DE-FC26-04NT15509

Goal
The overall objective is to collect and synthesize available data on the hydrocarbon-bearing geological systems in the Permian Basin and distribute data in readily usable formats to scientists, engineers, managers, and decision makers in the oil and gas industry.

Performer
Bureau of Economic Geology, University of Texas, Austin, TX

Results
The project is delivering data in two formats: 1) a detailed, comprehensive history of the Paleozoic depositional and reservoir systems in the Permian Basin; and 2) spatially integrated databases of depositional, stratigraphic, lithologic, and petrophysical properties for selected stratigraphic horizons.

Benefits
This project is designed to expand the geological knowledge base of the Permian Basin, the largest oil producing region in the United States, and make this information readily accessible to operators so they can rapidly and effectively determine the best focus for exploitation effort and dollars. Access to these data will decrease risk, increase efficiency, and be an important basis and incentive for new drilling.

Background
The Permian Basin is the largest producing basin in the United States, with 30 billion barrels of remaining mobile oil. A particular problem for companies seeking to recover this resource is the difficulty of access to data and the knowledge of how to use the data. No modern, integrated syntheses of Permian Basin geologic data currently exist. This project will address this problem by providing needed fundamental stratigraphic and reservoir-specific data in readily accessible and usable formats.

Summary
Major tasks include the following:

• Preparation of a written synthesis of Permian Basin Paleozoic stratigraphy, depositional and diagenetic processes, and reservoir development.
• Development of play-based databases of Permian Basin reservoirs and stratigraphic horizons in geographic information system (GIS) format.
• Dissemination of data to industry and the public (technology transfer).

The first task has been to create a comprehensive report on the depositional, stratigraphic, diagenetic, structural architecture and history, and reservoir development of the Paleozoic section in the Permian Basin based on an integration, interpretation, and synthesis of existing and new data. This report will include individual chapters on each depositional episode of the Paleozoic section in the Permian Basin and will be distributed in both paper and digital formats. The text of the report will be supported by regional maps of facies, thickness, and structure; regional and reservoir-specific cross sections; illustrations of core facies and cyclicity; reservoir and depositional models; depictions of wireline log character; seismic models; photographs of representative facies; representative outcrop data; and extensive reference lists.

Selected stratigraphic successions are being be analyzed in greater detail to define and portray spatial interrelationships among depositional, structural, and diagenetic properties, and reservoir distribution. Source data (comprising wireline logs, seismic surveys, cores, core data, outcrop data and models, and reservoir data and models) will be compiled, interpreted, and integrated and then compiled into a readily accessible GIS format for delivery and use. These data are being assembled in a spatially integrated database in GIS format for the most efficient transfer and use.

All data ultimately will be made available to all interested parties. Specific mechanisms to be used for data dissemination include digital data transfer, written reports, workshops, and oral presentations.

Current Status (February 2008)
The project is in its fourth and last year of funding. Most activities are on schedule for completion by the end of Fiscal Year 2008. Reports have been completed for most of the major depositional episodes in the basin. The remaining reports should be completed by fiscal year end. A large volume of geological and reservoir development data have been collected and distributed to industry groups. This dataset will continue to be added to as new data become available even after the project ends. An ArcGIS project has been created within which many data will be linked for distribution. Geological plays currently receiving focused study include Woodford and Barnett mudrock gas systems, the Bone Spring slope/basin system of the Delaware Basin, the Spraberry/Dean/Wolfcamp slope/basin system of the Midland Basin and the Wolfcamp platform-slope system.

A combined conference and core workshop was held in Austin, Texas during February 2008 to present overall results and to discuss progress to date. Nine presentations will be given at the 2008 AAPG National convention in San Antonio based on project studies.

Funding
This project was selected in response to DOE’s Oil Exploration and Production solicitation DE-PS26-04NT15450-0 (November 4, 2003), focus area Advanced Diagnostics and Imaging: Regional Study and Basin Analysis. Additional funds have been obtained from industry partners. At present, 16 industry sponsors are involved in the program. These companies have provided more than $672,000 in funds to support project activities to date. A one year no-cost extension was granted until September 30, 2008. Project activities are expected to continue after DOE involvement ends with funds provided from industry sponsors.

Project Start: October 1, 2004
Project End: September 30, 2008

Anticipated DOE Contribution: $754,838
Performer Contribution: $258,571 (24 percent of total)

Other Government Organizations Involved: State of Texas

Contact Information
NETL - Virginia Weyland (virginia.weyland@netl.doe.gov or 918-699-2041)
University of Texas - Stephen Ruppel (Stephen.ruppel@beg.utexas.edu or 512-471-2965)

Publications
Semi-annual progress reports (3/31/05, 9/30/06, 3/31/06, 9/30/06) have been submitted. Reports are available through NETL, 918-699-2000.

Map of Permian Basin showing extent of study area.

Map of structure on the top of Precambrian basement. The map, which is the first of its kind, is spatially registered in ARC-GIS.

Map showing distribution of the Barnett Formation, a major shale gas reservoir target in the Permian Basin.