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
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:
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