IPA15-G-208

PROCEEDINGS, INDONESIAN PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION

Thirty-Ninth Annual Convention & Exhibition, May 2015

IDENTIFYING BYPASSED OIL BY UTILIZING SEISMIC ATTRIBUTE AND ENVIRONMENT

OF DEPOSITIONAL CONCEPT IN TIDE-DOMINATED CLASTIC RESERVOIR

Reybi Waren*
Irfan Harris*
Terry O’Hearn*
ABSTRACT
Benar Field (Central Sumatra Basin, Indonesia) is a
pop-up anticlinal structure related to Miocene to
Pleistocene tectonism involving a major
transpressional strike-slip fault located 10km to the
west of the Field. New wells drilled in flank areas
indicate high oil saturation with multiple current oil
water contacts. Seismic interpretation shows no
evidence of faulting within Benar closures;
therefore, stratigraphic compartmentalization alone
is suspected. The current study of the Sand A (Early
to Middle Miocene) focuses on facies analysis and
high-resolution sequence stratigraphy of these
tideinfluenced clastics with emphasis on reservoir
distribution and stratigraphic compartmentalization.
The objective of the study is to increase oil recovery
from the Sand A at Benar field.
Fifty wells (four wells with conventional core)
provide insight and constraints for the depositional
system of the Sand A reservoir. In addition,
highresolution 3D seismic aids the prediction of
reservoir geometry of this tide-influenced clastic
system. Production and RFT pressure data are used
to predict the current oil water contact (COWC) and
to validate the compartmentalization analysis.
Reservoir thickness variation and dissimilar
gammaray log responses indicate reservoir
heterogeneity which is one of the hypotheses in
inquiring the different COWC. Heterolithic
bedding, bioturbated very fine- to fine-grained
sandstones, and massive to crossbedded fine- to
coarse-grained sandstones highlight tide-influenced
sedimentation. In analyzing reservoir geometry and
distribution, seismic stratigraphy analysis is
conducted using seismic attribute complex and
waveform classification. These conclusions are
validated against integration of wireline log and
conventional core data.
Data integration reveals an 800-1700m wide tidal
channel with flanking sand-rich and mud-rich tidal
flats. The tidal channel has a NE-SW orientation
________________________________________________________________________________
* Chevron Pacific Indonesia
which broadens to the southwest. Two sweet spots
with bypassed hydrocarbons in the northwest and
southeast flanks at Benar Field were identified.
INTRODUCTION
Back in 1980’s, field development process
particularly focused on the large-scale perspective
which did not include detailed-analysis. Enhancement
of static data such as the number of logs and
production data has proven to be of significant value
in the identification of by-passed reserves.
The concept of reservoir compartmentalization is one
of the most useful in finding bypassed-oil potential. A
series of analysis for the study of reservoir
compartmentalization has been established. It begins
with very basic data, conventional core analysis and is
followed by wireline log as well as seismic response
analysis at the reservoir target interval. In addition,
production data are used to increase the level of
confidence in the analysis. New wells drilled in flank
areas indicate high oil saturation with multiple current
oil water contacts. Seismic interpretation shows no
evidence of faulting within Benar field thus making
structural compartmentalization unlikely. The goals
of this study are to determine how to gain maximum
benefit from available data and how to integrate both
static and dynamic data in order to better characterize
reservoir compartmentalization and improve oil
recovery.
Benar field (Figure 1), is an active oil producing field
in the Northern area of the Central Sumatra Basin
(CSB). It has produced oil since early 1970’s. This
long production period has resulted in a 42.3%
recovery factor (RF). The Duri and Bekasap
Formations are the two reservoir formations which
have delivered the majority of oil in this field. Sand A
reservoir (part of uppermost Duri Formation) is the
main reservoir and the object of this study.
DATA AND METHODS
Fifty wells (four wells with conventional core)
provide insight and constraints for the depositional
system of the Sand A reservoir. This is supplemented
by a high-resolution 3-D seismic survey which aids in
the definition of reservoir geometry and sand
distribution. Current oil water contacts (COWC) are
determined by using well logs’ signatures which are
then validated by production data. Finally,
stratigraphic reservoir compartmentalization is
predicted by integrating both static and dynamic data
which are effective in finding bypassed oil potential
location.
SAND A RESERVOIR DESCRIPTION
Structurally, the field is comprised of three anticlinal
culminations. Sand A reservoir present in each of the
three closures (Figure 2). Those closures- were
formed by process related to major right lateral strike
slip fault which is located about 10 Km west of Benar
field (Figure 1). Surprisingly, seismic interpretation
shows no evidence of essential faulting but only
shows a big anticlinorium or compressional drape
structure (Figure 3).
Gamma ray (GR) logs from 50 wells are showing
reservoir thickness contrasts and shale occurrences. It
illustrates how complex the Sand A reservoir is. High
degree of heterogeneity Sand A reservoir is shown in
the center and southeastern part of Benar field which
are thinner and contain higher amounts of shale than
in the Northern and Western part. The heterogeneity
gives an indication that the stratigraphy is the key item
in determining reservoir compartmentalization.
Further detailed-investigation was conducted on
conventional cores and 3D seismic data in order to
address the reservoir facies both vertically and
laterally. Understanding the environment of
deposition (EOD) of Sand A, its geometry, and
distribution will aid in identification of potential areas
of by-passed oil.
Core Analysis
Conventional core data from the field most often
reflects stratified coarse-grained sediment
intercalation with heterolithic bedding. This general
package is diagnostic of both fluvial processes and
tide-influenced depositional environments.
Conventional core analysis of well #C1 for instance,
reveals a blocky to fining upward facies succession
consisting of Bioturbated Claystone to Siltstone (M2);
mudstone / siltstone, mainly bioturbated (Planolites,
Nereites, Cylindrichnus, Zoophycus), sand lenses and
laminae often modified by burrowers, Bioturbated
Fine – Medium Sandstone (B3); upper fine – lower
medium sandstone with common floating very coarse
grains and small pebbles, common burrows, partly
obliterating the original fabric, rare glauconite grains,
Bioturbated Coarse – Very Coarse sandstone (B4);
coarse grained sandstone with common ‘floating’
very coarse quartz grains and granules, extensive
bioturbation indicated by some discrete burrows
(large ophiomorpha) and also by variations in oil
saturation, Stratified Fine – Medium sandstone (S4);
fine to medium sandstone with cross bedding, 10 –
15cm fining upward cycles with very coarse grain at
base, Stratified Coarse – Very Coarse Sandstone (S5);
upper medium to lower coarse, planar to low angle
cross bedded sandstone, 3 – 10cm thick bed-sets
occasionally with fining up trends, Wavy – Lenticular
Sandstone (S1); fine to medium grained wavy-bedded
sandstone, with silty and carbonaceous drapes on
ripples, individual sands beds are likely to be laterally
continuous. The upper part of #C1 core’s interval is
dominated by S5 Facies whereas S1 Facies prevails in
the lower part. The facies association indicates Sand
A reservoir was deposited in a tidal channel to sand /
mixed flat environment (Davis and Dalrymple, 2012).
In other conventional core intervals that have been
analyzed, well #C2, a 10 cm thick layer of high calcite
cemented sandstone which (is interpreted as a tidal
channel base) has been observed and proven to act as
effective impermeable zone (Figure 4). The facies
difference that is bounded by high calcite cemented
sandstone has demonstrated stratigraphics
compartmentalization. A vertical progression of
facies can be found corresponding to lateral facies
changes (Walter’s law). Thus, lateral facies boundary
examination across the Benar field is crucial in finding
reservoir stratigraphic compartmentalization.
Locating lateral facies variations cannot be solved
through conventional core data analysis. Insights
about a reservoir facies boundary across Benar field
may be given by 3D seismic that has field-scale data.
Seismic Analysis
In order to delineate facies which have been
previously identified in both well log and core
analysis, a seismic analysis was performed. The first
portion of the analysis consisted of transforming the
cube into instantaneous phase and subsequently
interpreting the top of the target reservoir.
Instantaneous phase provides better lateral reflector
continuity than original seismic.
The second analysis was directed toward determining
the geometrical distribution of channels. According to
seismic response analysis at well locations, channel
facies correspond to a specific trace shape and
magnitude. Therefore by mapping the similarity of
each traces shape within a certain window along the
interpreted horizon facies distribution can be mapped.
The trace similarity was classified using waveform
analysis with window length 25ms subdivided into 8
classes.
As can be seen in map view of classification (Figure
5) there is distinct “channel like” geometry trending
from NE-SW that is consistent with data from core
and well log shape. This facies map then is utilized to
guide well placement for the next drilling location
target.
BY-PASSED OIL OPPORTUNITY
A better understanding of Sand A EOD has been
obtained through facies distribution analysis. In order
to understand reservoir fluids, especially current oil
water contact, static reservoir information was
combined with production data. Well #NC50, a
recently drilled well in the flank, indicates high oil
saturation as determined by high resistivity value and
good oil production. On the other hand, Well #NC8,
which is structurally located far above well #NC50, is
currently wet with 100% water production based on
the latest well test (Figure 6a). This finding is in
agreement with reservoir facies maps of Sand A which
show a boundary in the northwestern part of Benar
field.
In addition, similar relationships have also been found
in the southern closure of Benar field. A
stratigraphic barrier is located between well #NC41
and well #NC43 which is down-structure. Facies
contrasts reflected by GR patterns and seismic
attribute are the main indicators of stratigraphic
reservoir compartmentalization in this area. Well
#NC41 Sand A reservoir is organized by thin layers of
high calcite cemented sand and is more shale grained
as compared to well #NC43 where the sand is thick
and blocky, indicating changing reservoir facies
between these wells (Figure 6). Furthermore, seismic
analysis shows there is a facies boundary between
those wells which extends northeast – southwest along
the southern closure (Figure 5).
Reservoir pressure has been proven to validate
reservoir compartmentalization. In order to validate Davis, R.A., and Dalrymple, R.W., 2012, Principles of
the existence of stratigraphic reservoir Tidal Sedimentology: Springer, New York.
compartmentalization of Sand A, reservoir pressure
data from reservoir formation tester (RFT) has been
used by plotting it into a depth versus reservoir
pressure cross plot. However, due to limited reservoir
pressure data and differing acquisition times, the cross
plot did not yield useful results.
Two sweet spots with bypassed hydrocarbons in the
northwest and south flanks of Benar Field were
identified (Figure 7). Lateral facies boundaries and
attic location are the two key parameters in
determining bypassed oil potential location. In
addition, original and current oil water contacts are
used in determining the sweet spot locations. It is
expected to deliver optimum oil production.
CONCLUSIONS
• A dissimilar GR log response indicates high degree
of reservoir heterogeneity.
• Sand A reservoir was deposited in a tidal channel
to sand / mixed flat environments.
• A thin layer of high calcite cemented sandstone at
the base of the reservoir is sufficient enough a
barrier to compartmentalize the sand A reservoir.
• Seismic waveform classification with correct
windowing helps in delineating the geometry of the
reservoir.
• Integrating vertical and lateral facies boundaries
through conventional core and seismic analysis
along with production data was a sufficient process
to find potential locations of bypassed oil.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors would like to thank the CPI Asset
Development Team and the DITJEN Migas for their
permission to publish this paper as well as Chris
Saxon, Zakiyah Sari, Cahyo Bawono, and Endo
Finaldhi for their constructive supports and feedbacks
on this paper.
REFERENCE
Figure 1 - Benar field location. Strike slip fault are developed in 4km to the West of Benar field.
Figure 2 - Depth structure map of sand A reservoir shows Sand A reservoir present in each of the three
closures (Northern, Western, and Southern Closures)
 Figure 3 - NNE – SSW seismic profile shows compressional drape structure

Figure 4 - Thin layer of high calcite cemented sandstone as an effective impermeable zone
Figure 5 - “Channel like” geometry trending from NE – SW. Class 8 (purple) is represented by gray color on
map.
Figure 6 - Well logs correlation combined with current oil water contacts
Figure 7 - Two sweet spot areas which are located in the Northern closure and Southern closure of Benar
Field