The Chert field, located in the southern region of the North Sea, is a significant hydrocarbon reservoir that has been under production since the early 1990s. The field is situated approximately 130 kilometers east of the Scottish coast, in a water depth of around 140 meters. This report provides an overview of the essential data related to the Chert field, including its geology, reservoir characteristics, production history, and future prospects.
Geological Overview
The Chert field is a fault-bound, anticlinal structure that forms part of the larger Forties-Montrose High, a prominent geological feature in the North Sea. The field’s reservoir rocks are primarily composed of sandstones and shales of the Upper Jurassic age, with the main pay zones located within the Fulmar Formation. The Fulmar Formation is a sequence of turbiditic sandstones that were deposited in a deep-water environment, characterized by high-energy flows and complex sedimentary structures.
Reservoir Characteristics
The Chert field’s reservoir rocks exhibit a range of characteristics that affect their productivity and hydrocarbon storage capacity. The reservoir sandstones are generally well-sorted and fine- to medium-grained, with average porosities ranging from 15% to 25%. The permeability of the reservoir rocks is relatively high, with average values ranging from 100 to 1,000 millidarcies. The field’s hydrocarbon column is approximately 200 meters thick, with a gas-oil contact located at a depth of around 2,500 meters below sea level.
| Reservoir Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Porosity | 15-25% |
| Permeability | 100-1,000 md |
| Hydrocarbon Column | 200 meters |
| Gas-Oil Contact | 2,500 meters below sea level |
Production History
The Chert field has been under production since 1993, with the first oil being produced from the field’s alpha platform. The field’s production history can be divided into several phases, including the initial primary production phase, which lasted from 1993 to 2000, and the subsequent waterflooding phase, which commenced in 2001. The field’s production rate has declined significantly over the years, with the current production rate averaging around 5,000 barrels of oil per day.
Future Prospects
Despite the challenges posed by the field’s complex geology and declining production rate, the Chert field still offers significant opportunities for future development and production. Several infill drilling campaigns have been planned to target remaining hydrocarbon reserves, while enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques, such as chemical flooding and miscible gas injection, are being considered to improve the field’s recovery factor. Additionally, the field’s abandonment and decommissioning plans are being developed, with a focus on minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring a safe and responsible cessation of operations.
What is the current production rate of the Chert field?
+The current production rate of the Chert field averages around 5,000 barrels of oil per day.
What are the main challenges facing the Chert field's production optimization and reservoir management?
+The main challenges facing the Chert field's production optimization and reservoir management include the field's complex geological structure, high water cut, and declining production rate.
In conclusion, the Chert field is a significant hydrocarbon reservoir that offers a range of opportunities for future development and production. While the field’s complex geology and declining production rate pose significant challenges, the application of advanced technologies and innovative production techniques can help to optimize production and recover remaining hydrocarbon reserves. As the field’s production continues to decline, it is essential to develop and implement effective abandonment and decommissioning plans to minimize environmental impacts and ensure a safe and responsible cessation of operations.
