Development of the Khuff Gas Reservoir, Bahrain Field

Abstract The Khuff gas reservoir in Bahrain was discovered in 1948 when a shallow crestal Well No.52 was deepened to a depth of 10,078'. The reservoir was not developed until late 60's when the country planned to embark on an industrialization. scheme that would rely on Khuff gas as the main source of energy. Two commercial development Wells 254 and 255, were drilled in 1969 to meet the demand for a newly constructed alumimum smelter. Nine more wells were drilled during the 70's as the relatively lean Khuff gas replaced the richer Arab Zone gas for injection and artificial lift in the oil field, for municipal power generation and for use as feed stock and fuel in the local refinery. With the continued industrial expansion in Bahrain the need for Khuff gas was greatly increased and as a result a 10-well development drilling program was undertaken in 1982. Khuff gas consumption has increased 50 MMSCFD in 1969 to around 400 MMSCFD in 1984 at an annual growth rate of 15%. Excessive growth will not only create the need for huge investments but will also rapidly deplete this vital resource. Future demand should be forecasted and controlled at this early stage of depletion to properly manage the reserovoir and, if necessary, to seek an alternative source of supply. The objective of this paper is to outline a development/production strategy for the Khuff Reservoir based on deliverabilities and estimated reserves.