An Integrated Approach to Static Model Building in “Depleted Greenfield”

The D oil field has been producing from the West and Main fault blocks since the 1990s, but the East fault block remains undeveloped despite proven hydrocarbon accumulations due to economic challenges and high subsurface risks. Despite it being a greenfield, the pressure data show depletion of 88–300 psi, most likely influenced by long-term production from the nearby S oil field. A static model integrating core, seismic, log, and pressure data aims to characterize this connectivity and guide future development. The study revealed that most of the reservoirs were deposited in wider, amalgamated mouth bar complexes with connected sand bodies extending southeastwards to the S field. While narrow distributary channels (less than 10m wide) were identified from core sections, their small size relative to the model’s cell resolution (50m x 50m) makes them insignificant for modeling, with the larger mouth bar acting as the primary pressure conduit. This multi-disciplinary approach has led to a more robust static model with improved lithofacies and property distribution. This enhanced understanding of the subsurface has contributed to a 12 MMstb increase in STOIIP, significantly boosting the economic viability of developing the previously undeveloped East fault block.