Numerical investigation for determination of aquifer properties in newly developed reservoirs: A case study in a carbonate reservoir.

Abstract Aquifer strength is one of the main parameters in surface water separation facilities design. The material balance method is a common approach to calculate the aquifer strength and water influx in mature reservoirs which are in the second half of their lives. However, this method could not be used for green and newly developed reservoirs. In this type of reservoirs, the suitable vertically and laterally distance between aquifer and perforation intervals in the development wells is a main question which depends on future aquifer behavior. In this study, a methodology has been presented to estimate aquifer properties using water pressure data and also well testing data in a newly developed giant gas field in Middle East. The numerical sector model is used to match simulated water pressure data with actual MDT (Modular Dynamic Tester) data. The water relative permeability for each rock type and vertical-horizontal permeability relationship have been determined in history matching process. The tuned model can be used for the prediction of the aquifer performance and also the water production in future development wells. Highlights • We used MDT pressure data to estimate aquifer properties in a green reservoir. • The residual gas in aquifer will decrease water relative permeability significantly. • Both horizontal and vertical permeability should be adjusted for pressure matching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]