Development Geology
Evert Uitentuis
Mark Bouman
5 days
Business context
A profitable development of an oil or gas field starts with a
good understanding of the subsurface. As part of a PE team the
development geologist interprets subsurface data and provides
geological models that form the basis for development planning.
During this course the "Development Life Cycle" starting with
the gathering of geological data, the interpretation thereof, the
preparation of geological models and the quantification of
subsurface uncertainty are discussed. The development geologist is
equipped with the skills to construct these models. Attention is
given to the impact on field operations and on field management
during its entire lifecycle.
Who should attend
Petroleum engineers and geologists involved with
exploration and development of oil and gas reservoirs. Participants
need a basic understanding of Reservoir/Petroleum Geology and
preferably some 2 - 4 years experience.
Course content
- Planning, gathering and management of geological
data
- Geological concepts, global
tectonics
- Geophysical methods, production
seismic
- Sequence stratigraphy, log
correlation
- Environments of deposition (clastic,
carbonates)
- Mapping of reservoir parameters and
structure
- Structural styles, trapping
conditions
- Reservoir fluids, initial
conditions
- Reservoir Architecture, geological
modeling
- Oil and gas volumetric
calculations
- Subsurface uncertainty and risk
analysis
- Case histories
- Vertical and horizontal well applications,
operational geology
- Field excursion (optional): illustration of clastic
and carbonate sedimentary environments and structural geology
in 3-D.
Learning, methods and tools
At the end of the course participants will be able to apply
geological concepts, construct maps and sections and validate
computer-generated interpretations.
In addition they will:
- be able to calculate subsurface volumes and assess the
uncertainties.
- learn about the contents of a well proposal.
- be able to plan appraisal wells and assess their economic
value.
- acquire practical experience by working on an actual field
study in teams
- better understand their own role in the development life
cycle.
Next to the exercises quoted in the course schedule (relating to
the Robin Field), other dedicated exercises are included throughout
the course to ensure participants understand the concepts
discussed.
Day by day programme
Day 1
Introduction & Course Overview,
The energy business, Development projects, subsurface data
Oil and gas development projects
Robin Field: Team Exercise 1,
Project activities planning
Petroleum Geology Introduction of
Interest to the Development Geologist:
- Depositional Environments (Sedimentology)
- Correlation Methods: Sequence Stratigraphy
- Structural Geology
- Petroleum Systems: Hydrocarbon generation - migration -
analysis
Various Group Exercises (Correlation
and Field Appraisal)
Day 2
Subsurface Models, Input Data and
Concepts
Seismic data, acquisition,
processing and interpretation
Robin Field Exercise 2, Field
Appraisal planning
Structural types, traps, fault
seals, maps and sections
Robin Field Exercise 3,
Correlation
Clastic sedimentary environments
Robin Field Exercise 4, Seismic well
data structural map, cross section
Day 3
Measurements and Evaluation of
Subsurface Data
Basic well technology, horizontal
wells, well data
Log and core data, acquisition,
analysis, interpretation, uncertainties and mapping
Reservoir Properties (porosity -
permeability, rock strength etc)
Robin Field Exercise 5, Net sand
mapping
Carbonate reservoirs (optional)
Subsurface pressures: Robin Field
Exercise 6, Contacts
Day 4
Subsurface Development Options
Volumetric Assessment, subsurface
uncertainties (Geo-statistics)
Robin Field Exercise 7, Volumetric
Calculations
Subsurface development planning
Robin Field Exercise 8, Static and
dynamic models
Day 5
Field Operations and Development
Well Design: Geological input
Robin Field Exercise 9, Surface
Development Options, Project Planning
Basic project economics and
financial performance indicators
Robin Field Exercise 10, Economics;
Determining project economics and sensitivities using an Excel
economics spreadsheet.
Course review and round-up