Source Rock and Fluid Database: An Underappreciated Tool in Petroleum Systems World

Abstract

Petroleum systems analysts often spend a lot of time collating source rock and fluid data into a consistent format before they can start interpretation, which results in low productivity and unnecessary frustration on a daily basis. Having a quality, standardized and accessible database is critical in solving this problem. Even though everyone understands that an organized database is fundamental to petroleum systems interpretation, ironically, most petroleum systems analysts shy away from any database‐related tasks. Part of the reason for this is because database creation and maintenance tasks are perceived as daunting, yet mundane, work. Some of the benefits of a standardized Source Rock & Fluid database are: 1. Easy access to both recently generated and historic data as well as access to worldwide analogs. 2. Permanent storage and record of interpretive results (e.g., organofacies, maturity, secondary alterations, post well analysis interpretation, etc.). 3. Data integration tools. 4. Knowledge transfer/development tools. Observed common challenges associated with creating and maintaining a database: 1. Under‐appreciation of the skills and resources required to create and maintain a database. 2. Poorly designed database structure due to the lack of knowledge that acts as a bridge between database and geochemistry expertise. 3. Unwillingness of geochemists to spend time dealing with database‐related tasks. 4. Personality‐type incompatibility for the database tasks. 5. Attempts to capture too many details (e.g. table attributes) that become unrealistic to accomplish, draining resources, and compromising database performance. Despite the inability to resolve all of the above‐mentioned challenges, there are several key areas to consider for a successful database initiative: 1. Need for corporate allocation of dedicated resources: Commitment to full‐time employees with the right personality type to take care of the database. 2. Prioritize fit‐for‐purpose database ‐ A database that includes too many things tends to be less efficient and more difficult to maintain. 3. Do it right the first time! It takes time to enter the data properly. Focus on high impact datasets. 4. Carefully manage data redundancy, various types of analytical methods, sample reruns, etc. 5. Document interpretation results and preserve those as an integral part of the database. 6. Involve geochemists in knowledge development of the database personnel. 7. Incorporate succession planning for sustainability. A database that is carefully designed and properly maintained provides immense business value and is a critical tool for petroleum systems analysts’ productivity. It can also be leveraged as a knowledge transfer/exchange tool among the petroleum systems communities across numerous company business units all over the globe.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90349 © 2019 AAPG Hedberg Conference, The Evolution of Petroleum Systems Analysis: Changing of the Guard from Late Mature Experts to Peak Generating Staff, Houston, Texas, March 4-6, 2019