Play Fairway Mapping
The integration of play definitions with the Discoveries & Fields Database makes play fairway mapping in IHS GIS tools an easy task. By selecting a particular play, the distribution of existing reservoirs is easily delineated showing potential for extending the play fairway into less-explored parts of the basin.
The example below shows the Santos Basin offshore Brazil where Petrobras recently made the Tupi (1-RJS-628A) giant discovery in the Lower Aptian Guaratiba Formation. With these deepwater discoveries, the Guaratiba play has recently become a more important play than the well established Ilhabela. The Guaratiba reservoirs are estimated to hold at least 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent recoverable reserves. The stratigraphic column below show the position of the Lower Aptian sandstones; its structural position is shown on the geological cross-section and the distribution map shows a thick Aptian evaporate sequence on top of the reservoir. Knowing the position of the play in the basin, one can map the play fairway of these new discoveries as the central maps shows.
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The result of using the integrated Basin and Field databases is a much more streamlined process for reconciling theoretical models for source, reservoir and seal with a precise delineation of the effective reservoir, based on well and field control. You can rapidly validate the extent of known petroleum systems, as well as develop new play concepts in both your new ventures and current core areas.
This workflow is especially valuable for operators screening basins for overlooked production (e.g., production new ventures) versus traditional greenfield opportunities.
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