IET Methodology Revitalizes Resource Development in Mature Basins of Northeastern US

J. Viellenave¹, J. Fontana¹, and A. J. Pyron^2
1Direct Geochemical, Golden, CO
²Pyron Consulting, Pottstown, PA

Recent work by the authors has revealed a need for new exploration and development techniques that can meet two criteria: (1) Ease of applicability while increasing the effective success ratio in new and known plays, and (2) Flexibility in pricing to allow adjustment to the often rapid changes of commodity prices. Our Integrated Exploration Technology (IET) methodology involves layering of techniques that can be scaled to the budgetary or prospect requirements of individual operators.

The IET approach has been developed to address the needs of the independent operator: (1) How can I reduce my costs for exploration/development while increasing my success ratio? (2) How can I reduce the costs for leasing or seismic confirmation studies without sacrificing the developmental potential of my prospect? and (3) How can I maximize my return on investment and still remain cost competitive in the marketplace? Our experience using the IET methodology has shown it to be easily scaled to address the most complex or simple or exploration and developmental programs.

The IET approach involves layering of remote sensing, geochemical, non-seismic geophysical and geological methods to develop an integrated evaluation of the potential of a given prospect. We will present several examples of its application in exploration and developmental problems in the onshore basins of the northeastern United States, including Devonian shale gas and the Trenton-Black River plays of the Appalachian Basin. These applications have successfully identified new plays, and have delineated extensional and developmental drilling opportunities.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90900©2001 AAPG Eastern Section Meeting, Kalamazoo, Michigan