Conceptualizing an Improved Oil Recovery Master Plan for Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago has been an oil producer for over a hundred years. The land based production has historically been the spine of the energy sector. Many changes in reservoir management philosophies, with respect to improved oil recovery techniques (IOR), in the past, can be pegged to economic ramifications, global market issues and technological practicality. What is for certain is that these issues will always have a cyclical presence, but should not be a deterrent in planning the role-out of IOR projects when the market conditions are right. During periods of low oil prices, when capital spending is usually at its lowest, is an opportune time to reassess how to treat with IOR projects. This paper provides an insight into the planning process which can be used as an instigating tool to create an IOR master plan for the land based acreage of Trinidad. Adding reserves is the ultimate objective but this can be only realized with fit-for-purpose planning and a multidisciplinary coordination of data. The first phase, which this paper addresses, will consider a local historical IOR review, candidate selection with reservoir and technology commentary. These activities would form the basis to drive the first phase action items and spur a second phase of study which would address costs, procurement, execution, KPI monitoring, safety and environment, logistics, risks, contracts, success definitions, approvals, fiscal allowances, technology providers and team building requirements. Conceptualizing the first phase of a master plan was conducted through data mining, report reviews, interviews and simulation modeling. This paper answers, in brief explanations, the experiences of the past and the methods of the future. Technology identification and application seems to be the principle guide that the reservoir management process needs to consider in developing an IOR master plan for Trinidad's onshore oil fields. An onshore IOR master plan would eventually serve as a manual that strives for an effective and structured manner of exploiting mature fields, regardless of changes in management or management philosophies. The guidance offered within should form the basis or foundation of an eventual master plan.