RESERVOIR MANAGEMENT OF SUBSEA DEVELOPMENT FIELDS IN THE TIMOR SEA

Abstract

In a subsea development, downhole survey costs are high but the reservoir management requirements are basically the same as those for fields developed onshore or by a platform. This paper describes techniques employed to monitor reservoir performance of a field with a subsea style development, primarily by the utilisation of surface data, supplemented by selected downhole data. Along with a number of field examples, from the Timor Sea, a case study of the recently commissioned Skua Field is presented which demonstrates these techniques and how they were applied to enable effective reservoir management of this subsea development. These techniques include the determination of reservoir pressures, reservoir communication and changing well productivities using surface pressures to evaluate the extent of aquifer support. This data is supported by analytical and numerical reservoir studies to provide an understanding of reservoir performance and to facilitate the continuous development requirements of a producing field and to optimise the recovery of reserves.