How to Improve Your Exploration Success Ratio: A Case Study: ABSTRACT

Abstract

This paper stresses the importance of integrated studies utilizing all available data and is intended to show how we can learn from experience. It can be demonstrated through studies of 51 producting fields in offshore Louisiana that in some places wildcat wells were not optimally located, thereby resulting in dry holes. By applying this experience, we can avoid unnecessary dry holes, extend our fields, and discover additional fields. Field studies determined the type of traps present, the timing of the traps, and where seismic hydrocarbon indicators appear to work. Integrating these field studies with other studies and evaluations reveals that we must not only have detailed seismic control and use the latest technology, but also thoroughly evaluate and integrate the geologic and geophysical data if we expect to be successful in our drilling program. In this regard, we must use technology such as True Amplitude Recovery seismic data, waveform analysis, and modeling, as each could contribute to our exploration program. Examples, compiled to support this statement, reveal that in selected cases the locations of wildcat wells were not optimally located and so resulted in dry holes, although they could be considered ne r misses. In other cases, it was found further development of fields may be possible if the drilling of outpost or field extension wells would occur. To help avoid these dry holes, discover additional fields, and extend existing fields, a suggested exploration program is submitted. End_of_Article - Last_Page 583------------