(1.5.

600)
Brownfield development and recovery enhancement strategy in
offshore mature carbonate reservoirs - a technological
perspective
Brajesh Kumar Tiwari and Krishna Nand Jha*
Sub-Surface Team, Assam Asset, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, Nazira, Assam, India
* Institute of Reservoir Studies, Chandkheda Campus, Ahmedabad- 380005, Gujarat, India
E-mail: bk_tiwari@rediffmail.com and knjha@hotmail.com

Abstract
Brownfield development has gained momentum in recent past as the world oil survey indicated
that around 30-40% of world total production is from old/mature oil fields. The advances in
interpretation, drilling and completion technologies have changed the field production scenario of
new and mature oil fields. In majority of cases around 25-30% of the oil inplace has been
produced from these fields. The journey beyond this is quite challenging and can be performed
only with the knowledge base and available technology today. This case is a text book example
of such an effort in management of brownfield development.
The fields Heera and South Heera under water flooding since 1990 are on production since
November 1984 and January 1995 respectively. Field was passing through the phase of
continuous decline in oil production and increased water cut. In last few years there were no
major input in terms of infill locations and work over jobs which may be reasons for deteriorating
well bore condition leading to decline in oil production. Currently the field encounters the major
problems of increase in water cut due to preferential movement of water through high
permeability streaks, sub-optimal production from existing wells, large well spacing and pressure
sinks in some of the areas. The field, at its current stage of exploitation, offers significant flexibility
for revitalization plan under redevelopment. There is possibility of production optimization as well
as optimum exploitation.
Under brownfield development, wells which are producing sub-optimally are taken up for
enhancing the production by sidetracking them towards better saturation areas and completing
them as multilaterals/ drainholes with two to three branches for enhancing the
production/productivity. Similarly, water injection is also planned to be enhanced by drilling
additional injectors, relocating some of the existing conventional and converting them into drain
holes. Massive hydro-fracturing is also planned in some of the poor injectors that are not getting
addressed through sidetrack-drain hole. Since in South Heera field all the pays have better
reservoir characteristics, wells which are on commingled production are planned to be completed
as dual producers in two or more pays with gas lift facilities after making them drain holes. The
potential areas are prioritized for production enhancement by analyzing availability of number of
pays, current oil saturation, reservoir properties and productivity indices. Commensurate water
injection is kept in mind to have better reservoir management of all the formations. Existing empty
slots are to be used for drilling early in the life of the project, to obtain the economic advantages
of early revenue. Also, these resources are to be used as low risk opportunities to test
technologies and geologically high risk areas. New drilling and completion technology will be
inducted early in the project life to derive maximum economic benefit. Under Greenfield
development, the areas north and west of HC platform, north-east of HD platform, west of HSA
platform and area around HT and HSB platforms offer significant scope of additional infill wells.
New platforms are planned to be installed to drill these wells with a view to target the unexploited
areas, reduce the acreage per well and thereby enhance the production.
This paper deals with the geological and geophysical challenges and reservoir management of
offshore field development with initiatives as well as measures taken for production and injection
for recovery optimization.

Introduction
Heera field is situated 70 km South-West of
Mumbai City in the Arabian Sea and 140 km
South East of Mumbai High at an average water
depth of about 50 m (Fig-1). The field was
discovered in 1977 and 1990. Subsequently,
the field was delineated with eighteen
exploratory wells and proved to be one of the
major hydrocarbon bearing structures in Mumbai
Offshore Basin with a number of reservoirs of
commercial oil and gas accumulations. These
are Basement, Basal Clastics of Paleocene,
Bassein and Mukta Formation of Eocene and
Lower Oligocene and Heera formation of Lower
Oligocene. Based on geological and reservoir
data from the exploratory wells. A phase wise
development plan was coceptualised. Heera
field was developed in three phases. Phase-I &
Phase-II development was carried out mainly for
developing the Bassein Pay, the main pay which
Heera
has 2/3rd of Oil In-place (OIIP). This pay was
developed by drilling 110 wells through 10
platforms. Phase-III development was carried
out for developing the Mukta pay, which is better
Fig-1: Heera Field Location maps
developed in the crestal part of Heera field by
drilling of 24 development wells through two
platforms. Fig-2 indicates structure contour map at the top of Mukta pays for Heera and South
Heera field. South Heera field, which is lying in the southern part of the main Heera field, was
developed by installing two platforms and drilling of 24 development wells from through these two
platforms, 3 wells from HT platform and converting one exploratory well into water injector.

Performance History and Present Status

Heera Field
S Heera Field

Fig-2: Structure Contour Map at Top

of Mukta formation

Commercial production from the Heera field started in

November 1984. The oil production was mainly from
Bassein, Mukta & Panna formations. Bassein pay is
well developed except in the crestal part of the field
and is about 100 m thick in the west. Out of 91 wells
on production, 56 wells were completed in Bassein
pay and around 70 % of the total oil production of
Heera field was from this pay. Mukta pay of 10-12 m
thickness, developed in entire Heera field. This
formation is relatively tight as compared to Bassein
formation but better developed in crestal part of the
field. Under Phase-III development, two platforms
were commissioned and 24 development wells were
drilled for exploitation of Mukta pay in crestal part of
the field. Fig-3 depicts the time schedule of installation
of platforms of various phases. Presently 17 wells are
completed in Mukta pay and are producing about 8 %
of current oil production. Panna formation is also
developed in entire field but is better developed in
south-eastern part of Heera field. Presently 6 wells are
producing about 10 % of the current oil production

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16

14

Addl Dev.-I

12

10

Phase-II

Phase-III

Aug-03
Aug-05

Phase-IB

Phase-IA

from Panna pay. This formation has good potential for further development. Under Additional
Development Part-II, two wells are planned to be completed in Panna formation in this area.
Heera formation consisting of 40-50 m
Commissioning of Platforms
thick alternations of limestone and
shale is developed in the entire field.
Some of the limestone layers in this
Sep-77
Sep-79
formation are porous and hydrocarbon
H H
H
Sep-81
bearing.
Because
of
patchy
A C
B H H
Sep-83
development
of
pay,
there
is no
D E H H
Aug-85
H H
separate
development
plan
for
this
H
Q F
Aug-87
R S
T
H H
pay. At present only one well is
Aug-89
S S
Aug-91
completed in this formation. However,
A B H H
Aug-93
in future, the poor producers in
X Y
Aug-95
Bassein/Mukta formations will be
Aug-97
H
completed
in Heera formation,
Aug-99
V
wherever
it
is
better developed.
Aug-01

Q l, Q o bpd

75000
50000
25000

75
\

50
25

NP, MMt

0
0
Nov-84 Nov-86 Nov-88 Nov-90 Nov-92 Nov-94 Nov-96 Nov-98 Nov-00 Nov-02 Nov-04

50

500

40

400

30

300

20

200

10

100

G O R , v/v

In South Heera field, all the above pays viz,

Heera, Mukta, Bassein and Panna are better
developed. Initially most of the wells were
completed as dual but later on during installation
of gas lift wells were converted into single
commingled producers. It is observed that the
performance of the dually completed wells was
better than the performance of commingled
production. The estimate of formation wise
production is not possible due to this
commingled nature of completion.

W C , % , S trings

The field produced under depletion

drive till September 1990. By this time
Fig 3 : Different phases of field development Heera
the reservoir pressure dropped to
field
1300-1375 psi from initial reservoir
pressure of 2150 psi and the field experienced sharp decline in production. During depletion
mode of production there was no water cut indicating negligible aquifer support. Water injection
was initiated in September 1990. With peaking of water injection to the planned level, the
production stabilized during 1992-93 with increase in water cut. Production started picking up
further with the installation of gas lift during 1993-94 and reached to the level of 51000 bopd with
water cut of 25% in August 1996. Currently the field is producing oil @32390 bopd with 49%
water cut through 91 wells. The current water injection rate through 35 injectors is 87745 bwpd.
The current area weighted average reservoir pressure is 1985 psi. The incremental voidage
compensation is of the order of 110 % and cumulative voidage compensation is about 65 %. The
cumulative oil production as on 01.04.05 is
125000
125
33.239 MMt which is about 16.0% of OIIP in
100000
100
Proved category.

0
0
Nov-84 Nov-86 Nov-88 Nov-90 Nov-92 Nov-94 Nov-96 Nov-98 Nov-00 Nov-02 Nov-04

W ater Injn rate, bw pd

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C um . W I, M M m 3, S trings

200000
120
Commercial production from South Heera field
175000
105
started from January 1995 after commissioning
150000
90
125000
75
of two platforms HSA & HSB. Three wells (HT-1,
100000
60
HT-9 & HT-10), which were earlier part of Heera
75000
45
50000
30
field have been considered as a part of South
25000
15
Heera field after review of fault patterns. These
0
0
Nov-84
Nov-86
Nov-88
Nov-90
Nov-92
Nov-94
Nov-96
Nov-98
Nov-00
Nov-02
Nov-04
three wells were producing oil @ 3000 bopd
since November 1990. The peak production
Fig-4: Production performance of Heera &
level of 40600 bopd was acheived in July 1995.
S Heera Field
In this field full-fledged water injection started in
October 1997. By this time cumulative oil
production was 4.987 MMt. Due to delay in initiation of water injection from HSA & HSB platform

wells, there was a sharp decline in production which could not be arrested even after installation
of gas lift in 1996. Some of the wells started producing water from the early stage of exploitation
of the field indicating the source of water may be from the aquifer present across the fault. In
South Heera field the initial reservoir pressure was 2150 psi which declined sharply to 1850 psi
in 1996 due to high liquid withdrawal and further to 1700 psi in 1999-2000. In due course of time
the declining trend of pressure was arrested and currently it is about 1700 psi. Presently the field
is producing oil @12315 bopd at 61 % water cut through 21 oil producers and the current
average water injection rate through 7 injectors is 49180 bpd. Fig-4 represents the production
performance curve of Heera and S Heera field. The incremental voidage compensation is of the
order of 115 % and cumulative voidage compensation is about 55 %. As on 01.04.05, cumulative
oil production from South Heera field is 10.05 MMt which is about 14 % of OIIP in Proved
category.

Cum Press, PSi*day/bbl

As on date, there are 172 development wells including 31 horizontal/ drainholes and 6 multilateral wells in 15 platforms of Heera
3500
and South Heera fields. Status of
HC-4
development wells as on April 01,
3000
2005 is placed in Table-1. Seven
2500
vacant slots are available on 5
HF-4
2000
platforms of Heera field. The peak oil
HC-6
1500
production rate from Heera & S.
HC-8
HF-3
Heera field was 88625 bopd with an
1000
HF9
average water cut of 22 % in 1996.
500
HF-12
Currently 112 wells are on production
0
at an average oil rate of 44705 bopd
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
with water cut of 53 %. Six wells are
Cum Water Injection MMbbls
non-flowing due to high water cut and
poor influx. Water injection is in
Fig-5: Halls plot for the Water Injectors
progress through 42 wells @ 136925
bwpd for voidage compensation and pressure maintenance. 12 injectors are closed for Reservoir
management/poor injectivity. As on 01.04.05, the field has produced about 43.289 MMt of oil with
an oil recovery of 15.6 % of OIIP in Proved category.
Water injection is in progress, mainly through peripheral and pattern injection. Injection and
production are mostly through commingled conventional completions. The Injector to Producer
ratio is 1: 2.2. At the commencement of water injection, the wells which were producers earlier
were directly converted to injectors without profile modifications and without backwash provisions.
In the northern part and western flank of Heera field the reservoir is tight. As a result the required
quantity of water is not getting injected.

Challenges and approach for Brown Field Development

North

South

HV-9

HV-2

B-38-11

HX-9

B-38-1

B-38-10

H-A

HSA-1

HE-F

3G

LEGEND
H 3G
H 3A
H 3B
H4
H5

Fig-6: Well log correlations of Heera and S Heera Fields (N-S)

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Classical
reservoir
engineering techniques
as well as geocellular
reservoir model were
used
as
integrated
evaluation tool to select
the most suitable field
redevelopment option.
The evaluation process
began with problem
identification or framing,
uncertainty analysis and
then field simulation
based
field
redevelopment options
in consultation with

facility engineer, drilling engineer and production engineers. Finally refinement of the field
redevelopment scenarios were worked out keeping minimum risk, quality improvement and
phase wise development in mind. The main reservoir redevelopment strategy includes oil
recovery maximization, jacking up of production, targeting sweet zone, exploitation of un
exploited reservoirs, workover optimization as immediate results.
Well wise and sector wise pressure analysis indicate the presence of high pressure area around
the injectors and low pressure area around the producers. A considerable amount of pressure
gradient exists from the periphery to
1
9
2
1
9
3
4 3 1
4
1 9
- South
- 4
- 8
- 9
- 9
- 8
- 4
- 9
- 8
- 1
A
A
E E E B B BB
D D D A A
the up dip part of the reservoir. orth-1440CH- CH- CH- HF- HFS
S
H H H H H HH
H H H HH
H
H
Higher pressures around the
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injectors indicate poor dissipation of
-1470
h
injected water towards producing
t
p
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e -1480
1507.371
D
area.
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a -1490
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4 3 1
- - C C C
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1
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H

3
D
H

9
F
H

9 8 4 9
- - D D A A
H H HH

4
E
H

9 8 4 9
- E E B B
H H H H

8 1
- BB
HH

1
A
S
H

A
S
H

-1450

h
t
p

-1460

-1470
e
D -1480
1507.371
a
e -1490
s
b -1500
u
e
S -1510

The reservoir heterogeneity demand

for lower well spacing as the current
well spacing in the field is nonuniform
and
large
(~
225
acres/well). Presently out of 112
wells there are about 37 wells which
are producing oil at a rate <200
bopd, 45 wells are producing
between 200 & 500 bopd and 31
wells are producing at a rate >500
bopd. About 50 wells are producing
oil with water cut more than 50 %.

.28
.24
.2
.18
.16
.14
.18
.1
.16
0

s -1500
b -1520
u
S -1510
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.14
.1
0

-1520
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0

-1540
-1440

-1550
0

4
C
H

3
C
H

1
C
H

5019
1 9
F F
H H

10039
15058
3
9 Distance
8 4 9
4 9 8 4 9 81
- - - - E E E B B BB
D D D AA
FanSection
H H H H H HH
H
H H HH

5019

h
t
p -1475
e 1507.371
D

10039
Distance

A
S
H

15058

20077
A
S
H

20077

GridstatPro Aug07 05

FanSection

1
.9
.8
.7
.6
.5
.4
.3
.2
.1
0

GridstatPro Aug07 05

a
e
s -1510
b
u
S
-1545

1551.151 4 3 1
- - -1580
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HH H

1 9
F 4500
F
H H

3
D
H

9 8 4 9
4 9 8 4 9 81
- - - - 10000
E E E 15500
B B BB
AA
D D
Distance
H H H H H HH
H H HH

FanSection

-1450
h -1460
t
p
e -1470
D
-1480
a1507.371
e -1490
s
b -1500
u
S -1510

A
S
H

A
21000
S
H

GridstatPro Aug07 05

5000
2000
1500
500
300
200
100
50
25
15
10
5
0

Effect of water injection is not

uniformly felt in all parts of the field.
In some areas with good injection
support, the layers with relatively
high permeability get the water
Fig-7: , Sw and Permeability distribution in wells of
injection effect early while the tighter
Heera and S Heera Field (N-S)
ones continue on depletion mode.
Pressure sinks are developed in
some parts of Heera field. Higher pressures around the injectors indicate poor dissipation of
injected water towards producing area. Characteristic Halls plot (Fig-5) does indicate the
behaviors of injectors so that remedial measures are needed for revival of such injectors.
-1520
-1530
-1540

-1550
-1000

4500

10000
Distance

15500

21000

As a part of rejuvenation of the field and understanding the current state of production
reevaluation of the existing data and re characterisation of new data have been carried out for
better understanding of the reservoir.
The petrohysical parameters for log
interpretation i.e. a, m and n
parameters were reevaluated and the
well logs were reprocessed. The
reprocessed log data has been used
for building up of the geological model
using geostatistical approach. Mukta
and Bassein pay being the major
hydrocarbon bearing part have been
the
focus
area
for
recovery
optimization in short term. Other
hydrocarbon bearing area Panna
formation and Alternation and Bandra
Fig-8: Upscaled picture of Reservoir model of
pay (Gas bearing zone) have also
Heera field
been given weight age for optimum

-5-

exploitation of the hydrocarbon. Fresh log correlations have been generated (Fig-6) and the same
data set has been used for spatial distribution of the reservoir properties (Fig-7). The generated
properties were compared qualitatively with the pressure transient studies as well as production
logging studies for attaining a suitable subsurface picture of the reservoir.
The fine scale reservoir model has been upscaled for creation of reservoir simulation model of
Heera and S Heera field separately(Fig-8). The simulation model was taken for history match.
Water cut, reservoir pressure and gas oil ratio have been given priorities for well wise history
match. After attaining a suitable history match the same model is taken for future performance
prediction. The total performance prediction has been carried out in stages. In first stage, wells
(producers as well as injectors) for workover (addition of zone/Sidetracking) were identified. In
second stage the vacant slots available on the platforms were suitably placed as infill wells. In
final stage the sweet lefts over zones have been targeted for recovery optimization and optimum
exploitation.

Result and Discussion

Under Brown field development and as a prelude to redevelopment of total Heera field, a pilot
project, HR platform in the western flank of Heera field was taken up for work over jobs from
2005.
The platform was producing oil @ 2500 bopd with 65 % water cut before WOJ through 8 wells. In
this area, the reservoir is tight. Detailed reservoir studies, log analysis and micro correlation were
carried out to identify undrained reservoir, layers contributing high water production. Wells were
sidetracked and converted to horizontal drain holes and suitably placed in better oil saturation
area. Use of state of art technology (e.g. SRDH and MRDH) made it possible to achieve better
placement of wells with low horizontal drift and high dog-leg. This further helped to negotiate
minimum shale thickness above the pay and avoiding extra casing/liner. Use of non damaging
mud during drainhole phase and surge plug helped faster activation of wells.
Workover of five oil wells of this platform has improved the oil production rate from 1325 BOPD to
4850 BOPD and a substantial decrease in water form 75% to 10% has been achieved. Based on
the same analysis injector viz. HR-7 with zero injectivity was also worked over in the same
platform. A 400 m drain hole with a branch was made in the strike direction and after thorough
back wash the well was re-completed with back flow facility. Further, with same concept, well HS9 of HS platform was taken up for work over in Sept.05 for drain hole drilling. Before work over
job the well was producing about 100 bopd with 80% water cut. After detailed studies and micro
correlation, a 200 m drain hole was planned in the top part of sweet zone in Bassein formation.
The drain hole was drilled using non-damaging clay free mud. The well was activated by surge
plug. After work over, the well started producing oil @850 bopd with 10 % water cut. Similar jobs
planning for selected wells of Heera and S Heera field have been done and been conceptualized
in Brownfield Development. To improve the voidage compensation and better sweep jobs like
Relocation of some of the down dip injectors and placement along the strike direction, Relocation
of offending up dip injectors, Hydro-fracturing of poor injectors, Drain hole drilling to increase
water injection, Profile modification and Regular back flow arrangement in all the injectors.
The current field experience, performance analysis of the well/platform and field, current
visualization of near geological picture through geostatistical approach and improvement in
understanding of fluid dynamics based on field history match all coupled together provided the
current fluid distribution as well as possible potential area for recovery optimization as well as
enhancing production from the field. The present approach also provided the exploitation
strategy for the unexploited hydrocarbon zones in present economic scenario. In addition to the
current production as well as recovery optimization is also backed up with future exploitation
scenario of the low potential hydrocarbon horizons also. The updation of the existing geological
model based on the workover data, infill data and performance history certainly guide the
recovery optimization process in right direction.

-6-

Conclusions
The current geological geostatistical model is prepared for the major hydrocarbon bearing
horizons but a due weightage has also been given to the low as well as lowest potential
horizons also for future target. The history match has provided a better understanding of the
current hydrocarbon distribution which in turn will help in targeting the left over hydrocarbon and
thus recovery optimization process. The present analysis of water injectors do suggest for
change in water injection strategy in the field and this has been incorporated in the current
redevelopment proposal for attaining the better reservoir health. This approach does help in
better voidage compensation as well as pressure maintenance in the field. In totality the current
study focuses on (i) brownfield development, (ii) drainage/ exploitation of left over oil and (iii) oil
exploitation in inter and intra platform areas with reduction in well spacing (iv) opening up of the
new area northwest of HC platform.
The redevelopment planning has been formulated to take care of the above areas with (i) work
over of poor producers/ injectors, (ii) drilling of wells on vacant slots and (iii) location of sweet
spots. The present study is likely to add 10-12 MMt of oil by 2030 with increased water injection
of 2, 00,000 BWPD by 2008-09. The current redevelopment plan also targets the small and
isolated nearby pools for monetization of the asset also.

Acknowledgements
The authors thank the Asset Manager, Sub Surface Manager, Area Manager and officers of
Neelam Heera Asset of Mumbai Region for their support and value addition during the completion
of the study.

References
1. Samantha Hanley and Robert Navo: Brownfields-Tool to Manage the Challenges,
Schlumberger Information Solutions, July 2004, pp1-8.
2. Usman Ahmed: Brownfields, White Paper, Schliumberger, January 2004.
3. D B Silin, R Holtzman, T W Patzek, J Brink: Monitoring waterflood operations: alls Method
Revisited, SPE 93879 presented at the 2005 SPE Western Regional Meeting held in Irvine,
CA, USA, 30 March-1 April 2005.
4. Hazarika. G, Tiwari B. K. et al: Comprehensive Review of Heera and S Heera Fields, Field
Development Group, IRS, Ahmedabad, July 2002.

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