--> Resource Optimization through Facies-Based Characterization of a Braid-Delta Sandstone Reservoir, Tirrawarra Oil Field, Cooper Basin, South Australia, by S. H. Hamlin, S. P. Dutton, N. Tyler, J. S. Yeh, R. J. Saggie, P. Lansom, and G. B. Asquith; #90986 (1994).
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Abstract: Resource Optimization through Facies-Based Previous HitCharacterizationNext Hit of a Braid-Delta Sandstone Previous HitReservoirNext Hit, Tirrawarra Oil Field, Cooper Basin, South Australia

Scott H. Hamlin, Shirley P. Dutton, Noel Tyler, Joseph S. Yeh, Robert J. Saggie, Peter Lansom, George B. Asquith

The Tirrawarra Sandstone is an important oil Previous HitreservoirNext Hit in Cooper Basin, but recovery efficiency is <11% at Tirrawarra field, where the resource base exceeds 150 MMbbl. Previous Previous HitreservoirNext Hit descriptions were unable to simulate primary and EOR production patterns until a depositional-facies-based Previous HitflowNext Hit-unit model proved crucial to understanding past Previous HitreservoirNext Hit behavior and to identifying opportunities for incremental development. A comprehensive subsurface data base, including 1,000 m of core from 29 wells, was used to develop the Previous HitflowNext Hit-unit model.

The Carboniferous-Permian Tirrawarra Sandstone Previous HitreservoirNext Hit, which was deposited in a proglacial intracratonic setting, is 30 to 50 m thick and comprises 4 facies assemblages that record progradation of several fluvial-deltaic systems across a lacustrine basin. A braid-delta facies assemblage, dominated by bed-load channel-fill sandstone, forms the core of the Previous HitreservoirNext Hit and is bounded by more lithologically heterogeneous facies. Prodelta, delta-front, distributary-channel, and channel-mouth-bar facies underlie the braid-delta facies, which are truncated and overlain by braidplain facies.

Because depositional environment proved to be the primary control on Previous HitreservoirNext Hit properties and productivity, each facies assemblage was subdivided into Previous HitreservoirNext Hit Previous HitflowNext Hit Previous HitunitsNext Hit according to fluid transmission abilities. Stratigraphic analysis established Previous HitflowNext Hit-unit architecture and delineated Previous HitflowNext Hit barriers. Petrographic and petrophysical analyses quantified Previous HitflowNext Hit-unit-specific properties such as porosity, permeability, and water saturation. The facies-based Previous HitflowNext Hit-unit model accounted for historical Previous HitreservoirNext Hit performance and showed that Tirrawarra field has considerable potential for reserve appreciation. Future Previous HitreservoirTop simulation studies of Tirrawarra field will be based on this model.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994