Reservoir Performance Monitoring System - Design And Applications
Authors: Chen S.M. , Skeith J. , Chen L.W. 
Published: December 2007

Periodic field measurements and surveys often result in an abundance of data which needs to be analyzed to assist in optimizing the field production. Without a proper approach to managing and interpreting the data, valuable information which may be contained in the data can easily be overlooked. This paper introduces a reservoir performance monitoring system which can be set up on a spreadsheet utilizing the spreadsheet's data operation and graphical capabilities. The program, using innovative multiscale plotting and field-wide mapping techniques, was designed to provide the reservoir analyst with a gross scoping tool for a high-level overview of both individual well behavior and field-scale performance. Central to the program is the control panel which consists of a series of functional buttons, each supported by a different module, that manage all the data I/O, graphics generation and technical analyses.

The major considerations in the design of the monitoring system are outlined in this paper. The advantages and disadvantages of the program's features are discussed. Two field examples are used to illustrate the application of the system.

Introduction

Advances in computer technology have provided computers with improved graphical capabilities and comprehensive spreadseet applications. These features now allow for the manipulation and analysis of massive amounts of field data; however, it has also often resulted in difficulty in decision making due to information overload. The main objective of this paper is to present a method of displaying all the data of interest in an easy-to-view and ready-for-comparison manner such that the full benefits of the available information may be realized to better understand the individual well or entire reservoir performance.

Traditionally, as a first step in any performance review, the reservoir analyst retrieves and displays the data that is collected. This generally consists of the historical production (oil, gas and water), injection and pressure data. Any other data such as well test or survey results may also be included if necessary. The graphic representations of the collected data will then be organized and evaluated. Despite the speed and ease of data retrieval and display, it is still time consuming for the analyst to review the data and form an integrated view of well and reservoir behavior. The larger the pool, the greater the number of wells, the more time and effort is required to gain a comprehensive understanding of the reservoir. Even after that understanding has been reached, the areas for improvement must then be identified and more detailed technical review performed to verify recommendations for further action. This paper presents the design and application of a reservoir performance monitoriug system which was developed to resolve these issues. The use of a spreadsheet-based monitoring system can be of great use in progresing any reservoir review up to the point of the focused technical evaluation by providing a mens of displaying the data of interest in an organized and systematic manner.

Program Design - The Reservoir Performance Monitoring System Overview

The reservoir performance monitoring system is a spreadsheet based software program. The premise behind the program is the enhancement of visualization of individual well and reservoir performance.