curve for well V17.

Fig (C.7) The Production decline curve for well V18.

104
APPENDIX (C) THE PRODUCTION CURVE ANALYSIS

Fig (C.8) The Production decline curve for well V19.

Fig (C.9) The Production decline curve for well V21.

105
APPENDIX (C) THE PRODUCTION CURVE ANALYSIS

Fig (C.10) The Production decline curve for well V22.

Fig (C.11) The Production decline curve for well V23.

106
APPENDIX (C) THE PRODUCTION CURVE ANALYSIS

Fig (C.12) The Production decline curve for well V26.

107
APPENDIX (C) THE PRODUCTION CURVE ANALYSIS

Oil Field Manager (OFM)2007.2 software

Oil Field Manager (OFM) is a powerful surveillance software application that

has been widely used by professionals in the oil industry. It provides an array of
tools for managing and analyzing production data.

Oil Field Manager is a powerful suite of modules designed to aid in the day-to-
day surveillance and management of oil and gas fields developed by Schlumberger
Information Solutions.

Oil Field Manager (OFM) provides an intuitive, user-friendly interface enabling

you to view, modify, and analyze production and reservoir data within the
Microsoft Windows environment.

You can also perform basic and/or complex analyses for individual or multiple
completions, groups of well, an entire field, or several fields. OFM is the ideal tool
for all work environments and users.

The following modules make up the major areas of OFM functionality - Primary
Analysis, Advanced Engineering and Geological Analysis, Back Allocation, and
Material Balance.

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APPENDIX (C) THE PRODUCTION CURVE ANALYSIS

Primary Analysis Modules

 Base Maps enable you to define project data. This is the primary connection
to other modules in OFM.
 Plots enable you to customize plots of your data from one or more
completions.
 Reports enable you to display your input or calculated data in tabular format.

Advanced Engineering and Geological Modules

 Bubble Maps display large amounts of data to help you identify trends,
anomalies, or potential problems in an oilfield.
 Cross-Sections enable you to quickly visualize the structure of a reservoir
through log traces, markers, lithology, and wellbore schematics.
 Grid Maps identify trends and anomalies in the map.
 Contour Maps enable you to generate contour or color-filled contour maps
of depth-or time-related data.
 Surface Maps display 3D representations of depth- or time-related data.
 Single or Multiple Log Display enables you to view, analyze, and
manipulate log data for one or more well logs.
 Map XY Plots enable you to generate up to four curves for each well or any
filter category and graphically displays the information directly on the base
map at the geographic location.
 Scatter Plots enable you to cross-plot any two variables through time to help
locate workover candidates or determine trends.
 Wellbore Diagrams display wellbore schematics and catalogs the equipment
history of wells.

Optional Modules
 Back Allocation balances production volumes at every node of the
production network and supports various petroleum-engineering calculations
for estimating oil production rates and simulates unscheduled shutdowns and
unexpected events.

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APPENDIX (C) THE PRODUCTION CURVE ANALYSIS

 Material Balance enables you to determine Oil in Place and Gas in Place,
predicts reservoir performance, and allows you to study the effect of
reservoir conditions on production.
 Nodal Analysis. Single well, multiple well, manifold, options, and PIPESIM
advanced analysis are the nodal analysis types offered through PIPESIM
integration.

OFM 2007.2 Forecast

OFM 2007.2 Forecast schedule interface, pictured below, organizes the forecast
setting in to four groups: Schedule Starting Settings, Schedule Limits, Decline
Parameters and Advanced Settings. The major changes are the Schedule Limits
and the Decline Parameter.

110
APPENDIX (C) THE PRODUCTION CURVE ANALYSIS

Schedule Limits includes four settings: End Time, End Rate, Schedule Reserves,
and Total reserves. The end time and end rate limits are required.

The default value for End Rate is 0.1 of unit flow rate. In the cases of an incline
forecast process, Schedule Reserves and Total Reserves are optional.

In Belhedan oil field, the end time is economic time equal 50 bbl/day and end
time is 12/31/2100.

Decline Rate Parameters

Decline Parameters has two settings: Decline Type and the Initial Decline Rate
(Di).

Decline Type
The Decline Typesetting provides the following options:

 Historical Regression – The actual forecast decline type will be determined

by the historical regression. It can be an analytical solution, or one of the
Arps’ equations if Empirical solution is used and Fit Type is set as Best Fit.
 Exponential – Arps’ exponential decline equation (b = 0).
 Hyperbolic – Arps’ hyperbolic decline equation with user defined b value.
 Harmonic – Arps’ harmonic decline equation (b = 1.0).

In Belhedan oil field, we use historical regression (best fit method) by analytical
solution.

Initial Decline Rate (Di)

The initial Decline Rate (Di) has five options (this setting is for Arps’ equations
only. It is only ignored if Decline Type is set as Historical Regression with
analytical solutions). The options are listed below:

 Historical Regression – The initial decline rate will be determined by

historical regression, Start Time and Reinitialize settings.
 User Defined – User defined initial decline rate.

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APPENDIX (C) THE PRODUCTION CURVE ANALYSIS

 Calculate from Reserves and End Rate – The initial decline rate is calculated
to achieve the desired reserves and end rate. Schedule Reserves or Total
Reserves is required. When both of the reserves are set, the schedule
reserves will be used. Adequate schedule duration (forecast time) should be
set for reaching the reserves and the end rate; otherwise the forecast may be
ended by the time limit.
 Calculate from Reserves and Schedule Time – The initial decline rate is
calculated to achieve the desired reserves at the end of a forecast schedule.
Schedule Reserves or Total Reserves is required. When both of the reserves
are set, the schedule reserves will be used. Also, user should make sure that
the forecast will not be end by the end rate.
 Calculate from End Rate and Schedule Time – The initial decline rate is
calculated to achieve the desired end rate at the end of a forecast schedule.
User should make sure that the forecast will not be end by the schedule
reserves or total reserves if one or both reserves are set.

In Belhedan oil field, we use historical regression to determine the initial decline
rate.

112