Well pattern optimization for the Sulige gas field with low permeability and strong heterogeneity

Sulige gas field is characterized by low gas richness, extraordinarily low permeability, and significant reservoir heterogeneity. Formation of the gas field was deposited in a braided-river environment. Most of its net effective sandbodies, featured by small size and poor continuousness and connectivity, are dispersively distributed in the tight sandstones and mudstones in shapes of isolated spots or narrow strips. In order to get an optimum development strategy for the gas field, numerical simulation of a trial block has been performed. Simulation results show that well pattern of 1200×600m is the best for the gas field. Sequential development of infill has the merits of delaying investments by delaying of drilling wells surface facilities and improved economics outcomes. Basic well pattern completed in period of initial capacity construction benefits for learning more geologic characteristics and increasing success ratio of development well. In later period of the development, blocks which still have production potential can be down spaced again to improve gas recovery.