Volume-Based Characterization
of a Heterogeneous Carbonate
Reservoir
, Lower Cretaceous, Abu Dhabi
Lyndon A. Yose1, Amy S. Ruf2, Christian J. Strohmenger3, James S. Schuelke2,
Linda W. Corwin4, Andrew Gombos2, Imelda G. Johnson4, Ismail Al-Hosani3, Shamsa S. Al-Maskary3,
Gerard Bloch3, and Yousef Al-Mahairi3
1 ExxonMobil Qatar, Inc, oha, Qatar
2 ExxonMobil Upstream Research, Houston, TX
3 Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
4 ExxonMobil Exploration Company, Houston, TX
High-effort three-dimensional (3D) seismic data collected by the Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations are some of the highest quality data ever collected over a carbonate field. These data provide the opportunity to test the limits of high-end seismic technologies in carbonates
and to demonstrate the value of seismic for integrated carbonate
reservoir
characterization
. Seismic data were integrated with other subsurface data to develop a new, sequence stratigraphic based
reservoir
framework. The Lower Cretaceous (Aptian)
reservoir
records a large-scale transgressive-regressive depositional cycle that is divided into six depositional sequences.
Reservoir
architecture and quality vary predictably within the sequence framework and correspond closely to variations in seismic properties. Sequence-stratigraphic surfaces define the 3D distribution of flow barriers and flow units within the
reservoir
and are used to guide framework and rock property distributions in 3D
reservoir
models.
Quantitative seismic information on reservoir
architecture and porosity variations provides a new understanding of
reservoir
heterogeneity and the underlying geologic controls. Multi-attribute volume interpretation and co-rendering techniques help to visualize geologic and
reservoir
variations and provide a volume-based framework for
reservoir
evaluation. Together, the sequence-based
reservoir
framework and 3D seismic data provide an integrated platform for addressing a range of production and performance issues. Applications of these results include: 1) 3D seismic visualization as a tool for optimizing well placement, identifying by-passed reservoirs and evaluating
reservoir
connectivity, 2) integration of quantitative, volume-based seismic information into
reservoir
models, 3) maximizing recovery through full integration of all subsurface data, and 4) enhanced communication among geoscientists and engineers leading to improved
reservoir
management practices.