Print this pageThe 
Reservoir
Characterization Advisor- Fluvial Deltaic:
Software Capturing the Methodology of Integrated Characterization
KNOX, PAUL R., W. GERALD WHITE, MARK H. HOLTZ, and JEFFREY G. PAINE
Advanced geological, geophysical, and engineering methods must be integrated
to accurately locate economic volumes of unrecovered hydrocarbons in mature
reservoirs. Many operators of mature fluvial-deltaic reservoirs may lack
experience in such studies. A methodology successfully applied in the Frio
Formation of South Texas has been summarized in a software application for
microcomputers titled the Reservoir Characterization Advisor- Fluvial Deltaic
(RCA-FD).
The RCA-FD leads users through the four steps of integrated characterization:
(1) determination of reservoir architecture, (2) documentation of fluid flow
history, (3) integration of fluid flow history and architecture to identify
compartmentalization, and (4) identification of specific opportunities for
reserve growth (recompletions and targeted infill drilling). Sufficient
background is provided in each discipline to allow the geoscientist to carry out
specialized tasks. Information covering correlation and facies interpretation
from well logs is provided for nongeologists, and background on 3-D seismic
survey design and interpretation is given for those without a working knowledge
of geophysics. Engineering background and guidance in constructing accurate 3-D
reservoir visualization models are provided for nonengineers. Finally, a
semiquantitative quick-look analysis using readily available parameters is
incorporated to prioritize reservoirs for detailed study.
The software is user-friendly, extensively illustrated, and runs on Windows
3.1 or Windows 95. The RCA-FD is publicly available and requires no additional
support software. Use of the RCA-FD can substantially improve the near-term
recovery of oil from mature fluvial-deltaic reservoirs by making advanced
characterization
studies more achievable and focused.