Abstract

Numerous studies have been carried out to ascertain the mechanisms of low-salinity and smart water flooding technique for improved oil recovery. Focus was often on brine composition and, specifically, the cationic content in sandstone reservoirs. Given the importance of the salt composition and concentration, tweaking the active ions which are responsible for the fluids–rock equilibrium will bring into effect numerous mechanisms of displacement which have been extensively debated. This experimental study, however, was carried out to evaluate the extent of the roles of chloride- and sulphate-based brines in improved oil recovery. To carry this out, 70,000 ppm sulphates- and chloride-based brines were prepared to simulate formation water and 5000 ppm brines of the same species as low-salinity displacement fluids. Core flooding process was used to simulate the displacement of oil by using four (4) native sandstones core samples, obtained from Burgan oil field in Kuwait, at operating condi

Abstract

In this study, a new method is presented to select rotary drilling bits in an oil or gas well. Planning a new oil or gas well requires selection of hardware components such as casings and bits. Additional information needed in the design and cost estimation of the new well is the performance of bits under varying operating conditions. The bit selection is an important task for the drilling engineer. The offset well information can provide valuable information. However, the data from the offset well contains a complex relationship between operational parameters, formation properties, drilling fluid properties and hydraulics, and bit design. The bits are selected based on the performance of similar bits in offset wells. Parameters affecting a bit performance have a complex pattern. The relationships between formation properties, drilling fluid characteristics, bit design, and operational parameters in these patterns are not easily understood. In this approach, different variables such as

Abstract

Wettability measurement is important in production development to newly discovered as well as mature reservoirs. Evaluating the wettability is exceptionally important (for its significant-yields in hydrocarbon quantities) in oil and gas production schemes for newly discovered reservoirs such as shale reservoirs and other unconventional plays. Shale wettability has its unique fluid-mineral distribution relationships, which makes both pore morphology as well as mineral composition very significant factors controlling its wettability. The complex shale physical, chemical, and crystollgraphical constituent’s mineralogy as well as its physical pore morphology heterogeneity can complicate the wettability measurement further inside the pore structure fabrication, and hence the ultimate oil/gas recovery. The main objective of this study is to investigate the complexity of heterogeneous mineral structure of shale as well as its complex pore structure and its attributes toward the unconventional

Abstract

Clinical samples obtained from 200 patients with intra-abdominal infections were investigated for the presence of anaerobic bacteria. The majority of samples were from patients with appendicitis (108, 54%) followed by peritoneal abscess/peritonitis (37, 18.5%). A total of 153 anaerobes were isolated from 83 culture positive specimens with an isolation rate of 1.8 per sample. Ninety (59%) yielded Bacteroides fragilis group and B. fragilis stricto sensu accounted for half of them. Other isolates were 36 (23.5%) Prevotella species and 15 (9.8%) Peptostreptococcus micros. The susceptibility of the 153 isolates against eight antibiotics was determined by the E-test. All the isolates were susceptible to metronidazole, MIC90s varying between 1-2 μg/mL. The Prevotella spp., Peptostreptococcus spp., Fusobacterium spp. and Porphyromonas spp. were all susceptible to clindamycin (MIC90s=0.25-2 μg/mL respectively), imipenem (MIC90s=0.12-0.5 μg/mL respectively) and meropenem (MIC90=0.25 μg/mL each).

Abstract

Some heavy oils reservoirs present an unusual behavior when put on production under significant drawdown conditions. In these reservoirs, the high formation depressurization increments the recovery factor and accelerates the production rates driven by a solution gas mechanism. Due to the chemical and physical properties of these oils they tend to stabilize the dispersion of gas bubbles, promoting the generation of foam in the oleic phase. This foamy oil when compared with conventional oils result in a more productive response at similar drawdown conditions. The foamy oil phase behavior is the result of a number of complex mechanisms and requires a good understanding on each of them to estimate the potential response of these reservoirs. In this work, the role of key factors that affect the bubbly oil production is summarized. To outline the significance of key variables on the performance, a commercial optimization and uncertainty analysis software coupled with a mechanistic simulator

Abstract

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) provides a means to progressively expand hydrocarbon exploitation through scientific advancements. EOR methods have been proved to mobilize, and induce the flow of oil to producing wells in primary, secondary, and tertiary recovery stages. This work involves the construction of an EOR database based on numerous reported EOR projects. The database lists reservoir rock and fluid properties in addition to other project attributes related to oil saturations, incremental recovery, demography, and project start date. The database provides a profile of worldwide EOR trends. This paper also updates the EOR selection criteria published by Taber et al. in 1996 (Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) 35385). Finally, this paper illustrates the relationship of EOR project distribution to key reservoir characteristics. The database can be a vital tool for formulating field development plans, ensuring project viability, and clarifying research development priorities. © 2011

Abstract

[No abstract available]

Abstract

Heavy oil contribution is considered a key requirement for delivering the challenging 2030 strategic production targets of Kuwait. Different production technologies have been considered for meeting this challenge. Initially the cold production technology of CHOPS (Cold Heavy Oil Production with Sand) has been tried through a pilot. The present paper summarizes the performance of the first CHOPS pilot performance and analysis of the pilot results. The analysis of the performance data from the pilot provides important clue for understanding the reservoir description issues as well as sand production characteristics. The result of the study has relevance for sand management strategies in the planned future thermal development of the field as well. The wealth of information available from the pilot helps developing an improved dynamic reservoir description. The paper demonstrates that the CHOPS process has an intimate relationship with rock mechanics, fluid viscosity and the flow potential

Abstract

A methodology has been developed to forecast the performance of an oil well which has not gone into the decline mode as yet i.e., which is exhibiting (a) increasing, (b) constant or (c) fluctuating production rates. This procedure has been adapted from the solution of the familiar 'Diffusivity Equation' under conditions which give rise to the well-known 'exponential decline' behavior. The technique has been illustrated with the help of both a synthetic case and an actual field example from a Middle Eastern reservoir. The analytically-derived predictions have been compared with the results from single well numerical simulation. There is good agreement between the two. The analytic technique gives conservative predictions.

Abstract

A comprehensive numerical and analytical assessment of water coning in a heavy oil field in Northern Kuwait is presented in this study. Several wells were investigated in light of possible coning affect. Based on the lessons learned from the field data and modeling efforts, a coning envelope is generated and possible mitigation actions are explored. The complex geologic and stratigraphic architecture of the reservoir with underlying oil-water contact presents a unique challenge to achieve water-free oil production in this field. The field produces average 15 0 API crude of 50-100 cp at 100° F. Production data from wells from different structural locations were history-matched using numerical simulations on single well models (including type well models). Model runs were extended to estimate critical liquid rate to avoid coning. Additionally, critical rates assessed from several analytical models were

Abstract

The present study deals with the extension of Stone's model to develop the analytical model of gravity segregated length (distance travelled by injected water and gas together before the complete segregation) and gravity segregated water zone height in water-alternative-gas (WAG) displacement for inclined stratified heterogeneous reservoirs. However, as per our knowledge, until now, all available analytical models of gravity segregation in the WAG displacement process consider the assumption that the reservoir is homogeneous i.e. one-layer system with constant porosity and permeability. In reality, most of the reservoirs are heterogeneous with random variation in permeability due to the variation in the depositional environments, which have a major impact on a vertical sweep in WAG displacement. The analytical models of gravity segregation for dipping stratified heterogeneous reservoir are developed by solving the fractional flow equations of displacement of fluids through MOC (method

Abstract

The water-alternating-gas (WAG) operating scheme and reservoir permeability heterogeneity are the main crucial parameters, which highlyaffect WAG displacement process. The novelty of this article lies in the development of an analytical model for WAG incremental oil recovery as function of WAG ratio, viscous gravity ratio and mobility ratio for the stratified heterogeneous reservoir. We have investigated the effect WAG ratio on WAG incremental oil recovery with variation horizontal permeability heterogeneity, vertical permeability anisotropy and dip angle of the reservoir. The critical operating parameters investigations were carried to optimize WAG displacement process in both homogeneous and heterogeneous reservoirs. Finally, we have estimated all the benefits of the most suitable techno-economical WAG operating scheme as tapered WAG (TWAG) over uniform WAG (UWAG). The developed analytical model showsreasonably similar results as numerical simulation. The results of the analytical an

Abstract

Balancing aggressiveness, stability and durability bit behaviours is the principal engineering challenge when designing an application-specific PDC bit. The application this paper addresses is a directionally drilled interbedded abrasive formation that generates dysfunctional drilling torque. This paper demonstrates the engineering process of designing a bit that balances the three major bit behaviours, thereby optimizing drilling efficiency to meet the goals of successfully drilling the required interval while improving rates of penetration. West Kuwait's 12.25″ section primarily involves interbedded abrasive sandstone and hard shale sublayers that induce torque fluctuations. The combined result is impact and abrasion wear on cutters causing mid-run reduction in rates of penetration, prematurely terminating the run. The section involves a J-type directional profile drilled using an adjustable-bend mud motor or a rotary steerable system. It starts off drilling vertically till the kick

Abstract

This paper presents the application of a Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) method based on the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), a technique developed by Saaty, T.L. (1980, 2008), to improve definition of field development projects at early stages, when facing the challenge of selecting the best development option from multiple alternatives. In order to rank efficiently various alternatives of development we apply AHP to technical quantitative or qualitative criteria, like EOR options, well types options, facilities options, transport options, operability and reliability, subsurface conditions, as well as economical quantitative parameters, such as Life Cycle Costing (LCC). The AHP methodology supports decision-making using pairwise comparison of two or more criteria previously established by experts. For the application of this method, it is necessary to decompose the problem into several steps. In this paper, we show how to apply the method for the selection of a developmen

Abstract

In 2009 a new Inflow Performance Relationship (IPR) model "SPE-124041" was built using simulation and field data sets. Reservoir simulation was used firstly to accurately select the best fit between the oil mobility function and the average reservoir pressure. The new IPR was developed based on the resulted oil mobility-pressure profile. Then, many field cases were used to develop an oil mobility-pressure relationship. Accordingly in this work, an attempt to apply the new IPR was proposed. To check the applicability and accuracy of the new IPR model, multi-rate test with bottom hole pressure is required to plot the actual IPR curve. Many Portable Gas Oil Ratio (PGOR) tests integrated with ESP bottom hole pressure data and Flowing Bottom Hole Pressure (FBHP) surveys were used to create actual IPR curve for each well. Also, bottom hole pressure and flow profile obtained by Production Logging Tool (PLT) data for each entire producing interval in a layered reservoir system is used to plot

Abstract

Employing low quality feedstocks for biodiesel production can present cost reduction opportunities due to its wide availability and cost effectiveness. However, most low quality feedstocks have high free fatty acid (FFA) content which is not feasible for biodiesel production through direct transesterification due to soap formation. Thus, a pre-treatment step through FFA esterification could reduce the FFA content while simultaneously yielding fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). In this study, the catalytic activity of ten ionic liquids (ILs) were screened for the esterification of FFA in acidic crude palm oil (ACPO). 1‑butyl‑3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate as IL exhibited the highest catalytic activity and was further investigated to determine the optimum operating parameters such as IL dosage, molar ratio, reaction temperature and time. Single factor optimization was employed for the laboratory scale batch esterification reaction. The FFA content was reduced from 10.77% to less than

Abstract

To retrieve an accurate velocity profile of about the first kilometer depth of a field in North Kuwait, we apply a 3-D vertical transverse isotropic elastic multi-parameter waveform inversion to a low-frequency, wide-aperture land data set. Although we focus the inversion on the diving compressional waves, accounting for the elastic energy conversion around the large velocity contrasts helps to stabilize the inversion. During the inversion we kept the shear-to-compressional velocity ratio unchanged and inverted for the NMO velocity and the η-parameter. We carried out the inversion up to 6 Hz. The multi-parameter elastic waveform inversion notably helps to better focalize the tops of the Dammam and Rus formations. © 2016 SEG.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of application of analytics techniques in a new heavy oil asset in Kuwait in the following areas: data integration and visualization to support Well, Reservoir and Facility Management (WRFM), understanding well production behavior and their link to reservoir parameters, investigating reasons for sand failure. The study also aimed to highlight focus areas that would facilitate the full field implementation of analytics as a viable WRFM tool. Due to the green field nature, the current volume of data is relatively small (versus mature assets), and not all the data required is available yet. The study started with formatting, processing and integrating all the available field data into a data management tool. Integrated visualizations were tested to detect early trends of sand and water production. Machine Learning algorithms such as Random Forest, Decision Tree and Neural Network were applied next to the sand prediction problem, fo

Abstract

Rig workover is the most commonly utilized technique in water shut-off applications for water drive reservoirs. Implementation of a rig workover consumes considerable amount of time with significant cost. Furthermore, it will have an adverse effect on well availability and production. Alternatively cost effective coiled tubing technology for water shutoff was prformed in the Greater Burgan Field successfully. This paper explains the implementation of the same through case histories with diagnosis before and after each job. Copyright © 2002, Society of Petroleum Engineers Inc.

Abstract

Data mining and Artificial Intelligence (AI) methodologies are underdeveloped in the oil and gas industry, despite the need to improve drilling performance and remain globally competitive in all capital-intensive projects. Drilling companies allocate significant resources to improve well planning, drilling schedules and rig management. Well planning comprises of two main elements; drilling performance and the reduction of drill stem vibrations. Therefore, modeling methodologies such as drill string statics, dynamic tools and rate of penetration modeling are applied to determine the optimum bottom hole assembly (BHA) components and drill bit design. However, more attention is required on drill stem fatigue, non-productive time (NPT) and their impacts on drilling operations. In this paper, Data Analytics (DA) is applied to drilling logs taken from three wells that recorded vibration readings from different geological stratification. In turn, the work in this paper establishes a relations

Abstract

The extraction of oil from flaxseeds were carried out using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and organic solvents with ultrasound assisted extraction. Enhancement of solvent extraction was investigated by adding novel co-solvents in the form of DESs to tetrahydrofuran (THF) and n-hexane. COSMO-RS, UFF and DFT computational method was used to study the solubility of organic solvents and DESs for oil extraction from flaxseed. It was noted that the solvent share the same non-polar region on the σ-profiles with the flaxseed oil model. Different organic solvents were screened and it was found that n-hexane and THF can achieve the highest oil yield. The addition of DES to THF negatively impacted oil yield. On the other hand, the addition of DES to n-hexane can slightly improve the extraction yield and significantly reduce the extraction temperature in comparison to n-hexane alone. Application of DES as novel co-solvent with other organic solvents can be translated to economic benefits through r

Abstract

An attempt has been made to characterize the reservoir properties of the low porosity carbonates of the Najmah Formation through digital rock studies and FIBSEM(focused Ion beam electron microscope) imaging to determine the Microstructural characters of mineral matrix, Organic matter distribution ,Pore network and organic matter pore type, pore size and permeability variation in the kerogen rich Kimmeridigian stratigraphic interval .It is possible that intergranular clay pores in highly thermally mature rocks were originally filled with organic matter and that during progressive thermal maturation, transformation of organic matter to hydrocarbon s removed much of the porefilling organic matter. Segmented three dimensional focused ion beam electron microscope (FIBSEM) volume from Najmah Formation brings out the distribution of Connected porosity ,disconnected porosity and organic material . It has been observed that although the TOC content of the rocks are very good (>21%),and good mat

Abstract

Flow-Channel Fracturing Technique was considered as a possible solution for testing the reservoir characterized by poor lithological characteristic, severe heterogeneity, low permeability and fluid movement compared to the other producing reservoirs from the same field. This manuscript provides an insight to the conventional testing technique employed in this field and the methodology of the first application of Flow-Channel Fracturing technique in this reservoir in the pilot well, post job evaluation and way forward for large scale implementation for testing in other wells in the same reservoir. The MB formation in the RA field was selected for the pilot application of this fracturing technique. This formation is described as marine shoreface sands with shale intercalations with an average thickness of about 160 ft. with average porosity varying from 5% to 27% and permeability ≤ 406 mD. This formation requires some stimulation treatment to have economical production. The historical te

Abstract

A very large database of formation water geochemistry has been acquired for the Kuwait petroleum system. This database makes it possible to explore the geological history of Kuwait’s formation and ground waters in a way that is not possible by other means. Working at this regional scale spatial and formational variation in groundwater chemistry in Kuwait identifies lithostratigraphy and physical barriers to flow that can be explored in the context of Kuwait’s geological history. Cretaceous oil reservoirs in north Kuwait have formation water saturated with Na (>50%) that is anomalously abnormal in salinity for its depth. The most likely subsurface source of such saline water is the Upper Jurassic Gotnia Formation which comprises beds of evaporite halite, and/or pre-Gotnia formations of deeper reservoirs. To reach their current location, both parts of the Gotnia and Hith formations must have been breached. To date, this is the only evidence to show that the sealing capacity of the Gotnia

Abstract

Nowadays, the acquisition of Gas While Drilling (GWD) is applied widely in the Oil and Gas industry. The analysis of gas data plays a remarkable role in evaluating the hydrocarbon potential of the formations, especially in high-pressure, tight, and fractured carbonate reservoirs. In addition, the GWD finds its application in geo-steering to drive high-angle or horizontal wells to achieve maximized reservoir contact (MRC). This paper presents a procedure of interpreting gas data while drilling and its application in formation evaluation, determination of productive intervals, fluid characterization, and identification of fluid contacts. The study discusses the Upper and Middle Jurassic reservoirs in New Fields, West Kuwait. The excellent result of the GWD analysis efficiently identifies the hydrocarbon potentials and fluid contacts in New Fields. The well test results of recently drilled wells absolutely prove the successful deployment of the GWD method in West Kuwait. Copyright © 2024,

Abstract

Deeper carbonate pays in the Umm Gudair oil field of West Kuwait are the focus of the study in this paper. Oil is produced mainly from a pair of vertically stacked thin reservoir units separated by a thin impermeable layer. Subsequent to their discovery in 1984 most of the development wells have been drilled vertically over the structural highs to exploit them. Deterministic inversion and porosity modeling could not resolve the individual reservoir units. But the results show the presence of highly porous reservoir geobodies on the flanks of the West Umm Gudair structure. Horizontal wells or re-entry by side tracking from existing vertical wells are planned to exploit these reservoir bodies. Successful planning and drilling of horizontal wells requires (1) precise spatial distribution of individual reservoir units and (2) the uncertainty associated with reservoir predictions. Present geostatistical approach not only helps in resolving these thin reservoir units but also in mapping thei

Abstract

Storage tanks (Crude Oil/Oil water/Brackish water) in Kuwait oil Company are lined with fiberglass lining over the bottom plate for internal corrosion protection and to minimize the problem of exterior corrosion by providing enough strength to bridge small perforations. Storage tanks undergo major survey &maintenance activities on regular intervals and during maintenance period the fiberglass lining on tank bottom plate need to be removed to inspect and assess the condition of bottom plate. The removal of lining used to be carried out by manual method in which contract personnel enter the tank and remove the lining by continuous hammering, using hammer and chisel. Manual removal method has the difficulties like the activity takes longer duration (2-4 months), high number of workers (15-25) working inside the tank, health and safety issues like working in a difficult posture like crouch down low and doing hammering leading to fatigue, exposure to hammering noise, grit blasting dust and

Abstract

Umm Gudair (UG) field is one of the major oil fields of West Kuwait asset. Minagish Oolite (MO) reservoir is the main oil producer contributing more than 95% of the current production in the UG field. The field water cut has been increasing and currently is around 60%. The increasing water cut in the UG-MO reservoir is posing a major challenge in maintaining the oil production rate as the higher mobility of water compared to the oil will lead to a decline in the oil production rate and prevent oil producing zones from contributing effectively. The increase in water cut is attributed to the rise of the OWC and the natural water aquifer that underlays the oil column and extended across the reservoir. UG-MO reservoir consists of different carbonate layers all are hydraulically connected with high vertical to horizontal permeability ratio (kv/kh) that ranges from 0.8 to 1.0. The high kv/kh ratio leads to water coning phenomena especially in the high pearmability zones. The petrophysical pr

Abstract

The unconventional Bahrah field is a high potential field which poses several challenges in terms of hydrocarbon flow assurance through highly heterogeneous tight carbonate intervals with poor reservoir quality and curtailed mobility. Due to this, the field development strategies have prioritized well completion using horizontal acid fracturing technology over vertical wells. During fracturing, the acid system tends to form highly conductive channels in the formation. Most of the fluid will flow into the path of least resistance leaving large portions of the formation untreated. As a result, the fracturing treatment options dwindle significantly, thus reservoir stimulation results are not optimum in each stage. Achieving complete wellbore coverage is a challenge for any acid frac treatment performed in long lateral with variations in reservoir characteristics. The multistage acid fracturing using Integrated Far-field Diversion (IFD) is performed using selective openhole completion, ena

Abstract

This paper describes the philosophy and design of an intelligent well installation in a water dumpflood well in Kuwait and analysis of data gathered. The paper examines the reservoir management capabilities of intelligent wells can lead to significant value in terms of reservoir management in this application. Dumpflooding, the method by which fluids from one formation are allowed to flow into another formation, has been used for several years in Kuwait as a means of providing reservoir pressure support. Typically, a well is drilled to penetrate both prolific aquifer and a producing oil reservoir. Under the right conditions, with a higher pressure aquifer, significant quantities of water flow from the aquifer to the oil reservoir. As production from the oil reservoirs matures, this uncontrolled method of pressure support has led to several reservoir management challenges, including difficulties with flood front control, water breakthrough, conformance management, and inability to quant

Abstract

The Jurassic Marrat reservoir in Umm Roos field of West Kuwait (WK) is a low-permeability carbonate reservoir with heterogeneous petrophysical character that limited the predictability of reservoir properties and highly deviated development wells are preferred to maximize the exposure of the reservoir. However, there is an environmental risk and high operational cost when running radioactive-based porosity logging tools in such complex well profiles. To avoid that risk, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) with conventional resistivity and gamma ray in a logging while drilling (LWD) program is proposed to achieve real-time formation evaluation and efficiently support well placement to maximize the reservoir contact. This paper presents the application of LWD-NMR as an alternative solution to evaluate reservoir properties as well as to land the highly deviated well successfully in the best reservoir sweet spots to achieve the maximum outcome for production. Copyright © 2022, Society of Petr

Abstract

A producer well with tight carbonate reservoir was planned for stimulation with objective of production improvement. The strategy for the stimulation was hydraulic fracturing in a fishbone completion. Magnetic resonance and formation pressure tester were used to evaluate fluid content, rock quality and formation pressure of the reservoir. The magnetic resonance had helped to identify the formation pressure tester points and resulted all good test in tight carbonate. The magnetic resonance had delivered remaining oil saturation and rock quality in regards to porosity and permeability. The oil saturation and rock quality were integrated to choose the sidetracking intervals of fishbone completion. The fishbone completion was to be stimulated with hydraulic fracturing to connect the good oil saturation and rock quality intervals, and to enhance permeability of fair rock quality. This application is first use of magnetic resonance in a revisited producer well of tight carbonate reservoir. ©

Abstract

In recent years, field development strategies have begun to prioritize horizontal well technology over vertical and deviated wells because of the advantages of maximized reservoir contact, higher production rates, and better access to available hydrocarbon reserves. Some of the horizontal wells completed with openhole wellbores in carbonate formations are actually stable and good producers when the reservoir permeability is sufficiently high to not require a large or complicated stimulation treatment. If the permeability is low (i.e., less than 10 mD), as in most cases, this type of completion challenges any type of acid stimulation because of the well architecture and resulting poor distribution of the stimulation fluid over the entire lateral section. The Mishref reservoir of the Minagish field, located in western Kuwait, is a tight carbonate formation with poor reservoir quality and relatively low reservoir pressure; it was completed conventionally with openhole wellbores. The acid

Abstract

Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) produced from biomass offers several advantages such as renewability and sustainability. The typical production process of FAME is accompanied by various impurities such as alcohol, soap, glycerol, and the spent catalyst. Therefore, the most challenging part of the FAME production is the purification process. In this work, a novel application of bulk liquid membrane (BLM) developed from conventional solvent extraction methods was investigated for the removal of glycerol from FAME. The extraction and stripping processes are combined into a single system, allowing for simultaneous solvent recovery whereby low-cost quaternary ammonium salt-glycerol-based deep eutectic solvent (DES) is used as the membrane phase. Moreover, for the first time, diethyl ether was introduced as a strip phase to strip the free glycerol in the BLM system. The effects of DES composition, DES:FAME ratio, stirring speed and operating time on the extraction and stripping efficiencies w

Abstract

Leak in well bore tubulars & packers leads to communication between tubing/casing or Short/Long strings thus causing enormous production losses in Oil & Gas industry. Moreover, it can cause cross flow between different reservoirs. Sometimes leak may lead to charging of shallow formations thus posing a big threat to well integrity. The detection of the source of communication presents a big challenge to the industry. Knowing the precise location of a leak helps in designing an effective remedial action thus reducing downtime and repair costs. When a fluid leaks, it moves from the high-pressure side through the leak point to the low-pressure side, where it expands rapidly and produces a turbulent flow creating noise and temperature changes. Conventional noise and temperature tools are not capable of detecting the leak point with high confidence. However, the new generation Noise and Temperature logging tools have been able to locate such leaks precisely. This paper presents successful us

Abstract

Prestack anisotropic (orthotropic symmetry) AVAz inversion of full-azimuth 3D seismic data for fracture characterization of the upper Najmah Formation in northern Kuwait was conducted. This formation comprises a thin, tight, naturally fractured carbonate overlying a kerogen-rich shale source rock. The inversion methodology uses an orthotropic system of symmetry that is appropriate for analysis of vertical transverse isotropic (VTI) anisotropic rock layers containing swarms of aligned vertical fractures. Measured seismic amplitudes show good agreement with synthetic models created at different well locations, indicating reliable representation of fractures in amplitude data. Inversion results show good agreement with well and drilling data. Rock-physics modeling shows a relationship between elastic properties and seismic anisotropy and between elastic properties and reservoir properties, such as porosity and fracture density.

Abstract

The GC-01 KwIDF system has been deployed in the East Kuwait area of Burgan oil field and includes real time production surveillance instrumentation for wells and production facility. The raw data from the wells and facility is integrated with well and network models in an automated workflow process for surveillance and analysis of the GC-01 production. The Burgan oil field integrated digital field (KwIDF) automation system utilizes wellhead pressure and water-cut measurements for automated calibration of well and surface network models. The KwIDF system workflow utilizes calibrated well models and real time data to identify changes in GC-01 daily production and reconciles it with the contributing wells. The workflow identifies wells with production changes and associates them with key well and facility parameters for instant diagnosis and analysis of daily production issues. This paper describes the application of real time data and integrated models in an automated workflow for quick

Abstract

The aim of this study is to highlight the application of petrophysieal analysis followed by rock physics modelling on the well data of the Burgan field. In reservoir characterization, integration of well information such as petrophysieal analysis, rock physics modelling with seismic data is very important for a good reservoir description. In this paper, we proposed the used of a consistent petrophysieal analysis of the well data which produces water saturation, porosity, volume of clay and volume of calcite applied to an inclusion-based rock physics model to construct a synthesis of density, P and S velocity. An important advantage is that a consistent model of elastic properties have been built can be applied to quality control of the petrophysieal analysis interpretation or to synthesize elastic log if needed for this field. The result of this work is very useful for further seismic reservoir characterization where P and S velocity are able to differentiate sand and shale in Burgan f

Abstract

An emerging technology called sourceless well placement and logging (without using traditional chemical radioactive sources) has intensified in recent years because of various factors, such as drilling risk reduction and cost optimization, as well as evolving government regulatory and health, safety, and environment (HSE) requirements. Established technologies, such as acoustic sensors, have been tested during pilot projects in several Middle Eastern development environments to evaluate the viability of replacing conventional density-neutron sensors. Current developments and integrated workflows are encouraging for the provision of sourceless well placement, porosity, and petrophysical and geomechanical evaluations for some of the mature reservoirs. These developments include a substantial number of case histories already established in clastic and carbonate depositional environments for the previous five years. The current well was planned through carbonate and clastic sequence as par

Abstract

Excessive water production from hydrocarbon reservoirs is a serious issue faced by the industry, particularly for mature fields. Higher water cut adversely affects the economics of the producing wells, thus it is undesirable. Disposal and reinjection of ever-increasing volumes of produced water poses additional liability. A significant challenge faced in the mature Umm Gudair field is assuring hydrocarbon flow through high water-prone intervals. In recent times, field development strategies have begun to prioritize new well intervention technology because of the advantages of minimized water cut, higher production rates, and improved overall reserve recovery (hydrocarbon in place). This paper discusses the field implementation of a downhole chemical methodology, "first of its kind" designed and applied, that has created a positive impact in overall productivity. To solve these challenges, the treatment was highly modified as fit-for-purpose to address the unique challenges of electric

Abstract

Selection of adequate thermal operating parameters to ensure fluid containment and cap rock integrity under high-temperature, high-pressure steam injection is vitally important. Cap rock integrity is controlled by the mechanical properties of the rocks and the in-situ and applied stresses resulting from field operations. This paper describes recent minifrac tests carried out in the Lower Fars formation in South Ratqa Field in northern Kuwait to determine the in-situ stresses. The main objective of the field tests was to obtain the minimum horizontal stress using a variety of Before Closure Analysis (BCA) techniques. A secondary objective was to perform After Closure Analysis (ACA) to obtain reservoir parameters such as permeability and initial pressure. All of this data is used as input into subsequent geomechanical studies. For BCA, it is important to identify various fluid flow regimes in the fall-off portions of the tests. The end of particular flow regimes indicates fracture closur

Abstract

The State of Kuwait is currently appraising and successfully developing the tight carbonates reservoirs of Jurassic age, which have very low matrix porosity and permeability. These reservoirs are affected by several tectonic events of faulting and folding, resulting in the development of interconnected natural fractures, which provide effective permeability to the reservoirs in form of production sweet spots. The objective of the study was to characterize the natural fractures and identify high permeability sweet spots as being appraisal drilling locations in a discovered field with tight carbonate reservoirs. An integrated approach was undertaken for building a discrete fracture network model by characterizing the developed faulting- and folding-related fractures and combining all subsurface data from multiple domains. The reservoir structure has a doubly plunging anticline at the field level that is affected by several strike-slip faults. The faulting-related fractures were character

Abstract

The challenge of Heavy oil thermal production Kuwait includes how to monitor steam flood effectiveness and cap rock integrity. Due to shallow & heterogeneous reservoirs and thin cap rock, pressurized and heated steam could diffuse in all directions and breach the cap rock. KOC acquired a baseline & time-lapsed surface seismic and 3D VSP for purposes of monitoring CSS production. This paper presents a technical application of seismic inversion to steam chamber size & cap rock integrity interpretation. The seismic image area includes 13 CSS wells, at varying CSS stages of steam injection, soaking and production. The data acquisition consisted of a base and a time-lapsed monitor seismic; each acquisition period lasting for around a week and separated by 40 day intervals. The simultaneous acquisition of surface seismic and the 3D VSP enabled complimentary data exchange and results validation. Well data of sonic and PHIT are used for building a low frequency inversion model. Rock physical m

Abstract

Kuwait Oil Company's (KOC) new direction in long range planning focuses on the exploitation of all its established and projected reserves. To cope effectively with the complexity of the physical, economic and logistical system that spawns, a new mathematical programming-based planning system [Strategic Planning Model (SPM)] has been specifically tailored and recently adopted by KOC. The approach taken by SPM to determine the optimal offtake from multiple reservoirs was presented in a previous paper. This paper will focus on the application and analysis of complex planning situations. We site examples currently faced by KOC, and illustrate how plans are adjusted to move towards a balanced long term strategy. Solutions to seemingly imponderable problems, previously resolved with coarse estimates after many man months of efforts, are obtained in hours, days or weeks. The rapid response capability allows alternative development plans of near economic equivalence to be explored. As a result

Abstract

Any seismic inversion that delivers a solution containing frequencies outside of the seismic bandwidth does so by using additional information. This information is not contained in the seismic data. Examples of such information include low frequency models, assumptions in algorithms (sparse spike for example), assumptions about spatial variability (variograms), and existing well control. When we apply these constraints, we are really implying that we know something about the geology that will give a more useful answer if it is incorporated. With so many advanced techniques for inversion, it is easy to lose sight of the geological meaning of the mathematical constraints. Ideally, a constraint should be geologically accurate and bias the answer minimally. In this presentation, we will show how we can take advantage of large separation of the elastic properties of lithofacies, to achieve remarkable accuracy of inversion results from a VSP corridor stack used to look ahead of the bit. © 20

Abstract

Any seismic inversion that delivers a solution containing frequencies outside of the seismic bandwidth does so by using additional information. This information is not contained in the seismic data. Examples of such information include low frequency models, assumptions in algorithms (sparse spike for example), assumptions about spatial variability (variograms), and existing well control. When we apply these constraints, we are really implying that we know something about the geology that will give a more useful answer if it is incorporated. With so many advanced techniques for inversion, it is easy to lose sight of the geological meaning of the mathematical constraints. Ideally, a constraint should be geologically accurate and bias the answer minimally. In this presentation, we will show how we can take advantage of large separation of the elastic properties of lithofacies, to achieve remarkable accuracy of inversion results from a VSP corridor stack used to look ahead of the bit. © 20

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Background: Chest radiography (CXR) and computerized tomography (CT) are the standard methods for lung imaging in diagnosing COVID-19 pneumonia in the intensive care unit (ICU), despite their limitations. This study aimed to assess the performance of bedside lung ultrasound examination by a critical care physician for the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia during acute admission to the ICU. Method: This was an observational, prospective, single-center study conducted in the intensive care unit of Adan General Hospital from April 10, 2020, to May 26, 2020. The study included adults with suspicion of COVID-19 Infection who were transferred to the ICU. Patients were admitted to the ICU directly from the ED after reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) swabs were sent to the central virology laboratory in Kuwait, and the results were released 16 to 24 hours after the time of admission. A certified intensivist in critical care ultrasound performed the lung ultrasound within 12

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[No abstract available]

Abstract

Wellbore natural fracture systems characterization is a key element to achieve the successful exploitation of tight reservoirs, where one of the dominant aspects is permeability. Carbonate reservoir fracture evaluation is challenging in terms of type, density, aperture, and extension. Traditionally, fractured reservoirs are evaluated based on Borehole imaging (BHI) data. However, the borehole drilled with oil-based mud (OBM) poses constraints in the image quality of the logs. The oil-based mud has higher resistivity than the conductive mud that limits the depth of investigation and reduces the ability to identify surface features and formations. Ultrasonic imaging tools provide higher resolution than OBM imaging tools due to its capability to read deeper into the formation. However, the ultrasonic imaging tools are specialized equipment with high operational cost and the quality of measurement is affected due to noises from drilling or other sources. Moreover, the meaning of features o