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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

GCAGS Transactions

Abstract

3-D Seismic Case Histories From the Gulf Coast Basin.

A GCAGS Special Publication, June 1998.

Pages 183-199.

Copyright © 2004 by Gulf Coast Association Of Geological Societies. All rights reserved.

Redevelopment of the Main Pass 290 Field Offshore Louisiana, USA

By James V. Bikun

Shell Offshore Inc., P.O. Box 61933, New Orleans, LA 70161-1933

ABSTRACT

Thirty wells were drilled to redevelop the MP 290 field between March 1990 and August 1991 resulting in reserve additions of 16x106 barrels of oil (MMBO) and 34x109 cubic feet of gas (BCFG), or 22.2x106 barrels equivalent (MMBE), to the estimated field ultimate of 30 MMBO and 56 BCFG. This successful first redevelopment of the field was carried out twenty-two years after its initial discovery and development. Analysis of 3-D seismic data proved critical for execution of this redevelopment program. Reservoirs at MP 290 are north of a pinnacle salt body in a faulted plunging anticline. Production has been chiefly from Lower Pliocene deltaic-shoreface sands occasionally incised by valley fill sequences.

Redevelopment wells at MP 290 can be grouped into four major themes of reserve addition. 1.) The largest increment of new reserves was added by two waterflood projects that together yielded 6656x103 barrels equivalent (MBE) (30 percent of new reserves) from nine wells. One project, the "M" Sand waterflood, is a joint venture with Conoco. 2.) Eleven infill wells contributed 6600 MBE (29%) of new reserves. 3.) Six wells targeting previously unpenetrated small fault blocks close to the salt dome added 5327 MBE (24%). 4.) Four wells testing field-flanking traps added 3617 MBE (17%) of reserves. The total program exceeded expected addition to ultimate field reserves by 24 percent.

Interpretation of the 3-D seismic data added significant value to the redevelopment program. For example, new faults were recognized near the salt dome and new traps flanking the principal field reservoirs were mapped. Reserve additions attributed to 3-D seismic benefits are estimated at 6535 MBE. Other benefits include improved waterflood performance and better positioning of infill wells by virtue of a refined understanding of reservoir size and hydrocarbon distribution.

An additional benefit of the 3-D survey was for the planning and execution of eleven post-redevelopment reentry sidetracks drilled beginning in 1996. This workover effort has helped to maintain field production rates at 4500 BPD oil and 16 MMCFPD gas since the conclusion of the redevelopment program. 

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