Abstract

Workstation computers are powerful enough to run thermal recovery simulations such as those being conducted for the Duri steamflood. Reservoir engineers can use workstation-based simulators to enhance their predictive methods, provided the program is at the same time user friendly and versatile enough to consider all aspects of recovery predictions. The Duri Reservoir Engineering Department of Caltex Pacific Indonesia (CPI) was one the first groups to experiment successfully with a workstation-based thermal simulator.

The design of a computer program to integrate all aspects of thermal simulation is discussed. The program controls a library of simulator input data pertinent for the Duri reservoir. Graphics programs for input checking and output analysis are presented. It is shown how the workstation can be used to execute a run or how a run can be sent to a remote mainframe. Installation procedures at the remote site in Duri are described.

The program is adaptive to the level of expertise of the user and was used as a learning tool for thermal simulation. Several Indonesian engineers participated in the initial training sessions and became increasingly more involved in program maintenance and application.

The program was then used in an optimization study for the Duri Steamflood (DSF), consisting of a history match and a sensitivity analysis. These studies led to a new pattern design and development scheme for DSF Areas 6 to 12.