Exploration in petroleum development in Oman: Getting a kick into the creaming curve
- Petroleum Development Oman L.L.C., Muscat (Oman)
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) currently explores an 80,000 mi[sup 2] concession area. Major discoveries were made in the early 1960s in north Oman and in south Oman in the 1970s. However, in the middle to late 1980s, discovery sizes decreased, consistent with classical creaming curves, particularly as exploration concentrated on areas around the hydrocarbon fairways. With a flattening creaming curve, the outlook did not look rosy. PDO faced the question, [open quotes]Does this curve represent the future or could new ideas, a change in approach, or application of newer technologies give an upward kick to the creaming curve [close quotes] A major strategy review took place in which the potential of all plays was reviewed. Prospects were place into frontier, conventional, and exploratory appraisal types. String time was allocated over a five-year period on a basis of play testing for frontier plays and a steady realization of conventional and exploratory appraisal drilling as partial fulfillment of the annual exploration reserves replenishment target. Initial results are promising, and specific challenges including new plays, one unique to Oman, have been defined beyond the aims of the original strategy. Resolution of these challenges will lead to delineation of new hydrocarbon resources in Oman. At the same time, technological advances such as slim-hole drilling and extensive three-dimensional seismic, in concert with work-station interpretation, are being used, in order to minimize costs and increase the success ratio.
- OSTI ID:
- 6917208
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9310237-; CODEN: AABUD2
- Journal Information:
- AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States), Vol. 77:9; Conference: American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) mid-continent section meeting, Amarillo, TX (United States), 10-12 Oct 1993; ISSN 0149-1423
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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03 NATURAL GAS
HYDROCARBONS
EXPLORATION
OMAN
RESOURCE POTENTIAL
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION
EXPLORATORY WELLS
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESOURCE DEPLETION
ARAB COUNTRIES
ASIA
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GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
MIDDLE EAST
MINERAL RESOURCES
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020200* - Petroleum- Reserves
Geology
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030200 - Natural Gas- Reserves
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