SPE 109278
Risk-Based Candidate Selection Workflow Improve Acid Stimulation Success Ratio in
Mature Field
G. Kartoatmodjo, F. Caretta, S. Flew, SPE, Schlumberger, and M. Jadid, Petronas Carigali Sdn. Bhd.
Copyright 2007, Society of Petroleum Engineers
This paper was prepared for presentation at the 2007 SPE Asia Pacific Oil & Gas Conference
and Exhibition held in Jakarta, Indonesia, 30 October–1 November 2007.
This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE Program Committee following review of
information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper, as
presented, have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to
correction by the author(s). The material, as presented, does not necessarily reflect any
position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its officers, or members. Papers presented at
SPE meetings are subject to publication review by Editorial Committees of the Society of
Petroleum Engineers. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper
for commercial purposes without the written consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is
prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300
words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous
acknowledgment of where and by whom the paper was presented. Write Librarian, SPE, P.O.
Box 833836, Richardson, TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435.
Abstract
In mature, multi layered reservoirs with commingled, dual
string, and gravel packed completions, selecting reliable acid
stimulation candidates has always been a challenge. Achieving
a high success ratio under these conditions requires a risk-
based selection process, supported by reservoir understanding
and characterization.
As the traditional workflow, acid stimulation candidate
selection starts with a thorough production performance
review. Production history is provided on a string-by-string
basis, and nodal analysis modeled based on production
performance. Perforation and completions are evaluated to
identify any damage. Logs are then reviewed to evaluate
mineralogy and petrophysics. In this workflow, candidate
selection is refined by reservoir modeling to predict the
production gain in field level and production decline
prediction. A decision and risk analysis is conducted with a
strong emphasis on range of probability evaluates all possible
outcomes associated with success and failure ratio. An
economic analysis is evaluated based on risk analysis. This
workflow is developed and tested in Bokor field, off the coast
of Sarawak, Malaysia.
After acid stimulation campaigns spanning over 6 reservoirs,
the results have yielded to 40% oil production gain. Six
strings showed an increment in oil rate, a reduction in water
cut and an increase in productivity. Overall, the fine tuned acid
job design combined with visco-elastic surfactant diversion
technique proved to be effective.
This paper presents the comprehensive workflow developed
and implemented by the Bokor Project Management Team
(BPMT) encompassing all the components necessary to
deliver a risk based decision and therefore the optimum
results.
Introduction
The Bokor field is situated in the Baram Delta, 45 km offshore
Sarawak, East Malaysia. It was discovered in 1971. The field
is operated by Petronas Carigali Sdn. Bhd. The first phase of
development began in 1982/83 with the drilling of 11 wells in
Platform A, followed by the development drilling of 8 wells in
Platform B in 1985/86. The development of Platform C
started in 1988/89 with total of 9 wells drilled. Various infill
drilling and work over activities were conducted as well
during this period.
Hydrocarbon accumulation occurs between 1000 to 9000 ft
with proven oil columns ranging between 90 to 150 ft. The
main reservoirs are in the shallow layers (A through H)
between 1000 to 5000 ft. These reservoirs contain 91% of the
reserves, whilst the rest of reserves are located in the deeper
reservoirs (I through N) ranging from 5000 to 8000 ft. The
crude API is in the range of 18-24º. All shallow reservoirs are
now sub hydrostatic ranging between 850 to 1500 psi with
around 100 psi depletion compared to initial reservoir
pressures. Current reservoir pressures are below the initial
bubble point pressures in many sands. The reservoir is
supported by strong water drive. Vertical communication has
not been proven between the major intervals over the field
production life.
Almost all intervals are produced in non-commingled
production mode, with dual string arrangements. In 1996,
some of wells started to be put on commingled mode as a
means to optimize the available lift gas. Most strings require
artificial lift due to low reservoir pressures and heavy fluid
properties. Emulsion creation now further constrains the lift
performance by adding increasing pressure drops in the
tubular. Only three wells flow naturally. Currently, there are
47 wells with 91 producing strings, 73 strings are active,
mainly producing from the top formations. Consequently the
production behavior is well known for shallow reservoir (A to
H) while limited information is available for other reservoirs.
2 SPE 109278
The operator drivers are to maximize oil recovery and increase
oil production rate. The reservoirs have highly porous,
unconsolidated fine sands at shallow depth and tight
formations at the bottom of the structure. The formation sand
contains high levels of kaolinite and illite, which tend to
dislodge with increasing water cut and therefore plug the near
wellbore and gravel packed area. The reservoirs are
heterogeneous with laminated sand shale sequences.
Historically, stacked internal gravel pack systems have been
used in the Bokor field to prevent sand production. While
these have proved successful in stopping the production of
sand, they have resulted in high completion skins and reduced
productivity. One of the proposed initiatives is acid
stimulation as part of a production enhancement effort in order
to re-establish optimum drainage conditions.
Traditional Workflow
Candidate selection workflow for any type of stimulation job
mainly involves production data analysis, nodal modeling and
simple economic calculation. Individual string performance is
evaluated and production gain is calculated based on nodal
analysis model. This method is sufficient for quick string
diagnostics. However, to evaluate a field wide stimulation
strategy, a more rigorous selection process needs to take place.
Innovative Work Flow Overview
As the traditional workflow, acid stimulation candidate
selection starts here with a thorough production performance
review. Production history is provided on a string-by-string
basis, and nodal analysis modeled based on production
performance. Perforation and completions are evaluated to
identify any damage. Logs are then reviewed to evaluate
mineralogy and petrophysics. In Bokor field, reservoir
modeling to predict the well performance and production
decline on the well and layer basis is performed. Moreover,
an economic and decision risk analysis is conducted with a
emphasis on evaluating all range of probabilistic outcome. The
workflow ends with post stimulation job evaluation. The
stimulation candidate selection workflow is presented in
Figure 1. Tools used to implement the candidate selection
workflow include data management software, nodal analysis
tools, reservoir simulation, stimulation design software and
economic and decision tree software packages.
Geological Overview
Bokor field is situated in the West Baram Delta province. It is
characterized by a northwestward prograding wave dominated
delta with coastal fluviomarine deposits of Mid Miocene to
Pliocene age. Sands are separated by transgressive shales.
The structure of the Bokor field is characterized by growth and
antithetic faulting with increasing structural complexity and
interpretation uncertainty with depth.
The Bokor sands contain a large variety of minerals including
quartz, limestone, dolomite, kaolinite, illite, chlorite and
smectite. Each mineral is evaluated based on core and log
data.
Production Data, Nodal Analysis and Formation
Damage Evaluation
Production data are always the best source to screen any
anomaly in a string. This particular field has good reservoir
pressure support, observed through production data and static
surveys conducted over the years. Any sudden drop in
production performance could therefore be considered an
anomaly in which can indicate possible production
impairment.
Production data was investigated on a string by string basis. In
some strings, it is observed that production decreases sharply
and then continues at a constant rate for several years. This
sudden drop indicates one of the signs of formation damage.
Nodal analysis is conducted using Darcy’s law with the Vogel
correction. It is used to generate the inflow performance
relations to indicate reservoir performance. Darcy’s law
assumes laminar flow and incompressible fluid flow with the
inflow performance representing the behavior of the reservoir.
Variables affecting inflow performance are: permeability and
thickness (kh), PVT data, pressure drop between reservoir and
sandface completion and skin.
Permeability and thickness value are matched from well test
data and confirmed by reservoir modeling. The skin value is
the only parameter that needs to be matched to a well test.
Skin is a measure of excess pressure drop in the producing
formation as fluids flow into a well. Plugging of the pore
spaces by either mechanical crushing, fine particles, or drilling
fluid invasion, can cause formation damage to occur and
therefore the skin factor to increase.
A typical Bokor string has a skin factor ranging from +20 to
+140. This range is based on matching nodal analysis models
with current field conditions, well testing, with a confirmation
from reservoir modeling. Figure 2 shows the distribution of
skin factor per string. The average skin factor for Bokor
strings is 35, which is considered relatively high for typical
cased, cemented, perforated and internal gravel packed
completion. Given the low reservoir pressures, and limited gas
lift, any increase in drawdown into the string will lead to direct
increases in production rates.
Further analysis is made in an attempt to determine what
causes these high skin factors. One cause of damage is by
mechanical crushing, which occurs while perforating.
Compaction of the rock around the perforation is an
unavoidable consequence of the process; however, it can lead
to a damage region around the perforated area. From the
modeling, it was concluded that the perforation process
contributes to a negligible percentage of the total skin damage.
Cases were generated to investigate gravel pack performance.
Nodal modeling shows that the effective permeability of the
gravel pack sand is reduced by almost half. The average
calculated effective gravel pack sand permeability is 140,000
md whilst the sack permeability used is 250,000 md. This
means that the gravel pack is only 40 % effective on average.
SPE 109278
This is suspected to be the major contribution of completion
damage.
Fines and particle migration can be another factor that
contributes to overall formation and completion damage. The
presence of kaolinite and illite in some of the formations
indicates that the probability of fine migration is very high.
Fines in the porous medium are mobilized by changes in the
chemical composition of the water or are simply mechanically
entrained due to the shear forces applied by the moving fluid.
A small number of strings in Bokor field show this problem -
based on sieve available. Swelling clay was also identified
ranging from 1-7% of bulk volume analysis from X-ray
diffraction (XRD) semi-quantitative analysis. The occurrence
of these swelling clays possibly causes a further plugging
problem. Even in a high porosity reservoirs like those of the
Bokor field, 1% of swelling clays may cause significant
plugging problem.
Another source of skin damage can come from the drilling
process itself. Drilling related damage results from the
invasion of the formation by drilling fluid particles and
drilling fluid filtrate. The deposition of mud particles around
the wellbore can severely reduce permeability; however, the
depth of particle invasion is usually small, ranging from less
than an inch to a maximum of 1 ft. Furthermore, in shallow
formations where unconfined stress is below 300 psig the
drilling process produced serious washouts. De-stressing of
the near wellbore area contributes to less inflow performance.
Remediation for formation damage is through acid
stimulation. Matrix acidizing can significantly improve well
productivity where near wellbore formation damage is present,
provided the treatment fluids are properly designed and
injected into the affected areas.
From classic nodal analysis approach, initially 14 strings met
the criteria as acid stimulation candidates.
These primary selection criteria were based on:
• Review of production profiles
• Apparent formation damage in the string
• Water cut less than 50% (field average)
Reservoir Simulation Run
Once the preliminary nodal analysis has been completed the
candidate strings are included in reservoir simulation
modeling. Detailed reservoir model were constructed based on
3D geological model and petrophysical evaluation in Bokor
field. The objective of simulation modeling is to evaluate
production gain at the field level. Once history matching was
completed, scenario runs were performed. One of the scenario
cases were well stimulation. The skin factor in selected layer
was improved resulting in higher productivity index. The case
was evaluated to determine if there is significant improvement
in cumulative layer production as a function of time.
3
Following the technical assessment, an economic and decision
risk analysis is performed to assess the likely value of each
stimulation job to permit candidate ranking.
Risk Assessment
In order to take well-informed decisions, risk assessment
needs to be included in the decision making process. The
assessment is divided in two main areas: qualitative and
quantitative analysis.
The main objective of a qualitative analysis is to identify all
potential uncertainties, both opportunities and risks.
Brainstorming hazard identification sessions were conducted
to define all the hazardous aspects involved, with the Hazard
Analysis and Risk Control (HARC) method adopted to
facilitate the process. Inputs from relevant parties i.e.
production technologist, stimulation specialist, wellsite
coordinator etc were solicited. The first high-level assessment
was to recognize all the activities involved in the process, and
the initial risks and potential losses involved. The identified
activities include candidate selection, job design, detailed
engineering, logistics, operational execution and well
handover and stabilization post stimulation. The risk is then
classified in two categories, likelihood and severity.
Likelihood is defined as the chance of that risk occurring
whilst Severity is the magnitude of potential losses (financial,
safety, incidents, etc) related to that risk. The multiplication
of likelihood and severity presents the level of potential risk.
The risk matrix characterization is created to reflect potential
monetary and time lost.
To quantify the uncertainties identified during the qualitative
assessment into the decision-making process, a full
probabilistic economic analysis is adopted. The probability
and impact associated with each uncertainty was modeled with
a holistic approach.
Typical Net Present Value (NPV) calculation results that are
presented in a deterministic economic analysis bear one
scenario of risks. Commonly, it is assumed that everything
will go as per plan with one potential outcome of risk
assumed. However, realistically this is not the case. With a
probabilistic approach, uncertainties are integrated in the
analysis, thus the final results is more informed. The results
are then presented in a range of possible outcomes that make
the decision easier. Depending on the risk assertiveness and
the prevailing conditions, the team has a more informed view
of what may happen with the acid stimulation.
For the selection of acid stimulation candidates, risk is
assessed in two categories; technical and operational. Typical
technical failures that may occur during the study phase
include incorrect candidate selection due to data quality and
availability.
In Bokor field, well test data, water cut, and flowing pressure
per completed interval are given through production
allocation. Data per sand is not available as no production
logging has been performed in the field. This log would help
4 SPE 109278
to locate the water influx source in commingled gravel packed
perforations. Some pressure build up data are available,
however they are of very limited use since gravel packed
intervals are in a multi-layer environments and commingled
through the pack. They are mostly outdated and thus may not
be representative of the current conditions. The complexity of
the Bokor field’s multilayer reservoir is illustrated by the high
heterogeneity and permeability contrast seen on the logs – as
presented in the case study. Other aspects of technical failure
include treatment fluid placement technique and treatment
selected based on insufficient data or poor quality. Good acid
diversion technique will play a major role in stimulation
placement success. It is noteworthy that not only coverage but
also selective diversion between oil and water are key for
success. As mentioned above, multiple reservoirs stacked
together with differing water saturations are present in all
completions. In general terms, the highest conductivity
interval normally is the one that produces more fluids. Hence,
these intervals tend to drain reservoirs more rapidly and
therefore produce edge water. These conditions make acid
stimulation a very complex and therefore challenging activity.
Operational failure may occur during the execution phase,
which includes mobilization, rigging up, pumping job (rate
and pressure), and fluids placement as per job design, rigging
down and demobilization. Failure in the operation may result
in failure of equipment during installation, failure during
mixing operations, and/or failure of fluid placement/diversion
and penetration into the matrix. If the acid is placed mainly in
the reservoirs with higher conductivity, the water cut may
increase and the vertical drainage profile gets worse than
before the acid stimulation.
Based on data availability, field knowledge, the technical
success and failure is thus rated. Operational success and
failure of the job is based on track records. The statistics on
acid stimulation success rate is high provided that all the
relevant data, such as permeability contrast between zones and
water influx source, is available and reliable. The success
rates used in this probabilistic analysis are:
Technical success/failure: 70%-30% respectively
Operational success/failure: 80%-20% respectively
Post Stimulation Results Probability Assessment
The main goal of the acid stimulation is to reduce or remove
completion and formation damage and hence increase oil
production. However, the final skin factor result will vary with
the success of the technical analysis and operational execution.
The stimulation job designs here aimed to achieve the ideal
skin factor of 15 as per industry benchmark for internal gravel
pack completions, drilling practices and the fluids technology
utilized to drill these wells. The lower the skin factor the
better the productivity index. Other possible outcome cases
are also to be expected and are thus evaluated as part of the
workflow. The secondary goal is also to reduce water cut
further and therefore improving the lift gas usage.
The four outcome cases were used to depict post stimulation
performance. The cases are as follows:
Case 1: Post stimulation oil rate with ideal skin factor and
productivity index
Case 2: Post stimulation oil rate is half of ideal productivity
index
Case 3: No increment gain post stimulation
Case 4: Post stimulation oil rate –70% of original oil rate
Case 1 is the ideal condition post stimulation. This is when
the calculations and job design are accomplished; placement is
accurate and operationally well executed. Case 2 is when the
stimulation placement is not accurate and therefore stimulates
an undesirable zone and thus produces more water than
expected, but the operation is well executed. Case 3 depicts
placement failure and thus fails to stimulate the formation.
Finally, Case 4 exemplifies failure of placement and damage
formation or stimulates a high water saturation zone, therefore
loosing production.
Oil price and acid stimulation expenditures are two other
major variables that will greatly affect the economic outputs.
Input to expenditures and oil price are estimated in ranges to
cover the uncertainty level. The output will be a range of
NPV results displaying all possible cumulative probability
values, which will show the worst, the most likely and the best
scenarios. The ranges of input are estimated in conservative
manner; oil price ranges from 18-32 USD/stb and expenditures
range from 200,000 to 400,000 USD to account for weather,
inefficiencies, operational problems and other delays.
Expenditures range is obtained based on fair market price for
acid stimulation job execution. A lognormal distribution is
used to calculate the mean of the variable ranges. Lognormal
distributions are widely used where values are positively
skewed.
Monte Carlo Simulation
A Monte Carlo simulation was used to perform a full
probabilistic analysis. “Simulation” refers to any analytical
method meant to duplicate a real life system especially when
other analyses are too mathematically complex or too difficult
to reproduce. Without the aid of simulation, a spreadsheet
model will only reveal a single outcome, generally the most
likely or average scenario.
Monte Carlo Simulation enables uncertainties to be
incorporated into the economic spreadsheet model. The model
is then linked to commercial software to perform the
simulation. The output discloses possible outcomes together
with their probability of occurrence. Before running the
simulation, it is recommended that input ranges capture all the
uncertainties and what-if-scenarios.
For each variable (input), the range of possible values with a
probability distribution is defined. The type of distribution
selected is based on the conditions surrounding that variable
(i.e. oil price possible range of values has a lognormal
distribution behavior).
SPE 109278
During the simulation, multiple scenarios of a model are
calculated by repeatedly sampling values from the probability
distributions for the variables and using those values for the
Monte Carlo. Simulation consists of many trials or scenarios
depending on the level of accuracy wanted. 5,000 trials were
used in this analysis to ensure that standard deviation error is
within the acceptable level. During a single trial, the simulator
randomly selects a value from the defined possibilities (the
range and shape of the distribution) for each variable and then
recalculates the spreadsheet model.
Figure 9 graphically shows an example of the typical NPV
results for a candidate well. Result of the NPV values for each
string is presented in the form of cumulative probability plots,
which display the full range of NPV outcomes. The X-axis
represents the NPV value in USD and Y-axis is the cumulative
probability range from 0% to 100%.
With the model set up, cases were then run for all wells. These
cases were evaluated at the probability of 50, 70, and 90 using
Crystal Ball™, a Monte Carlo simulation program. A
probability distribution describes the likelihood of a specified
value occurring out of a range or set of values. For example,
P70 shows 70/100 chances that this event will occur in this
case.
Decision and Risk Analysis
Decision trees were built to integrate uncertainties and
rationally illustrate how decision is made in the decision
making process. The probability and impact associated with
each uncertainty was modeled using Monte Carlo simulation
for the four cases above.
The simulation outcomes at a cumulative probability of 70%
(P70) are used to build decision trees after having integrated
all the uncertainties in economic models. Based on industry
standards and previous experience in the Baram Delta, these
results show significant upside potential via acid stimulation in
the Bokor field. The sensitivity results show that the technical
analysis, operational success and oil price are factors that have
major impact on the net present value. It is noteworthy that at
P70 the maximum loss is very close to the cost of the acid
stimulation job. Result summary is presented in form of EMV
(Expected Monetary Value) after integrating uncertainties and
Monte Carlo simulation at P70. A decision tree example is
presented in Figure 10.
Case Example
The following is an example of evaluating each string for
potential stimulation candidate using the workflow. String A
has been producing at constant rate for 7 years with a very low
water cut as presented in Figure 3. A typical completion
diagram is presented in Figure 4. It is a dual completion with
gravel pack as sand control mean. Both strings require gas
lifting. Nodal analysis was constructed showing a match of
high skin presented in figure 5. Pressure build up data was not
available. The string is gravel packed and therefore high skin
result is expected. Gravel pack contributes most of the skin
5
damage in this particular string. The formation sand is highly
heterogeneous – and multiple sub-sands are completed under
one gravel pack. Figure 6 presents the log for String A. A
reservoir simulation was generated to evaluate production gain
and its decline scenario as presented in Figure 7. Acid
stimulation placement is then designed to ensure proper
placement of the fluids in the matrix – presented in Figure 8.
Economic and decision risk analysis concluded the selection
process. This step is presented in Figures 3 to 11.
String B has been producing at constant rate for 3 years after a
sharp decline. Nodal analysis was constructed with a match of
high skin. Pressure build up was available from early years of
production. The conductivity figures used were based on this
information. The string is gravel packed and therefore high
skin result is expected. String history showed some traces of
sand production. Traces of emulsion occurrence were also
detected from fluid sampling. Economic and decision risk
analysis concluded the selection process. Based on risk
analysis, this string fails to be selected for stimulation
candidates. The risk of sand production and fluid
incompatibility rules out this string to be included on the
stimulation campaign.
Selection Results
Based on decision tree results, 9 out of 14 strings selected
prove to be very attractive candidates. The stimulation
campaign is then divided into batches according to the
platform location. The purpose is to reduce
mobilization/demobilization costs as string as to gather more
information and lessons learned as the campaign progresses to
minimize the overall project risk. The first batch was
conducted in platform B for 2 strings/intervals. The second
batch was conducted for 3 strings in platform A.
Based on post stimulation results from these strings/intervals,
further analysis and model calibration will define the
effectiveness of the selection process and hence the cost-
effectiveness of the remaining candidate strings.
Execution and Results
Full strength mud acids were selected for this sandstone
reservoir. A bullheading technique for placement was used in
the stimulation executions. The first batch of matrix acidizing
treatment was performed in October 2004. The treated zones
were from both deep and shallow reservoirs. The net height
was 34 ft and 91 ft respectively.
The second campaign was conducted in September 2006 to
execute the remaining strings selected. The treated reservoirs
were only the shallower zones.
A viscoelastic surfactant (VES) diverter both in fluid &
foamed phases was used to prevent stimulating the water zone.
Pumping operations were performed down the 3 ½”
production tubing through 5 ½” wire wrapped screen in to the
the perforations. The total operation took five days per well in
average. The acid jobs where pumped through sliding sleeves,
6 SPE 109278

making the formation coverage a big concern. In the case of choke and optimizing the lift gas rate. Lessons learned
the shallow reservoir it was finally decided to add foaming to workshop will be carried out with all relevant parties to
improve areal coverage. capture knowledge and potential optimization opportunities.

The campaign has been completed by the time this paper is
written. The results are encouraging. Water cut has been
reduced significantly in both stimulated intervals proving the
effect of the VES diversion. Nodal analysis has been
performed for each test. The skin factor has been significantly
reduced in all stimulated intervals proving the effect of the
matrix acidization.
Figure 12 present the result summary of all strings.
String 1 is producing 200 blpd with 12% water cut on 40/64”
bean size. Before stimulation the string was producing 120
blpd with 30% water cut on 128/64” bean size. Production
gain obtained from this string is estimated at 100 bopd, as
projected. The string is producing with gas lift as artificial lift
mode. Sand production is within normal solid content. The
choke is fully opened and maximum acid stimulation value
has been captured.
Before stimulation string 2 was producing an average of 500
blpd with 50% water cut on 128/64” bean size. Currently the
string is producing 620 blpd with 10% water cut on 20/64”
bean size. As projected by nodal analysis, this string has
significant upside potential.
String 3 is producing 430 blpd with 26% water cut on full
bean. Before stimulation, the string was producing 400 blpd
with 40% water cut on full bean size. Production gain from
this string is 78 bopd. The prediction was 100 bopd. Some
concerns are still present regarding solids production post-
stimulation. This issue is currently under investigation.
String 4 is producing 1460 blpd with 16% water cut on a full
bean. Before stimulation, the string was producing 1083 blpd
with 20% water cut. The production gain is 640 bopd.
String 5 is producing 250 blpd with 30% water cut on a full
bean. Before stimulation, the string was producing 200 blpd
with 40% water cut. The production gain is 90 bopd as per
calculation.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank Schlumberger and Petronas Carigali
Sdn. Bhd. management for their support for this work, and
permission to publish this paper.
References
1. Economides et. al.: Petroleum Production
Systems, Prentis Hall, New Jersey 1993.
2. Bokor Field Redevelopment Plan, Schlumberger
2004.
3. Wongnapapisan, B. “Decision and Risk
Analysis: Acid Stimulation Bokor Project”
Intouch 3930160 (Internal Schlumberger
document).
4. Simulator “Crystal Ball version 4.0” Help
session.
5. Woelflin, W.: “The Viscosity of Crude-Oil
Emulsions,” Drilling and Production Practice,
API 1942.
6. Brill, J.P., Mukherjee, H.: “Multiphase Flow in
Pipes” SPE Monogram 1998
7. Wennberg, K., Vikane, O., et. al.: “Successful
Mud Acid Stimulations Maintaining Productivity
in Gravel packed Wells at Heidrun” SPE 68925
8. Di Lullo, G., Rae, P.,:”A New Acid for True
Stimulation of Sandstone Reservoirs” SPE 37015
9. Pauzi, N., Low, M.T, et al. : “Bokor:
Development and Technology Challenges of a
Mature Field” SPE 64471.

Conclusion and Way Forward

The comprehensive candidate selection workflow developed

and implemented has proved to deliver the envisaged results.
With the acid stimulation results obtained so far, high success
ratio has been obtained proving the validity of the assumptions
and analysis made by the Team.
Based on the economic and risk assessment acid stimulation
using VES diversion technique is evaluated to be a profitable
solution. Decision risk analysis proved to be a valuable tool
for candidate selection. From production history and nodal
analysis, all acid stimulated intervals have drastically reduced
skin factors and all have significantly reduced water cuts. Net
oil gains of about 1300 bopd are currently recorded from 5
strings. The strings will be fully optimized by opening the
SPE 109278 7

Data review
Pr, rate, WC,
THP, PVT etc

Completion Data QA/QC

diagram review Prior to modeling

Start Well jewelry, etc

Well history review

Drilling, completion,
Workover No Data
intervention Data measurement for Ok?
required parameter
Petrophysical Yes
analysis Mineralogy,
formation type, etc
Conceptual Reservoir screening,
Build and match nodal Assess technical reserve check & Stimulation No Reject – no
stimulation Potential potential/well is
analysis to evaluate well potential interference
potential treatment optimized
Initial production vs
current production.
Evaluate formation Damage cause
impairment, skin etc identification
No
Yes Yes
Decision and Risk Detailed stimulation Passed Conceptual Cost
Analysis design ? economic analysis estimation

Risk
assessment &
mitigations
Multiple failure
Reject
Production
prediction modeling

Yes Passed Yes

Finalized Job Results
No Passed? Ranking by risk, NPV
Reject ? candidates,
and potential execution monitoring &
scheduling
compare to
prediction
No
Rework/Reject

End of Workflow

Figure 1: Acid stimulation candidate selection work flow

150

120

90
Skin Value

60

30

0
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47 49 51 53 55 57 59 61 63 65 67 69 71 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91

Well Number

Figure 2: Typical Skin value for Bokor Field

8 SPE 109278

Case Example: String 1

API gravity: 19.5

Viscosity: 10 cp
Bo: 1.07 rb/stb

Production History
1000
Liquid Rate (CD)
800 Oil Rate (CD) ( bbl/d )
600

400

200
0
1988 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 2000 01 02 03 04 05
DATE

100
Water Cut ( % )
80

60

40
20

0
1988 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 2000 01 02 03 04 05
DATE

Figure 3: String 1 Production History Summary

Figure 4: String 1 Completion Diagram – Gravel packed is used as a sand control method.
SPE 109278 9

1600

1400

1200

1000
Pressure (psig)

800

600

400

200

0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Stock-Tank Liquid Rate (BOPD)

Inflow - Current Production Inflow - Well Potential Vertical Lift Performance

Figure 5: Nodal analysis showing current skin as compare to technical potential

Figure 6: Stimulation fluid placement is critical – the reservoir layer is highly heterogeneous. Good diversion method is a requirement.
10 SPE 109278

Figure 7: Reservoir simulation result

2100

CLEAN SWEEP I
2200 NH4CL 3%
MUD ACID 12/3
2300 OilSEEKER
Zone MD (ft)

2400

2500

2600

2700
0 2 4 6
Radial Penetration (ft)

Figure 8: Stimulation Design - Stimulation and fluid placement design include VES diverter agent.
SPE 109278 11

Figure 9: Monte Carlo simulation

Figure 10: Decision Tree

12 SPE 109278

Pre / Post - NODAL Analysis

1600
Inflow - Pre Treatment Inflow - Post Treatment Outflow - Post Treatment

1400

1200

1000
Pressure (psig)

800

600

Production Gain
400

200

0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Stock-Tank Liquid Rate (BLPD)

Figure 11: Post job monitoring completes the cycle of the workflow.

2000
Pre-Stimulation Post-Stimulation

1800

1600

1400

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0
Well 1 Well 2 Well 3 Well 4 Well 5

Figure 12: Result summary for stimulation campaign