PETROLEUM ENGINEERING DESIGN PROJECT Research Paper

PETROLEUM ENGINEERING DESIGN PROJECT - Research Paper Example In addition, possible consequences formation damage in well-11 in the productivity of the Wytch Farm Oil Field is also covered. The methods of treating and preventing the occurrence of formation damage are also covered in this paper. The research paper also discussed the basics of formation damage, permeability and porosity. INTRODUCTION Wytch Farm Oil Field is considered as one of the largest oil fields in Europe. The oil field comprises of three major oil reservoirs namely: Bridport Reservoir (about 2900 feet or 900 meters), Shallow Frome Limestone Reservior (about 2625 feet or 800 meters), and Sherwood Reservior (about 5200 feet or 1600 meters) (Allen, Conran, & Lesso 2007). Being large, and that it is also associated with shale and limestone its permeability is low. In order to increase the permeability of one of the wells in Wytch Farm Oil Field, a horizontal well was developed. However, according to Bennio, Thomas, Jamaluddin, Ma, & Agnew (2007), compared with vertical wells, h orizontal wells are more susceptible to formation damage. Formation damage is a condition or a process in which permeability of the oil producing formations are reduced to levels that are lower than normal (Thallak, Holder, & Gray 2003). According to Thallak, Holder, & Gray (2003), the loss lof permeability as a result of formation damage leads to a reduction in oil productivity as well as inhibits access to other oil reservoirs. Therefore, due to the fact that Wytch Farm Oil Field is susceptible formation damage it is at risk of being affected by loss of permeability and consequently reduction in production. This research paper therefore aims at studying the possibility of occurrence of formation damage in one of the wells in Wytch Farm Oil Field in the United Kingdom. The research paper will also study the possible consequences formation damage in the productivity of the Wytch Farm Oil Field. RESEARCH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Just as earlier mentioned Wytch Farm Oil Field in the United Kingdom is one of the oil fields that is susceptible to formation damage. The two man aims of this research paper are as stated below. i. To study the occurrence of formation damage in Wytch Farm Oil Field in the United Kingdom. ii. To study the possible consequences formation damage in the productivity of the Wytch Farm Oil Field. iii. To discuss nature, methods of prevention and treatment of formation damage in Wytch Farm Oil Field in the United Kingdom. iv. To understand formation damage in general. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY In order to achieve the objectives of this research paper, the research first outlined the basics of formation damage (including permeability of the oil field). The researcher then outlined the various ways of preventing or treating formation damage. After an discussing the basics of the formation damage, these basics were applied to Wytch Farm Oil Field in an effort to study the possibility of occurrence of formation damage in Wytch Farm Oil Field in the United Kingdom. This involved studying the formation of the Wytch Farm Oil Field (including porosity and permeability the formation). A number formulas and equations were used in this research and they are as stated bel