Bay Marchand revisited (again): Field development using the latest technology

Abstract

Low-risk well recompletion and side-track opportunities are identified within the Bay Marchand-Timbalier Bay salt complex using 3D depth migration and multi-dimensional reservoir characterization technology. In 1992 Neomar Resources hit pay zones in 12 out of 14 wells located over amplitude anomalies ({open_quotes}bright spots{close_quotes}) in a proprietary 3D survey covering all or part of Bay Marchand Block 1-5. Production from several of these wells has been disappointing, however, and problems with structural position, trap integrity, and reservoir continuity are not obvious in the 3D time migrated data. Zydeco Exploration has obtained a license and has re-processed the Bay Marchand seismic survey in-house using interactive 3D velocity analysis and 3D pre-stack and post-stack depth migration. The new data reveal systematic changes in the positions of faults and smaller reservoirs that account for structural problems, such as missed objectives, and premature pressure depletion in several of the wells. Interpretation of the depth migrated data, seismic attribute analysis of 12 Miocene reservoirs, and multi-dimensional visual correlation and geo-statistical analysis between seismic attributes and log petrophysical data yields a reliable reservoir quality classification scheme within the 3D survey area. Reservoir classification color schemes overlain on their respective horizon surfaces in the presence of fault planesmore » and salt surfaces in a dynamic 3D display reveals reservoir continuity or trap integrity problems which account for disappointing production in several of the wells. Surface enhancement techniques highlight subtle lineations that may also indicate reservoir compartmentalization. Improved structural imaging and reservoir characterization provide more than 20-20 hindsight. We have identified several relatively low-risk recompletions, sidetrack opportunities and proposed well locations.« less