Production optimization of Sufyan Oil Field in Sudan

Abstract

Production problems encountered during field life vary in its complexity and its. Production optimization is considered vital factor in which production challenges are analyzed and several proposals are considered to tackle problems. Many Sudanese oil field suffer from production decline due to various problems such as artificial lift malfunctions and design difficulties. Therefore, Sufyan field was selected to this study due to sharp production decline caused by such problems. The Sufyan field is located is western side of Block 6, Sudan. Sufyan area for the time being, the field consist of twelve structures with proved oil. Production started on Mar.15, 2015 from Suf-1 and EPF Start pumping fluid on 20. Apr, 2015. The research studied the artificial lift performance in Sufyan wells after production network model was initiated, considering artificial lift factors; in which pump sizing was main factor. The low performance pumps were replaced and multiple scenarios were applied to optimize and conclude the best remedy action to be proposed. Optimum scenario was therefore selected; consider overall production increment by 2000 BOPD and 14 % decrement in cost due to artificial lift change.