Modeling of Unconventional Reservoirs: A Case Study from Bahrain’s Khalij Al-Bahrain Basin

Bahrain has begun exploring unconventional resources in the Khalij Al-Bahrain Basin for the Tuwaiq Mountain Formation. This work is a case study presenting the workflow for characterizing and modeling the unconventional development in Bahrain all the way from petrophysics through geology, completion modeling, and dynamic simulation. The work scope consisted of petrophysical modeling 10 key wells including calibration to core data. The petrophysics showed that the lower Tuwaiq Mountain interval with its TOC signature is remarkably consistent across all of Bahrain. The wells modeled in a 3D geological model with reservoir properties distributed throughout the reservoir to confirm resource in-place estimates published in early 2018. Well stimulation treatment on Well 1 was modeled and tied to the production test. A dynamic model was subsequently built to history match the production test. While not unique in its production match, this calibration is an important step for future optimizations in lieu of microseismic data. All of this information was used to form the basis for optimal completions to refine the next appraisal wells with forecasted production rates. The Tuwaiq Mountain reservoir has commercial potential in Bahrain, particularly in the western area where producibility has been proven. Producibility in the East has not been established as no production tests are available. In addition, future appraisal well locations were identified using the 3D geological model. The best trajectory was chosen such that the wells are estimated to yield EURs more than 500,000 bbls. The results of this project are important for Bahrain as it highlights the unconventional resource and production potential in the country. For the industry, unconventional development is in its early stages outside of North America and Bahrain’s case study can be utilized to expedite the learning curve in many other basins.