Print this pageKey Considerations in Unconventionals Exploration & Production
This presentation provides a review of key prospectivity and producibility considerations in unconventional petroleum resources, and develops a “need to know” checklist of factors and implementable technologies. Beginning with an expanded discussion of what makes a reservoir or play unconventional, and then covering characteristics of unconventionals along with important examples, the focus is on making it clear where we are today in terms of our knowledge and understanding of what constitutes a viable play, and perhaps more importantly, what conditions would completely rule out a play. The presentation reviews the published findings or “learnings” regarding major plays and compares / contrasts the “success determinants” for the Marcellus, Utica, Eagle Ford, Barnett, Haynesville, Niobrara, Woodford, Bakken, Monterrey, and other formations. Once a formation has been determined to be prospective, can it be produced? In the second half of the presentation, lithological properties are reviewed, along with emerging techniques and technologies, to identify the critical elements required for producibility in drilling, completions, and production (including water management).
AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90185 © AAPG Geoscience Technology Workshop, Revisiting Reservoir Quality Issues in Unconventional and Conventional Resources, Austin, Texas, November 12-13, 2013