Tunisian Sidi El Kilani Oil Field Modeling

Abstract For more than 30 years of exploration in Tunisia, the Upper Cretaceous Campanian - Maastrichtien Abiod formation carbonates were not considered as a potential reservoir. This view was held in spite of the numerous hydrocarbon shows observed in several wells. With the discovery of oil in Maamoura followed by Sidi El Kilani (SLK) and Zinnia, the Abiod formation carbonates have become the focus of further exploration interest in northern and central Tunisia. The attraction of this play is enhanced by the presence of fractures and an excellent overlaying seal provided by the formation shales. The Tunisian Sidi El Kilani Field was discovered by Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC) in 1989 with the successful drilling and completion of SLK-1 well, which tested 3,360 bopd from fractured limestones of the Campanian-Mastrichtian Abiod formation. Production commenced from several SLK wells in 1993 and cumulative production had passed 45 mmbo by the end of January 2005. 3D seismic survey along with several boreholes studies were conducted to better understand and characterize the fractured reservoir behavior within the hydrocarbon system. In late 2004 KUFPEC decided to run 3D visualization reservoir modeling for understanding the geological, geophysical and petrophysical data that is available to estimate the remaining reserves. The main result gained from this study is indicated by the new reserve calculation and adding 2 million barrel of oil as a new recoverable attic reserve from SLK field to KUFPEC reserves.