2

nd

SPWLA-India Symposium, November 19-20, 2009

Evaluating Hydrocarbon Potential of Deccan Trap (Basaltic Reservoirs) in Padra Field of Cambay Basin for Its Effective Development Through Logging, Geological and Geophysical Techniques Dr. T. R.Varun1, B. K. Sainath2, Dr. N. B. Ishwar3
Abstract: The exploration activities in Deccan Trap (Basalt reservoirs) in Padra field of Cambay Basin though started in 1960s, yet, the development stage could not be reached due to uncertainties involved in discriminating reservoir facies and its hydrocarbon potential, which required to be addressed. Present attempt was to eliminate/ minimize such uncertainties by having a relook on related aspects like; Development of Porosity by Weathering / Leaching / Alteration by Hydrothermal Waters, Log data of drilled wells (48 nos.) drilled prior to the study in the light of Core data / Cutting data / Testing details / Production history, Relevant Seismic Data interpretation, Fault Pattern and Migration Pathways in different Lava flows. Deccan Trap consists of a number of basaltic lava flows. The duration of each flow ranges from 0.5 Ma to 1.5 Ma. The time duration of successive flows have a bearing on generation of porosity in the upper part of exposed layer of each flow. Schrock (1948) compiled the number of flows and surface exposures. West (1999) has identified about 48 flows based on petrographic studies of continuous cores taken in eastern Saurashtra and Ahmedabad. When the duration between the two lava flows is more, the top of the flow has undergone weathering, till covered by the next flow. It is observed that the upper layers of the lava flows in the drilled section holds porous horizons, which are developed due to sustained weathering effects. Well logs have played a key role in identifying the porous pods, the likely hydrocarbon seat, with neutron log leading the way. Utility of neutron log in identifying porous pods as compared to other logs has played a defining role in the present work. Interestingly, the neutron porosity reading ranging between 18-22% and resistivity values between 10-30 ohm-m indicate presence of oil in these weathered trap locales in each lava flow. Development of porous and permeable zones is also indicated by the SP deflection at places against the same zones validated by production logging results in five wells and build up study during conventional barefoot testing. Integration of log data with seismic mapping and interpretation as well as drawing the fault pattern in the whole area could very well explain the depositional pattern, porosity development and migration model. Migration of hydrocarbons from Broach depression to the margins in the Padra field, has been facilitated by long distance (100-125 kms) migration by the combination of E-W transfer faults and their juxtaposition with Cambay Shale in the western side of the area. Based on this study, the development, of the area in the middle host block as per our map at the Trap Top in closed grid, have given the best lead and all development wells are producing oil in large quantity more than the expected. As per our map, other horst blocks are also required to be delineated. Moreover, three exploratory wells, which were kept on back burner due to lack of confidence, and one more exploratory well P-ww based on the study were drilled and all the four produced oil and gas from these reservoirs. The testing of wells in basalt reservoirs need to be done by lowering casing replacing the existing practice of testing barefoot, as a aftermath of this study, which has spurred up confidence to that level. This is also in line with the practice, followed by Russians in developing such basement rocks across the globe. This study is also useful for exploration and exploitation in Karzen field, south of Padra field up to which juxtaposition of Cambay Shale exists. .

Keywords : Padra field, Deccan trap, Lava flows, Juxtaposition, Neutron log, Source rock, Migration 1. Dr. T. R. Varun, GM (W), ONGC, Palawasna, Mehsana, Gujarat, India. 2. B.K. Sainath, CG(S), ONGC, CMDA Building, Chennai, India. 3. Dr. N. B. Ishwar, CG (W), ONGC, WOB, Baroda, Gujarat, India.

Introduction : Padra field located on the eastern raising flank of Cambay basin within Broach-Jambusar Block is surrounded by Dabka field in the west, Akholjuni and Cambay fields in the north, Karjan fields in the south. The Gravity- Magnetic survey was carried out in 1957- 58 to understand the broad structural configuration of trap/ basement. The area is covered by seismic campaigns SIG -351, 330, 294 and 320. The exploratory work in this field was started in 1960 with hydrocarbon indications in the well Padra-a. The known reservoirs are Trap and Olpad Formations however, the hydrocarbons are also reported from Ankleshwar Formation in a few wells. The thickness of drilled section of Trap varies from 476m+ (Padra-d) in Padra

field to more than 3200m+ Ankleshwar Superdeep (ADP-a) in deeper part of the basin. Barefoot testing of Trap section was started from the well Padra-n onwards, Trap was drilled 40-200 mts, the well was cased and cemented with shoe within the Trap top). If the well, produced oil/ gas, it was completed in the Trap. If the Trap section produced oil and water, then, the bottom 50m was sealed with sand/ cement plug and again trap section was tested barefoot before completion of the well as a producer. To confirm the hydrocarbon contributing zones, production logging was carried out in Padra-q, which indicated the contribution of oil from a 5m layer, 90mts below

-1-

nd

SPWLA-India Symposium, November 19-20, 2009

the Trap top. While in Padra-y, oil contribution was reported from 25-30mts of trap section from the trap top. To confirm this, three wells, padra-z, P-aa and P-cc were drilled upto 200m in the trap section. The wells which were drilled on horst block, on testing produced oil. However, understanding of hydrocarbon distribution pattern/entrapment remained unresolved that from which level of Trap oil/ gas flows. The understanding of hydrocarbon distribution pattern within Trap in different flows has become a point of concern to delineate the field/reserves and its extension, if any. The Objective of the study was to understand the role of faults in entrapment vis--vis the pattern of occurrence of hydrocarbons and to understand the effective methods to activate the trap section, to devise ways to have optimum production, avoiding water contributing zones. Also, to pinpoint the locales for further exploration/ exploitation of Padra field, and to review the already released locations PDBP, PDBL and PDAS in the light of the study which were kept on back burner after a number of dry holes in this area. Prelude about Deccan Trap : A number of geoscientific studies have been carried out to understand the phenomenon of the occurrence of oil in the Traps of Padra field. Intertrappeans, if at all present are very thin, less than 30 cm and indurated. The methodology evolved for identification and evaluation of Deccan Trap reservoir of Padra field by recomputing resistivity from porosity and then evaluate water saturation from available Rt. PIVT studies were also carried out at KDMIPE to predict fracture distribution. TVN Rao etal, 1998 in their report, established the presence of Olegophillic facies in Trap section of Padra field (a feasibility report) using Electro Facies Visual Concept and NGS logs. Painuly S. P. etal, 1995, in their report opined that Source of Oil accumulations in Padra area lie in the organic rich Cambay Shales in the deeper parts of the basin. The authors explained that the reservoirs in Padra field are charged due to this juxtaposition. P. H. Rao etal, 1999 while proposing 3 locations in the south of Padra field reported a network of fault system on the top of trap unconformity acted as a conduit for migration that have charged the reservoir. Pendkar N, Mathur A. K. and Anand S. R., 2000 in their report Fault Pattern Analysis, Identification of Flows and Entrapment Conditions in the Deccan Trap, reported that the development of reservoirs appear to be controlled by a combination of altered basalt with the fractures acting as pathways for hydrocarbon migration. Megascopically, the Deccan trap is characterized by basaltic rock, which is divisible into four type of litho units namely; fresh, altered, weathered and amygdaloidal weathered basalt. The rock mass is highly weathered and fractured, grain size varies from fine to coarse. The fracture intensity is observed moderate to good and filled with secondary mineral like: feldspar, zeolite, calcite, siderite and dolomite. Out crop samples collected from Rajpipla area have also been studied and found corroborating with sub-surface samples of Padra field. Prominent amounts of clay minerals are also found in the form of Montomorillonite and Kaolinite, however Illite has been observed in rare occurrences. The salinity in the

field varies from 13.0 gpl to 60 gpl as per data collected from the testing of the wells. Deccan Trap in Cambay basin consists of a number of flows. The duration of each basalt flow ranges from 0.5 Ma to 1.5 Ma. The time duration of successive flows have a bearing on generation of porosity in the upper exposed layer of each flow. Schrock (1948) compiled the number of flows and surface exposures. West (1999) has identified about 48 flows based on petrographic studies on the continuous cores taken in eastern Saurashtra and Ahmedabad. Authors reported in their report that when the duration between the flows is more, the top of the flow has undergone weathering, till covered by the next flow. In this field well nos.Padra-a to h (except well no. P-d) were terminated in the first flow by drilling about 20m in the Trap. As a result number of flows not clearly identifiable due to less drilled depth and recording of logs by Russian tools, aa the porosity logs were not available in those days. In the wells P-i to m about 50 to 70m trap thickness was drilled covering about 3 flows from the Trap top. The well nos., P-n to P-q were drilled in the Trap (70 to120m approximately) covering about 4 to 5 flows. Most of the wells from well no. P-r to P-dd were drilled down in Trap upto 200m covering about 5 to7 flows. In the later phase of exploration of Padra Trap, wells from P-ee to P-vv were used to drill down 100m approximately with casing shoe about 5-10 mts down from Trap top. After drilling of well no. P-vv there was a lull period in drilling as 6 wells went dry, 2 wells in Padra (P-uu & P-vv) and 4 wells in Karzon to better understanding of entrapment and to devise ways for delineation. Well nos. Pww & P-xx were drilled based on the study proved prolific producers. Already a released location PDBP, PDBL and PDAS reconfirmed for drilling based on this study which have been drilled now. Horst areas which have entrapped oil has been identified and are under drilling from well no. P-bbb onwards. Thus, it is concluded that different lava flow surfaces (top surfaces) which were exposed for a long time before the next flow, developed porosity due to weathering, leaching by surface discharge and alteration by hydrothermal waters. The horst blocks have better development of porosity in the upper portion of each flow as it was exposed for a longer duration owing to its being located at structurally higher places. Methodology and Techniques : To meet the objectives for successful exploration and exploitation of Deccan trap, conventional log data of all the 48 drilled wells were analyzed. Various flows in the trap section were identified based on neutron, density, sonic, resistivity, GR and SP logs by plotting them in log grids. Based on lithology, average density was calculated as an indication of weathered zones (2.35-2.90). The number of lava flows are identified based on the study from logs and numbered them from Trap top up to the drilled depth in each well (Fig. 1& 2 are shown as representative well). So far, in this field the maximum thickness of the trap has been penetrated upto 476m in well P-d. About 20 flows of

-2-

nd

SPWLA-India Symposium, November 19-20, 2009

basalt are encountered. Most of the basalt flows are nonvesicular. Generally, vesicles are concentrated on the top of the trap (Weathered basalt), where best porosity development is observed. On analysis, Neutron log was found comparatively better log, which provided fair indication of porosity variation within weathered, fresh and highly altered trap zones. The neutron porosity in the range of 21-33% (apparent) gives the indication of reservoir where neutron log reading caliberated upto 21% is against the highly altered basalt with negligible porosity. The sonic log porosity along with density derived porosity also corroborates the same in most of the wells. The other logs like resistivity, GR and SP also support the above findings. However, SP is found to give better information of porous and permeable reservoirs occasionally. The Late Cretaceous Deccan traps forms the economic basement over most part of the basin. The structure and fault pattern map was prepared at the Trap top integrating seismic data of SIG-x94 and x30 with log data. Understanding of different tectonic blocks vis--vis fluid anomaly, fluid contacts, migration pathways, thickness of various formations encountered and production testing details were made. Attempt was also made to study the variation of geothermal gradient on the occurrence of hydrocarbon within the Trap section. Based on the study of maps, it is observed that the total field is dissected into five blocks having roughly northsouth orientation forming horsts and grabens. All the five blocks are cut by four transverse faults (F1, F2, F3 and F4) in ENE-WSW direction. It is also observed that most of the wells, which lie in the lows are water bearing except P-qq, Paa and P-vv. Most of the N-S faults terminate in Dadhar Formation and some faults terminate in Ankleshwar Formation. The source rock is Cambay Shale, which pinches out to the west of the Padra field. It is envisaged that Cambay Shale is juxtaposed with the western faults trending roughly E-W might have feeded Padra field through long distance migration (Fertyl & Tissot Welte 1988, Studies on Cambay basin). The long distance migration of 100-125 km. is possible in a geological set up like that of Cambay Basin. The hydrocarbons might have migrated along the four transfer faults F1, F2, F3 and F4 oriented roughly east-west from Dabka to Padra field. All these faults have down throw towards south. The fault F5 has down throw towards Dabka field. The fault F6, a margin fault in the east might have acted as a sealing fault. The total area of Padra field resembles a horst block from all the sides for holding of hydrocarbons in the Trap flows, where porosity and permeabilities have developed by the process as explained above. The total area is dissected into five N-S blocks with intervening lows due to tectonic activity. As a result, natural fractures are developed. These fractures coupled with main faults acted as conduit for migration of hydrocarbons (Fig. 4). Well Log Data Analysis : The Resistivity, GR, SP, Sonic, Neutron and Density logs of more than thirty wells were plotted in their respective grids/scales. In the first grid, Gamma Ray and SP logs, in the second grid Resistivity logs and in the third grid Sonic,

Neutron and Density logs were plotted from top of the Trap upto the drilled depth. The total drilled depth in the trap was identified and divided in the flows as per log signature, numbering from top to the bottom. The exposed layer in the each flow was identified based on the character of porosity logs. Resistivity, GR and SP logs were also considered in the identification of porous layers. Neutron log is found to be more susceptible to the porous layers developed in upper part of the flows. On qualitative analysis, it is observed that the neutron log showing more than 21% porosity and resistivity varying from 10-30 ohms in the Trap flows seems to be oil bearing and might have contributed in subsequent testing and production . The same feature when drilled in the lows, although have porosities, but produced water, owing to their structural position. However, resistivity is found to be affected by Trap matrix rather than formation fluid. The results of the wells drilled in all the five blocks from east to west are elaborated in (Fig. 3): BLOCK-A (Eastern Most Block) : In this Block, four wells i.e., P-s, P-cc, P-rr and P-uu are drilled. The well P-rr drilled in extreme north-east of the block is gas bearing in Olpad Formation and is still producing. The porous layers developed in the upper part of 1st, 2nd 3rd, & 5th flow are charged with hydrocarbons. The wells P-s and P-cc drilled south of this block are oil producers from Trap. Porous layers in the flows seem to be the contributors of hydrocarbons. The middle part of this block is not explored and further exploration is warranted. In the adjacent low towards the eastern margin, well P-uu was drilled and was dry due to its structural position (Fig. 4). BLOCK-B: In this block, wells P-i, P-m, P-o, P-p, P-t, P-u, P-y, P-z, P-bb, P-gg, P-ii, P-jj and P-ss were drilled. Wells P-z, P-ii and P-jj are drilled in the adjacent low towards east and are water bearing. The released location PDAS which could not be drilled due to some problem. A large part of the area is unexplored in the vicinity of PDAS which merits exploration priority. A location towards north, south or east may be drilled for delineation and exploration of this block. Based on our recommendation PDAS was drilled as well no. P-aaa, which produced oil (Fig. 3). BLOCK- C, D, E, F: This block lies in the middle of the field, where well numbers P-hh, P-n, P-x, P-g, P-h, P-ll, P-pd, P-b, P-j, P-f, P-r, P-ee, Ppp, P-oo, P-aa, P-uu, P-q and P-ff were drilled. All the wells drilled in this block have produced oil from Trap except P-ll, ff & vv. Well nos. P-a to P-j except P-d, require further deepening or step out wells for exploration / exploitation of Trap in this area. Based on our recommendation, area is under delineation on a grid pattern and drilled wells numbering from P-bbb to P-kkk as on date have produced oil (Fig. 3). BLOCK-H, G: In this Block, four wells P-l, P-v, P-w and P-mm were drilled. Well no P-l has produced oil from Trap. Well P-v has

-3-

nd

SPWLA-India Symposium, November 19-20, 2009

produced oil from Trap and gas from Olpad Formation. The rest of the area towards south of this block is not explored and merit further exploration/ exploitation based on the model.

Acknowledgment : The authors express their gratitude to Director (Exploration) and ONGC Management for granting permission to published this paper in SPWLA. The authors are also thankful to Shri D.P. Sahsrabudhe, ED-Basin Manager, WOB, ONGC, Baroda and Shri P. B. Pandey, GM (GP), Block-I, WOB, Basin, ONGC, Baroda for encouragement from time to time. Thanks are due to Shri S.P.Painuely, ex-GM-Block Manager-I for overall guidance, facilities and review from time to time. The authors are also thankful to Shri Asim Samanta, GMHOI-CEWELL, ONGC, Baroda for providing facilities for preparation of the paper.

BLOCK-I: This is the fifth block from the east and five wells P-dd, P-kk, P-nn, P-qq and P-tt were drilled. Out of the five wells drilled, P-qq and P-kk are dry. The study suggests that the location PDBL need to be drilled on priority. In the southern side of this Block, P-qq was drilled and produced water. The analysis of 2D seismic interpretation suggests, the area forms a horst block and likely to have hydrocarbons. The location PDBP has opened up more area for exploration of Trap. To the west of this fault, a prominent low exists towards Dabka field in which Dabka-x5 is proved water bearing (Fig. 4). An attempt was made to identify hydrocarbon/water zones to know the oil water contact within the flows. However, the same could not be established due to negligible changes in the reservoir facies having hydrocarbon/water. It is also observed that the flows are not correlatable with each other, encountered in different wells due to differential degree of weathering/alterations under different Palaeo conditions. Based on the above study, several locations are proposed for exploiting the remaining reserves in the trap. Thus all the four locations, three recommended and one got released during the study have produced oil, thus proved the efficacy of the Model. The middle host block on delineation by close grid drilling based on the study and prepared map, have produced hydrocarbons from well nos. P-aaa to P-kkk (11 wells). Recommendation : It is recommend that future wells should be tested conventionally by lowering the casing against the Trap, if resistivity and neutron log character indicate good porosity supported by other logs in the flows. During production testing, choke size should be kept small i.e. from 3mm and may be increased seeing the well behavour. Higher choke size may result into water cut in a short span of production. Neutron log along with sonic and density log should be used as a good measure of porosity in each flow if it reads more than 21% porosity on neutron log scale. Well completion in each block should be done in the same flow itself and after cessation of flow; well may be re-completed in the upper flows. The wells in the Middle Block (3rd) have not penetrated deeper in the Trap (well nos. P-a to P-j except , P-d). The area shown by the brown colour need to be explored by drilling, new wells or re-entering the old wells, if possible. Wells which did not became active/proved dry and are located in the horsts blocks need to be re-entered in the well by lowering casing against the Trap section with conventional perforation. The four wells namely; P-j, P-k, P-l and P-bb could not be tested but appears to be interesting in the trap section from hydrocarbon point of view. Wells P-y and P-pp seems to be hydrocarbon bearing in Olpad Formation, whereas well no. P-ee seems to be hydrocarbon bearing in Ankleshwar Formation and recommended for retesting, if feasible (Fig. 3).

References : Dhulia B.P. et. al, Proposal for Release of 2D Exploratory Locations in Padra-Umeta-Anklav area of Broach-TarapurCambay Blocks of Cambay Basin, Unpublished Report, 1998, KDMIPE. Painuly S.P. et. al, Review of Deccan Trap Exploration in Padra Area and Prioritization of locations, Unpublished Report, 1998, WRBC, Baroda. Pandey A.K. et. al, Reservoir Characterization of Olpad and Ankleshwar sands in Padra Field, Broach Block, Cambay Basin, Unpublished Report, 2000, RGL, Baroda. Pendkar N. et. al, Fault Pattern Analysis, Identification of Flows in the Deccan Trap, Padra Field, Cambay Basin, ONGC, KDMIPE, Unpublished Report, 2001. Rao P.H. et. al, Proposal For Release of Three Exploratory Locations in South of Padra-Karjan area in Broach Block, Cambay Basin, Unpublished Report, 1999, WRBC, Baroda. Rao T.V.N. et. al, Establishment of Oleophallic facies in Trap Section of Padra Field, ONGC, Baroda, Unpublished Report, 1998. Sinha N. et. al, Hydrocarbon Distribution Pattern and Future Exploration Strategy of Deccan Trap Reservoir in Padra Area Unpublished Report, 1998, WRBC, Baroda. Varun T R et. al, Integrated Study Of Deccan Trap In Padra Field By Applying Suitable Geological, Geophysical And Logging Techniques With Special Reference To Tectonics 2003-04

-4-

nd

SPWLA-India Symposium, November 19-20, 2009

Fig 1

Fig 2

Fig 3

-5-