Abstract

Objective/scope: It has been a challenge to analyze and estimate reliable water cut. The current well test data is not sufficient to satisfy the required information for prediction of the rate and water cut behaviors. Only on wells having stable and good behaviors, water cut levels can be estimated appropriately. The wells have Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) sensor reading and data acquisition recorded in real-time help to fill this gap. The data are stored and available in KOC data repositories, such as Corporate Database, Well Surveillance Management System (WSMS), and Artificial Lift Management System (ALMS) Engineers spend this effort in spreadsheets and working with multiple data repositories. It is fit for data analysis by combining the data into a simple data set and presentation. Nevertheless, spreadsheets do not address a number of important tasks in a typical analyst's pipeline, and their design frequently complicates the analyses. It may take hours for single well analysi

Abstract

The daily field reports of The Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) West Kuwait asset (WK) were captured through Excel spreadsheets. Consolidation of these reports into a single report presentation for The WK Deputy Chief Executive Office (DCEO) had been inefficient and time-consuming. Exploration and Production (E&P) Information Management (IM) team delivered a solution to replace the current work practices with an automated process to capture, consolidate, and centralize these reports into E&P Corporate Data Management System and present them in a comprehensive and user-friendly visualization dashboard for KOC top-level management and business analysts of WK asset providing a complete picture of key performance indicators (KPIs) of their production assets enabling data-driven decision that support business objectives. Copyright © 2023, Society of Petroleum Engineers.

Abstract

Encouraging results from Lab, simulation studies and single well pilot tests (SWCT tests) using ASP flooding provided confidence to conduct multi well pilot test. A confined, normal 5-spot pattern CEOR pilot is planned. SAMA performance over its waterflood life of 17 years has highlighted reservoir heterogeneity in terms of rock and fluids. The paper describes activities performed during pre-pilot phase of drilling 7 pilot wells to de-risk the complexities expected in this carbonate reservoir. Drilling of 7 close spacing vertical well within 5 acre required proper planning and drilling sequence. Out of the seven wells, four corner wells are drilled as injectors and center well as producer. Two observation wells within the pilot area include a sampling well and the other completed with fiberglass casing as a logging well. Data acquisition from coring, formation pressure measurement, sampling, H2S measurement and logging is meticulously planned and quality checked. The main objective of

Abstract

This paper discusses the results of an integrated case study using forward stratigraphic modelling of Lower Jurassic complex carbonate reservoirs along the Eastern Arabian Plate. Traditional stochastic or deterministic modelling techniques do not sufficiently capture carbonate reservoir heterogeneities in sectors with restricted datasets. The methodology applied uses a process-based approach that aims to define carbonate architectural and textural/facies heterogeneity and provides a framework to develop a more consistent conceptual geological model for exploration and field development. Through this communication we test the sensitivity of Lower Jurassic reference case model of complex carbonate systems (Al Wazzan et al., 2020) to various framework and sedimentological/ecological parameters as subsidence, eustacy, carbonate production rates, wave energies and evaporation versus precipitation rates. Results of this work help achieve a more refined and data calibrated model that tackles

Abstract

The low exploration cost and abundance of occurrence had made conventional hydrocarbon resources very attractive, with depletion of these resources effort has shifted to the unconventional resources; shale is one such important resource. The growth of production from shale resources in last decade, particularly from the USA; is an indicator that these resources are likely to be a major contributor to energy needs of the mankind. A preliminary study was done in onshore part of the State of Kuwait to assess the potential of shale resources. There are two major shale sequences that are established sources of the hydrocarbons in the State of Kuwait, Najmah Shale at Jurassic level and Basal Makhul Shale at Cretaceous level. The major play elements for shale gas exploration have been studied as a pre-cursor to increased exploratory activity. These shale sequences have good potential for exploration and subsequent exploitation. This study is restricted to 'Makhul Shale' with emphasis on how b

Abstract

The low exploration cost and abundance of occurrence had made conventional hydrocarbon resources very attractive, with depletion of these resources effort has shifted to the unconventional resources; shale is one such important resource. The growth of production from shale resources in last decade, particularly from the USA; is an indicator that these resources are likely to be a major contributor to energy needs of the mankind. A preliminary study was done in onshore part of the State of Kuwait to assess the potential of shale resources. There are two major shale sequences that are established sources of the hydrocarbons in the State of Kuwait, Najmah Shale at Jurassic level and Basal Makhul Shale at Cretaceous level. The major play elements for shale gas exploration have been studied as a pre-cursor to increased exploratory activity. These shale sequences have good potential for exploration and subsequent exploitation. This study is restricted to 'Makhul Shale' with emphasis on how b

Abstract

A decision theoretic approach applied to appraise investments on a major oilfield project is presented. The occurrence of different outcomes taking place over the planning horizon as a function of the decisions preceding the event and the chance phenomena concerning the individual physical and economic parameters is discussed. The application of the decision tree analysis and Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the underlying uncertainties and the risk-evaluated economic criteria are also discussed.

Abstract

Production forecasting always play an important role in decision-making for the corporate management and architecting company's strategy. In an oil or gas upstream company, the yearly projection of future hydrocarbon production is a routine practice for preparing annual business plan. As sub surface uncertainties pose a huge threat for upstream company, achieving the forecasted crude oil and gas production is challenging in most cases. For national oil companies, having multiple Assets and thousands of wells where reservoirs underpinning different projects at different stages of field development, there arises a need of unified production forecast process that ensures forecast quality. In view of this, Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) initiated a process for improving forecast process adopting best reservoir management practices. In order to make reliable predictions, the engineer must be knoweledgable in variety of techniques to cover the wide range of conditions that are encountered in forec

Abstract

Batch experiments were conducted to examine the effects of ferrous iron source, soil salinity and temperature on degradation of long-chain petroleum hydrocarbons by Fenton-like processes. The results show that over 70%, 50% and 25% of aliphatic C16-C21, C21-C35 and C35-C40, respectively, was eliminated at a H 2 O 2 dose of 1.5%. The decomposition rate of petroleum hydrocarbons was similar to each other for ferrous sulfate and magnetite while the capacity of pyrite to trigger Fenton-driven decomposition of long-chain aliphatic petroleum hydrocarbons was weaker, as compared to ferrous sulfate and magnetite. The decomposition rate of aromatic hydrocarbons decreased with increasing length of carbon chain in the ferrous sulfate and magnetite systems, but the opposite was observed in the pyrite system. The effect of Fenton-like process on degradation o

Abstract

Fluid inclusion (FI) data provide insights into the origin of hot fluids in Cretaceous and Jurassic reservoirs in south Kuwait. FI data for Cretaceous reservoirs show anomalously high temperatures exceeding 200 °C compared to samples from the Jurassic. In addition, formation water chemical geothermometry data also show anomalous water-rock equilibration temperatures. The preservation of high temperatures indicates rapid migration from depth through deep-seated fault systems. This implies that very hot fluids probably migrated up-fault from near basement to the Cretaceous section. This approach helps to understand the role of hydrothermal activity associated with basement faults in south Kuwait. © 2017, Saudi Society for Geosciences.

Abstract

Meeting 2040 KPC Strategic plan objectives and KOC production targets will require adoption of new cost-effective technologies and methods in Kuwait fields, resulting in incremental oil production and extended life of the fields. Long-term oil production through artificial lift application can lead to pressure depletion and water cut incremental in mature fields, which can cause obvious wellbore impairments, particularly in medium to week formations such as Wara and Upper Burgan formations. One of the critical parameters that will have great influence on maturing this strategy is sand management-field development. Recently some of high producing wells perforated in Wara sandstone Formation in the Greater Burgan field in Kuwait have been plugged due to sand production issues. Understanding the causes of this critical challenge will definitely help KOC in finding the optimum sand management work flow and select the right sand control technologies to maximize the oil production in Wara fo

Abstract

In pursuit of higher Gas production targets in Kuwait, a major campaign was initiated to increase reservoir contact in a tight carbonate limestone formation associated with depositional uncertainties. The primary challenge was to overcome lack of sufficient offset data and ambiguous seismic interpretation. To add to the complexity, the well was overlapping a major fault plane, resulting in several anomalies. A combination of deep-reading mapping and accurate imaging tools in real time was a must to properly land and steer the lateral within less than 9 feet thickness at 14,475 feet true vertical depth. Several sub-seismic faults were encountered while drilling and further complications were present with high temperature anomalies while drilling that exceeded tool temperature rating. A pre-well model was completed to predict formation behavior and develop an initial trajectory with expected responses for different scenarios as well as identifying optimum landing point parameters. Bottom

Abstract

Improving water-flood efficiency in heterogeneous reservoirs with high permeability contrast is of high strategic importance to maximize oil gains, debottleneck production facilities and alleviate water-handling constraints. This paper presents key lab, simulation and field design insights to implement Deep Reservoir Conformance Control (DRCC) in the Wara formation of the Greater Burgan Field. Prior technical assessment and high-resolution streamline modelling are covered in other technical publications. Full-field high-resolution streamline reservoir simulations have been used to identify 23 candidate injectors for DRCC. The wells having one layer taking more than 50% of the total water injected were considered as good candidates for DRCC to mitigate water channeling challenges and increase sweep efficiency accordingly. Mechanical water shut-off options were considered, but it was confirmed that near-wellbore solutions do not adequately address deep reservoir conformance issues and ca

Abstract

Realtime Wellbore cleaning and stability Monitoring Service has been deployed in the field, where several side-track wells had been drilled due to stuck pipe and consequent lost in hole equipment. Traditional drilling practices were to drill highly deviated wells with inconsistent ROP without having sufficient information about the borehole condition and with the narrow pore pressure margin, which regularly resulted in sustained losses, even leading to differential sticking. In addition to these challenges, the well geometry made it necessary to constantly maintain sufficient ECD sensitive to borehole condition. The service consists of Advance cutting flowmeter measuring cumulative bulk solids recovery while drilling, along with sophisticated software application compensating for drilling fluid coating the cutting. The real-time delta between actual and expected cutting volumes in surface is therefore a direct indicator of borehole cleaning efficiency and thus compared with various dri

Abstract

Chest pain in a young postpartum female can have many causes; however, when associated with ST elevation on ECG, spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) should be high on the list. Coronary angiography remains the first step in delineating the coronary lesion in suspected cases of SCAD and optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be crucial when the angiographic appearance remains uncertain. We present a case of a young postpartum female with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Coronary angiography revealed a dilated part of the middle segment of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery while intramural haematoma (IMH) of the coronary artery wall was found on OCT, which confirmed the clinically suspected diagnosis of SCAD. © EFIM 2020.

Abstract

The Jurassic Gas Facilities I (JGF-I) project marks Kuwait Oil Company's (KOC) first major sour gas development project in North Kuwait (NK). The facilities are designed to handle a peak production of one thousand and two hundred metric tons per day (1200 MTPD) of molten sulphur. The sulphur will be loaded onto dedicated trucks and hauled to Kuwait National Petroleum Corporation's (KNPC's) Mina Al- Ahmadi (MAA) Refinery. The sulphur is then pelletized and sent out for export. The refinery is located approximately 145 kilometres south by road from the JGF-I facilities. A total equivalent of 63.5 million kilometres would have been travelled by sulphur trucks over a 20-year period. Trucks are usually the most appropriate way of transporting goods and people overland. However, road transport is the biggest cause of fatalities within upstream companies and contractors. Kuwait is one of the countries with the highest number of fatalities resulting from car accidents [3], with 18.7 fatalities

Abstract

Objectives/Scope: The Horizontal wells enhance reservoir performance by placing a long wellbore section within the reservoir. As they help in reducing water and/or gas production, increasing oil rates, reducing sand production and finally in achieving efficient drainage of the reservoir. The inflow control devices (ICDs) are used to address the issues of premature water and/or gas breakthrough, uniform flow distribution and reservoir depletion in the oilfield. They reduce the flow of unwanted fluids and balance the production distribution across the entire lateral section. The production contribution across the ICDs monitoring to take necessary remedial action is one of the challenges in this type of completion. In this case study, the main objective was to determine the contribution profile and source of water in horizontal well with passive ICD completion installed back in 2011. The various challenges were the low production rate, heavy oil with water, erratic and inconsistent nature

Abstract

The karsted limestone of the Cretaceous Shuaiba formation in Kuwait represents a major challenge seismic imaging as well as drilling. The heterogeneity of the eroded limestone results in strong lateral velocity variations that distort the deeper seismic image and affect porosity estimates for the Minagish Oolite reservoirs. These reservoirs make up 80% of the hydrocarbon production from the Minagish field. The conventional approach using prestack time migration (PSTM) and prestack depth migration (PSDM) results in a strong reflection at the top of the Shuaiba, but without details of internal structure within this 100 m thick layer. The detailed structure of the karst features at the surface and inside the Shuaiba limestone was picked and inserted manually. The resulting velocity model was used to reprocess the seismic cube. The result of this method showed that the effect of the Shuaiba heterogeneities could not be removed. This paper outlines the challenges, and a new approach using a

Abstract

Contribution of small faults and fractures in enhancing porosity and permeability of tight carbonate reservoirs is well established. The precise mapping of these small faults on seismic is important. Spectral decomposition has been used for identification of appropriate frequency band (Satinder et al., 2008) that preserves the desired features. Fault mapping at pre-Jurassic levels was found to be challenging where fault throws were not seen. Workstation based post stack processing of the seismic data has been attempted to preserve appropriate signal band and this has enhanced subtle faults. This approach has helped in proper placement of faults on seismic data. © 2010 SEG.

Abstract

This article presents a unique case study where operating company, Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), decided to make an attempt to perform open hole side-track through a very narrow side-track window along with other exiting conditions such as severe downhole losses and drill through very challenging formation. To deliver such project in first attempt requires very detailed planning, close coordination with various service partners such as directional drilling and cementing. Placing a good side-track cement plug in such formation was a challenge, and 2nd challenge to get kicked off from this narrow window in first attempt which was the key. In case of failure, whip stock option has to be planned as a contingency, which possess new challenging of opening a depleted zone leading to commingling low/high pressure formation which could cause a complicated problem such as borehole stability, leads to stuck pipe problem. Failure to side-track from open hole could end of planning to drill extra hole w

Abstract

Managing, treating and disposing of the ever increasing oil-produced saline water in Kuwait Oil Company KOC is an extremely difficult and costly challenge as this water is very unique (TDS is above 200,000 mg/liters with dissolved gases and other contamination). Development of cost-effective technology to treat this oil-produced saline water in order to produce low salinity water suitable for KOC industrial applications is a multiphase development process because of the difficulties arising from the need to deal with the relatively unknown behavior of extreme concentrations of a large number of dissolved species. Innovated pilot plant to treat, de-salinate and utilize KOC oil-produced saline water had been successfully deployed and implemented as a pilot scale (300 barrels/day) in one of KOC Gathering Center GC/asset. This pilot plant is the first of its kind worldwide in which the primary concern is to earn better understanding of the characteristics of the oil-produced saline water,

Abstract

The company had an issue with the Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP), which have a short run life because of scale formation. The scale formation in the production wells is derived from some main reservoirs where Upper Burgan (sandstone) is experiencing sulfate scale while Maudud and Lower Burgan reservoir is experiencing carbonate scale. The scale formation in the downhole is unpredictable; therefore, the scale inhibitor is required to prevent loss production of the well due to pump trip and cleaning. The encapsulated scale inhibitor was trialed at a selected production well, which was experiencing deposited scale and no scale inhibitor treatment. The well has a production rate of 2755 BLPD and 58% water cut with wellhead pressure of 182 psi. The rat-hole capacity of the well is 533 gallon, which is sufficient to store 165 gallons of encapsulated inhibitor for batch chemical treatment. The inhibitor consists of a microencapsulated liquid scale inhibitor, which was weighted with brine t

Abstract

The Lower Cretaceous Minagish Formation in the Greater Burgan Field of Kuwait was deposited in a carbonate ramp. The reservoir facies are dominated by a mixture of ooilitic and peloidal grainstone/packstone deposited in an ooid shoal complex. Diagenesis has generally reduced interparticle porosity and increased tortuosity, but it also has increased porosity at places. An integrated reservoir characterization was undertaken to understand the complexity in the distribution of reservoir facies. Depositional facies within the Middle Minagish were described from 1600 feet of conventional core. Three 3rd order hemicycles and other higher frequency cycles were interpreted from sequence stratigraphic analysis. The distribution of the facies in the cored intervals of these stratigraphic units helped determine the paleogeography. The diagenetic characteristics and paragenetic sequence were also interpreted. A comparison of the facies with rock types based on Flow Zone Indicator (FZI) highlights

Abstract

The Tuba Formation represents an unconventional carbonate reservoir in the Sabriya Field in Kuwait. The overall depositional environment includes low-energy ramp setting where various facies associations consisting of relatively high-energy inner/mid ramp, and low energy shallow to deep outer ramp basinal facies form approximately SE-NW trending shore parallel geobodies, which are later modified to form well-developed reservoir layers. The main objective includes understandings of depositional facies and diagenetic alterations to develop complex reservoir layers. The study conducts detailed core description and sampling of six wells of the Tuba Formation. Samples are used in thin section petrography, SEM, and MICP analysis to establish ten major facies. Facies types are recognized based on sedimentary environments and subsequent sample analysis assist to establish a para-genetic evolution and diagenetic model. This approach contributes to proper assessment of various diagenetic control

Abstract

The sedimentation of Eocene age Dammam Formation started as a result of sea transgression above the evaporitic sequence of the underlying Rus Formation. The transgressing sea water filled the low land in coastal areas where muddy limestone was deposited and overlying brown dolomitized limestone was deposited in shallow peritdal environments. Due to continued transgression, a stratified intrashelf basin was developed where semi-anoxic to anoxic conditions prevailed and which resulted into the deposition of dark grey to black mudstone facies. Maximum flooding surface Pg20 of the Arabian Plate is correlated to lie within this zone. As the transgression subsided, shallow open marine conditions were developed where foraminifera nummulites thrived. These nummulites made shoals and banks behind which due to low energy protected setting in place deposition of calcareous sponge, Lockhartia, and nummulites occurred. Upwards, the nummulites gradual decrease and environments further shallow up res

Abstract

Single-well-partitioning-tracer tests (SWTTs) are used to measure the saturation of oil or water near a wellbore. If used before and after injection of enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) fluids, they can evaluate EOR flood performance in a so-called one-spot pilot. Four alkaline/surfactant/polymer (ASP) one-spot pilots were recently completed in Kuwait's Sabriyah-Mauddud (SAMA) reservoir, a thick, heterogeneous carbonate operated by Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). UTCHEM (Delshad et al. 2013), the University of Texas chemical-flooding reservoir simulator, was used to interpret results of two of these one-spot pilots performed in an unconfined zone within the thick SAMA formation. These simulations were used to design a new method for injecting partitioning tracers for one-spot pilots. The recommended practice is to inject the tracers into a relatively uniform confined zone, but, as seen in this work, that is not always possible, so an alternative design was needed to improve the accuracy of the tes

Abstract

Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) launched a Project Gate System (PGS) program in 2010, which resulted in the development of the KOC PGS Process. The PGS Process was implemented in 2012, and has been applied to surface facility capital projects only. However, subsurface projects were excluded from the PGS, at that time. In order to also improve the drilling of wells and facilitate the attainment of forecasted production targets efficiently and on time, a study of the development and implementation of a similar PGS Process for the delivery of wells was requested, in 2013. The study concluded that a parallel Well Delivery PGS (WD PGS) Process should be developed based on IOCs' and NOCs' best practices for well delivery, KOC's experience with the PGS Process, and the fit-for-purpose requirements of the concerned KOC stakeholders in all business Directorates.

Abstract

Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) launched a Project Gate System (PGS) program in 2010, which resulted in the development of the KOC PGS Process. The PGS Process was implemented in 2012, and has been applied to surface facility capital projects only. However, subsurface projects were excluded from the PGS, at that time. In order to also improve the drilling of wells and facilitate the attainment of forecasted production targets efficiently and on time, a study of the development and implementation of a similar PGS Process for the delivery of wells was requested, in 2013. The study concluded that a parallel Well Delivery PGS (WD PGS) Process should be developed based on IOCs' and NOCs' best practices for well delivery, KOC's experience with the PGS Process, and the fit-for-purpose requirements of the concerned KOC stakeholders in all business Directorates. In this paper, we will start by describing the way well delivery projects were handled in KOC prior to implementing the new system. Next, we

Abstract

This paper sheds light on the design of a Partitioning Interwell Tracer Test (PITT) for a normal 5-spot chemical EOR pilot targeting the Sabriyah Mauddud (SAMA) carbonate reservoir in Kuwait. This pilot is currently going through the water pre-flush phase which will be followed by chemical injection in the near future. Due to recent improvements in the synthesis of partitioning tracers, water-based partitioning tracers can now be utilized to evaluate variations in oil saturation pre and post EOR applications as well as interwell connectivity for chemical EOR pilots. A PITT is planned to take place in support of a normal 5-spot chemical EOR pilot in the SAMA reservoir. Four unique passive tracers will be injected into the pilot injectors prior to better understand reservoir conformance. This will be followed by the co-injection of four passivepartitioning tracer sets to evaluate oil saturation before and after chemical injection. A fit-for-purpose facility set-up has been installed to p

Abstract

The Sabriyah Upper Burgan is a major oil reservoir in North Kuwait with high oil saturation and is currently considered for mobility control via polymer flooding. Although there is high confidence in the selected technology, there are technological and geologic challenges that must be understood to transition towards phased commercial field development. Engineering and geologic screening suggested that chemical flood technologies were superior to either miscible gas or waterflood technologies. Of the chemical flood technologies, mobility control flooding was considered the best choice due to available water ion composition and total dissolved solids (TDS). Evaluation of operational and economic considerations were instrumental in recommending mobility control polymer flooding for pilot testing. Laboratory selected acceptable polymer for use with coreflood incremental oil recovery being up to 9% OOIP. Numerical simulation recommended two commercial size pilots, a 3-pattern and a 5-patte

Abstract

Mature carbonate reservoirs under waterflood in Kuwait suffer from relatively low oil recovery due to poor sweep efficiency, both areal and microscopic. An Alkaline-Surfactant-Polymer (ASP) pilot is in progress targeting the Sabriyah Mauddud (SAMA) reservoir in pursuit of reserves growth and production sustainability. SAMA suffers from reservoir heterogeneities mainly associated with permeability contrast which may be improved with a conformance treatment to de-risk pre-mature breakthrough of water and chemical EOR agents in preparation for subsequent ASP injection and to improve reservoir contact by the injected fluids. Design of the gel conformance treatment was multi-faceted. Rapid breakthrough of tracers at the pilot producer from each of the individual injectors, less than 3 days, implied a direct connection from the injectors to the producer and poses significant risk to the success of the pilot. A dynamic model of the SAMA pilot was used to estimate in the potential injection of

Abstract

Recently there has been an increasing interest in simultaneous water-alternating-gas (SWAG) in oil recovery operations. This method involves the simultaneous injection of water at the top of the reservoir formation and injecting gas at the bottom of the formation. The difference in water and gas densities will provide a sweeping mechanism in which water tends to sweep hydrocarbons downward and the gas tends to sweep the hydrocarbons upward. It is expected that the two displacement mechanisms will work on establishing a flood front, which will increase the sweep efficiency and thus the oil recovery. This study investigated the performance of SWAG in oil recovery operations. A three-dimensional finite-difference black oil reservoir simulator has been used to determine the reservoir management strategies in order to optimize the oil recovery using SWAG injection technique. A specific strategy that was studied includes the use of horizontal injectors in conjunction with vertical producers.

Abstract

The Kuwait Oil Company's (KOC's) future development plans propose an increase in the production and utilization of groundwater reserves in the northern oil fields, where new groundwater gathering centers are to be constructed for water handling processes. In order to preserve the natural resources of the country, and realizing the fragility of the fresh/brackish/saline coexistence in the groundwater resources of northern Kuwait, the Water Research Center (WRC) of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) conducted this study on behalf of KOC. The main objective of the project was to design, locate and set a production schedule of groundwater wells to produce 10,000 m3/d with salinity less than 10,000 mg/l for a specific period of time. This study will enhance the potential of utilizing brackish water at the project area while maintaining minimum mixing between brackish and saline groundwaters. To fulfill its objectives, this study conducted data collection followed by designi

Abstract

The North Kuwait Carbonate Reservoirs (NKCR) are currently under development by KOC (Kuwait Oil Company). The appraisal and development of the NKCR offer challenges such as lateral variations in reservoir quality, tight to very tight reservoirs and natural fractures with a high degree of spatial variations. The presence of open, connected fractures is one of the key elements to achieve a successful development. Also, the presence of fracture corridors increases the risk associated with drilling. Numerous fracture modelling studies have been supporting both appraisal and development strategies of the fields. This paper illustrates how small sector scale detailed DFN (Discrete Fracture Network) can support the planning and drilling activities of future appraisal wells. A series of detailed DFN models has been built around existing wells. These DFN models are based on a thorough structural understanding combined with a detailed fracture characterisation using bore-hole image (BHI) and cor

Abstract

Introduction: Bleeding in the retroperitoneal space is a serious complication. Hypovolemia and shock develop late after losing a large volume of blood. However, point of care ultrasound (POCUS) examinations in adult patients with shock do not include the retroperitoneal space. Case presentation: We present the case of a 74-year-old male with ischemic heart disease on dual antiplatelet. He developed vague abdominal pain and hemoglobin drop without overt bleeding source until he developed shock. Modified POCUS examination that included the retroperitoneal space detected the bleeding source and confirmed later by computerized tomography of the abdomen. The case was managed conservatively. Clinical discussion: The risk factors associated with the formation of spontaneous retroperitoneal hematomas are age above 70 years and dual antiplatelet therapy. The initial integration of point-of-care ultrasound into the assessment of shocked patients leads to an earlier and accurate initial diagnosis

Abstract

One of the key issues in creating a good reservoir model in carbonate reservoirs is the identification of the horizontal permeability conduits - "thief zones" - if any. In the Sabriyah field in Kuwait, dynamic measurements showed evidence of thief zones in the Mauddud formation. Early water breakthrough has occurred in some wells. Previous studies indicated that it was very challenging to detect the thinly layered thief zones using conventional openhole logs. This paper describes a methodology of recognizing the different types of thief zones in the Mauddud carbonate reservoirs using high-resolution image logs with calibration from core and dynamic measurements and by integrating image logs with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and conventional openhole logs. The Mauddud carbonates are Early Aptian in age and consist of grainstones, wackstones, and mudstones deposited in a ramp setting. Observations from production logging tool (PLT) and production data indicated that there are a few t

Abstract

One of the key issues in creating a good reservoir model in carbonate reservoirs is identifying the horizontal permeability conduits-"thief zones"-if there are any. In the Sabriyah field in Kuwait, dynamic measurements showed evidence of thief zones in the Lower Cretaceous (Albian) Mauddud formation. Early water breakthrough has occurred in some wells. Previous studies indicated that it was very challenging to detect the thinly layered thief zones using conventional openhole logs. This paper describes a method of recognizing the different types of thief zones in the Mauddud carbonate reservoirs using high-resolution image logs with calibration from core and dynamic measurements and by integrating image logs with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and conventional openhole logs. The Mauddud carbonates are Early Albian in age and consist of grainstones, wackstones, and mudstones deposited in a ramp setting. Observations from production logging tools (PLTs) and production data indicated tha

Abstract

The primary objective of the present study is to determine the fluid connectivity in the Middle Marrat of the major Jurassic fields in North Kuwait. Understanding fluid connectivity on both geological and production time scales has a direct impact on static and dynamic reservoir modeling, history matching, fluid property variations during production and zonal allocation of comingled production. 123 light oils and condensates were analysed using multi-dimensional gas chromatography (MDGC). The resulting so-called fluid fingerprints were interpreted in the context of a complex geological framework resulting from extensive sedimentological, petrographic, and structural geology studies. A detailed description of different fluid families allowed reconstruction of reservoir connectivity on a geological time scale. Fault transmissibility was reconstructed from the distribution of fluid fingerprints of samples taken during well tests or/and early production representing the fingerprint of the

Abstract

An Alkaline Surfactant Polymer (ASP) pilot is planned for a giant sandstone reservoir in North Kuwait. The reservoir has good oil recovery, thanks to its favorable geological characteristics, light oil and strong aquifer support. However, the reservoir is exposed to very harsh salinity and temperature conditions that contribute to additional complexity of the envisioned development concept and the costs of the identified and field-Tested optimum chemical ASP formulation. Therefore, the determination of remaining and residual oil saturations to water flooding are vital to assess the economic feasibility of ASP field development. The pilot designed 7 wells have been drilled in mature area of the reservoir and detailed open hole logs surveys were collected in addition to acquiring cores from 3 of the pilot wells in the target zone. Saturation logs show consistently uniform low oil saturation signaling the target zone remaining oil saturation is very close to true residual oil saturation.

Abstract

Greater Burgan Field accounts for most of the oil produced in Kuwait. Discovered in 1938, commercial production from this giant field commenced in 1946 accelerating rapidly to a peak of nearly 3 MMBOPD in 1972. The Burgan structure is an anticlinal dome with numerous faults. The main producing reservoirs are sandstones of Cretaceous age. Four major sandstone horizons within the gross productive section account for most of the current and cumulative production. The 3SM is the main contributory sand which is much thicker than the others. A strong natural water drive maintains reservoir pressure. The compartmentalization of the main reservoir sands by faults, combined with high production rates, resulted in water incursion problems since the early seventies and made worse by uncontrolled flow from wells sabotaged during the Iraqi invasion. As the 3SM reservoir gets further depleted, water encroachment studies reveal that there is a differential rate of rise in OWC in the massive sand impl

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the detrimental effects of working a varying pattern of 8-hour shifts on quality of sleep, general health and work performance. Subjects and Methods: The Arabic version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)and 2 self-administered questionnaires were used to assess quality of sleep, work performance and general health in a sample of 200 males on a schedule of varying 8-hour shifts at the Kuwait Oil Company. A matched sample of an equal number of workers on a fixed daytime shift as a control group was enrolled in the study. Results: Compared with men working on a straight daytime shift schedule, those working on 8-hour variable shifts exhibited higher rates of heavy smoking (p < 0.003), coffee/tea consumption (p < 0.0001), constipation (p < 0.002), job stress (p < 0.0001) and poor sexual performance (p < 0.0001). Variable-shift workers reported persistent sleep disturbances in 3 dimensions of the global score of the PSQI (p < 0.0001

Abstract

The well design has been changed over last 55 years of development in Zubair Formation. It is the deepest producing Cretaceous reservoir in North Kuwait. This 1,400 ft thick formation was deposited in deltaic to Paralic depositional environments with complex sand/shale sequence, structural geometry, mineralogical composition and lateral extent. Drilling wells of any profile has been more difficult than the shallower reservoirs overlying it. The wells have witnessed high non-productive time due to severe wellbore instability issues in the form of stuck pipes, tight holes, hole pack-offs and jarring/fishing operations. During initial phase lasting over 4 decades, vertical wells were drilled to drain the oil column which was thicker in most part of the Field. With water encroachments from bottom and edge, thinner pay Sands in multiple but thin pays are needed to be exploited by maximizing reservoir contact with high angle multi-lateral wells for effective production. Drilling complication

Abstract

A mature area in an advanced state of depletion can be reassessed as to either maintain the current production or to increase it at least in a minimum amount. Most important of all is to be able to increase the recovery factor. The variables that are related to the oil production are correlated to the sedimentology-stratigrahy model as to give us the most appropriate arrangements of wells and to relocate locations which could have given less production than expected. The facies for each of the environment of deposition identified in every producing reservoir of the formation are described based on which we locate the present wells and compare to the future locations. This is a heavy oil field producing since 1930. The crude ranges between 10-14°API, the viscosity is in the range of 1000 to 25000 cp. The method of production is cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) which after three cycles becomes less efficient. The steam to oil ratio (SOR) is less than five from initial values of 30-40. Havi

Abstract

The Burgan Sand reservoir is the largest and most prolific reservoir in the Greater Burgan field in Kuwait. As development of this reservoir proceeds, greater attention is being paid to the more heterogeneous upper part of the reservoir, the Upper Burgan Sands, which contain significant, multi-billion barrel, resources. A conceptual Field Development Plan was developed to enable an assessment of performance under waterflooding. Due to the complexity of the Upper Burgan Sands and the very large areal extent of the Greater Burgan field, it was considered impractical to model the reservoir in appropriate detail in the full field simulation model. An alternative modeling approach was adopted. This involved developing a number of part field geological models which were subsequently used to develop high resolution dynamic simulation models. This paper describes the challenges of choosing an appropriate range of part field models that capture variation in geological characteristics and of hyd

Abstract

The Burgan Sand reservoir is the largest and most prolific reservoir in the Greater Burgan field in Kuwait. As development of this reservoir proceeds, greater attention is being paid to the more heterogeneous upper part of the reservoir, the Burgan Upper Sands, which contain significant, multi-billion barrel resources. A conceptual Field Development Plan was developed to enable an assessment of performance under waterflooding. Due to the complexity of the Burgan Upper Sands and the very large areal extent of the Greater Burgan field, it was considered impractical to model the reservoir in appropriate detail in the full field simulation model. An alternative modeling approach was adopted. This involved developing a number of part-field geological models which were subsequently used to develop high resolution dynamic simulation models. This paper describes the challenges of choosing an appropriate range of part field models that capture variation in geological characteristics and of hydr

Abstract

Integrated Asset Modeling (IAM) is a process that combines reservoir, well. and surface-facility models to create a complete system for resevoir and well optimization. This methodology ensures that the interactions among all components are correctly simulated. To realize the full benefit of IAM models, it is critical that changing reservoir and well conditions are entered to keep the models up to date and valid. If an IAM model is not frequently and properly maintained to reflect new conditions, it will rapidly lose its value as it ceases to accurately predict well production rates and pressure drops in the system. An application tool was developed to provide easy updating and maintenance of IAM models for production optimization, surface-network debottlenecking, and production allocation. This tool automates the routine tasks required to update and maintain large-scale IAM models. The unique feature ot this tool is its ability to calculate well production rates in almost real time by

Abstract

AVAILS+ is a short-term forecasting tool designed to lead the production-assurance efforts of the North Kuwait Asset [Sabriyah, Raudhatain, Ratqa, Abdali, and Bahrah heids of the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC)]. The term "AVAILS" is a shorthand tem for "Available Production," whereas the "+" connotes the extended capabilities of both the technology (suite of dashboard metrics) and the methodology (team building and collaboration). The tool has been developed jointly between KOC North Kuwait (KOC NK) and Quantum Reservoir Impact (QRI). AVAILS+ design principles are firmly rooted within Reservoir Competency Asymmetric Assessment (RCAA) (Saleri and Toronyi 2011), QRI's empirically driven investigative process for qualifying and quantifying reservoir fundamentals. As a technology, the tool can best be described as an "enterprise mashup," a collection of exploration-and-production data stores integrated into a reservoir-analytics engine with dashboards for tracking primary drivers of the producti

Abstract

AVAILS+ is a short-term forecasting tool designed to lead the production assurance efforts of the North Kuwait Asset (Sabriyah, Raudhatain, Ratqa, Abdali, & Bahrah Fields of the Kuwait Oil Company). The tool has been developed jointly between KOC North Kuwait (KOC NK) and Quantum Reservoir Impact (QRI). AVAILS+ design principles are firmly rooted within RCAA® (Reservoir Competency Asymmetric Assessment), QRI's empirically-driven investigative process for qualifying and quantifying reservoir fundamentals. As a technology, the tool can best be described as an 'Enterprise Mashup,' a collection of E&P data stores integrated into a reservoir analytics engine with dashboards for tracking primary drivers of the production forecast. This high degree of data integration coupled with its visual nature (dashboards) enable better cross organization transparency and collaboration with respect to execution of the recovery plan for production assurance. There is nothing novel about short-term forecas

Abstract

Drilling in carbonate rock is quite challenging as the formation is permeable and porous, hence, leads to the possibility of having mud losses. Since drilling into loss formation requires controlling some of the operational drilling parameters, the rate of penetration (ROP) prediction in this area, especially in carbonate formation could be challenging. As a result, the study aims to improve the accuracy of ROP prediction in carbonate loss zones by adjusting the Bourgoyne and Young (B&Y) model, which is the most comprehensive model to date and has been used until now but is missing this feature. Modification of the drilling rate model is performed based on loss severity levels by including cutting transport ratio (RT) parameter and eliminating multicollinearity parameters. The considered elements in the modified model are loss severity level, weight-on-Bit (WOB), rotary speed (rpm), bit wear and modified hydraulics with cutting transport ratio. The North Kuwait field's drilling data wa

Abstract

Field X is an extensive heavy oil field in the North-West of Kuwait with 4 reservoir zones and extensive variation in heavy oil composition and physical properties (10-18 °API). Historically, various PVT models have been developed for various parts of the Field X for different modeling purposes. These models - often developed by different engineers - are not consistent and add another layer of complexity to the understanding of reservoir performance for different regions of the Field. The objective of this study is to develop a unified PVT model for use in the dynamic thermal simulation for the whole Field X. The model follows the standard procedure for PVT modelling for heavy oil. In this case, however, due to abundance of PVT data, the challenge is selecting/disregarding PVT samples to be used for tuning a global Equation of State (EOS). Most recent, reliable PVT samples (18 samples out of 155) over the whole range of densities with possible different locations were selected. The mos