--> Rich — A Revolutionary New Technology for Developing New Plays in Mature Basins, Dahl, Jeremy E.; Bender, Andre; Moldowan, J. M.; Mello, Marcio R., #90100 (2009)

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Rich — A Revolutionary New Technology for Developing New Plays in Mature Basins

Dahl, Jeremy E.1
 Bender, Andre2
 Moldowan, J. M.3
 Mello, Marcio R.2

1Geballe Lab for Advanced Materials, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
2
High Resolution Technology and Petroleum, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
3
Dept. of Geological and Environmental Sciences,
Stanford University, Stanford, CA.

Basin Modeling can be a tremendous exploration tool. Models are however,only as accurate and helpful as the data that goes into them allows. Here we describe a new methodology we have termed RICH, in which previously unavailable data and geological insights are entered into basin models to make them more accurate. RICH is an acronym for Recognizing previously overlooked deep sources, Identifying these sources, Computing oil generation and migration and Hatching new plays. Using this method, not only are many new plays generated, but predictions of volumetrics, oil properties and GOR’s are dramatically improved. In this presentation, we will show the difference between basin models using standard data input and those using RICH methodology. The basin models we present as examples are from the deep-water, Santos Basin, Brazil.

Recognition of previously overlooked deep sources is accomplished using techniques developed by us (Dahl et al.,1999) based on concentrations of diamondoids and biomarkers. Identification of deep sources is made from the isotopic signature of the diamondoids, a method we have termed CSIA-D. These methods will be described in the presentation.

After identifying a previously overlooked deep source, we Compute generation and migration. In this presentation we will compare two basin models from the
Santos Basin: (1) the first model with a single Albian Marine source determined from biomarker correlations and (2) a second model with the same Albian Marine source and the deep lacustrine Lagoa Feia source recognized and identified from diamondoids. Many new plays appear from the 2-source model, not only in the pre-salt, but also in the post-salt. Furthermore, volumetrics, GORs and APIs all increase.

Based on our analyses, mixed-source oils occur in virtually every basin in the world, e.g.
Brazil, Gulf of Mexico, West Africa, North Sea, Middle East, China, Venezuela, Alaska….. , and for the most part, the active deep sources have been overlooked or underestimated and have not been included in basin models. By using RICH technology, new plays can be Hatched in all of these basins, even if they are highly mature with respect to exploration.

AAPG Search and Discover Article #90100©2009 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition 15-18 November 2009, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil