Is there a benefit to throwing the kitchen sink at geotechnical studies in an exploration phase?
James Shadlow A , Adam Craig A and David Christiansen AKUFPEC Pty Ltd
The APPEA Journal 56(1) 203-218 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ15015
Published: 2016
Abstract
In short, yes. This case study illustrates that the application of a thorough geotechnical workflow incorporating many new and advanced techniques can assist in exploration business case decision making. Is an exploration drilling decision made lightly?
A workflow incorporating 3D seismic processing, AVO inversion and stratigraphic framework studies involving high-resolution biostratigraphic and chemostratigraphic analyses was used to assess the prospectivity of an exploration permit near giant gas fields in the offshore Northern Carnarvon Basin. The primary reservoir is the prolific Triassic Mungaroo Formation fluvio-deltaic sediments, and secondary reservoirs include mid-Jurassic marine sands.
3D seismic reprocessing xcombined a newly acquired broadband seismic dataset into a multi-survey multi-azimuth PSDM volume that conditioned data for input to an AVO inversion. New petrophysics and rock physics analysis and modelling on regional well data were then calibrated with the AVO inversion to statistically derive lithology and fluid prediction volumes. These data were used in conjunction with reservoir paleo-stratigraphy studies to derive a subsurface model for reservoir distribution and hydrocarbon prediction.
A two-stage risking process was applied to each prospect that objectively applied risk based on the seismic amplitudes. This enabled a more accurate risked-volume assessment, combined with the ability to assess a prospect portfolio covering different plays.
The resultant interpretation identified issues with interpretations made on vintage data that would not have been easily identified without undertaking these studies. The integration of these assessments resulted in an unfavourable exploration drilling business case and a decision not to renew the permit.
James Shadlow graduated from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science (Honours), majoring in geology and physics. While studying, James joined AWE and continued there following graduation, working on assets and new ventures in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. James joined KUFPEC in 2013 and now works on new ventures, exploration, development and production projects. Member: SEG, EAGE and PESA. James.Shadlow@kufpec.com |
Adam Craig graduated from Curtin University of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in geology (honours). He has more than 24 years’ experience in the upstream sector of the energy business working for various exploration and production companies. Adam has experience in a variety of worldwide provinces and structural settings, both onshore and offshore, in an operating and non-operating capacity. In addition, Adam has significant new business evaluation experience. Immediately prior to moving to KUFPEC, Adam worked for Cooper Energy and several other organisations, including nine years with Woodside Energy working on domestic and international portfolios. While working for Woodside Energy, Adam was involved in Australian and international assets. Adam was instrumental in the expansion and evaluation of Woodside’s African exploration portfolio. At Cooper Energy, Adam was primarily responsible for the evaluation, management and growth of its Tunisian exploration portfolio, as well as technical assurance of its various activities worldwide. Adam.Craig@kufpec.com |
David Christiansen graduated from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in applied science (geology) in 1992, and then completed a BSc (hons) in petroleum geology and geophysics at the National Centre for Petroleum Geology and Geophysics (NCPGG; now Australian School of Petroleum) in 1993. Since graduating from the NCPGG, David has enjoyed working for various exploration and production companies during the past 22 years mainly in exploration roles in Australian, South American and Southeast Asian basins. David joined KUFPEC in 2012, and since then has been working on KUFPEC’s various non-operated holdings, and supporting various new business development activities. Member: AAPG and PESA. David.Christiansen@kufpec.com |
