Investigation on Reservoir Performance and Field Development Strategies of Tasour Oil Field in Yemen

Abstract

Oil fields development planning involves combining numerous parameters related to geological, structural, operational, and economic factors. This study investigates reservoir performance evaluation and field development planning for the Tasour Oil Field in the Say’un–Masilah Basin, Yemen, through the application of reservoir simulation techniques to optimize oil recovery from both technical and economic perspectives. Initially, the Original Oil in Place (OOIP) was estimated using volumetric calculations and Monte Carlo simulation approaches. Subsequently, future reservoir performance was forecasted using Decline Curve Analysis (DCA) in combination with numerical simulation methods. The decline behaviour was evaluated and validated using spreadsheet-based calculations and IPM-MBAL software. Prior to production forecasting, a history-matching process was conducted to calibrate and validate the reservoir simulation model, resulting in a satisfactory agreement between simulated and historical field performance data. Using the ECLIPSE 100 reservoir simulator, the base-case model and several development scenarios were evaluated to investigate potential improvements in oil recovery through the implementation of additional production and injection wells within the existing well-pattern arrangement. The field development strategy is based on a peripheral waterflooding system in which injection wells are strategically distributed along the reservoir boundaries to provide pressure support and displace hydrocarbons toward centrally positioned producing wells. OOIP results obtained by Eclipse simulation, volumetric, and Monte Carlo methods were 92.043, 95.824, and 93.656 MMSTB, respectively. Forecasting techniques predicted increased water cut and reduced production. The DCA model showed hyperbolic decline, validated by Excel and MBAL data. Four development scenarios were evaluated, with the optimal 49.43% recovery factor. This research presents an integrated methodology for field development planning that incorporates decline curve analysis, reservoir simulation, and material-balance techniques to enhance the reliability of production forecasting. The proposed workflow offers a systematic framework for evaluating and selecting optimal development strategies aimed at maximizing hydrocarbon recovery and improving overall economic efficiency.