Print this pageThe Reservoir Characterization Advisor- Fluvial Deltaic: Software Capturing the Methodology of Integrated Characterization
KNOX, PAUL R., W. GERALD WHITE, MARK H. HOLTZ, and JEFFREY G. PAINE
Advanced geological, geophysical, and engineering methods must be integrated to accurately locate economic volumes of unrecovered hydrocarbons in mature reservoirs. Many operators of mature fluvial-deltaic reservoirs may lack experience in such studies. A methodology successfully applied in the Frio Formation of South Texas has been summarized in a software application for microcomputers titled the Reservoir Characterization Advisor- Fluvial Deltaic (RCA-FD).
The RCA-FD leads users through the four steps of integrated characterization: (1) determination of reservoir architecture, (2) documentation of fluid flow history, (3) integration of fluid flow history and architecture to identify compartmentalization, and (4) identification of specific opportunities for reserve growth (recompletions and targeted infill drilling). Sufficient background is provided in each discipline to allow the geoscientist to carry out specialized tasks. Information covering correlation and facies interpretation from well logs is provided for nongeologists, and background on 3-D seismic survey design and interpretation is given for those without a working knowledge of geophysics. Engineering background and guidance in constructing accurate 3-D reservoir visualization models are provided for nonengineers. Finally, a semiquantitative quick-look analysis using readily available parameters is incorporated to prioritize reservoirs for detailed study.
The software is user-friendly, extensively illustrated, and runs on Windows 3.1 or Windows 95. The RCA-FD is publicly available and requires no additional support software. Use of the RCA-FD can substantially improve the near-term recovery of oil from mature fluvial-deltaic reservoirs by making advanced characterization studies more achievable and focused.