The impact of fine-scale turbidite channel architecture on deep-water reservoir performance

The Stratigraphic Record of Submarine-Channel Evolution

“…Integrated subsurface characterization, modeling, and flow simulation studies have evaluated the effect of facies architecture on channelized reservoir connectivity and performance (Larue and Hovadik, 2006;Stright, 2006;Labourdette, 2007;Stewart et al, 2008;Funk et al, 2012;Alpak et al, 2013). For example, Larue and Hovadik (2006) simulated oil production with water injection in simple 3D geostatistical models of channelized reservoirs.…”

“…For example, Larue and Hovadik (2006) simulated oil production with water injection in simple 3D geostatistical models of channelized reservoirs. They found that fine-grained facies, such as mud-rich turbidites and debrites draping channel floors, decreased connectivity (Larue and Hovadik, 2006; see also Stright, 2006;Labourdette, 2007;Stewart et al, 2008;Li and Caers, 2011;Alpak et al, 2013). Stewart et al (2008) performed flow simulations on a model describing the submarine-channel facies architecture of the MiocenePliocene Capistrano Formation, southern California, to evaluate the effect of heterogeneity and connectivity on hydrocarbon recovery.…”

“…the margins (Beaubouef et al, 1999;Pyles et al, 2010;Hubbard et al, 2014). Channel fills are also associated with scour surfaces draped by variable mudstone-rich units (Barton et al, 2010;Alpak et al, 2013;Macauley and Hubbard, 2013).…”

“…We illustrate the incising-to-aggrading trajectory of a channel system in a 3D surface-based stratigraphic forward model. The model records the 3D stacking patterns of a channel system, which is a principal control on fluid flow behavior during hydrocarbon production (e.g., Larue and Hovadik, 2006;Stright, 2006;Labourdette, 2007;Stewart et al, 2008;Funk et al, 2012;Alpak et al, 2013). We review the implications of channel-system stratigraphic evolution for channelized reservoir heterogeneity, connectivity, and performance.…”

Tertiary deep-marine reservoirs of the North Sea region: an introduction

“…Pringle et al 2010;Stright et al 2014). However, although channel-base shale drapes and muddy debrite bodies have been identified as having a critical control on channel connectivity and reservoir performance (Li & Caers 2007;Barton et al 2010;Funk et al 2012;Alpak et al 2013), other heterogeneities, particularly towards the channel margins, such as fine-grained low-density turbidite partings, deposits of fluid muds, and partly eroded shales associated with minor abandonment and flooding surfaces are under-represented, or lack detail, in descriptions of outcrop analogues and are poorly imaged in shallow seismic data. The recognition criteria for the origin, diversity and geometry of thin and discontinuous, intra-reservoir shales commonly remains a critical uncertainty in many developments, and even in mature fields (e.g.…”