Publications

The Suban Field is a world-class fractured basement gas reservoir. The field has commingled production from fractured Tertiary (carbonate & sandstone) and Pre-Tertiary Basement sections. Currently, the field is able to produce more than 700 MMscfd from only 13 wells with individual well deliverability is as high as 180 MMscfd. Reservoir characteristics of fractured rocks are highly complex, and understanding the fracture network and connectivity is paramount to ensure an optimum depletion strategy. Challenges arise from limited knowledge of lateral/vertical fracture distribution, fracture orientation and intensity, the principal stress orientation, and uncertainty in the production contribution with depth. For the Suban Field, an approach of integrating information from multiple disciplines has been applied to improve the characterization and prediction of reservoir performance. The approach integrates tectonic reconstruction (extensional/compressional), seismic attribute-based analysis, geologic correlation of well data, and production information. In addition, advanced seismic interpretation proved to be particularly successful to define the fracture distribution throughout the field and analysis of production log test data, drilling losses, and image logs made it possible to understand the depth of productive fractures. This paper addresses the challenges of defining the productive fracture network in the Suban Field. A detailed discussion covering all elements of the work flow, from regional tectonic interpretation all the way to reservoir performance will be addressed. Through the use of this approach, the authors will demonstrate how it can be utilized for improved well placement strategy in Suban Field. Additionally, this approach could improve the well placement in other fractured basement reservoirs worldwide.