Do Workers and Managers View Fractured Reservoirs Differently?

Ronald A. Nelson

In general, geologists and engineers view work on fractured reservoirs from a different point of view and approach. Geologists characterize the reservoir rocks and fracture systems in a semi-quantitative manner, thus describing the basic building blocks of the reservoir. Geologists are often rather optimistic toward fractured reservoir potential. Engineers work with the effect of fractures on reservoir performance from one or more fluid response points of view. Engineers are often pessimistic toward fractured reservoir problems. Integration of characterization (geology) and response (engineering) is absolutely mandatory for effective evaluation of fractured reservoirs.

In addition to differences in point of view and scope of study between technical disciplines, I contended that exploration and production management views fractured reservoirs somewhat differently than those technical workers doing the detailed evaluations. Various differences arise for three basic reasons: (1) a limited understanding of fracture system distribution and petrophysical characteristics, (2) the absolute necessity for interdisciplinary approaches, and (3) improper communication of risk analysis factors in these reservoirs.

The result of these is a generally pessimistic view toward fractured reservoirs by upper management and a tendency toward evaluation overkill by the workers. Both make exploration for and development of fractured reservoirs more difficult and costly. A discussion of the differing view of management and scientists could only help to alleviate the problems both groups face in their work.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91030©1988 AAPG Annual Convention, Houston, Texas, 20-23 March 1988.