Development Geology

At the end of the course participants will apply geological concepts, construct maps and sections and validate computer-generated interpretations.

• be able to calculate subsurface volumes and assess the uncertainties.
• learn about the contents of a well proposal.
• be able to plan appraisal wells and assess their economic value.
• acquire practical experience by working on an actual field study in teams
• better understand their own role in the development life cycle.

Day 1

• Introduction & Course Overview, The energy business, Development projects, subsurface data
• Oil and gas development projects
• Robin Field: Team Exercise 1, Project activities planning
• Petroleum Geology Introduction of Interest to the Development Geologist:
• Depositional Environments (Sedimentology)
• Correlation Methods: Sequence Stratigraphy
• Structural Geology
• Petroleum Systems: Hydrocarbon generation – migration – analysis
• Various Group Exercises (Correlation and Field Appraisal).

Day 2

• Subsurface Models, Input Data and Concepts
• Seismic data, acquisition, processing and interpretation
• Robin Field Exercise 2, Field Appraisal planning
• Structural types, traps, fault seals, maps and sections
• Robin Field Exercise 3, Correlation
• Clastic sedimentary environments
• Robin Field Exercise 4, Seismic well data structural map, cross section

Day 3

• Measurements and Evaluation of Subsurface Data
• Basic well technology, horizontal wells, well data
• Log and core data, acquisition, analysis, interpretation, uncertainties and mapping
• Reservoir Properties (porosity – permeability, rock strength etc)
• Robin Field Exercise 5, Net sand mapping
• Carbonate reservoirs (optional)
• Subsurface pressures: Robin Field Exercise 6, Contacts

Day 4

• Subsurface Development Options
• Volumetric Assessment, subsurface uncertainties (Geo-statistics)
• Robin Field Exercise 7, Volumetric Calculations
• Subsurface development planning
• Robin Field Exercise 8, Static and dynamic models

Day 5

• Field Operations and Development
• Well Design: Geological input
• Robin Field Exercise 9, Surface Development Options, Project Planning
• Basic project economics and financial performance indicators
• Robin Field Exercise 10, Economics; Determining project economics and sensitivities using an Excel economics spreadsheet.
• Course review and round-up