About This Item

Share This Item

The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract

DOI: 10.1306/05061918229

Turning dry holes from disasters to exploration wisdom: Decision tree to determine the key failure mode for segments in conventional petroleum prospects

Alexei V. Milkov,1 and Jack M. Samis2

1Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado; [email protected]
2Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado; [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Petroleum exploration is a risky business, and dry holes (wells that failed to find movable petroleum fluids) are common, especially in frontier and emerging basins and plays. Technically rigorous, systematic, and consistent postdrill analysis may convert dry holes from disasters to exploration wisdom and future success. Here, we present a decision tree to determine the key failure mode for individual segments in conventional petroleum prospects and illustrate its utility with examples from the deep-water Taranaki Basin, offshore New Zealand. We hope that this decision tree, or its customized versions, will become the best practice in postdrill analysis across the exploration industry.

Pay-Per-View Purchase Options

The article is available through a document delivery service. Explain these Purchase Options.

Watermarked PDF Document: $14
Open PDF Document: $24

AAPG Member?

Please login with your Member username and password.

Members of AAPG receive access to the full AAPG Bulletin Archives as part of their membership. For more information, contact the AAPG Membership Department at [email protected].