Title : Enhanced simulation opportunity index for efficient well placement in a complex carbonate reservoir
Abstract:
The successful development of hydrocarbon fields hinges on the optimal placement of production and injection wells. In highly heterogeneous or mature reservoirs, traditional methods relying on simple structural maps or single-parameter analysis often fail to identify subtle but significant zones of high productivity, known as "sweet spots."
This study presents a systematic workflow for optimizing well placement in mature and geologically complex reservoirs using the Simulation Opportunity Index (SOI) methodology. The SOI framework employs a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach to quantitatively integrate key static and dynamic reservoir attributes—including net-to-gross ratio, permeability, porosity, hydrocarbon saturation, and pressure/production indicators—into a single composite opportunity map. Applied to a heterogeneous field in the Sirte Basin, Libya, the methodology involved deriving parameter-specific weighting factors based on their relative influence on reservoir quality and productivity potential. The integrated SOI map effectively identified high-grade drilling targets and revealed subsurface “sweet spots” that were not discernible from individual attribute maps alone. The results demonstrate that the SOI methodology provides a robust, scalable, and time-efficient tool for prioritizing well locations, reducing subsurface uncertainty, and supporting accelerated field development in the Sirte Basin and analogous reservoir settings worldwide.
