Production Optimization Strategies for Unlocking Resource Potential in A Heavy-Oil Brown Field - The OML26 Success Story

Oil Mining Lease 26 (OML 26) is held by NNPC and First Hydrocarbon Nigeria Limited (FHN) in a Joint Venture relationship and operated by an Asset Management Team (AMT). The license consists of several oil and gas discoveries including the Ogini, Isoko, and Ozoro fields on the western part, Ovo in the central area and Aboh to the east. Oil Production is mainly from the Ogini and Isoko fields with the Ogini field contributing the largest volume. The Ogini oil is relatively heavy, with in-situ oil viscosity ranging from 3 to 59cp, and an oil gravity ranging from 15°API to 19°API. Field development and production from the Ogini field has been very challenging with the characteristic low GOR, low rate and high watercut. Oil production peaked at 8,900 stb/d shortly after field start-up in the 80s and has been declining since then. In 2018 however, the field witnessed breakthrough performance stemming from production optimization initiatives and strategies which unlocked resource potential of the field. A peak production of ca 17,000 bopd was recorded during Q4 of 2018 without drilling new wells. A number of production enhancement activities carefully designed, planned, and executed coupled with change in operations philosophy released more volumes transforming the production levels and production profile of the field from a mere 3,000bopd to ca 17,000 bopd peak production. This paper highlights the strategies, optimization techniques and the paradigm shift in operational culture that resulted in the significant change and ramp up of production in the field.