Probabilistic Approach Guides Field Development Plan in Niger Delta

The development plan of a new oil field discovered in a remote offshore environment in the Niger Delta was evaluated. Because the oil in place was uncertain, a probabilistic approach was used to estimate the stock-tank oil originally in place (STOOIP) using low, base, and high cases. The base model is recommended for further implementation. The quantity of oil produced is estimated at 15,000 STB/D, which will require a separator that has the capacity of holding a liquid rate of approximately 20,000 STB/D. The authors find that this developmental plan is cost-effective.

Introduction

Field X is offshore Nigeria in water depths of 330 ft.