OTC 24208

Exploitation and Production of Gas Condensate Reservoirs

Gina Vega Riveros, SPE, Reservoir Consultant

Copyright 2013, Offshore Technology Conference

This paper was prepared for presentation at the Offshore Technology Conference held in Houston, Texas, USA, 69 May 2013.

This paper was selected for presentation by an OTC program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper have not been
reviewed by the Offshore Technology Conference and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect any position of the Offshore Technology Conference, its
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Abstract

Latin America countries have shown a great interest for increasing the reserves of gas and gas condensate reservoirs in
mature fields. However, the production per well in some cases is very low with an elevated cost of production. It has pushed
in some countries to adopt a long work strategy to handle multi-research studies oriented the enhancement of the field
production in pre-selected mature fields.

In the Eastern Venezuela, gas reserves are concentrated in Anaco area, Anzoategui State. Anaco has been one of the most
important operational districts and it has a high number of gas condensate reservoirs. However, a good portion of the
remaining reserves are still trapped due to inefficient drainage and low production. Due to the importance of exploitation in
these fields, it is fundamental the development of new technologies that allow their exploitation and production.

This paper presents an analysis method to accelerate production, as well as, recover additional reserves based in the detection
of connected pay sands known as hydraulic units. The integration of the geology, seismic, petrophysic, geochemical study,
fluids and reservoir properties identified the existence of hydraulic units through both areal and vertical communication. The
reserves were evaluated using analytical methods, volumetric analysis, empirical correlations, P/Z material balance and
probabilistic analysis. From static model, well correlations identified stratigraphic coalescence between G and H sands. The
dynamic model detected that the four reservoirs are hydraulically connected showing an increase of gas condensate in place
GCIP of 231.99 BCF in comparison official data. Based on the analysis of well spacing, there was a good opportunity to
increase the daily production rate via adopting infill drilling.

The development strategy proposes the exploitation of several sands by hydraulic units, fracturing, pumps, workovers, infill
drilling, well highly inclined and horizontal well in order to contact higher reservoir volumes and accelerate the operational
process. A compositional simulation study was recommended to evaluate the factibility of injection EOR fluids, recycling gas
and water-flooding as a secondary recovery project. This will increase the recovery factor and help to maintain the reservoir
pressure.

Introduction

Many of the fields of the traditional areas of eastern Venezuela still contain important gas reserves but the majority is not
economically viable for production because the principal productive sands are partially depleted. As it is well known,
government regulations have established that each reservoir should be completed and produced individually. However, the
production of some wells of gas condensate reservoirs is very low (between 40 and 60 STBD per well) with an elevated cost
of production.
2 OTC 24208

Anaco has a high number of reservoirs the majority are gas condensate with sometimes a leg of volatile oil, with some lateral
extensions that are considered as individual in approximately 670 reservoirs. A good portion of the remaining reserves in San
Joaquin, El Roble and Guario fields are still trapped due to inefficient drainage and low production.

For this reason, it is necessary to search for other methods of recovering these remaining reserves that are still trapped due to
inefficient drainage. One of the options consists of the detection of connected pay sands known as hydraulic units; which can
drainage a large number of the sands per well. The multidisciplinary team reviewed the structural model of the three fields
having good results.

GAS CONDENSATE RESERVOIR

The gas condensate reservoirs are located in Roble, San Joaquin and Guario Fields, approximately 11 Km Southwest of the
Anaco town. The revision of study was planned for three fields.

Geologic Framework

Geologically the study area is located within the greater Oficina Area, on the South Flank of the Eastern Venezuela Basin.
The Merecure Formation of Oligocene to early Miocene age was deposited in a transitional environment, yielding sandstones
with good lateral extension. The formations have been interpreted as beach deposits and transgressive or prograding bars.
The middle part of this formation is more continental, with the development of channel fills of possible fluvio-deltaic origin.
The reservoir limits correspond to shale levels thick enough to play the role of seals.

From the lithological point of view, this formation is characterized by the abundance of coarse-grained to medium-grained
massive, quartz sandstones, with laterally discontinuous shales interbeds, typical of a high energy environment. Well
correlations identified significant stratigraphic coalescence between G and H sands considered as unique hydraulic unit.
Geological model allowed the integration of four reservoirs as a unique reservoir named G-3 (Figure 1).

Figure 1. G-3 Structural Map

In the Roble Field, the stratigraphic factor is dominant due to sandstones lenticularity. Structurally, the Anaco Fields are
located in the Anaco North thrust fault. Among them, the San Joaquin Field has three domes whose trend parallels the Anaco
fault. These San Joaquin domes are moderately faulted. In the Merecure formation, which consists of 50 per cent sandstone
and 50 per cent shale and claystone, it is possible that only one reservoir is present in any one segment; in other words, the
many sands may have complete connection with each other. Where tested, the Merecure formation has been gas- or oil-
productive without exception.
OTC 24208 3

Petrophysics

In this study, stratigraphic correlations in key wells penetrating the Merecure Formation were made in the San Joaquin, Roble
and Guario Fields (Figure 2). Resistivity, conductivity, density-neutron, caliper and SP type logs identified vertical and areal
coalescence between ME-G, H sands, not only within each field, but also between them. Merecure Formation thickness
ranges from 250 to 1500; it includes from ME-A until ME-T4, 5 respectively (Figure 3).

Figure 2. Correlation Stratigraphic Figure 3. . Stratigraphic Column

G-3 reservoir, ME-G, H sands have an average effective porosity of 14%. Permeability ranges from 20 md to over 70 md.
The water resistivity Rw=0.1 Ohm-m, cementation exponent m=2.00, saturation exponent n=2.00 and the shale volume
cutoff of Vsh=40% were obtained from field data. Both ME-G and ME-H sands showed similar petrophysical properties.

Reservoir Properties
In the reservoir, the northwestern crest is defined as gas condensate crude. The eastern part contains a volatile zone of
medium gravity with a high concentration of paraffin (paraffinic crude).The integrated static and dynamic models validated
the existence of four reservoirs as a unique reservoir named G-3. The reservoir properties are presented in the Table 1:

Table 1 - Reservoir Properties

G-3 Reservoir Value
Initial Pressure (psi) ~4200
Dewpoint Pressure (psi) ~3800
Depth (ft) ~7800-9000
o
Temperature ( F) 300
o
Oil Gravity ( API) 43
Condensate Gas Radio (SCF/STB) ~10000-20000
Gas Volumetric Factor (Rb/SCF) 0.00434
Datum (feet) 9,700
Viscosity (cps) 0.023
Porosity (%) 14
Permeability (md) 20-70
Gas Condensate in Place (BCF) 1267.37
Oil in Place (MMSTB) 126.74
Start of production (year) 1943
4 OTC 24208

Reservoir Fluid

A recombined PVTs sample was taken at the surface and obtained from Merecure Formation in the San Joaquin Field. The
gas and liquid samples were collected from the high separator pressure and recombined in the laboratory to the gas/liquid
ratio of produced fluid. The dewpoint pressure of the recombined sample was 3800 psi at reservoir temperature of 300F,
with a solution gas-condensate ratio of 10-20 MSCF/STB. API gravity for different depths are shown (Figure 4) .

10

Log (K) * (Psep/Pstd)

6

0
-1.0 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0

Fi = b * (1/Tb - 1/Tsep)
Figure 4. API Gravity Figure 5. Hoffman Plot

The PVT analyses comprehend from the revision of representative sample of the well to the consistent results of laboratory.
This revision included the checking of equilibrium constants consistency and the molar balance.

The K values in each stage of pressure depletion were calculated using the ratio used, Ki =Yi/Xi, where the ratio varies
considerably with the pressure, temperature and composition of the system involved. Hoffman Method (Ref.2) used in this
study is a graphical technique for examining compositional data from two equilibrium phases, in order to verify the
compositional measurements against correlations, using the reported equilibrium conditions. The logarithm of the product of
the absolute pressure (P) and the equilibrium constant (Ki) values are plotted against Fi, where b=hydrocarbon type constant,
Tb=normal boiling point temperature and T=reservoir temperature:

Fi = b*(1/Tb-1/T ) ( Equation 1)

When equilibrium exists between both gas and liquid during each pressure depletion stage, the logarithm of the product
K*P against b*( 1/Tb-1/T ) will be a straight line for all hydrocarbon components, starting with C1( top left )to Cn+ (bottom
right The application of the Hoffman method in the PVT study of the well showed clearly that it was necessary to adjust the
composition mixture at the last points, the existent graphic (Figure 5) showed a straight line which is convergent to a point in
infinity. As the current pressure keeps declining below the dew point pressure at 3800 psi, liquid formation increases as long
as the pressure is in the retrograde region reaching its maximum volume of 11.18% of retrograde liquid. Below the retrograde
region some vaporization would be occurred. Two types of Condensate Gas Retrograde (CGR) could be considered:

1. Vaporized Condensate Gas Retrograde (CGR) which refers to the amount of liquid phase potentially dissolved in the
gas. This is still a single gas phase containing oil (condensate) dissolved in it.
2. Drop-out Condensate Gas Retrograde (CGR) which refers to the total amount of oil that has dropped out from the gas
expressed as a ratio to the gas in the tank forming a second phase (a free liquid phase). The amount of free CGR produced is
a function of the well, inflow performance relationship (IPR), vertical lift performance (VLP) and relative permeabilities.

The best way to conclude if there is any fundamental contradiction between the PVT data and the historical ones at the
initial stage of production is to plot the produced CGR along with vaporized CGR vs. time. Therefore, if the produced CGR
is less than the vaporized CGR that means the PVT data should be used carefully. However, all the above mentioned points
have been taken in consideration before adopting the full plan of this work.
OTC 24208 5

Geochemical Study

In order to verify both vertical and/or lateral reservoir communication between ME-G, H sands, gas chromatographic
correlations of some collected samples from different wells in different reservoirs were used to establish a clear vision about
the fluid communication of the studied reservoirs. The main target of this method is to achieve a similarity and a narrow
magnitude range of the hydrocarbon composition fingerprints via gas capillary chromatography (Figure 6). The procedure
can be summarized through the following steps:

a) Identify peaks numerically and measure the highest ones,

b) Select peaks (usually 12 or less) in order to separate them into groups,
c) Peak height ratios are calculated from adjacent or closely spaced peaks, principally between C10 to C19, where
there are very good distributions of both aromatics and naphthenic.

Analysis by gas capillary chromatography (C2-C45) in wells from San Joaquin and Guario had shown nearly identical
hydrocarbon profiles and a detailed consistency in the fingerprints ME-G, H sands; indicating that the crudes are extremely
similar. Thus, these virtually identical fingerprints in hydrocarbon compositions suggested that these wells were producing
from the same reservoir unit. It also suggests a good communication of both G and H sands.

Figure 6. Merecure G,H Sands - Geochemical Study

Reservoir Pressure

During 1952-1998 periods, the static pressures were taken regularly. All pressures were referred to the subsea datum (8,700
feet). The initial reservoir pressure was obtained by extrapolation of the cumulative production curve plotted versus pressure
at datum (Figure. 9). The obtained value was 4,200 psi, which reproduces very well the values obtained through pressure
gradient correlations developed in this area. The correlation used in the Anaco area was the following:

PI = 0.430 * DATUM + 71,117 ( Equation 2 )

During the reservoir exploitation period from 1943 until early 1974, the pressure declined from 4,200 psi to approximately
3,800 psi. It means a pressure drop of 400 psi in 31 years of production. The G-3 reservoir had an accelerated decline in
reservoir pressure throughout the productive life of the reservoir due to lack of aquifer influx.
At this date, the reservoir pressure is below its dew point pressure. During 1963-1969 periods, the differential pressure was
400 psi when the reservoir was shut in due to high CGR. It suggests a gas leak through behind casing or communication
between wells. In August of 1999, two buildup tests were suspended in the Roble Field wells due to a mechanical
communication between strings.
6 OTC 24208

Reservoir Production

Based on the geological model, the official production was carried out on the four reservoirs, Merecure Formation (G-H) and
considered as if it has been commingling from the same integrated reservoir. The predominant reservoir mechanism was rock
and fluid expansion.

The reservoir was discovered with the first well G-3, completed originally on 1942. Reservoir RPN-24 was discovered on
1948 when the first well RC-15 was drilled. However, both G-3 and G-6 reservoirs have been drained since August of 1943.
The massive production of this reservoir was initiated on January of 1950 with a commercial exploitation of wells (Figure 7).

The production history had reached an average level of 330 STB/d of oil, 20 MMSCF/d of gas and a CGR of 30 MSCF/STB.
During the period of 1963-1969, G-3 reservoir was shut-in due high CGR (Figure 8). On December 1998, the production had
declined below its level giving 100 STB/d of oil, 10 MMSCF/d of gas and a CGR of 50 MSCF/STB. On December 1998; a
total of 35 wells had been drilled. Actually, some wells are some shut-in, abandonment or require workover services.

Figure 7. Gas Bubble Map Figure 8. Gas Production Rate

Gas Condensate Reserves

From the official information, G-3 reservoir, ME-G, H sand, presented a gas condensate in place (GCIP) of 1035.38 BCF
(12/98) and the recovery factor was 20 %. Both oil and gas recoverable reserves were 22.64 MMSTB and 811.34 BCF.
Remaining reserves were 11.38 MMSTB and 391.45 BSCF respectively. In an effort to validate the official reserves, four
methods were applied:

Volumetric Method

This method is of great help in this reservoir where a rapid estimation of reserves is necessary in the integrated model. A rock
volume of 1,069,288 acre-feet was used, a porosity of 14% and a gas saturation average of 0.88. The gas formation
volumetric factor was 243 SCF/rb. The amount of gas condensate in place can be calculated using the following equation:

GCIP = 43,560**(1-Swi)*A*h / Bgci ( Equation 3 )

The original gas condensate in place GCIP (BCF) was obtained 1267.37 BCF. The original condensate in place OCIP
(MMSTB) was obtained 126.74 MMSTB.
OTC 24208 7

Correlations for Predicting Gas Condensate Reserves

Many empiric correlations have been reviewed in the literature and they take into account retrograde condensate. It provides
a rapid estimate of the gas condensate reserves in the G-3 reservoir, ME-G, H sands.

EATON AND JACOBI CORRELATIONS

Eaton and Jacobi (Ref.6) have improved the correlations of Jacoby-Cols using PVT analysis data and well tests in both gas
condensate and oil volatile crudes. The average ranges for using the correlations are shown in the Table 2.

Table 2. Average Ranges

INITIAL PRESSURE ( 4000-12000 ) psi
TEMPERATURE RESERVOIR. ( 160 290 ) F
GAS CONDENSATE RATIO ( 250060000 ) SCF/ STB
GRAVITY OF LIQUID ( 45 65 ) API

GAS CONDENSATE ORIGINAL IN PLACE ( GCIP )

Ln GCOES = 4.5484+ 0.0831 Ln RGCi + 0.4265Ln p 0.3185 Ln T f (F) ( SCF/BPH ) ( Equation 4 )
OGCIP = 1,226.84 BCF ( a standard deviation of 3.57% ).

CUMULATIVE GAS PRODUCTION AT SEPARATOR ( Gp )

Gp = 0.926 * OGCIP ( SCF / BPH ) ( Equation 5 )

Gp = 1,161.06 BCF ( Gas produced for depleting pressure from actual pressure to abandonment at 500 psi )

ORIGINAL CONDENSATE IN PLACE ( OCIP )

Ln COES=2.60977 0.90398Ln RGC+0.48940 Ln p 0.30084 Ln Tf +0.29243* Ln API ( STB / BPH ) ( Equation 6 )

OOIP = 110.23 MMSTB ( a standard deviation of 2.64 % ).

CUMULATIVE CONDENSATE PRODUCTION ( Np )

Ln Np =-20.243 0.65314 LnRGC +1.3291 Ln p + 2.7958 Ln API ( STB / BPH ) ( Equation 7 )

Np = 11.26 MMSTB ( a standard deviation of 14.1 % ).

Material Balance Method

A compositional material balance was carried out in G-3 reservoir, ME-G, H sands, through the use of an available program.
Successful application of this method requires an accurate history of the average pressure of the reservoir, as well as reliable
gas production data. The graphical method used in the program consisted of aligning all the data points on a straight line. The
intersection of this straight line with the axes gave information about the original gas condensate in place GCIP. The obtained
results of the runs indicated inconsistency of gas measurement, probably taken in individual well testing or a deficiency of
the gas reported used in this study. Therefore, it was necessary to adjust the cumulative gas reported and then, the gas was re-
calculated. This amount showed to be 1.35 times greater than the official reported. Results showed the connected
hydrocarbon volumes for four reservoirs with a new gas condensate volume in place of 1232.4 BCF and a deviation of 10%.
8 OTC 24208

Pressure Declination Method

The graphical solution of the material balance equation is a common method for predicting gas condensate reserves. A linear
relationship was obtained when P/Z was plotted vs. Gp, where P/Z is the relation between absolute pressure and gas
condensate deviation factor and Gp is the cumulative gas. The derivation is based on the equation of state (PV=ZnRT)
corrected for compressibility. Using cumulative production from the initial exploitation in 1943, the points of pressure and
PVT data, a graph P/Z vs. Gp was constructed. The original gas condensate in place was 1,260 BCF, which matched in
comparison with the volumetric method 1,267.07 BCF with a standard deviation of 0.03% (Figure 10).

Figure 9. Merecure G,H Reservoir Pressure Figure 10. Pressure Declination Method

Reserves Estimation

For reserves comparison, Gas Condensate in Place (GCIP) and Oil Condensate in Place (OCIP) were calculated and
compared versus existing official information. Methods used were 1) Volumetric Method, 2) Eaton and Jacobi correlations,
3) Material Balance and 4) Pressure Declination Method. The results are presented in the following Table 3:

Table 3. Reserves Estimation Comparison

Material
Official Volumetric Eaton-Jacoby P/Z Pressure
Reserves Balance
Reserves Method Correlations Declination
1232.40
GCIP (BCF) 1035.38 1267.37 1226.84 1267.03

COES (MMSTB) 116.57 126.74 110.23 - -

Using Eaton and Jacoby correlations, the original gas condensate in place was 1226.84 BSCF, which was considered
satisfactory in comparison with the volumetric method of 1267.37 BCF. Using P/Z Pressure Declination Method, the gas
condensate in place was 1,267 BCF, which matched satisfactory in comparison with the volumetric method 1,267.37 BCF
with a standard deviation of 0.03% and material of 1,232 BCF after gas correction.
OTC 24208 9

The integration of G-3 reservoir of ME-G,H sands as one hydraulic unit through both areal and vertical communication has
allowed the revision of the original oil and gas-condensate in place, showing an increase of 9% of OCIP and 22% of GCIP in
comparison with the officially reserves reported on 1994. The remaining reserves are shown in the following Table 4:

Table 4. Additional Reserves

Res. Rem. Res. Rem.
Reserves Sand GCIP (BCF) OCIP (MMSTB)
Gas (BCF) Oil MMSTB)
OFFICIAL ME-G, H 1035.38 116.57 391.45 11.38

STUDY ME-G, H 1267.37 126.74 406.48 14.09

2.71
DIFFERENCE ME-G, H 231.99 10.17 15.03

Seismic Interpretation

The highest part of the structure was checked on seismic sections (Figure 11) looking for an additional opportunity to
increase production. The structural map in time (Figure 12) was used to check the position of this new location with respect
to the reservoir, finding that structurally the area, with better conditions, was found in the vicinity of the RPN-60 well,
demarcated by the colors yellow and ochre. The first check was to review the structural time map as a product of the
interpretation of 450 Km of 2D lines that traverse the area to determine the structural model. The best conditions, in
agreement with this goal, were in the area surrounding well RPN-60 on the structure map, show the top of this reservoir.

Figure. 11. Seismic Section Figure 12. Structural Map in Time

The south boundary of the structural map represents a back thrust fault with a displacement 100 feet that separates this
reservoir (coalescence unit) from the zone of domes formed by the Anaco thrust at the south. Unfortunately 3D seismic was
not taken in the full reservoir. However, there were two 2D seismic sections crossing over the study area in opposite
directions, one close to the well RPN-61 identified ER90-A23 with NO-SE orientation. The other line is close to well RPN-
70 with EN-OS orientation named ER90-A16. It is observed in line ER90-A23 that the depths go up in a SE direction. In
section ER90-A16, the same light in the position of the Well RPN-60 is at the top of the structure.

Therefore the new location is recommended in the area between the wells RPN-55 and RPN-70. According to the analysis,
the best position in depth for the new location is located south of the well RPN-61 and close to the wells RPN-60 and RPN-
70.In the west reservoir RPN-24, Roble Field, there are three wells: RPN-24, RPN-41 and RPN-46 completed with a casing
of 7 and 5. These wells never did penetrate the Merecure Formation. Furthermore, with future 3D seismic support, the ME-
G, H sands in those wells would be proposed as objectives.
10 OTC 24208

Exploitation and Production Strategy

The application of emerging technologies will make the extraction of hydrocarbons more competitive and profitable. A
massive plan of exploitation and production in development areas will include the exploitation of several sands by hydraulic
units, hydraulic fracturing, infill drilling, workovers, ESP, plunger lift/thermo shield, horizontal wells, multilateral and highly
inclined wells to contact higher reservoir volumes. The exploratory areas are currently underway because of the geological
uncertainties and operational risks. The performance will be supported by the use of 3-D seismic.

ESP

More of the wells were naturally flowing with very low production and high CGR. Assuming that ESPs could optimize the
production in this field, the incremental of reserves could be a 5% over the field life (10 years). Improving the performance
wells essentially involves reducing the flowing bottomhole pressure (FBHP) as much as possible (increasing the drawdown).
This might lead to gas coning, which, would negative any production gains.

Workovers

Dual-zone completions are common practice in this field. In the past years, one sand had been perforated in each zone. All
recent completions have been through gun perforations. The candidate walkovers are wells which are under the following
conditions both shut-in or plug-abandonment wells. More of them require repair, some producers are closed by social
problems, surface facilities, programmed to plug or work over jobs. The potential of the field was evaluated for the proposed
development strategies. The forecasts were done for several wells. Assuming that many workovers could be done, the
incremental of reserves could be a 5 % over the field life (10 years).

Horizontal-Highly Inclined Drilling Well

Consequently, the drilling of horizontal wells is a potential option to minimize gas channeling and maximize the drainage
area, increasing crude production, final recovery and the economic feasibility of the project, at the same time. Due to these
circumstances, the use of the horizontal drilling technology is required in order to maximize the contact with undrained areas
and so reduce the gas coning. Consequently, this procedure will permit the acceleration of the final recovery of reservoirs.

An early integration of the 2-D seismic, geology, petrophysics, production behavior, fluids data and reservoirs detected new
opportunities for increasing production in the G-3 reservoir, ME-G,H sands (Figure 13).

Figure 13. Highly Inclined Well for Drilling Proposal Figure 14. Highly Inclined Well Correlation

In the east, RPN-24 reservoir, ME-G, H sands, a highly inclined well (22-68) for drilling was recommended in this study.
The location well is located Southeast of well RPN-61 and 500 meters spacing from wells RPN-70 and RPN-60 ( Figure 14 ).
OTC 24208 11

Infill drilling

The reservoir pressure in this field is currently below the dewpoint pressure (3,800 psi). Therefore, the reservoir pressure
depletion and well spacing has left large portions of the reservoir undrained or incompletely drained. The strategy of
exploitation in this field proposes to increase the production by infill drilling in areas where exists a good laterally connection
between sands and where a small part of the productive area has been drilled. Assuming that the production coul be the same
of a vertical producer, the incremental of reserves could be a new well.

Economic Indicator

The economic sensitivity analyses under various scenarios confirmed that the best option was horizontal well. The use of the
horizontal drilling technology is required in order to maximize the contact with undrained areas and so reduce the gas coning.
Consequently, this procedure will permit the acceleration of the final recovery of reservoirs.

A comparison of drilling between both a vertical and highly inclined well was included, based on potential production and
investment. The sensitivity analyses under different scenarios confirmed that the best option will be a horizontal or highly
inclined well whose cost could be between 1.5 to 3.64 $MM. The results obtained in this study show a high profitability of a
highly inclined well with a production rate between 900 STB/d, a 41.3% of internal rate of return, a payout time of 1.9 years
and investment efficiency of 1.0. The cost of a highly inclined well is approximately three times the cost of a vertical well.
However, with a scheme involving conventional well with a production rate of 200 STB/d, the profitability is much less
obtaining 0.6 payout time and investment efficiency of 0.1.

Another economical factor that could be adding more value to the production of gas condensate well is the extra liquid (oil)
that could be produced as a liquid-gas yield after the final separation of the liquid from the gas (in our case the well can
produce 50 to 54 barrels of oil from each one Million SCFD of the produced gas, since the liquid-gas yield in this area might
be reaching a GPM of 2.2 gal/MSCFD in this area. The conversion to equivalent liquid is shown in the Table 5.

Liquid Barrels = GPM * MMPCD ( Equation 8 )

42 gal

Table 5. Equivalent Liquid Calculus

OIL GAS LIQUID

(BLS) (MMSCFD) EQUIVALENT
(BLS)
HIGHLY
INCLINED
400 8.2 430

500 9.2 482

700 12.4 650

900 14.0 733

To verify the economic indicators, probabilistic estimations were done to compare the expected results in the new well.
12 OTC 24208

Probabilistic Profiles

Using Monte Carlo Simulation, the probabilistic production profiles had shown a range of values with their associated
probabilities of P10, P50 and P90 percentiles (Figure 15). Normally, five thousands iterations were performed so that mean
and standard deviations were constants. In the highly inclined well, the oil rates were the following: P10 (492 BLS), P50 (705
BLS) and P90 (937 BLS).

Using the exponential declination by well and based on the production behavior of neighboring wells, the profiles of
production and rates (cumulative oil) were estimated during a period of 10 years (2012-2027). The probabilistic results are
shown in the graphs (Figure 16).

Figure 15. Probabilistic Distribution Rates Figure 16. Cumulative Production Profiles

Increasing the Recovery from Gas Condensate Reservoirs

A good portion of the remaining reserves are still trapped due to inefficient drainage. A gas-condensate reservoir leads to
lower gas recovery efficiency because more liquid will be early dropped out from the gas phase. When the pressure in the
well is below dew point pressure, a liquid condensated is left around the wellbore. Unfortunately, most of those dropped-out
fluids are unrecoverable due to the near well-bore damage effect. However, in order to prevent the liquid to be dropped-out
from gas, the reseroir pressure must be kept above the dew-point (3,800 psi) one by re-injecting some of the produced gas
and to also injecting flue gas (which is primary nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide).

1) Re-injecting esteemed part of the produced gas (gas cycling) is the most common method to increase condensate
recovery. The main hindrance of this method is that the sale of the produced gas must be delayed until the liquid
recovery is reduced to its economical limit.
2) In the gas-cycling process, the liquid first is separated from the gas in high-pressure separators that are designed to
maximize liquid recovery. The gas may be processed further with cryogenic additives to remove the liquid petroleum
gases (propane and butanes, and even ethane). The remaining dry gas is compressed and re-injected again to the
reservoir. When the entire reservoir is depleted of the producible condensate, the dry gas can then be produced for
sales.
3) Flue gas can be used instead of nitrogen as a gas injection proposal for gas-condensate reservoirs. In gas field
operations, natural gas is often burned to provide fuel for compressors, gas dehydrators, distillation units, sour-gas
treatment units, and such other equipment. The resulted combustion products are called flue gas that can be injected
into gas/condensate reservoirs to maintain pressure due its low cost compared with natural gas recycling process.

A compositional simulation study should be done in order to evaluate the injection fluids in the EOR process, increasing the
recovery factor from a 20% until a 40% in the next 10 years.
OTC 24208 13

Conclusions

1) The proposed integration of G-3 reservoir of ME-G, H sand, as one hydraulic unit through both areal and vertical
communication has facilitated the revision of the original oil and gas-condensate in place, which could be able to reflect
an increase of 9% of OCIP and 22% of that one of GCIP in comparison with the officially listed.
2) Using the dynamic cumulative production from the commencement date of production on 1943, some needed points to
generate the graph of P/Z were constructed. Using this technique, the original gas-condensate in place was estimated to
be 1,260 BCF, which has almost matched the volumetrically driven one of 1,267.37 BCF with difference of almost 0%.
3) As a well productivity planning strategy, the team has shown that the main required steps to increase the well
productivity are to re-entry to some existing wells, adopting horizontal or highly inclined well trajectory, and multi
zonal completion.
4) The results obtained in this study show a high profitability of a horizontal or a highly inclined well which can give a
production rate of almost 900 STB/d and a 41.3% of internal rate of return, a payout time of 1.9 years and investment
efficiency of 1.0. However, economic indicator for a vertical well has reflected a lower profitability.
5) From the overall study of the left hydrocarbon behind front, and based on the analysis of well spacing and production
history of the entire field, the team has recognized that there is a good opportunity to increase the daily production rate
via adopting infill drilling, and drilling new horizontal well even though the cost of a horizontal well is high but the
expected revenue of the extra recoverable oil will swiftly pay back the total invested money.
6) In the east, RPN-24 reservoir, ME-G, H sands, a proposed location of a horizontal well was suggested with a surface
location to the southeast of well RPN-61 and 500 meters spacing from wells RPN-70 and RPN-60.

Recommendations

1. It is recommended to either re-process and re-interpret some old existing seismic lines or to re-run new ones to get more
information about the depleted and invaded zones of the named reservoirs, in order to evaluate the hydrocarbon behind
the front, and then to maximize the recoverable hydrocarbons in those areas before implementing any future secondary
recovery mechanism.
2. Since many of the drilled wells didnt penetrate Merecure Formation in the west reservoir RPN-24, Roble Field, then it
is recommended to get more information by either deepening some existing wells or running 3-D seismic or both of
them because it is really promising formation.
3. Based on the existing 2-D seismic information and future 3-D seismic, a highly inclined or horizontal well is
recommended to be drilled to improve gas-condensate recovery. The horizontal well should be the best producing
option which could give 3 to 4 times of that of the vertical producer.
4. Any future proposal to drill more wells should not be adopting a uniform space distribution scheme since the reservoirs
under study have shown a clear variation in the static and dynamic properties along the rock formation.
5. It is also recommended to run 4-D seismic in some wells that are located in the depleted zones in order to get better
visualization of the water and hydrocarbon saturation maps in those formations. This will be strongly used in any future
development plan of those mature fields.
6. After collecting the required static and dynamic data, a fully integrated simulation model using (a compositional
algorithm in the gas-condensate reservoirs), is highly recommended. The simulation team can make different injection
analysis taking in consideration the gas-cycling process to increase the condensate recovery.
7. It is also recommended to take different sections (areal or vertical direction) to run a detailed simulation scenarios and
spot pattern models as a secondary recovery project in order to evaluate the flood preferable direction should we have a
representative geological, and static models.

SI Metric Conversion Factors

Btu 1.055 056 E+00 = kJ

F(TF-32/1.8) = C
ft2 9.290 340 E-02 = m2
ft3 2.831 685 E-03 = m3
lb 4.535 923 E-01 = Kg
psi 6.894 757 E+00 = kPa
14 OTC 24208

Nomenclature

GCIP = Gas Condensate Original in Place (BCF)

OCIP = Oil Condensate in Place (MMSTB)
Gp Cumulative Gas Production (BCF)
GPM Gal per 1000 ft3
Bg = Gas formation volume factor (ft3/SCF)
ESP = Electro Submersible Pump
MMPCD = Million cubic feet per day (MMSCFD)
Y = Empirical function (dimensionless)
Rs (cal) = Calculated gas en solution (SCF/STB)
Rs (exp) = Experimental gas en solution (SCF/STB)
Pi = Pressure in each depletion stage (psia)
Vgas = Occupied volume by gas into cell (SCF)
Z = Gas deviation factor to pressure Pi (dimensionless)
T = Temperature of reservoir (R)
R = Constant of gases which value is R=10.73 psi*pc//R*lbmol
Yi = Mole fraction of component in the vapor phase (dimensionless)
Xi = Mole fraction of component in the liquid phase (dimensionless)
Tb = Normal boiling point temperature(R)
T = Reservoir temperature (R)
b = Hydrocarbon type constant (dimensionless)
CGR = Condensate Gas Retrograde (SCF)
IPR = Inflow performance relationship
VLP = Vertical Lift Performance
Pd = Dew Point Pressure (psi)
h = Thickness (ft)
Swi = Initial water saturation (dimensionless)
Swc = Connate saturation (dimensionless).
EOR = Enhanced Oil Recovery

References

1) Vega Riveros, G., Cellamare, V. and Riart, F.: Data Reinterpretation by Multidisciplinary Team Increases Gas
and Condensate Reserves in Eastern Venezuela. SPE 58986, International Petroleum Conference and Exhibition,
Villahermosa, Mexico, 1-3 February 2000.
2) Vega Riveros, G: Analysis and Characterization of the Fluids, San Joaquin, Roble and Guario Fields, Puerto La
Cruz, Venezuela, 1998.
3) Vega Riveros, G: Integrated Project San Joaqun-El Roble-Guario Progress Report. Puerto La Cruz, 1999.
4) Vega Riveros, G.: Exploitation Strategy in the Development of Mature Fields: Case Studies. OTC 23373.
Offshore Technology Conference. Houston, Texas, 30 April-3 May 2012.
5) Vega Riveros, G.: Recovery of Retrograde Condensated Liquid in Mature Reservoirs of Gas Condensate in Latin
America. OTC 22509. Offshore Technology Conference. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 4-6 October 2011.
6) Katz, D.L., Herzog, R.A. and Hekim, Y.: Predicting Yield of Revalorization Condensate in Gas Storage, JPT,
June 1983.
7) Dake, L.: Fundamentals of Reservoir Engineering, Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company, Amsterdam-Oxford-
New York, 1978.
8) Rojas, G. and Laprea, M.: Engineering Manual on Gas Condensate Reservoirs, Chapters I and II, CEPET,
Puerto La Cruz, 1989.
9) Babu, D. and Odeh, A.: Productivity of Horizontal Well, SPE 18298, 1988.
10) Raghavan, R. and Jones, J.: Depletion Performance of Gas Condensate Reservoirs, SPE 36352, December 1983.
11) Phillip, M. and Charles, D.:Gas Condensate Reservoirs. Engineering Handbook, Chapter 39, pp. 1-27.
12) Canel, C. and Rosbasco, J.: Compositional Material Balance: Its Application to the Development of an Oil and
Field with Retrograde Condensation. SPE 23647, II Lapec, Caracas, March 1992.