Many Viewpoints, One Vision
Part 2
Date: 06/22/2012
Reservoir Characterization from exploration to appraisal
Schlumberger is the leading provider of technology for oil and gas exploration through the services and products of the Reservoir Characterization Group, one of the three groups that form the company’s complete technology portfolio. By integrating technologies from geophysical services through well testing, the Reservoir Characterization Group unites the viewpoints of many disciplines to help achieve the vision of exploration success. The group not only acquires high-value, high-integrity exploration and appraisal well data, but also uses them to further increase the efficiency and effectiveness of its interpretation workflows to mitigate exploration and production (E&P) risk and improve performance.
Not all reservoir characterization activity is directed at exploration in new and difficult areas—another focus is unconventional hydrocarbon deposits, and significant effort is invested in understanding the complex carbonate reservoirs that contain two-thirds of the world’s oil reserves. However, regardless of the type of reservoir, two characteristics dominate operations in exploration wells. First, drilling risks are much higher. Second, the purpose of the well is information: information to confirm the play, information to evaluate the rocks and fluids encountered, and information about the size of any reservoir.
The insight and unique understanding that the Reservoir Characterization Group brings to the exploration phase of oil and gas production enables Schlumberger to address key customer challenges. The knowledge acquired during exploration activities is not of finite application, but can be leveraged throughout the life of the field through the building and refining of reservoir models. In this process, the value of seismic data is indisputable—it is the only measurement made at the reservoir scale, and it is used from discovery and development through production management.
Next up in the series Many Viewpoints, One Vision: Exploration Begins With Seismic…building on a seismic science and technology platform that features proprietary technology, Schlumberger continues to develop the ability to illuminate the subsurface, helping customers identify and mitigate exploration risk by using techniques such as wide-azimuth acquisition and full-waveform inversion.
Related services and products