Abstract:

Redevelopment of mature oil fields has become increasingly important in Ecuador and worldwide. This webinar describes the compelling results of the integration of disciplines in the Palo Azul mature field. Here, leading-edge techniques were applied to develop high-definition static and dynamic models, change and update previous interpretations, and improve understanding and characterization of the Hollin reservoir for estimation of remaining reserves.

The static model was critical in providing more meaningful structural information, opening up adjoining areas, and identifying new pay horizons and bypassed reserves. Based on the integrated work between the geology and the reservoir engineering teams, a robust, more reliable dynamic model of a challenging bottom water drive reservoir was developed, to better understand and represent the fluid behavior of the Hollin formation.

The results of the study where used to estimate the current status and potential of the field, identifying new prospective zones, unraveling bypassed reserves and optimizing the field development strategies. A successful drilling campaign was performed shortly after the end of the study. Based on the recommendations given by the team, five new wells were drilled in the northern area of Palo Azul providing more than 5,000 BOPD of incremental production in this mature field.