The Art of Integration: Basic Tool in Effective Hydrocarbon Field Appraisal
摘要
There has never been more serious interest in the exploration and exploitation of the Niger Delta hydrocarbon sector than there is now. With growing interest in proven field prospects, little attention is rendered to field appraisal studies. In this contribution, three-dimensional seismic data of high-resolution quality, well logs, and biostratigraphic information were integrated into the reevaluation of the Vim field, holding strong the sequence stratigraphy and seismic attribute analysis methods. A special dedication was given to providing possible reasons for well failure and help make relevant recommendations for better exploitation activities. Seismic attribute study was conducted for lead and prospect identification, while stratigraphic sequence framework across the Vim field was carried out using details obtained from five wells and biostratigraphic data. In order to highlight the depositional environments, bounding surfaces were interpreted on the seismic section and well correlations were carried out and integrated with a paleo bathymetry chart. Four sequence boundaries and four maximum flooding surfaces comprised the eight primary stratigraphic bounding surfaces that were found. Horizons of interest were mapped using erosional boundary surfaces. Five third-order depositional sequences of chronologically bound SB and MFS that are age-bound to the Mid-Miocene were identified through analysis of the vertical succession of depositional facies. Lowstand systems tract (LST), highstand systems tract (HST), and transgressive systems tract (TST) were defined and understood as three strata stacking patterns: progressive, aggradational, and retrogradational. Hydrocarbon-rich traps are provided by the TST’s shale units and the HST’s alternating reservoir sands. The results of the fault study showed the presence of synthetic and antithetic faults, counter-regional growth faults, and regional growth faults, with foot walls and hanging walls predominating within the primarily extensional zone. These faults are thought to be the principal hydrocarbon traps in the region. The depositional environment is made up of sediments that are deposited in the inner, middle, and outer neritic environments, as well as channels, shelves, and slope margins. Interpretive analysis reveals that the failing wells penetrated the wrong target, which is the LST facies. Newly identified leads indicate that detailed structural analysis is crucial in hydrocarbon evaluation in the Niger Delta, and it is recommended that the field be revisited with wells repositioned for possible hydrocarbon recovery.