Optimizing Unconventional Reservoir Exploration/Development Using Petroleum Geochemistry

Sponsored by AAGGP

Sunday, 3 December 2023, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.  |  Buenos Aires, Argentina

Who Should Attend

The course is designed for petroleum geologists, reservoir engineers, earth sicentists, managers focused on either petroleum exploration or reservoir development.

Objectives

Participants will learn how petroleum geochemistry techniques contribute to resolution of key uncertainties during exploration/development of unconventional reservoirs. Regarding exploration, the course will provide an overview of how risk is reduced through evaluation of vertical and lateral variations in organic matter richness (TOC), quality (H/C Ratio) and thermal maturity (e.g., Tmax, Vitrinite Reflectance). Regarding field development, the class will review techniques for allocation of commingled production, assessment of drained rock volume, identification of inter-well communication between the induced fracture networks of wells, determination of the causes of lateral and vertical variations in GOR, determination of the controls on H₂S abundance, and environmental monitoring of the effects of field development on near-surface aquifers.

Course Content

This course reviews how key questions are resolved through integration of geological and engineering data with molecular and isotopic analyses of oils, condensates, mud gases, produced gases, waters and rocks. Participants will learn how naturally occurring tracers present in each sample type can be used collectively to resolve key uncertainties during exploration/development of unconventional reservoirs. Project design and sample collection strategies will be reviewed. Regarding exploration, the course will review how risk is reduced through evaluation of vertical and lateral variations in organic matter richness (TOC), quality (H/C Ratio) and thermal maturity (e.g., Tmax, Vitrinite Reflectance). Regarding field development, the class will review geochemical techniques for allocation of commingled production, assessment of drained rock volume, identification of inter-well communication between the induced fracture networks of wells, determination of the causes of lateral and vertical variations in GOR, determination of the controls on H₂S abundance, and environmental monitoring of the effects of field development on near-surface aquifers. The breadth of the subject material, combined with the 1 day time frame, prevents individual topics from being considered in detail. However, a list of resources will be provided that can be used outside the class to gain a deeper understanding of the individual applications.

Instructor

Dr. McCaffrey received his B.A. (1985) from Harvard University, magna cum laude with highest honors in geological sciences, and his Ph.D. (1990) in chemical oceanography (in the area of organic geochemistry) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology/ Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program. Mark spent 10 years at Chevron and Arco as a petroleum geochemist, then founded OilTracers LLC. After 10 years, OilTracers was acquired by Weatherford. Mark was a 2002 Distinguished Lecturer for the Soc. of Petroleum Engineers, has taught geochemistry courses in 17 countries, and is author of more than 40 papers on petroleum geochemistry. As an Expert Witness in gas fingerprinting, Mark has testified (i) in US Federal Court, (ii) in a variety of US State Courts, and (iii) before governmental regulatory commissions in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.  Dr. McCaffrey is currently the Geoscience Manger of the Interpretive Services Group at Stratum Reservoir.

Fees

Member Fee:

$280

NonMember Fee:

$350

Fee Includes:

Course Material (copy of presentation)

Attendee Limit:

Professionals: 16

Students: 4

Venue

Hilton Buenos Aires

Macacha Guemes 351

Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1106 BKG

Argentina

+54-11-4891-0000

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