Introduction of a Hybrid training program. The course is based on an MSc-level week-long course taught for a UK University contracted to a major NOC. The premise is that many individuals in the industry enter into projects early in their career with little prior knowledge of how projects are structured or the depth of integration necessary for a project to be successful, either because they previously worked in exploration, or because they are new to the industry, and little formal training is provided by most companies on the topic. This short course presents what we believe to be the essentials in a series of lectures and short exercises.
The purpose of this training exercise is to provide insight into the Client Operators' perspective of their workflows and understand the phases of typical projects utilizing subsurface characterization in Petroleum and other industries (for example Carbon Capture and Underground Storage). The training covers applications of geoscience knowledge, reducing uncertainties in Project outcomes, identifying risks and the opportunities to mitigate them, and outlining some of the human biases that may make that challenging. Throughout the training, we highlight opportunities for Stratum Reservoir staff to communicate the value of your company's expertise and services to the clients appropriately in the context of goals during the Project lifecycles.
This is the last collection of challenges and opportunities discussed at the end of the training sessions. How can Stratum Reservoir use this awareness of the project lifecycle in business development explaining the value of the services to the clients?
Individuals from both Service Companies and Operators have different sets of experiences working on industrial geoscience projects, both in terms of depth in a particular dataset and geographical breadth of experience. Mutual understanding and of those experiences can bring value to both parties. The conversations in this video highlight both the value that Stratum can bring to the clients and the difficulties sometimes encountered for cultural or individual reasons that may arise in those conversations.
First, we consider how companies try to assure that estimates of risk and uncertainty associated with critical prospect elements are made as objectively as possible utilizing a team approach. Most of the video is concerned with how those estimates must be supplemented/better understood during the early phases of a project in the event that the exploration well is successful. The participation of external experts in peer reviews, and the input of SMEs from Stratum, often ensures more objective assessments as a result of the reduction of the human biases that are often found in the evaluations of teams who do not seek objective external input.
At the location-specific phase of the subsurface characterization (either a prospect to be drilled in the oil business, or a site for injection in CCUS), Stratum Reservoir contributes to the understanding/management of risk and quantification uncertainty ranges in container definition for commercial hydrocarbon accumulation or storage capacity at the CCUS injection sites. As has been noted in previous talks, these two evaluation processes are very similar, and in both types of project data collection and analysis is a critical factor understanding the prospects/sites from a commerciality point of view.
At the Regional scale of subsurface characterization, Stratum Reservoir contributes to risk reduction in the definition of the critical components of Petroleum Systems (presence and quality of Source, Reservoir, and Seal) in sedimentary basins. In the assessment of the regional settings to understand the suitability of a region for CCUS injection sites, clients will be interested largely in characterizing Reservoir and Seal properties. The evaluation processes followed for the two types of characterization are very similar, with timely collection and analysis of the appropriate data for subsurface characterization being critical. Sometimes, there may be a challenge in communicating the value of the geoscience data collection and analysis to clients focused on cost management.
The Stage-Gate process is a framework for decision-making. In this video, Kevin introduces the points in the process that represent opportunities for Stratum Reservoir to manage ongoing interactions with the clients in the context of the client's needs for products and services during each stage of the Project. Our purpose is to demonstrate that new business opportunities may arise as a result of understanding the different stages of the client's project life cycle by Stratum Reservoir personnel. Products and Services could be explained and proactively offered in the context of the understanding of clients' business needs.
Examples include: • A recent example of the calibration of the multiphase meter (MPM). A client came to Stratum because they recognized that the mix of skills and ability in the labs could be of help to them. The innovative process involved iteration between the Stratum lab, the producer of the MPM, and the client, with gas and fluid samples being sent to and from, and Stratum equipment being modified to achieve the measurement ability required by the client. The outcomes are that Stratum has secured a long-term contract with the client, and has also developed a technique that can be sold as a service to other clients. • An example of an Internal LEAN Project (all tools and equipment “in its place”) to help with Lab efficiency. Planned where it would be beneficial and what scope was appropriate, executed the project at the planned scope, but are maintaining a “watch” on how it can be continued for maximum benefit and minimum effort. The end result is an optimized “Slim LEAN” lab! • The client requested suggestions from Stratum to implement changes to the procedure for assessing SWI. The change suggested by Stratum was implementing a centrifuge process with desaturation initially by gas, and subsequent reflooding with oil. The client was very pleased with the results obtained from the upgraded setup. • The client requested a change to the protocols for PVT measurement from a condensate-producing field because of an increase in mercury and H2S content. They were specifically interested in the partition of mercury between the liquid and gas phases in the transfer line, because of the economic impacts of commingling with fluids from other fields. A process was developed combining experimental and modelling/ analytical tools to provide solutions for both the mercury and H2S pollutants. The protocol has also been adapted for wax/asphaltene precipitation from co-mingled fluids, so now has a much broader application. Stratum-Norway managed effective communications between multiple partners on the client-side and various Stratum experts. • Change management in the middle of a project due to more complexity of the samples from unconsolidated core than expected, arising from the discovery of lower-than-expected permeability, possibly as a result of the incompatibility of the samples with water used to undertake the permeability experiment A good example of “recycling a project” after a review with the client, taking it back to an earlier stage. • The “Routine” lab in Norway works in a variety of ways, both onshore and offshore to satisfy client requirements. CCUS projects are on the rise in Norway. First well drilled for CO2 injection by Equinor – Stratum delivered results (from plugging, CT scan, slabbing and analysis) from 125m of core from water-wet formation (so a rapid cleaning process!) in two weeks, 50% ahead of the expected schedule to the full satisfaction of the client.
Learning from the existing Stratum Reservoir projects and communications with clients: The early-stage project, collaborating on data collection for subsurface characterization for CCUS. This requires guidance to the clients on data collection requirements and practices, the benefits of the acquired data both for experiments/analyses conducted at Stratum, and how the results of the analyses will benefit the types of modeling that could be done by the client for storage site selection and monitoring. The aim is to have a mutually beneficial relationship, where in the client appreciated the value of data collection and therefore brings more work to Stratum. An example of how the long-term Project is a result of quality work and good communication with the client over a period of more than a decade. The longevity of the Project has benefitted significantly from excellent internal communications between different Stratum offices as well as communication between the clients (which are a large NOC and IOC) and those offices. Importantly, coordination is handled centrally. A note of caution that the NOC coordinators are pre-filtering information which is practical yet limits Stratum project managers in learning the complete set of requirements. This long-term project is a perfect project for learning communications and building relationships. Field Operations in West Africa: Example of how the core analysis results would have impacted the operators' decisions on whether or not (in this case not) to go ahead with the DST program. The data from cores and fluid sampling are usually assumed by operators to be contributing to a bigger understanding of the field. In this case, however, if “hot shot” analysis had been done at the well-site, or if the client had waited for core analysis results before selecting the intervals for DST, there would have been a more positive outcome. This operator has modified the well site procedures and now takes core plugs at the rig site and analyzes them immediately, using an on-site facility designed and built by Stratum. Time is the essence and optimized logistics of the core handling deliver multimillion-dollar savings to the client.
The purpose of this training exercise is to provide insight into the Client Operators' perspective of their workflows and understand the phases of typical projects utilizing subsurface characterization in Petroleum and other industries (for example Carbon Capture and Underground Storage). The training covers applications of geoscience knowledge, reducing uncertainties in Project outcomes, identifying risks and the opportunities to mitigate them, and outlining some of the human biases that may make that challenging. Throughout the training, we highlight opportunities for Stratum Reservoir staff to communicate the value of your company's expertise and services to the clients appropriately in the context of goals during the Project lifecycles.
Introduction of a Hybrid training program. The course is based on an MSc-level week-long course taught for a UK University contracted to a major NOC. The premise is that many individuals in the industry enter into projects early in their career with little prior knowledge of how projects are structured or the depth of integration necessary for a project to be successful, either because they previously worked in exploration, or because they are new to the industry, and little formal training is provided by most companies on the topic. This short course presents what we believe to be the essentials in a series of lectures and short exercises.
Joint Industry Project for Caribbean-Atlantic Margin-Gulf of Mexico Basins (CAMGOM)
As a generation of professionals reaches retirement age, preserving their personal document collections and maintaining access to their legacy knowledge is crucial for the global oil and gas industry. AI provides powerful tools to address this challenge, but we can only succeed with their support. The time to act is now.
The Eastern Venezuela Basin (EVB) is a world-class hydrocarbon province that, despite a long industrial history, still offers essential business opportunities from developed fields with significant volumetric upside to new play-based exploration opportunities. The EVB also has sizeable potential from large, undeveloped volumes of heavy and extra-heavy oil and natural gas to support energy transition-related industrial streams, including blue and brown hydrogen, CCS–Carbon Capture and Storage, oil upgraders, and petrochemical plants.
We are instrumental in our pathway to digital transformation for sustainable natural resource management. By fostering a culture of collaboration among subject matter experts (SME) professionals in the public and private sectors, we can enhance decision-making, inform policymaking, and increase transparency in the energy sector.
The Vaca Muerta Formation in the Neuquén Basin, Argentina, is a highly promising unconventional reservoir, but understanding its productive limits and sweet spots requires extensive geochemical data. Unfortunately, such data is scarce, especially around major production blocks, with only a few wells providing it. To address this, the report generates a synthetic curve based on the sonic log (DT) to estimate Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content.
Dr. Carlos Giraldo reviews essential considerations for the structural interpretation in Malay, Sarawak, and Sabah basins for exploration blocks offered for Malaysian Bid Round in 2021. He explains why the integration of 1- geodynamic modeling, 2- seismicity data, 3- stress field analysis, 4- think and thick skin deformation study, 5- seismic interpretation, and 6- outcrop fieldwork, is required for a valid regional structural interpretation.
Dr. Juan Francisco Arminio shares his experience and insights in finding new plays and developing new ideas exploring old plays in mature petroleum basins. He examines the development history of the Lake Maracaibo basin and the evolution of the geotechnical understanding of the petroleum plays in the region
Dr. Carlos Giraldo integrates structural geology concepts, geodynamics, seismicity, stress field analysis, field geology, and seismic interpretation, validating structural models for exploration blocks in Malay, Sarawak, and Sabah basins offered for Malaysian Bid Round 2021
The First EAGE Caribbean Energy Opportunities Conference explores important aspects of the region's energy landscape. This event focuses on Exploration and Production (E&P), particularly prospectivity in complex geological settings, exploration in frontier areas, and the E&P history of the Caribbean and Guyana-Suriname Basin.
Geologist with expertise on hydrocarbon exploration and production areas, proficiency in sedimentary processes and associated geo- and bio -events, facies distribution, and geological reservoir characterization, clastic and carbonate reservoirs. Industry researcher with publications about stratigraphy, micropaleontology (foraminifers), sedimentary environment interpretations and reservoir geology and sedimentology. Expertise as a university professor teaching stratigraphy, and as a thesis advisor, granting knowledge transfer to graduate and undergraduate students.
Biostratigrapher (Foraminifers specialist), stratigraphic data analysis for inland and off-shore wells, and integrated analysis. Limnologist with expertise in water analysis in rivers, lakes and reservoirs with phytoplankton expertise. More than 20 years of experience in exploratory data analysis for ecology and geology, with unidimensional and multidimensional statistics analysis.
One hour consultation with Francia Galea and a full presentation first delivered and discussed at the First HGS/EAGE Conference on Latin America in November 2019. This conference focused on South American Petroleum Plays for Future Decades of the Third Millennium. Abstract of the presentation is available in U3 Explore reports under the same title
Las notas y apuntes que se encuentran a continuación constituyen un RESUMEN de las actividades docentes en el Departamento de Ciencias de la Tierra de la Universidad Simón Bolívar del Profesor Víctor Graterol. Caracas. Venezuela. Trato de exponer en forma práctica los Principios Fundamentales de los Métodos de Exploración Gravimétrico y Magnético. Incluyo un capítulo donde se exponen las formas principales de INTERPRETAR estos Datos Potenciales. En este capítulo se muestran ejemplos de interpretaciones que ayudarán a comprender la utilidad de estos métodos de exploración, tanto en áreas de detalle como en aspectos regionales. Tengo que agradecerle a mi esposa Magaly Campos de Graterol y a mi amigo y casi hijo Álvaro Vargas Gómez, que siempre estuvieran presionándome para que hiciera este resumen. Ellos consideran que será de utilidad como referencia a los profesionales de Ciencias de la Tierra que le interesen estos temas. También incluyo al Dr. Mario Caicedo, quien me ayudó a completar la instalación de las fórmulas y ecuaciones que acompañan este trabajo. El Profesor Douglas Bravo, Jefe del Departamento de Ingeniería Geodésica de la UCV fue de gran ayuda en la definición de parámetros geodésicos que acompañan este resumen. La profesora Milagrosa Aldana del Departamento de Ciencias de la Tierra de la Universidad Simón Bolívar, me ayudó muchísimo no solo en la parte conceptual, sino en aspectos de edición
This report contains an exploration review of the Colorado Basin, located in southeastern Argentina, it has onshore and most extensive offshore sections with more than 125,000 Km2 of total extension. The basin has more than 70 years of exploration history, with a few wells drilled, one of them recovered 39º API Oil from Early Cretaceous Syn-rift sandstone. Three main plays were identified, with high exploration potential: Rift Margin Play, Continental Slope Play, and Thrust belt play.