Production methods in the Morichal heavy-oil reservoirs

The heavy oil reservoirs of the Morichal area are at the northeastern end of the Faja del Orinoco heavy-oil belt. A new geological study identified possible locations for 38 horizontal wells. A thermal numerical simulation model was built and history matched to analyze the efficiencies of various production schemes used in the field and to determine an exploitation plan. Horizontal wells have been used to improve productivity in Morichal, although actual well production rarely has reached simulation predictions.