Valeura Energy Inc T.VLE

20% Exploration Success of Nong Yao by New Technology

[nozzpack]

Application of Rock Physics and AVO Analysis to Improve Hydrocarbon Prediction; Case Study Based on the Nong Yao Oil Field in the Gulf of Thailand

• November 2020

DOI:10.2118/202949-MS

• Conference: Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference

Authors:

Phansakorn Kaewprain

 

 

Tianpan Ampaiwan

• Chulalongkorn University

 

 

Raweewan Carter

 

 

 

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References (14)

 

Abstract

In hydrocarbon exploration, rock physics analysis plays a key role by connecting seismic data to rock properties. Analysis of rock physics data enables geophysicists to understand how fluid content affects the seismic response and what they should look for to improve the chance of finding hydrocarbons. In the Nong Yao oil field, the use of rock physics and AVO analysis was used to improve the hydrocarbon prediction process. The preferred method starts with rock physics analysis of key wells. Fluid Replacement Modelling (FRM) is then performed across many wells in order to generate a predicted seismic response for different pore fluids (gas, oil and brine). The predicted AVO response is then calibrated against the actual AVO response from the seismic data from key wells in order to build a database. In the Nong Yao Field, over four hundred and fifty drilled data points from sixty-nine wells were utilized in the analysis. This database is analyzed in order to find the optimal combination of parameters for hydrocarbon prediction, which is then used to improve hydrocarbon prediction for future near-field drilling candidates. Near-field appraisal programs in the Nong Yao oil field are driven strongly by amplitudes and AVO, as rock physics analysis has shown that sands and shale lithologies can be easily discriminated based on acoustic impedance. Fluid prediction is more difficult based on acoustic impedance alone, as other factors such as variable sand thickness and seismic data quality mean that there is significant overlap between hydrocarbon and wet sands. Rock physics analysis has shown that AVO behavior can be included to provide better separation between hydrocarbon sands and wet sands. AVO signatures from all the data points are then analyzed using intercept vs gradient cross-plots. A background wet trend is defined with the clear observation that increasing distance from the background wet trend correlates to increasing chance of hydrocarbon fill. Data are categorized into weak, moderate and strong AVO response based upon their distance from the background wet trend and then this is used to modify the chance of success of near-field appraisal drilling targets utilizing conditional probability. This results in an increased chance of success of up to 20% in a strong AVO supported target and around 10% in a moderate AVO supported target. Targets are then quantitatively high-graded in an appraisal portfolio.

[Hannamuk]

In line with what Audun said. Thickness of sand important for using geophysics to avoid water sands and drill the whole oil bearing. Challenge is that thickest sands are drilled in the infills already producing. AVO in the thinner sands targeted now will be exciting 

[SMlachake]

These being a sandstone reserviors, permeability is likely to allow them to turn some of depleted old wells into injectors, infill around them and have a simple EOR system going if interested. Sounded like their current injectors are disposal wells.... 

[Hannamuk]

They are utilizing a capacity of 42,000 bbls/d water injection. So a lot of injection here  

[SMlachake]

I am aware there is injection ongoing, but injection can be for the purpose of brine disposal not always EOR. From the presentation, I heard disposal as required in the juridiction, not once did I hear EoR. EOR efficiency depends on well placement. That's why it's best done post initial production to understand reservoir dynamics or where proper prior study has been done pre development

[Hannamuk]

Mail Sean/Robin as we did  

[SMlachake]

Hannamuk, I stand corrected on the purpose of injection on the one field as its coming directly from the company, but I still expecting to hear more of EoR. Where infills are designed to optimize field dynamics. Lets see what a modern reserves report will indicate, and as I keep stating, it's only a personal opinion nothing more.

[Hannamuk]

To invest in a substantial extension is also interesting:   New Production Facility Mobile Production Unit (MOPU) in construction phase Sail out to location planned for Q4 2023 Drilling to begin once MOPU on location – 9 producer wells – 3 water injectors Connection to existing infrastructure via 4 km pipeline

[SMlachake]

Exactly Hannamuk. The data driving this kind of decision making is lacking from the reserve estimates we currently have and will be reflect in the Netherlands and Sewells report imo. And it's clear from the beginning that this wells are pre-designed to produce under injection drive. I am wondering if Mubadala had some sort of incentives to keep their estimated reserves low? They knew

[Hannamuk]

You are right! Mubadala is very cautious with the "probable reserves". But interesting they used the sum 12 million barrels when starting the field!

[nozzpack]

Thank you for your technical imput and discussion on enhanced exploration success which I interpret as finding success. As this also relates closely to well placement, it's not unlikely that we should  also see EOR. Reading through the historical literature on Nong Yao, the view emerges that the potential of this  field rapidly expands the more it is produced and explored. That

[firstworld]

Not material in any sense when so much water avail haha unlike W. Canada where stupid rednecks drain the rivers and lakes of fresh water to produce oil that sells for $43 bbl WTI while fresh water sells for  $400 bbl LOL all because they can't figure out how to bottle it without huge state subsidies haha.

[traderlong2]

Refreshing to see all the oil chatter ...Thanks So originally i was planning to see this hit 3 bucks and sell a large portion of my position Not anymore I really think this is now 5-8 dollar stock in 6-12 months add in a divy with a great reserves report and some good execution this thing may not have a top with only 86 million shares out i will now hold a year or two and see what Sean delivers he

[firstworld]

He's counting the chickens before the eggs hatch ...the deal has not closed. They have not provided the required surity bonds.   None of the contractors and vendors have shown up to the site and the contracts are likely void of any liquidated damages for late or no show.   Sooo much can go wrong. Still a $3 stock now and 5 after a few months of production....happy to own

[Nopump2]

Got that abstract posted for free on my Discord https://twitter.com/itoldya6/status/1601568580486975489?s=46&t=YiRS-T4CUzNMZWYfUiGHpg

[cyber37]

This abstract describes use of seismic data to determine type of fluid in pore space of the structure; this is relatively new and if successful can be incredibly useful in drilling for hydrocarbons (excluding brine….water). I can see how chances of success are as high as 20%, where with conventional seismic company would be lucky to look at 3 to 7%. This is only one example of technological

[Hannamuk]

Actually this has been standard in the North Sea for 15 years, useful  reservoir geophysics!