1995•SPE Annual Technical Conference and ExhibitionRequires access
Optimizing Recovery From A Strong Water-Drive West Texas Gas Reservoir Through Integrated Reservoir Simulation Studies
J. R. Hulme, W. M. Colleary, Craig W. Van Kirk
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Abstract
Abstract This paper presents a field study funded by the Gas Research Institute (GRI) to determine reservoir management and production strategies to economically maximize recovery from the Vermejo/Moore-Hooper strong water-drive gas reservoir in West Texas. The reservoir is greater than 16,000’ deep and contains high pressure sour gas, and it is composed of geologically complex fractured dolomite and chert. The water drive is exceptionally strong, the reservoir has experienced no more than 5 percent pressure depletion during its 20-year history, and late in life the field is beginning to re-pressurize. Detailed Engineering and Geologic studies were performed and reservoir simulation of the field tested the most effective methods to economically maximize recovery. The management strategies evaluated were comprised of various methods to maximize field productivity, reduce bottom-hole flowing pressure, improve the ability of the wellbore to unload water and reduce/retard aquifer influx. Specific strategies that were tested included the drilling of an infill well, placing the wells on compression, installation of coiled tubing, installation of gas lift, installation of an optimal tubing string, injection of a permeability barrier into the reservoir and de-pressuring the aquifer by downdip water production. It was concluded that the most economic method to deplete the field was to place the remaining wells on compression at 200 psia wellhead pressure and to install coiled tubing when the wells begin to experience water load-up problems. The gas-lift and optimal tubing cases predicted higher recoveries, but were economically less favorable. The methods tested to reduce aquifer influx to the reservoir actually decreased recovery of gas reserves. The study also identified the need for a multiphase flow correlation which fully handles the complexity involved with high water-gas-ratio systems (up to 10 stb/mscf).