08121-2701-03

Primary Performer
University of Texas at Austin (UTA)

Abstract
The overall objective of the project is to facilitate the development of ultra-deepwater resources by developing techniques to assess the connectivity characteristics of deepwater sediments based on analysis of reservoir analogs, reservoir databases and reservoir model for a mature reservoir. In addition, a key focus will be the development of guidelines for acquisition of additional reservoir information (e.g. well tests) using value of information concepts. To support and achieve these objectives, UTA has identified five specific goals:

1. Development of spatial statistical measures for probing the relationship between geologic and flow connectivity.
2. Probabilistic assessment of reservoir flow connectivity conditioned to geologic parameters using a reservoir database.
3. Evaluate the impact of diagenesis on geologic and flow connectivity.
4. Construct models for spatial distribution of bypassed oil based on reservoir specific information (well and production data) and probe the models using statistical connectivity measures. Quantify relationship between reservoir and flow connectivity while accounting for uncertainty in reservoir geology.
5. Evaluate means of measuring the data necessary for properly utilizing the quantitative relationship between reservoir and flow connectivity, in order to better delineate producible reserves during the appraisal phase.

Intuitively, the research can be understood as comprising of four main elements – the retrieval of connectivity statistics and other qualitative information from a data base of analogs, the synthesis of reservoir models for the Lobster field that reflect the architecture indicated by seismic as well as subtle sub-seismic connectivity indicated in the analogs and production data, calibrating the relationship between reservoir connectivity/compartmentalization and flow efficiency based on the model for the Lobster field and finally evaluating the impact of diagenetic trends on the calibrated relationship between geologic and flow connectivity.

This project will generate numerous deliverables and positive impacts for industry and society. These include wide dissemination of the methods and examples via industry conferences and associated publications, the training of technical professionals via technology transfer workshops (TTW), and the integration of the concepts and methods into petroleum engineering curricula. The tools and methods that are developed will be used by industry to efficiently delineate high-potential targets, enable fast reservoir characterization, and facilitate risk-informed decisions regarding exploration, appraisal and development. These improved abilities to develop deepwater reserves will lower costs, increase profits, reduce variance and unlock additional reserves thereby enhance energy security.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Sanjay Srinivasan

Project Started: January 28, 2010
Project Ends: June 30, 2010

Total Estimated Cost: $250,632.00
RPSEA Maximum Share: $200,331.00
University of Texas at Austin: $50,301.00

Contact Information
RPSEA - Jim Chitwood (jchitwood@rpsea.org or 281-372-2820)
University of Texas at Austin - Sanjay Srinivasan (sanjay.srinivasan@engr.utexas.edu)