Integration of Play and Prospect Evaluations

In the increasingly competitive world of global exploration the ability to rapidly and accurately sharp-shoot areas with significant future hydrocarbon potential is the key to success. This is no longer a solitary occupation or one where we can rely on silver-bullet technologies to illuminate the opportunities. Rather the ability to analyze the entire hydrocarbon system becomes the critical path to success. Because of the many aspects of a hydrocarbon system, different disciplines need to carry out studies to build the foundation for a robust assessment of play potential. However, in order to achieve a more comprehensive understanding, the integration of these different disciplines and data sources is fundamental.

In Shell, we are trying to foster this integration through a shared database driven, globally accessible, web-hosted platform with a suite of workflows designed to facilitate and encourage integration on a regional scale. These modules consist of geochemical analysis and database tools, paleogeographic modeling, basin modeling, well look-back analysis, play CRS mapping, regional volumetric modeling, and prospect risk and volume evaluations. The tying together of these tools into a single platform and the speed of the algorithms, allows multiple scenarios to be tested in real-time. This integration platform is now enabling prospect evaluation for both conventional and unconventional opportunities to be carried out in its proper basin and play context, which results in better informed decisions.  

New Play development and evaluation is a creative process. Our experience shows that leading edge tools are necessary, but can hamper creativity. To be successful this is a messy process, involving “Old School” methods (teamwork around maps on a table with mylar and colour pencils). This is where the connections or disconnects are found which lead to new play ideas and concepts.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90142 © 2012 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, April 22-25, 2012, Long Beach, California