Technology Focus: Mature Fields and Well Revitalization (January 2013)
Authors: Lee Jesse 
Published: February 2015

Technology Focus

Revitalization of mature fields holds the promise of lengthening the economic life of an asset years into the future. It has been demonstrated that significant value can be found in extensively produced mature fields. The characteristics of successful projects typically begin with a coherent exploration and production strategy that integrates elements of technology, personnel, and process. This collective approach not only allows the operators to combat the declining production levels but also brings new opportunities and adds value to the mature fields.

The number of key enabling technologies in the revitalization toolbox is growing. For instance, new advances have been made in reservoir characterization, reservoir simulation, downhole monitoring and surveillance, multilateral drilling and completion, and production-enhancement techniques. However, each mature field has unique characteristics and often presents distinctly different challenges. It takes a concerted effort to integrate the right process, the right technology, and the right team to reduce risks and successfully execute a plan to revitalize an aging field. The availability and proper interpretation of existing data or ability to obtain quality data also reduces risks. Data management can be a key factor in the successful evaluation to revitalize a mature field. Economic constraints may limit actual data collection, thus concerted efforts must be made to leverage prior experience and knowledge.

The development of new fields may undermine efforts to improve the recovery factor of mature fields. Nevertheless, revitalization projects are being implemented continuously worldwide, partly because the risks involved could be lower than those for developing new fields. Furthermore, the upside of preserving the use of existing infrastructure for revitalization purposes can be especially appealing. It is also worth mentioning that many of the same approaches and techniques can be shared between projects of exploration and revitalization.

Papers selected for this month’s feature provide useful information on strategic planning, multidiscipline approaches, and use of enabling technology. All are useful for investigating potential solutions, narrowing down options, minimizing risks, and executing field-development plans. These papers and cited references also validate and confirm the continuous worldwide focus on improving hydrocarbon recovery from mature fields. There is much that can be learned by reviewing the lessons learned in the selected papers.

Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org.

SPE/IADC 151193 Near Field Developments With an Upgraded Brownfield Platform Rig: Sharing the Learning From a Three-Well Extended Reach Drilling Program by Miguel O. Mota, ExxonMobil, et al.

SPE/IADC 151202 Regeneration of First-Generation Subsea Fields: The Challenges of New Wells in Old Infrastructure by Sean Stright, ExxonMobil, et al.

SPE 145567 Reassessment of Reservoir Dynamic Behavior To Assist the Fourth Drilling Campaign in Mature, Geologically Complex North Sea Field by I. Valko, Total, et al.