Session 1
Tracers in the Laboratory
This session will bring to the workshop an overview of laboratory methods used in tracer technology. One of the challenges faced is to develop improved methods and increase confidence levels in analytical techniques used for measuring tracer concentrations. The relationship between the concentration, kinetics and partition coefficients is not well understood. A general lack of standards for sampling and analysis introduces error in tracer datasets, and therefore tracer test interpretation.

The presentations in this session will discuss tracer selection criteria and testing, analytical procedures used, and the need for standardisation to instil confidence in tracer interpretation. Discussion leaders will review data quality issues and its impact on reservoir management. Speakers will discuss a variety of methods to reduce tracer costs and promote the use of tracers in the oilfield. We will also solicit discussions on the use of tracers in laboratory-scale experiments.

Session 2
Numerical Modelling of Tracer Tests
Simulation of tracers can play an important role in designing a tracer project, interpreting the data collected and utilising results to condition static models. This session will focus on incorporating tracers into different types of numerical models for a range of applications. Discussion leaders will share their experience in developing numerical tracer models, predicting tracer behaviour and history-matching observed tracer data.

This session is intended to facilitate discussions about a variety of combinations of tracers, numerical models and applications of tracer simulation including:

• Modelling conservative tracers, partitioning tracers, reactive tracers and natural tracers

• Finite-difference and streamline simulators, dedicated tracer simulators and analytic models

• Planning, assessing uncertainty and interpreting tracer applications

• Simulating different scales of tracer utilisation from laboratory to single-well to field

Session 3
Applications in Reservoir Characterisation and Flood Evaluation
Inter-well tracer studies yield important information about well connections and fluid flow patterns in oil reservoirs and can be used to improve reservoir model characteristics with respect to flow. In the past, tracer data have been underutilised and mostly used to confirm communication between well pairs. Future applications of tracer data are likely to be more integrated with contemporary assisted history matching work-flows as well as with geo-modelling work-flows. In this session we will have active discussion on themes such as:

• Evaluation of communication, flow paths and sweep efficiency using tracer curve analysis as well as reservoir simulation

• Mapping of residual oil saturation through partitioning inter-well tracer test (PITT) application and interpretation

• Comparison of tracer data and time-lapse seismic data

• Geo and reservoir model updating by assimilation of tracer data

• Modelling of waterflooding and miscible/chemical flooding tracer return profiles

Session 4
The Role of Tracers in Enhancing Production Management
The use of oilfield tracers has traditionally involved evaluating the connectivity between producer/injector and determining residual oil saturation. Recent advances in tracer technology and interpretation have enabled oilfield tracers to be used in a number of different applications, adding value by improving reservoir management and enhancing production.

This session will facilitate discussion on the challenges and critical success factors associated with new applications of tracers to improve reservoir management and production performance. Leading industry experts from operating companies, research groups and oilfield service companies will act as discussion leaders to showcase these recent technology advances. Some of the topics to be covered include wireless tracers, stimulation flowback evaluation, radioactive tracers and natural tracers.

Session 5
Case Studies of Tracer Applications
This session will bring to the workshop real case histories of tracer applications in reservoir management. One of the bigger challenges to a reservoir engineer considering a tracer program, is to convince himself and those around him of the value that can be obtained from such an endeavour. The presentations in this session will attempt to provide evidence of value created through the application of tracers and, where possible, a measurement of this value or demonstration of the enhancement of the reservoir recovery potential. The discussion leaders will present a set of case histories that will examine the whole spectrum of tracer project activities and then review the value of the information obtained to establish the real benefits of the study. In addition to the lessons learnt from such examples, it is hoped that the case studies presented will provide evidence of better understanding of reservoir fluid movements, injection well optimisation and sweep efficiency.

Session 6
New Developments in Tracer Technology
Demand for the application of tracers in the petroleum industry is rising. This is due to the fact that a tracer survey can immensely benefit a variety of areas such as reservoir management, formation characterisation evaluation, flood effectiveness control,production
enhancement, and in an array of downstream applications. Today’s limited tracer types with their limited physical and chemical characteristics, has forced the research institutes to explore different types of tracers to improve the current applications and also to advance current utilisation. This session explores upcoming trends in developing of new tracers and their applications in various areas of the petroleum industry.