Unveiling Reservoir Characteristics of a Vintage Field, Shushufindi Project, Ecuador

Resumen

Abstract The Shushufindi field, located in the Oriente basin of Ecuador, has been producing since 1972. In December 2011, the field had approximately 150 wells, with a total production of 45,000 bopd. Field operations were then passed to the Consorcio Shushufindi (CSSFD) led by Schlumberger for a period of 15 years. Since then, 30 new wells and 26 workovers have been completed by Schlumberger Production Management (SPM) in the field, with a production of 60,000 bopd in May 2013. A methodology with four successive distinct phases was created, aiming for a complete reservoir characterization over 18 months prior to delivering the five-year field development plan (FDP) in October 2013. Each petrophysical phase focused on providing a reliable basis for the first two years of operations, and regular updates to the static and dynamic models. In conjunction with operations support, a comprehensive data acquisition plan was launched with advanced core analysis and special logs to support the advanced reservoir characterization. The deployment of technologies such as the Dielectric Scanner* multifrequency dielectric dispersion service, the combinable magnetic resonance tool, and the FMI* fullbore formation microimager, among others, was key in revealing the reservoir's true characteristics. Advanced petrophysics delivered a description of the main reservoir heterogeneities and properties, along with a facies characterization tied to an advanced core analysis including capillary pressure and pore throat size measurements. From this, hydraulic flow units were established in a deterministic characterization over the waterflood pilot well patterns. Additionally, a quantitative evaluation of thin beds and low resistivity pay zones provides the potential for their incorporation in the original oil-in-place computation. These findings have contributed to a revision of the depositional concepts for the field.