BLOCK 1: Excelling in the Exploration and Production of Oil and Gas.

Forum 3 : New oil and gas in mature provinces : Exploration and production Title : How can production data and New technologies help to enhance oil recovery In mature reservoir: case study " Hassi-Messaoud Oil field Algeria"
A. MAZOUZI, A. AZZOUGUEN, A. DELHOMME, S. BELLAH. SONATRACH Inc. ALGERIA.

Key words: Oil Recovery, Horizontal Wells, Permeability Tensors, Global Characterisation, Optimisation Methods, Global Management, Hassi-Messaoud oil field Algeria. Abstract: A better recovery with least cost constitutes a perpetual challenge, indeed, uncertainties related to the characterisation are generally reduced thanks to the new technologies, scenarios of development, methods of data treatment and global reservoir management. . The new technologies, such as seismic, secondary recovery techniques, non conventional wells contribution, as well as multidisciplinary approaches, and different aspects including field development, maintenance and the well survey, methods and algorithms in optimisation and artificial intelligence, performances of simulators, constitute key factors for reserves re-evaluation, mature field revitalisation, and better economically exploitation. The focal point of this study is the non conventional drilling experience in HassiMessaoud oil field. These wells being a means of productivity enhancement, they allow also getting information of high resolution throughout the reservoir, and developing risked areas of the field known for their poor petrophysical properties, but presenting an economical profit as well. Information obtained from horizontal wells, can help to get a more realistic reservoir image, for a new overview of field management. Without being too exhaustive, we can notice that reservoir characteristics obtained from the horizontal wells allow an estimation of permeability tensors in the three dimensions and a quantification of vertical and areal anisotropy (construction of directional variogram). Based on these anisotropy some geological models have been identified, especially the naturally fractured reservoir system. As result, a tri-dimensionnal characterisation model could be achieved. It has been pointed out that using a coherent geological model with usable uncertainties, the exploitation cost can be reduced. Knowing that only the compilation of the information is not enough for itself, new approaches, such as optimisation methods are needed to integrate all the available information in a global characterisation process. In this study, different results obtained will be presented, including phenomenological aspects related to different types of flow regimes as well as lateral and vertical heterogeneity quantification. This will emphasise on the impact of a better knowledge of the reservoir on the economy of the project and its global management.

Introduction
The current tendency in the oil field management aims toward the use of strategies on short, medium and long term, established by the multidisciplinary approaches integrating several sources of data. Generally, the oil companies fix three major objectives in their plan of actions: The maximisation of profits. The reduction of costs and risks. To recover the maximum of hydrocarbons in place. The success of a development plan depends on the interaction between these objectives and the different decisions to undertake in every phase of recuperation of the oilfield. A better definition of priorities conducts to a hierarchization of actions and leads to new data that will improve our knowledge. A development plan is based on four main aspects: 1. A better geological knowledge of the reservoir, the internal architecture of the deposit, the mode of sedimentary body connection, reserves in place and quantification of uncertainties associated. 2. A good choice of production means, and of surface facilities. 3. A risk analysis based on parameters of uncertainty. 4. An economic modelling basing itself on a strategy will help to the decision (choice between several scenarios). All this process generates data with different scales, such as: core data, outcrops, logs, seismic, well tests and data of production. During the last decade, the horizontal wells constituted an important mean of recovery. In addition, present a source of data that proved to be very useful for a better comprehension of the reservoir and development problems that have not been put in evidence by the vertical wells. Our approach consists in developing an approach of analysis and valorisation of these data in the process of management and development of oilfield and to show the important contribution in information that one can pull from the horizontal wells (Ref.2,7). In the component of the source horizontal wells, data come from the logs recorded along the horizontal drain, of measures of bottom pressure and possibly the withdrawal of cores. The treatment of these data gives some useful information, on the geological complexity, the behaviour of the reservoir, the productivity of wells and their performances, one notes that some got aspects have not been observed with the vertical wells.

1. Analysis of data.
The objective of this analysis is to exploit data and results got from the horizontal wells of Hassi-Messaoud field, for a better management of the oilfield. The field of Hassi-Messaoud is in production since 1956, more of one thousand (1000) wells have been drilled, the number of non-conventional wells is in perm increase, re-entry (44 wells), deviated horizontal wells (17 wells), dual lateral (9 wells). During the analysis of well tests for which we used the method Direct synthesis of D. Tiab (Ref. 3,8), that permits to measure the tensor of permeability fig.1, and the efficient length. We met thirteen cases presenting a regime bilinear, we undertook works on this theme and we put in evidence a presence of a lateral anisotropy.

Results from the horizontal well tests permitted for the first time to determine tensors of permeability in the three directions (Kx,Ky,Kz), the different configurations of these tensors correspond to the specific geological models, essentially the model of: 1. Permeability controlled by depositional environment however layering (Ky>Kx>Kz). 2. Permeability of oriented natural fractures (Ky <Kz <Kx). From certain tensors of permeability, we could make in evidence the presence of fissures, and evaluate the corresponding permeability to these fissures as well as their orientation.

2. Geostatistical characterisation.
The progress achieved in the domain of heterogeneity modelling, methods, algorithmic aspect and possibility of integration of the different sources of data, lead to a rational exploitation of available data in particular those that are given from the horizontal wells. In this case, a reservoir model is established using a combinatory optimisation algorithm, as Simulated Annealing (Ref.1) with a hybrid objective function. This last takes account of the variogram, wells tests data and permeability tensors. This system is conditioned by well data (cores, logs (vertical and horizontal)) as well as the distribution function. The objective function is given by the equation: Og = 1 c Oc w c i=0

Og: Global objective function. Oc: Components of the objective function. Wc: Weight component " c ". Since we have log measures from horizontal drain in one direction, we construct the horizontal variogram in the perpendicular direction by using sedimentology knowledge, all statistical analysis and the permeability tensor to guide the shape oh the variogram. In this condition, the variogram will be the result of a combination of several sources of data and experience, of the field behaviour. One shows in this example (fig.2), three flows units; the models of permeability for every layer obtained by conditional simulation whose constraints mentioned above. From this model of permeability one can optimise the position of the well, the length while using the interrelationship of the Iph of Hassi-Messaoud that we will see farther, as well as tolerance on the azimuth of the drain (Ref.2). The well is located in a low petrophysic characteristics, the product of the KyKz permeability is about ~0.1-3 md. In that case, one is in presence of the low permeability curve and one can optimise the length of the drain of a point of view productivity and economy comfortably.

3. Optimisation and sensitivities.

On more than about forty tests of non-conventional wells of Hassi-Messaoud are drilled. We constructed an empirical interrelationship of the productivity index according to the product of the length and permeability in the perpendicular plan of drain fig.4, using tensors of permeability calculated by the direct synthesis method. The interrelationship are given by:

Iph = 0.0037(L KyKz ). To show the physical sense of this interrelationship an analogy with the analytic formula of the Iph permits us to place the different parameters taken into account in coefficients used for

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the interrelationship. While considering the analytic formula of the Iph according to Economides (Ref. 6): Iph = q P Pwf Where: x C x PD = e H + e s x 4 2 C H Is the factor of shape (position of the well / to the configuration of the reservoir) x e Is one of the sizes of the reservoir. It appears therefore very clearly that it is very difficult to predict the Iph for the reservoir of Hassi-Messaoud, while using the analytic formulas. Because these last suppose known the shape and limits of areas of horizontal well drainage, when in reality it is very rarely the case. The empirical interrelationship joins the Iph to the product of the length of the horizontal drain by permeability on the perpendicular vertical plan to the drain. The interrelationship is obtained with a substantial correlation coefficient (R2~0.9). Coefficients that appear in this interrelationship express an average of parameters bound to the reservoir: the thickness of the reservoir, heterogeneity, the shape of the reservoir and the area of drainage and as the factor of shape. Coefficients take into account implicitly parameters bound to the fluid (Bo, viscosity). In addition, parameters bound to wells as losses of loads in the tubing, the tortuosity of the drain, with the different types of skin met in general in the field of HassiMessaoud. Of course, the parameter efficient length deducted of the transient answer interpretation can be validated by measures of PLT, CMR that will be considered in recommendations. It proved to be that this correlation is very useful as good at the time of the characterisation and at the time of the different parameter optimisation one can mention the different manners of its use: To restore and match in the derivative transient pressure response, the regime of the precocious radial flow. On the plot of certain transient response, the radial early doesn't appear, in this case we referred to the interrelationship, while using the data of the IP, we pull therefore from the correlation produces it correspondent KyKz . Then we have that to place the co-ordinate pulled of the equation KyKz = 70.6Qo o B o L t ' er

K xe x . PD + e s 2

( )

and we can identify the radial

part verification showed a good consistency. To optimise the length of the drain horizontal fig.5 and its azimuth fig.6. For the optimisation of the length, we use the empirical formula of Hassi-Messaoud fig.5, that is the best representation. According to tensors of permeability found from results of the well test put in evidence two geological model types: 1. Depositional environment however layering. 2. Model with oriented fissures. According to the analysis of results, one cannot consider an absolute optimal length for the field of Hassi-Messaoud. However, one will specify the optimal length for every model, more precisely for different tensors of permeability.

We have classified four different models according to the product of the KyKz permeability: has. KyKz=0.1md, b. KyKz=1md, c. KyKz=12md, d. KyKz=80md. On fig.5, one shows curves of the Iph according to the length of the drain for the different classes of permeability established. It is quite clear that the optimal value for the length function of the geological model and the value of the permeability tensor, notably the permeability Ky, Kz. For the lowest values of the KyKz ; the asymptote is reached quickly, which means that an increase of the length won't have any effect on the improvement of the Iph, contrary to the values more important of the KyKz. For low values of KyKz (of the order of 0.1md) a length of the drain of 600 to 700 ms is recommended. For values of KyKz greater than unit, it is necessary to consider the case by case (while considering parameters bound to the reservoir and the economic parameters). One deducts distinctly that one could double the Iph comfortably while drilling 300 again to 500 ms for a drain of 1000m. To predict the Iph of zones in which petrophysical properties are known. The fig.3 shows the different classes of Iph of the horizontal wells of Hassi-Messaoud field. We notice that there are about 45% of wells having an Iph lower than 0.5m3/h/kg/cm2, for a length of the drain of 1000m (length drilled for most horizontal wells). If one refers to curves of the optimal length, one observes that these wells are located in the range of the KyKz products ~ 0.1-1 md. In this case, the optimal length would have been lower to 700 ms, and the horizontal well productivity is close to the one of shorts radius. In the other cases, where the permeability is important, an increase of the length would have the effect of to improve the Iph appreciably To permit to make sensitivities for different parameters, and so to permit some economic assessments, to guide the choice on the type of drilling and to help for a better global development plan.

Conclusions.
This approach has essentially been centred on the interest of the integration of horizontal well data in the process of modelling and field management. A particular importance is given to the aspect analyses and interpretation of data and a consistency methodology of their exploitation. It is important to mention the following points: It is indispensable to take into account the set of the information issued from a horizontal well to surround heterogeneity and performances of production better. The importance to determine tensors of permeability for a better description of the geological model. The permeability tensor guide the construction of directional variogram. The stochastic models based on an adequate combination of the different sources of data including the horizontal wells, offer a more realistic and refined image of the reservoir The use of results of the horizontal well tests leads to an correlation of the Iph that translates the behaviour of the oilfield. The use of this correlation drives to an optimisation of the different parameters of wells and the reservoir. The importance of the source of horizontal well data presented is far from being exhaustive. Several works are in progress, one will mention: the effect of bilinear flow witch occur in well tests, that shows the lateral anisotropy, and cross-flow phenomena that put in evidence the different contrasts between layers, results are presented in Ref. 5.

References.
1.

Bellah. S. : Caractrisation du rservoir par la modlisation gostatistique et lintgration des donnes de tests de puits, problme inverse du rservoir de Ben kahla Algrie Thse de Magister Institut Algrien du Ptrole IAP 1999, Boumerdes, Algrie. A. Azzouguen, A. Mazouzi, A. Delhomme, A. Deghmoum , SONATRACH, Inc. Horizontal well performances in Hassi-Messaoud oil fiel Algeria SPE/CIM 65496 4th International Conference on Horizontal Well Technology 6-8 November 2000 Calgary, Alberta, Canada Tiab, D. Engler, T. Analysis of pressure and pressure derivative without type curve matching, horizontal well tests in anisotropic media .(Journal of Petroleum science and engineering). January 1996. A. Mazouzi, A. Deghmoum, A. Azzouguen, SONATRACH Inc., A. Oudjida, Anadarko Algeria corp. How can horizontal wells help in naturally fractured reservoir characterisation? SPE/CIM 65462 4th International Conference on Horizontal Well Technology 6-8 November 2000 Calgary, Alberta, Canada A. Mazouzi, A. Azzouguen , S. Bellah, K. Hammad SONATRACH Inc. ALGERIA Well test Analysis of horizontal and deviated wells in the presence of cross-flow phenomenon and non uniforme depletion application to a field case : Hassi-Messaoud oil field Algeria CIPC PAPER 2001-96 June 12-14, 2001 Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Economides, M.J. and C.W. Brand and T.P. Frick : Well configurations in anisotropic reservoirs SPE 27980 S. Bellah, A. Mazouzi, Approches de modlisation et de management du rservoir : Etat de lart 14me Sminaire techniques puits Hassi-Messaoud, Algrie, Avril 2001. D. Tiab and T. Engler: Analysis of Pressure and Pressure Derivative whitout Type Curve Matching, Horizontal Well Tests in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs . January 1996 T. A. Jelmert and S. A Vik. : Bilinear Flow May Occur in Horizontal Wells . Oil and Gas Journal. December 1995. June 1988.

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10. S. D Joshi Augmentation of Well Productivity with Slant and Horizontal Well . JPT.

11. Ouenes, Ahmed Application of simulated annealing to reservoir characterisation and

petrophysics inverse problems , Ph.D. Dissertation, the New Mexico Institute of mining and Technology, Socoro, New Mexico (1992).
12. Deutsch, C.V. and Journel, A.G.: Integrating well test-derived effective absolute

permeability in geostatistical reservoir modelling Report for Standford Centre for reservoir forecasting (1992). Standford Unversity.

Y Z X

Y>X>Z

Permeability Controlled by Depositionnal Environment or L ayering.

Z X Y<Z<X

Permeability for oriented natural fractures

Fig. 1: Geological model of Hassi-Messaoud got from the interpretation of horizontal well test.

Stochastical model : Permeability distribution

OMK1 52
146600 1 46600 1 46 2 00

OMK1 52

6.00 5.50 5.00 4.50 4.00 3.50

5.50 5.00 4.50 4.00 3.50 3.00

1 46200

OMK1 42 OMJZ843
1 45800 1 45400 1 45 000

3.00 2.50 2.00 1.50 1.00 0.50 0.0 0 -0.50 -1.00 -1.50 -2.00 14 5000 14 5400 14 58 00

OMK1 42 OMJZ843

2.50 2.00 1.50 1.00 0.50 0.0 0 -0.50 -1.00 -1.50 -2.00

OMJ7 4
808600 8090 00 809400 809800

OMK1 41
81 0200 81 0600

OMJ7 4
8090 00 809400 809800

OMK1 41
81 0200 81 0600

808600

OMK152

Fig. 2: Model of permeability distribution (flow units A, B, C) obtained by conditional simulation based on: variogram, permeability tensor, horizontal well log and distribution function CDF.

146600 146200

6.00 5.50 5.00 4.50 4.00 3.50

OMK142 OMJZ843
145800 145400 145000

3.00 2.50 2.00 1.50 1.00 0.50 0.00 -0.50 -1.00 -1.50 -2.00

Stochastical model : Permeability Stochastical model : Permeability distribution obtained by par hybrid distribution obtained by par hybrid
stochastic simulation integratin stochastic simulation integratin (cores, well test, permeability tensor (cores, well test, permeability tensor and variogramms) and variogramms)

OM J7 4
808600 809000 809400 809800

OMK141
810200 810600

Determination of horizontal variogram

Variogram construction with tensor and log data

Sedimentology

Statistical analysis Y Z X

For variogram in 90 direction

Variance

Rang

Y>X>Z

Determination of horizontal variogram

Anistropy effect on variogram.
Fractured case

Nb

r d

Chanel case

45 40 35 Frquences 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 0.1-0.5 0.5-1 Classes des IP >1

Fig. 3: Histogram of the Iph of the horizontal wells, Hassi-Messaoud field.

10

IPH m3/h/Kg/cm2

0.1

0.01

0.001 10 100 L.sqrt(Ky*Kz) Md.m 1000 10000

Fig. 4: Specific productivity correlation for HMD field

25 sqrt(KzKy)=0,1 20 Iph (m3/j/kg/cm2) 15 10 5 0 200 700 1200 1700 L (m) 2200 2700 3200 sqrt(KzKy)=1 sqrt(KzKy)=12 sqrt(KzKy)=80

Fig. 5: Optimisation of the length of the horizontal drain by the interrelationship of the Iph of Hassi-Messaoud (fig .4).

0.042 0.038 0.033 Iph,m3/h/kg/cm2 0.028 0.023 0.019 0.014 0.01 0.005 0 0 65 131 196 L, m 262 328 393 459 Q = 90 Q = 30 Q = 0

Q = 60

Fig. 6: Optimisation of the length of the horizontal drain by the analytical correlation.