SPE Reservoir Engineering, Vol.10, No.2, 137-142, 1995
SOUTH BELRIDGE-TULARE SIMULATION STUDY - STEAMFLOOD IN A HETEROGENEOUS STRATIFIED RESERVOIR
Thermal reservoir simulation is used to develop an operational strategy for the Tulare sand of the South Belridge field. History matching of an ongoing steamflood that has been in operation since 1981 is used to test the validity of the model. The primary purpose of the simulation study is to evaluate and design the optimum steamflood for an expansion project in the undeveloped, southern portion of the field. The simulation model also is used to study operating policy options for current operations as well as for new development. This study results in the recommendation that a 5-acre, nine-spot pattern be developed for the Southern Expansion Project. Study of operating policy shows that steamflood performance can be improved by shutting in marginal producing layers and optionally cutting back the steam-injection rate.