Side View Seismic Location Method Helps Fracture Characterization in a Giant Fractured Carbonate Heavy Oil Field in Iran

Kuh-e-Mond heavy oil field is the largest onshore naturally fractured heavy oil carbonate field in Iran with a resource base of 6-10 Bb OOIP. The heavy oil is found in two formations with oil viscosities of 570-1160 cP in situ. Having a clear picture of the natural fracture fabric of the reservoir will help petroleum engineers and development geologists to determining orientation and flow characteristics of the dominant fracture sets in order to optimize production well placement. In this article, results from fractured media investigations using the Side View Seismic Location (SVSL) method are presented. The SVSL results indicate a transversely oriented zone of minimum values of open fracturing in the NW part of the field, which separates the field into two isolated blocks. The SE part is characterized by a high concentration of abnormally fractured zones and is considered to be the most promising area for primary field development. Based on this study a number of suitable locations for production well placement are proposed. Also, implementing proper down-hole operations in some of the existing wells are recommended to further assess the fabric and arrive at a development strategy.