Returning an Offshore Platform to Production

Situation: Norwest Questa Engineering (NQE) evaluated the production potential of a client’s offshore platform which had been acting as a pumping station with abandoned wells due to the low oil prices realized several years ago. An economic evaluation showed that current oil prices would support returning the wells to production if a minimum productivity and reserve base could be realized.

Solution: NQE provided reservoir and production engineering support to the client staff for developing an improved geological model. Support included a detailed assessment of past performance. From this assessment, NQE targeted re-entries, predicted well deliverability, assessed production problems, and furnished data for facilities rehabilitation. In addition, NQE designed well completions including artificial lift as well as redesigning new injection requirements.

Result: NQE’s efforts showed that the minimum production requirements could be met, and accelerated moving the project forward. NQE’s recommendations were incorporated into the program for returning the platform to production.