Constructing a 3-D Static Model of Ras Budran Oil Field, Gulf of Suez: An Integrated Approach of Geological and Geophysical Data to Unlock Additional Volumes — Near Field Exploration

Abstract

Ras Budran oil field is located in the offshore NE-dipping central province of the classical asymmetric Gulf of Suez rift basin. The field was discovered in 1977 after the successful drilling of EE 85–1 where the hydrocarbons were produced from the Paleozoic- Lower Cretaceous clastic reservoirs. The poor quality of pre-Miocene structure imaging due to the thick sedimentary section of Miocene evaporates and shales stands against the development activity in Ras Budran oil field. The studied field comprises a sedimentary sequence of Paleozoic to Recent rocks which are separated by several stratigraphical hiatus. Several challenges were valid within the old models that led to misinterpreting the blocks potential and the saturation level. As a consequence, the estimated reserves within the field were misleading. The main objective of the present work is to overcome these challenges, interpret and delineate the possible subsurface structures and build a 3D structural model by using the integration of reprocessed 3D seismic and borehole data in form of VSP, dipmeter and well logs in addition to the petrophysical and production data to delineate the new infill locations within the field and also identifies the possible upside potential locations considered to be near field exploration. The resultant model shows that the studied field includes three major structural blocks due to its articulation by the two dominated sets of NE and NW-striking faults. It is worth to mention the value of using the dipmeter & VSP data in structural constrains on the uncertainty of poor seismic interpretation through the constructed model. The verified structural model represents the nuclei for the 3D static Model and further recommended studies such as fault seal analysis in Ras Budran field. Several prospects and leads were identified in economic sense giving positive indications to add reserves. Suez Oil Company (SUCO) is currently evaluating the possibility to drill these areas.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90216 ©2015 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, Denver, CO., May 31 - June 3, 2015