Abstract
Two oil fields on structural closures, about 5 km apart and separated by a syncline, are investigated for possible hydrodynamic control of a significant tilt of the oil-water contact (OWC). In addition a possible deeper extent of an oil-leg into the syncline due to hydrodynamic forces is investigated. The first task was to test the applicability of a steady state simulation model for investigating the response of a hydrocarbon-water interface to changing hydrodynamic conditions; then to use the results of the modeling and associated sensitivity analysis to help conclude on the origin and the dynamic forces involved in sustaining the observed tilt of the OWC. Finally the results also suggest further developments of the simulation model. The modeling and sensitivity analysis led to the following conclusions: a) it was possible within the framework of a steady-state model to simulate successfully the observed behavior of the OWC using the resultant force perpendicular to the observed strike of the tilted OWC; b) the observed behavior of the OWC is likely the combined result of a regional tectonic tilt and a significant regional hydrodynamic drive; c) the present-day hydrodynamic drive is adequate to sustain the observed tilt of the OWC; d) it is unlikely that there is a significantly deeper extent of the oil-leg in the Beta field due to the hydrodynamic drive. The investigation also resulted in a discussion of further improvements of the simulation model, focusing on parameter resolution and sensitivity analysis using an inverse scheme to provide a procedure for systematic searches for the combination of parameter values that best fit observations.
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