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 tide-
influenced 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, high-
resolution 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 gamma-
ray 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
the existence of stratigraphic reservoir
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
Davis, R.A., and Dalrymple, R.W., 2012, Principles
of Tidal Sedimentology: Springer, New York.
 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