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Title: Target characterization by seismic attribute analysis -- a case history from west Texas

Conference ·
OSTI ID:93136

3D seismic attributes are being routinely used in conjunction with geostatistics to predict reservoir character away from wellbores. A key assumption in all such studies is that the seismic has been properly collected, processed and interpreted. If this assumption is invalid, then merging such seismic data with even the most detailed geostatistical database, or the most elegant simulation software will produce erroneous results. This paper presents a case history from the Permian Basin of West Texas which documents three common pitfalls that can occur when attempting to merge 3D seismic with subsurface and production data. These pitfalls are: (1) assuming the seismic is correct, (2) assuming that the geologic model is correct, and (3) assuming a static model for each play. The identification and correction of these errors within this pinnacle reef play has resulted in raising the success rate from a typical 1 in 10 to seven consecutive discoveries. The ability to pinpoint the area of highest reservoir quality has resulted in wells with the highest flowing tubing pressure in this portion of the Horseshoe Atoll.

OSTI ID:
93136
Report Number(s):
CONF-941015-; TRN: IM9537%%179
Resource Relation:
Conference: 64. annual meeting of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists and international exposition, Los Angeles, CA (United States), 23-27 Oct 1994; Other Information: PBD: 1994; Related Information: Is Part Of SEG international exposition and sixty-fourth annual meeting -- 1994 Technical program: Expanded abstracts with authors` biographies; PB: 1736 p.
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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