Long-Term Field Development Plan Increases Production 320%

Long-term development for the Dación project

The Dación area, located on the Oficina trend in northeast Venezuela, is one of the world's major hydrocarbon basins. Since 1940, it has produced more than 300 million bbl of oil, and the operator, Corpoven S.A., a subsidiary of Petroléos de Venezuela (PDVSA), estimates that there are at least 1.9 billion bbl more in place to recover.

In 1998, PDVSA gave long-term development of the Dación field to the Lasmo alliance. As a partner in the alliance, the Schlumberger IPM team collaborated with Lasmo to formulate a 20-year field development plan. The plan utilized the extensive IPM database of experience, lessons learned, and best practices to improve reservoir understanding and enhance production, drilling, and facility construction.

Project management

While Lasmo managed plan implementation, the Schlumberger IPM team managed drilling and production operations. Through the Schlumberger InTouchSupport.com program the IPM team can provide around-the-clock technical assistance and problem solving. The application of new Schlumberger technologies and services enhanced production efficiencies, and the IPM comprehensive project management and process-tracking program coordinated the service and supply companies' activities.

To date, 11 major technology breakthroughs have been made in the project. They range from multizone gravel packing to centrifugal water separation and multiphase metering.

IPM delivers major technology breakthroughs for PDVSA Dación project

Production increased

When the alliance took over operation of the field, oil production was 13,000 bbl/d. Implementing the field development plan increased production to 42,000 bbl/d in 3 years-more than 320%. In addition, the time needed to drill a well was cut from 15 to 5 days.

The Dación area, located on the Oficina trend in northeast Venezuela, is one of the world's major hydrocarbon basins. Since 1940, it has produced more than 300 million bbl of oil, and the operator, Corpoven S.A., a subsidiary of Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), estimates that there are at least 1.9 billion bbl more in place.