A Modified Approach to Coalbed Methane Exploration –
What Have We Learned in the Past 20 Years?*
By
Charles Morris Boyer1 and Stephen W. Lambert1
Search and Discovery Article #40216 (2006)
Posted October 16, 2006
*Oral presentation at AAPG Annual Convention, Houston, Texas, April 9-12, 2006
Click to view presentation in PDF format (~0.9 mb).
1Schlumberger, Pittsburgh, PA ([email protected])
Abstract
Historically, coalbed methane (CBM) exploration
programs have relied upon methodologies, such as identification of maximum coal
thickness, optimum
coal rank, and maximum gas resources in place. These programs
also adopted a methodology of reducing exploration and financial risk by relying
upon a phased exploration program that often began with low-cost exploration
core holes sited in what was believed to be the
optimum
prospect location.
Production tests only occurred if certain exploration hurdles were achieved,
allowing the project to grow into a higher-cost multiple well pilot program.
However, this approach overlooks the consequence of reservoir heterogeneities,
especially permeability, which ultimately dominate later large-scale project
performance. Due to these heterogeneities, commercial coalbed methane production
areas may be bypassed or prematurely condemned. Evaluation of numerous CBM
production fields in the USA showed significant production heterogeneity that
could not be attributed to static reservoir conditions or well
completion/production methods. These data were analyzed using statistical
sampling methods to determine minimum well requirements (number and location of
wells) for understanding production variability. Based on the results of this
analysis, a modified exploration model is proposed that addresses the need to
understand reservoir permeability heterogeneity early in a CBM exploration
project. Total Reservoir Assessment (TRA) targets the range in reservoir types
and conditions of any prospect using single-well production tests, coupled with
standard CBM reservoir evaluation techniques. Application of this model may
result in a more realistic approach to the exploration process and increases the
probability of large-scale technical and financial success.
Selected Figures
Traditional Coalbed Methane Exploration Methods
· Gather and evaluate data to develop a project model.
·
Identify optimum
areas based on selected criteria.
· Pilot testing “5-spot” well patterns.
· Expand project or abandon.
Non-Traditional Methods (Random Selection)
· Evaluate available data to develop a “segmented” project model.
· Randomly select a number of core/strat test sites within each selected segment.
· Within each recognized remaining qualified segment, randomly select and complete a number of pilot production test wells.
· Proceed to develop project value or abandon.