A REVISED DEPOSITIONAL MODEL FOR EAST SPAR AND ITS IMPACT ON FIELD PERFORMANCE

Abstract

The East Spar gas condensate field is located in production licence WA-13-L in the offshore Carnarvon Basin. Production commenced in 1996 with two subsea wells linked to processing facilities on Varanus Island via a multi-phase pipeline. The pressure performance of the field has been significantly different to predevelopment expectations. This prompted a reexamination of the seismic and well data to investigate the potential for alternative reservoir models.

Integrated stratigraphic and seismic interpretation reveals that the Barrow Group reservoir sands were deposited within an incised valley of limited lateral extent. Sea level fall instigated erosion of a valley that on transgression was filled with successive fluvial, estuarine and marine sediments. Good quality sands are expected to be limited to this valley, the upper part of which can be mapped on seismic. Poor sand development in East Spar–2ST is consistent with its location at the edge of the incised valley.

Before development, the primary production mechanism was expected to be a strong bottom water drive comparable with other Barrow Group fields in the Carnarvon Basin. The revised depositional model, however, and the observed decline in reservoir pressure, indicate that connection to this regional aquifer is limited. This implies that water influx will probably be later, and ultimate recovery higher, than previously anticipated.