Exploration Prospect Maturation

Challenge:
Client performed Regional Studies on its West and East Assets in 2012 and 2019 respectively. Based on the Regional Studies report, client awarded contracts on Prospect Maturation for the West Asset at various times between 2012 and 2015 to various third-party service providers, and each time, the result was inconclusive.

Solution Approach:
An independent scouting for prospects and assessment of bounding faults and compartments across the three. in the West Asset was carried out. In the process, IFDC

• interpreted about 3200 sq. km. of seismic data
• performed structural validation including rock physics and AVO analysis
• performed volumetric estimates and prospect rankings

Results:

• Identified over 30 prospects
• Recommended three drillable prospects for 2020 Exploration drilling campaign
• Developed workplan to generate Atlas of Prospects across West Assets
• Provided support for Exploration Wells planning and drilling campaign

Lessons Learned:
There is no substitute for local knowledge or familiarity with local analogues in proper resource evaluation. Also, dedicated Studies Team shielded from the daily Operations of Asset Management.

Well and Reservoir Management Support

Challenge:
Existing Static and Dynamic Reservoir model vintages from both Local and International third-party service providers were not representative of actual field performance.

Solution Approach:

• Updated geological model with reduced facies classes relative to existing models
• Reconciled HCIIP volumes with prior model
• Performed Petrophysical review of well logs / fluid distribution data across key reservoirs
• Constructed dynamic simulation models for all reservoirs

Results:

• Reduced Infill Well count by 5
• Net increase in resource base by about 20 – 30 MMSTBO
• Developed workplan to generate Atlas of Prospects across West Assets
• Provided support for Exploration Wells planning and drilling campaign

Lessons Learned:
Significant business growth opportunity from effective WRFM; collaboration between Client Operation staff and IFDC Studies Team and “Follow up” project execution model.

Gas Development and Monetization Study

 Challenge:

Gas resource base uncertainty due to inadequate geological delineation and understanding of depositional environment.

Solution Approach:

• Revisited the geological depositional model leading to the adoption of a channelized depositional model
• Detailed mapping of the various channel complexes and all amplitude anomalies
• Application of advanced seismic tracking technology to define fault complexes

Results:

• Significant increase in resource base leading to a revised development concept

Lessons Learned:

Need for Synergy between Technical Teams and ‘Thinking Outside the Box” mindset.

 

Mixed Viscous Oil Development Study

 Customer’s Challenge:

Extremely low recoveries from viscous (20 – 35 cp) oil reservoirs – mostly due to biodegradation. This is prevalent in Shallow Reservoirs in the Niger Delta.

Solution: Contract awarded to IFDC in April 2018

• Geological evaluation to determine presence of commercial volumes.
• Comprehensive fluid characterization
• Reservoir simulation to investigate recovery for different mechanisms, well configuration and production technologies

Results:

• Reasonable recoveries under various production technologies – Horizontal well, ESPs and Gas lifting from nearby High GOR fields

Lessons Learned:

Significant business growth opportunity for the Niger Delta shallow reservoirs. However, the lack of infrastructure is still a major setback for the growth of EOR in Nigeria.