«Proceedings of Gubkin University»

Features of constructing a geological and hydrodynamic model considering the heterogeneous properties of fluids and transitional zones of the Burgan, Yamama, Manifa and Arab deposits on the Persian gulf shelf

UDC: 550.8:622.276
DOI: -

Authors:

¹ LUKOIL Engineering, Moscow, Russian Federation
² Zarubezhneft R&D Center (LLC “VNIINeft”), Moscow, Russian Federation

Keywords: hydrodynamic model, geological model, petrophysics, terrigenous reservoirs, carbonate reservoirs, transition zone, heterogeneous oil properties, aquifer, nodal analysis, Persian Gulf, offshore development, Yamama, Burgan, Manifa, Arab, bituminous rim, three-phase flow, hydrodynamic model adaptation, Middle East

Annotation:

Geological and production data have been collected and summarized for a major production asset on the Persian Gulf shelf. A petrophysical, geological, and hydrodynamic model has been prepared, taking into account the transitional zones and the heterogeneous properties of oil, including viscosity, for two primary terrigenous reservoirs, Burgan, and several carbonate reservoirs, Yamama, Manifa, and Arab. The field is divided into several structures, each separated by faults and characterized by different oil properties. A secondary structure, with lower dissolved gas content, exhibits more homogeneous oil properties. The main structure, featuring a gas cap and a higher volume of dissolved gas, contains oil with heterogeneous properties, including a heavy oil rim. Analysis of oil density changes during development has identified the main flow directions. Heavier oil flows to the wells from areas located closer to the oil-water contact, where more viscous and heavier hydrocarbons are concentrated. Nodal analysis of production for each well was conducted, considering the actual operating conditions. Lift models were prepared for both natural flow and planned gas lift regimes. A material balance model was created and calibrated for all major units, determining parameters of the strong aquifer and factors leading to cross-border flow from other field areas. Adaptation of the hydrodynamic model for each well was performed considering wellhead pressure and the production rates of oil, gas, and water. A review of regional studies was conducted to determine the causes of heavy oil rims on fields with light oil in this region. The formation of such rims on similar fields, including Burgan and Yamama, is not linked to biodegradation or other chemical transformations such as oxidation. During the formation of the accumulation, the flow of organic material from sources enters a more mature stage with a higher content of light fractions and gas. These fractions displace heavy components from the reservoir downward towards the oil-water contact, forming a denser rim. In some cases, heavy fractions may precipitate as solids if the flow from light organics proves incompatible. All these processes have occurred at the studied site and affect development to varying degrees depending on the structure and characteristics of the unit.

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