Datapages, Inc.Print this page

ABSTRACT: Petroleum Geology of Big Escambia Creek Field, Escambia County, Alabama

HALVATZIS, GREGORY J. , JN Oil Gas, Inc., Houston, TX

The giant Big Escambia Creek field discovered in 1971 is productive from the Jurassic Smackover formation. Much has been written about the prolific Jurassic Smackover trend of southwestern Alabama and the Florida panhandle. Some of these papers include discussion of specific aspects of Big Escambia Creek field. However, considering its size and economic importance, very little has been published in the form of an integrated study solely on this significant field. A complete study of Big Escambia Creek field was undertaken to provide a better understanding of its petroleum geology and reservoir engineering characteristics. An understanding of this unique field should provide insight to petroleum geologists exploring the numerous carbonate plays in the Gulf Coast as well as other carbonate plays worldwide.

Big Escambia Creek field produces sour gas and condensate from the Smackover at depths ranging from -14850 to -15350 feet (-4526 to -4679 meters). Cumulative production through 1999 is approximately 865 billion cubic feet of full well stream gas, 56 million barrels of condensate, 21 million barrels of gas plant liquids, and 6 million long tons of sulfur. The field is located on the south side of the Foshee-Pollard fault system. The trapping mechanism is a complex mixture of structural, stratigraphic, and diagenetic components. The primary reservoir lithology is dolomitized limestone characterized by a diverse sequence of lithofacies with a mixed pore system. The reservoir is a retrograde condensate reservoir with increasing condensate yields. Limited water influx may support reservoir pressure in isolated areas of the field.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90908©2000 GCAGS, Houston, Texas