Implementing convection in a reservoir simulator: A key feature in adequately modeling the exploitation of the Cantarell complex

As with some thick and highly fractured Iranian fields, the Cantarell compl ex located offshore Mexico presents features [decreases in the production g as/oil ratio (GOR) and bubblepoint pressure with time] that reveal the effe ct of convection. This effect on the past homogenization of fluid properties is discussed and supported by a thorough characterization of the thermodynamic properties o f actual reservoir fluids. To model convection, the reservoir simulator used for this study was purpos e adapted. Sensitivity runs were performed to demonstrate the necessity of accounting for convection when matching the past history of the Akal field, which is part of the Cantarell complex.