In the world of petroleum production, understanding the source of produced fluids is a cornerstone of optimizing field performance, reducing operational risks, and maximizing economic returns. Production allocation—the process of determining contributions from multiple reservoirs or wells to a combined production stream. At GeoMark Research, we believe our approach offers unmatched accuracy and insights, setting a new benchmark in the industry.
The GeoMark Advantage: Conventional Techniques and Beyond
GeoMark's approach to production allocation leverages advanced geochemical techniques and decades of expertise. Building on our published findings in "Production Allocation: Rosetta Stone or Red Herring?" in time-lapse geochemistry, we aim to address challenges inherent in unconventional resource plays while providing operators with actionable insights.
1. Advanced Geochemical Analysis
Our methodology includes the use of Ultra High Resolution Gas Chromatography (UHRGC) to achieve highly detailed hydrocarbon fingerprinting. Unlike traditional methods that rely on limited geochemical markers, UHRGC provides nuanced differentiation of fluids, even in complex heterogeneous reservoirs. This precision allows GeoMark to provide operators with distinct fluid contributions and optimize recovery strategies. As shown in Jones’ Delaware Basin study, UHRGC was instrumental in distinguishing fluid contributions from stacked pay zones such as Avalon and Bone Spring.
2. Integration of Time-Lapse Geochemistry
Time-lapse geochemistry, a cornerstone of GeoMark's studies, tracks the evolution of fluid chemistry over time. This approach is vital for identifying dynamic changes within the Stimulated Rock Volume (SRV) and Drained Rock Volume (DRV). Jones' work highlights the value of integrating time-lapse data with hydraulic fracturing diagnostics, offering insights into reservoir connectivity, depletion patterns, and infill development potential.
3. Addressing Key Challenges
End-Member Definition: Some methods struggle to accurately define end-members, particularly in unconventional plays where fluid heterogeneity and mixing are significant. GeoMark’s approach combines produced oil analysis with carefully extracted core fluids to enhance confidence in end-member identification.
Heterogeneity Considerations: Conventional techniques often assume reservoir homogeneity, which is rarely the case in unconventional systems. GeoMark’s techniques—as evidenced in Jones' Avalon to Wolfcamp study—account for variability using statistical tools such as Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA).
Dynamic Reservoir Behavior: Static methods may fail to capture the evolving nature of reservoirs as hydraulic fractures heal and fluid contributions shift over time. GeoMark’s dynamic monitoring ensures accurate allocation throughout a well’s production life, delivering superior insights.
Real-World Applications: Insights from Case Studies:
Delaware Basin-
In the Delaware Basin, GeoMark’s integration of core-to-oil correlation with time-lapse geochemistry revealed unexpected fluid communication between zones such as Avalon C and Bone Spring Lime. Jones' findings demonstrated how UHRGC and sealed wellbore pressure monitoring (SWPM) uncovered overlapping flow units, guiding operators toward more efficient well spacing and development strategies.
Eagle Ford Play-
In the Eagle Ford, GeoMark demonstrated how organofacies variations and migration pathways influence fluid contributions. By applying UHRGC and advanced statistical analysis, we provided operators with actionable insights to delineate production zones and determine or define fluid mixes by well/unit.
Why GeoMark’s Approach is Superior:
GeoMark’s production allocation integrates:
Comprehensive Data Utilization: From biomarkers to isotopic signatures, we employ a holistic suite of geochemical tools.
Flexibility and Customization: Every project is unique, and our workflows are tailored to address specific reservoir challenges.
Cutting-Edge Technology: GeoMark’s adoption of tools like alternating least squares (ALS) modeling ensures robust source contribution analysis. Jones’ application of UHRGC in stacked reservoir systems exemplifies the precision and reliability of this approach.
The Path Forward: Partnering with GeoMark
The energy industry faces increasing demands for precision and efficiency. GeoMark’s innovative approach to production allocation is designed to meet these challenges head-on. Whether optimizing development in mature basins or unlocking potential in new plays, our methods provide the clarity operators need to succeed.
Contact GeoMark Research today to learn more about how we can support your production allocation needs.
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