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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 45 (1961)

Issue: 3. (March)

First Page: 407

Last Page: 407

Title: Interpretation of Dry Holes: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Jack W. Knight

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

Many wells drilled in the centers of some major oil accumulations and wells proved to be at the highest structural positions in many barrier-type traps have been abandoned as dry holes because of large water cuts or water recoveries with minor oil shows. Some of these wells were abandoned prior to the discovery of the commercial pool. In each case, continuous reservoir permeability has been proved between the abandoned water-producing wells and the commercial oil- or gas-producing wells. The common factor is a downdip component of formation-water flow through the producing area coupled with one or more of the following changes in the reservoir: (1) increased reservoir permeability, (2) increased reservoir thickness, (3) increased structural dip, and (4) decreased hydrodyn mic gradient.

In some cases, the reservoir around the dry hole has permeabilities comparable with and lithologically continuous with the producing part of the reservoir. Consequently, proper evaluation of fluid recoveries as related to reservoir character and hydrodynamic environment is of the utmost importance in the interpretation of the meaning of a "dry hole." Many of these "dry holes," when properly interpreted, should lead to new field discoveries or field extensions.

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Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists