--> Abstract: Maximising Recovery from Thin Oil Columns Part 2: Using Geophysics for Improved Reservoir Quality Prediction and Better Drilling Performance, by Fuping Zhu and Georg Warrlich; #90105 (2010)
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AAPG GEO 2010 Middle East
Geoscience Conference & Exhibition
Innovative Geoscience Solutions – Meeting Hydrocarbon Demand in Changing Times
March 7-10, 2010 – Manama, Bahrain

Maximising Recovery from Thin Oil Columns Part 2: Using Previous HitGeophysicsNext Hit for Improved Reservoir Quality Prediction and Better Drilling Performance

Fuping Zhu1; Georg Warrlich1

(1) Petroleum Development of Oman, Muscat, Oman.

Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) is currently developing a Cretaceous (Shuaiba Fm.) matrix carbonate reservoir with a transitional thin oil column of 10 to 15m as a waterflood with over 1000m long horizontal producers and injectors.

In-depth geophysical studies added significant value in a number of areas: improved understanding of the reservoir extent, predrill prediction of porosity and fractures from quantitative interpretation (QI) work and borehole seismics to accurately predict the distance from the horizontal producers to the top reservoir.

An improved velocity model utilizing regional wells from a 40km radius greatly reduced the depth uncertainties to < 0.5% and predicted an extension of the field to the SE, resulting in a STOIIP increase of 20%.

QI volumes provided rock property and reservoir quality prediction for well placement and sequencing. The porosity distribution predicted from acoustic impedance (AI) ahead of the main drilling campaign was confirmed by the drilling results and continues to guide the well lengths and sequencing successfully. Semblance and discontinuity extractions predicted subseismic faults and fractures along the planned wells and improved well placement and reduced drilling risks.

Borehole Acoustic Reflection Survey (BARS), based on seismic data acquired post-drilling in the borehole with a sonic tool, proves useful in validating distance from borehole to reservoir top and recognizing subseismic faults. Results are used in subsequent side-track strategy, nearby well placement to reduce unswept attic oil and understanding production behavior.

In conclusion, Previous HitgeophysicsTop has demonstrated impacts on field extension, reservoir modeling and optimal oil production beyond routine formation structure and fault definitions.