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Ruppel, S. C., and R. H. Jones, 2006, Key role of outcrops and cores in carbonate reservoir characterization and modeling, Lower Permian Fullerton field, Permian basin, United States, in P. M. Harris and L. J. Weber, eds., Giant hydrocarbon reservoirs of the world: From rocks to reservoir characterization and modeling: AAPG Memoir 88/SEPM Special Publication, p. 355-394.

DOI:10.1306/1215882M88698

Copyright copy2006 by The American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

Key Role of Outcrops and Cores in Carbonate Reservoir Characterization and Modeling, Lower Permian Fullerton Field, Permian Basin, United States

Stephen C. Ruppel,1 Rebecca H. Jones2

1Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, U.S.A.
2Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, U.S.A.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The results presented in this chapter are part of continuing research into the styles and causes of heterogeneity in shallow-water platform carbonate reservoirs in the Permian basin by the Bureau of Economic Geology. Frequent, sometimes vigorous, discussions with colleagues at the Bureau, including Charlie Kerans, Robert Loucks, Jerry Lucia, and Jim Jennings, have been especially helpful in formulating the interpretations presented herein. Principal funding for the study was provided by the U.S. Department of Energy, ExxonMobil Corporation, and the University of Texas System. Additional support was provided by member sponsors of the Bureau's Carbonate Reservoir Characterization Research Laboratory, including Anadarko, Aramco, BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Great Western Drilling, Kinder Morgan, Marathon, Occidental Petroleum, Petroleum Development Oman, Shell International, Statoil, and TotalFinaElf. Special thanks are extended to David Smith, Terry Anthony, Steve Krohn, and Amy Powell of ExxonMobil and Jeff Simmons, Craig Kemp, and John Stout of Oxy for their contributions to organizing the project and providing data. David Smith and Terry Anthony have been especially helpful in proving insights into the field geology and engineering issues. We also express our appreciation to Stephen Hartman and Tim Hunt of the University of Texas System West Texas Operations Office for providing both collaborative funding and data.

ABSTRACT

The analysis of reservoir sequence and cycle stratigraphy, of depositional and diagenetic facies, and of the interrelationships between these attributes and reservoir properties is key to the construction of an accurate reservoir framework needed for reservoir modeling and improved imaging of remaining hydrocarbons. Fundamental steps in such a rock-based process of model construction applied at Fullerton Clear Fork field, a shallow-water carbonate platform reservoir of middle Permian age, included (1) creating and applying an analogous outcrop depositional model; (2) describing and interpreting subsurface core and log data in terms of this initial model; (3) defining the sequence-stratigraphic architecture of the reservoir section; (4) developing a cycle-based reservoir framework; and (5) defining controls, interrelationships, and distribution of porosity and permeability. Data used in this analysis included cores, thin sections, three- and two-dimensional seismic data, borehole image logs, and outcrop models.

Key geological elements addressed and incorporated into the models include stratal architecture, differential dolomitization, karst fill, mineralogical variations, and rock-fabric distribution. These components were used to constrain interpretation and definition of flow units, permeability distribution, and saturation.

In addition to resulting in improved and more geologically realistic reservoir models, the rock-based methods used in this study provide key insights into the formation, characterization, and interpretation of carbonate platform reservoirs; these insights have widespread application worldwide.

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