World-class training for the modern energy industry

Trap and Seal Workshop (G122)

Tutor

Rene Jonk: Director, ACT-Geo Consulting and Training; Honorary Professor, University of Aberdeen

Overview

This hands-on course enables attendees to enhance their skills and critical evaluation of all aspects related to pressure, trap and seal evaluation workflows. This includes understanding and predicting fluid pressure, retention of hydrocarbon fluids and column heights, and reservoir connectivity and compartmentalization.  Fluid pressure is evaluated from first principles, downhole measurements (mudweights, RFT/MDT data) and estimated from porosity-effective stress relationships. We make estimations of mechanical seal capacity ranges using Leak off Test data and fundamental elastic rock properties. Capillary seal attributes are estimated from core measurements and calibrated against buoyancy pressure estimates from the crests of oil and gas fields. The fundamental techniques developed in the first two days of the course are applied across a variety of case studies in various modules, including aspects of oil versus gas prediction techniques in exploration, reservoir connectivity evaluation in a faulted reservoir and seal risking workflows for stratigraphic traps.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: This course can be customized for a 3 or 4-day delivery, depending on which of modules 5, 6, 7 and 8 are of most interest. It is also possible to include client data or problems to substitute classroom exercise time with discussion time on actual client datasets and problems. The mix of classroom lectures and discussion (50%), and hands-on exercises with subsurface datasets (50%) allow for an interactive and deeply applied learning experience. The lecture materials will be provided in digital format. Participants can bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures and exercises using digital provided formats. Exercise manuals will be printed in 11×17 format for each student to enhance learning by interpreting using pencil on paper.

Level and Audience

Fundamental. This course is intended for early to intermediate-experience career geoscientists (0-10 years experience), reservoir engineers and petrophysicists who want to understand the fundamental controls on prospect and field pressure, trap-seal, connectivity and compartmentalization, including seal risking worflows and pre-drill predictions of fluid type, column height and pressure.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Describe trap-seal attributes of prospects in a consistent manner (crest, spill points, seal and fault-seal controls).
  2. Understand the controls on subsurface fluid pressure and the methods used to describe and predict subsurface fluid pressure.
  3. Describe and quantify mechanical seal capacity of various seal types relative to hydrocarbon liquids and gases using field data, wireline logs and core attributes.
  4. Describe and quantify capillary seal capacity of various seal types relative to hydrocarbon liquids and gases using field data, wireline logs and core attributes.
  5. Understand various controls on hydrocarbon-water contact distributions, including fault-seal, hydrodynamic tilting, reservoir quality controls on saturation.
  6. Make predictions of oil versus gas column heights for multiphase petroleum systems in exploration settings.
  7. Make predictions of reservoir connectivity and compartmentalization in faulted reservoirs in appraisal and field development settings.
  8. Use seal risking workflows to high-grade portfolios of stratigraphic trap prospects, including both deep-water and shallow-water clastic settings.

Tectonic framework for the Energy Transition: Geothermal and CCS Outcrop Analogs along the Western North American Continental Margin, California (G583)

Tutor(s)

Zane Jobe: Research Professor, Colorado School of Mines and the Director of the Geology Center of Research Excellence (CoRE).

Andrea Fildani: Professor at University of Naples Federico II

Overview

This course will explore a range of outcrops in central California to study topics inherent to the energy transition. Participants will be introduced to the tectonic setting of Western North America that provides opportunities for geothermal energy production, carbon sequestration (both mineralization and pore-scale trapping) and additionally, natural hydrogen exploration. Participants will learn how to characterize the locations of potential projects and explain the key geological factors that affect these and their feasibility. 

Duration and Logistics

A 7-day field course based in Sacramento, California. Training will take place through in-class presentations, field observations, printed exercises and discussions in the field. Transport will be by coach.

Exertion Level

The field component of this course requires an EASY exertion level. There will be short hikes to outcrops mostly on flat to gently sloping terrain and gravel tracks. The climate in California during the spring and fall is variable with temperatures from 50°F (10°C) to hot and dry up to 100°F (38°C).

Level and Audience

Fundamental. The course is intended for a variety of professionals working in the energy transition including those responsible for policy on energy, regulators, energy sector investors and also those working on conservation.  The course would also be suitable for geoscientists interested in a broad overview of energy transition topics.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Evaluate the regional tectonic framework and evolution for prediction of energy transition opportunities.
  2. Describe regional geothermal systems and understand their relationships to tectonic evolution.
  3. Analyze ultramafic rocks that are targeted for CO2 mineralization studies and natural hydrogen exploration.
  4. Compare outcrop analogues to subsurface data for carbon sequestration in sedimentary rocks from several depositional environments.
  5. Characterize the locations of potential projects and explain the key geological factors that affect these and their feasibility.

Fundamentals of Petroleum Systems: Source, Maturation and Migration (G120)

Tutor(s)

Rene Jonk: Director, ACT-Geo Consulting and Training; Honorary Professor, University of Aberdeen 

Overview

This hands-on course enables attendees to enhance their skills and critically evaluate all aspects of hydrocarbon charge, including source presence, maturation, migration, commodity type and timing. Lectures and exercises focus on characterization and prediction of hydrocarbon charge adequacy using core, well log and seismic data. Global examples, covering a range of basin and depositional settings, will be discussed and used in the exercises.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A 3-day course comprising a mix of classroom lectures and discussion (50%), and hands-on exercises with subsurface datasets (50%). The lecture materials will be provided in digital format and participants will be required to bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures and exercises. Exercises manuals will be printed for each student to enhance learning by interpreting using pencil on paper.

Level and Audience

Fundamental. This course is intended for geoscientists, reservoir engineers and petrophysicists who want to understand the basic concepts of petroleum systems.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Characterize source rock presence from cores, well logs and seismic and learn to predict source adequacy and risk from first principles.
  2. Understand the controls on source rock maturation and describe fundamental controls on maturation and maturation timing using burial history charts.
  3. Assess the fundamental controls on hydrocarbon migration and apply the principles of primary and secondary migration to predict hydrocarbon charge pathways and risk migration adequacy for plays and prospects.
  4. Assess commodity implications from source rock type and maturity.

Energy Transition and Sustainability: Economic and Policy Perspectives (G910)

Tutor(s)

Brian Matthews: Independent Consultant, Founder and Managing Director of TerraUrsa

Overview

The aim of this course is to provide an overview of the economic and market opportunities of renewables in the context of European decarbonisation policies and targets.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: Two-day classroom workshop.

Virtual version: Option 1: One 3-hour interactive online session that would cover contents sections 1-4. Option 2: Two 3-hour interactive online sessions would include content sections 1-6.

Level and Audience

Fundamental. The one-session course is aimed at non-technical staff and those who do not have a business background but want a basic introduction to the topic. The subject matter will be covered from very basic principles and will be of interest to staff from a range of departments.  The two-session course is aimed at middle and senior managers who can influence strategy within the company.

Objectives

You will learn to: 

  1. Understand global and European energy demand trends to 2050.
  2. Explore the economic and market opportunities of renewables.
  3. Analyse primary energy supply projections and the role of different energy sources.
  4. Examine European decarbonisation policies and targets.
  5. Evaluate case studies to assess market context, policy drivers, and commercial strategies.
  6. Develop and assess a sustainability timeline.

Structural Styles and Tectonics: Advanced Interpretation and Evaluation Workshop (G118)

Tutor(s)

Douglas Paton: Director, TectoKnow.

Overview

The workshop is a follow on from the introductory course G111 and will focus on developing the concepts and skills presented therein. It will go into more detail on the structural styles for each tectonic setting and outline the uncertainty in sub-surface data that has to be considered.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A 4-day course comprising a mix of lectures and exercises. The manual will be provided in digital form and participants will be required to bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures.

Level and Audience

Intermediate. The course is aimed at more experienced subsurface geoscientists who want to focus on the structural uncertainties in data, at all scales.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Appraise the impact of normal fault identification and fault mapping on reservoir understanding.
  2. Gauge the limitations of seismic imaging for reverse faults, their temporal variation and impact on reservoir presence and distribution.
  3. Validate strike-slip deformation on seismic sections and reconstruct the 3D and 4D evolution of strike-slip systems.
  4. Evaluate negative and positive structural inversion and its impact on hydrocarbon systems and basin fill.
  5. Manage the impact of deformation close to or beyond seismic resolution with respect to subsurface prediction and modeling.

Structural Geology: Key Concepts for Exploration and Production (G111)

Tutor(s)

Douglas Paton: Director, TectoKnow.

Overview

The workshop will be practically based, supplemented by a number of group thought experiments. It will cover an introduction to the fundamentals of structural geology and its impact on hydrocarbon distribution and prediction. It will then outline, with examples, the essential geometric components expected in normal faults / rift basins, reverse faults / contractional environments, inversion / multi-phase settings, and salt and strike-slip influenced systems.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version. A 4-day course comprising a mix of lectures, case studies and exercises. The manual will be provided in digital format and participants will be required to bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures and exercises.

Level and Audience

Fundamental. The course is aimed at new hires who need a thorough introduction to the fundamentals of structural geology.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Understand the fundamental importance of structural geology in modelling the subsurface.
  2. Appreciate the concept of structural styles and why it is essential to aid the interpretation of subsurface and outcrop data.
  3. Assess input data required for resource modelling and appreciate its limitations.
  4. Apply relevant and appropriate models to areas of limited data or zones of complexity and capture the implications of the inherent uncertainty.
  5. Apply relevant techniques and understanding to enhance resource prediction in extensional, compressional and multi-phase settings, including salt.
  6. Appreciate the importance of developing a structural robust understanding for any energy transition resource model.

Natural Hydrogen, Pau, France (G582)

Tutor(s)

Eric Gaucher: CEO, Lavoisier H2 Geoconsult and RockyH2.

Jean Gaucher: Development Officer, Lavoisier H2 Geoconsult.

Overview

The last few years has seen a growing interest in natural hydrogen accumulations. We know that there are a variety of processes that can lead to hydrogen being produced in the Earth’s crust but there is much still to understand about these, how much is perhaps present in subsurface stores and where these accumulations are. Commercial exploitation will also need to assess the engineering challenges for extracting this hydrogen and ultimately how best it can be utilised as part of the changing face of our modern energy landscape. This course will give an integrated view on the economic, strategic and scientific aspects of natural hydrogen exploration and its perspectives.

Duration and Logistics

Virtual version: Four 3.5-hour online sessions presented over four days comprising a mix of lectures, exercises, case studies and discussion. The course manual will be provided in digital format.

Fieldtrip version: A 5-day field course located in Pau, France with a focus on the geological aspects of natural hydrogen.

Level and Audience

Fundamental. The course is largely aimed at geologists interested in natural hydrogen occurrences but the trainers able to adapt the level of the course to the requirements of the attendees.

Exertion Level

This class requires and EASY exertion level. Travel is by small coach and there are hikes of less than 10 minutes in duration (less than 1 km) on well-graded terrain in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Evaluate the different types of hydrogen and the origins of natural hydrogen.
  2. Characterise the strategies for the exploration of natural hydrogen.
  3. Clarify and organize the different technical steps of a natural hydrogen exploration programme.
  4. Appraise the geological, geochemical and geophysical tools that can be used for natural hydrogen exploration.
  5. Assess the co-production of natural hydrogen with geothermal resources, Helium and the mining industry.
  6. Assess the techno-economic evaluation of natural hydrogen.

Basin-Scale Stratigraphy (Source-to-Sink): Basins of the Pyrenean Foreland, Spain (G117)

Tutor(s)

Rene Jonk: Director, ACT-Geo Consulting and Training; Honorary Professor, University of Aberdeen.

Overview

Well-exposed outcrops of the Pyrenean Foreland Basin (PFB) in northern Spain offer a unique opportunity for source-to-sink analyses across thrust and foreland basin settings. This course demonstrates regional linkages of continental to marine environments and teaches fundamentals of play-scale reservoir, source and seal mapping and prediction. We utilize 3D outcrop models, detailed biostratigraphic data and subsurface examples to enhance learning through making maps and predictions. The course presents sequence stratigraphic models across continental, shelfal and deep-water settings in order to understand the external controls on sediment flux from the proximal to distal environments.

Duration and Logistics

A 6-day field course, based in the Pyrenees, with the itinerary dependent on the technical objectives of the group and timeframe. 60-80% of the time will be spent in the field, making active observations and undertaking field exercises, in combination with some classroom exercises and lectures as well as the option for viewing core.

Level and Audience

Intermediate. The course is specifically designed for reservoir engineers, geologists and geophysicists interested in analysing a range of clastic reservoir types from a variety of depositional settings. The field course will examine the reservoir attributes of a wide range of sand-prone deposits focusing on the reservoir quality and property distribution as well as larger scale correlation and gross architecture of distinct stratigraphic units. In addition, play-scale prediction of reservoir, source and seal elements will be covered and play-based evaluation techniques will be discussed and practiced.

Exertion Level

This class requires an EASY exertion level. Access to the outcrops is easy with many being road cuts. The longest walk is approximately 3 km over scrubby land. The field area sits at an altitude of up to 1000 m and the weather can be warm with daily highs over 25 degrees Celsius.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Review facies associations in siliciclastic depositional systems.
  2. Predict external controls on sediment flux from continent to basin.
  3. Study the effects of compressional tectonics and the interaction of tectonics and sedimentation.
  4. Assess proximal to distal environments of deposition (EoD) and link them in space and time.
  5. Employ sequence stratigraphic models to continental, shelf and deep-water settings.
  6. Build stratigraphic frameworks across various scales and EoD.
  7. Predict occurrence of basin-scale play elements.
  8. Place local interpretations into regional context for predictions away from well control.
  9. Examine where sediment is stored in shelf environments, as well as when and how sediment is transported to deep water.

Introduction to Log Analysis and Petrophysical Characterization (G104)

Tutor(s)

Joe Landry: President, Petrophysical Solutions Inc.

Overview

This course will review basic interpretation techniques from conventional logs with a focus on key reservoir properties.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A three-day classroom course comprising a mixture of lectures and exercises. The course manual will be provided in digital format.

Level and Audience

Fundamental. This course is designed for those without any experience or familiarity with logs.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Introduction and review of key rock properties and terminology used.
  2. Understand the wellbore environment and how this can affect the data acquired.
  3. Review data types and acquisition technologies.
  4. Understand log types and evaluate appropriate display scales.
  5. Evaluate and QC log data.
  6. Review the Archie equation and how it is used to determine water saturation.
  7. Understand the limitations and pitfalls of the described interpretation techniques particularly with respect to deepwater reservoirs in the Gulf of Mexico.

Deepwater Clastics: Source-to-Sink Studies in the Exploration of Turbidite Reservoirs, San Diego, California (G103)

Tutor(s)

Zane Jobe: Research Professor, Colorado School of Mines and the Director of the Geology Center of Research Excellence (CoRE).

Overview

The course will visit spectacular outcrops along the California coastline just north of San Diego. Field work will follow a source-to-sink approach and will focus on specific deepwater architectural elements, including canyons, slope channels, channel-lobe-transition-zones and lobes. The course will provide insights into exploration and development themes and challenges in deepwater depositional systems, with direct analogs to Gulf of Mexico reservoirs.

Duration and Logistics

A 6-day field course based in La Jolla, California. Training will take place through in-class presentations, field observations, printed exercises and discussions in the field. Transport will be by coach.

Exertion Level

This class requires a MODERATE exertion level. Access to the coastal cliff outcrops is via sandy beaches with walks no more than 3km (1.9 miles). Field stops are all at approximately sea level and some are tide dependent. There are some steep steps to negotiate to reach some beach sections.

Level and Audience

Intermediate. The course is aimed at geoscientists, engineers, petrophysicists, geophysicists and managers who are working deepwater reservoirs or would like to improve their knowledge of these systems.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Characterize the sedimentary processes and facies of turbidite systems and mass-transport deposits, and the broad nature of submarine depositional architecture.
  2. Evaluate submarine-channel systems, including scales/dimensions, axis-to-margin architecture, evolution, heterogeneity and potential baffles/barriers to flow.
  3. Predict connectivity in channelized systems from their seismic-geomorphic and well-log expression.
  4. Assess submarine canyon forming-and-filling processes, including mass wasting, bypass, sandy and muddy fill, and up-dip trapping mechanisms.
  5. Illustrate the importance of source-to-sink studies in the exploration of turbidite reservoirs.
  6. Evaluate submarine lobe/sheet systems, including scales/dimensions, axis-to-fringe architecture, compensational stacking, hierarchy and heterogeneity (e.g. hybrid-event-beds).
  7. Analyze channel-lobe-transition-zone deposits and supercritical-flow bedforms.
  8. Assess faulting in lobe deposits and impacts on connectivity.
  9. Appraise the facies variability in proximal/axial and distal/fringe lobe deposits, and the implications for connectivity between these sub-environments.