Background:

G&G activities run across the field development cycle, from initial exploration surveys to identifying ideal target locations for infill wells. These activities are playing an increasingly important role in completion design, with geophysical data integration enabling more optimal and efficient completions. Technologies that provide accurate geophysical data, fast analysis, or new data attributes can directly improve completions designs and lead to more productive wells.

Physical innovations in areas such as seismic data acquisition, logging tools, and surface imaging are providing increasingly robust geophysical data sets. These innovations are complemented by digital advancements in processing power and machine learning that enable faster and more predictive data analysis. Together, these engineering and digital innovations have the potential to improve legacy processes and maintain onshore unconventional E&P’s competitive advantage in the new global energy balance.

Study Scope:

SURFACED-BASED CHARACTERIZATION

• Seismic: High resolution, reduced footprint seismic acquisition and interpretation in difficult terrains
• Surface Imaging: Use of satellites, planes, and drones for surface characterization and feature identification

SUBSURFACE-BASED CHARACTERIZATION

• Logging Tools: Improved tools for more accurate evaluation at lower cost and new attribute detection (geomagnetic, deep resistivity, etc.)

ADVANCED ANALYTICS & MACHINE LEARNING

• Software: Artificial intelligence aided data processing and interpretation (i.e. seismic)
• Hardware: Advanced CPUs/GPUs, cloud computing, parallel processing.

LAB ANALYSIS

• Core and Cuttings: TOC, rock characteristics, digital rock analysis
• Hydrocarbon Analysis: PVT, geochemical and biological analysis, etc.

MECHANICAL EARTH MODELS

• Static Models: Data and statistics driven
• Dynamic Models: Time dependent models including reservoir characterization and geomechanics