--> Data Integration: From Core, Seismic to Geomechanics – A Case Study in Saudi Arabia

AAPG Middle East Region GTW, Maximizing Asset Value: Integrating Geoscience with Reservoir Management & Facilities Optimization

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Data Integration: From Core, Seismic to Geomechanics – A Case Study in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Advanced seismic techniques such as AVO, Pre and Post stack inversion, rock physics modeling and petrophysical characterization were integrated within a three dimensional numerical geomechanics simulation model (MEM). This data integration was to optimize the appraisal program and ensure the quality of the drilling program to reduce the uncertainty in the mechanical earth model, in a complex heterogeneous tight sand reservoir in Northern Saudi Arabia. The reservoir is characterized by rapid facies variations and complex erosional events. It represents unconfined, glaciomarine fans and elongate ribbon channels, sourced by the erosion of tunnel valleys in ice proximal areas and bound by clay rich Ordovician and Silurian formation. Integrated rock types from core to log, Inverted elastic properties from seismic inversion and seismic facies generated by rock physics were applied to extract mechanical properties. This integrated approach helped in selecting and ranking the future drilling locations by mapping the pay zone with less risk of borehole damage which used to limit formation evaluation of the reservoir, evaluate the risk of sanding production for open/cased hole well testing, assess and qualify the location as future candidate for vertical hydraulic fracture or horizontal lateral drilling. This Paper highlights the value of adopting a multidisciplinary approach to the exploration of complex reservoirs, when detection, distribution and prediction of pay zones properties are beyond any single technique.