Abstract

The Editor-in-Chief has retracted this article because the results presented in Table 2 and Table 3 for the fetal fibronectin (fFn) test, Ferning test and nitrazine test are the same as those reported in [1] for a different study. Ibrahim A. Abdelazim, Khaled M. Abdelrazak, Mohamed Al-kadi and Amr H. Yehia disagree with this retraction. Amr F. Abdulkareem has not responded to correspondence from the Publisher about this retraction. © Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024.

Abstract

The Editor-in-Chief has retracted this article because the results presented in Table 2 and Table 3 for the fetal fibronectin (fFn) test, Ferning test and nitrazine test are the same as those reported in [1] for a different study. Ibrahim A. Abdelazim, Khaled M. Abdelrazak, Mohamed Al-kadi and Amr H. Yehia disagree with this retraction. Amr F. Abdulkareem has not responded to correspondence from the Publisher about this retraction. © Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2023.

Abstract

Using the multidisciplinary unconventional workflow, the heterogeneity in reservoir quality and completion quality are evaluated, both spatially and at well level. The reservoir-centric stimulation design tool, capable of handling "Seismic-to-Simulation" workflow with the integration of stimulation, enabled optimization of drilling, completion, and stimulation designs in a holistic approach, with the optimal completion scheme to maximize appraisal and production opportunities.

Abstract

The deep high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) dolomite formation in Northern Kuwait has been a challenge with varied production, attributable to reservoir heterogeneity. Due to the tight nature of these rocks, matrix acidizing may not produce desired effects, thus requiring hydraulic fracturing to produce at economic rates. However, the tectonic setting in high stress environment has resulted in subpar success and inconsistent results from stimulation treatments in matrix and hydraulic fracturing applications. This paper presents a multidisciplinary approach to address the limited success in the Northern Kuwait Dolomites. An integrated petrophysical evaluation of the current wells will be followed with multi-well Heterogeneous Rock Analysis (HRA), to evaluate the reservoir heterogeneity across the field and identify the 'sweet spots' for future drilling locations. Evaluation and lessons learnt from the past stimulation treatments, will be used to understand geo-mechanical challenges a

Abstract

In the oil and gas industry, the extraction process's success heavily depends on the efficiency and accuracy of the drilling phase. Despite being refined over several decades, traditional drilling practices continue to grapple with multiple challenges, often leading to inefficiencies, excessive costs, and high-risk scenarios. Historically, these challenges have predominantly stemmed from the complex nature of the subsurface environment. Varying geological conditions, unpredictable physical properties, and ever-changing drilling dynamics constantly challenge operators worldwide. Given these challenges, the oil and gas industry has always been a fertile ground for innovation and technological advancements. Over the years, the industry has embraced various technological solutions to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and ensure worker safety. However, in recent years, the rapid emergence of digital technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems, has

Abstract

Water-soluble polyacrylamides have often been used to modify flow response in various water-based technologies and industrial processes, including paints, water treatment, paper manufacturing, and chemical enhanced oil recovery. Polymers are susceptible to degradation at combined high salinity and elevated temperature conditions which limits their overall performance. Hybrid mixtures of hydrophobically modified polyacrylamide (HMPAM) with hydrophobically modified silica nanoparticles (NPs) emerged as a promising strategy for achieving enhanced stability and high viscosity in brines having a high total dissolved solids (TDS) content and high hardness at elevated temperatures (>20 wt% TDS, including >1.5 wt% divalent cations at T > 70 °C). The rheological response of the hybrids at various concentrations of HMPAM and NPs was examined to investigate the synergic effects. Hybridization of HMPAM with NPs led to a higher viscosity at high salinity and elevated temperature. The viscosity impr

Abstract

Significant coagulopathy and hyperinflammation are found in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Expert consensus has recommended prophylactic anticoagulation in COVID-19 patients due to the risk of thrombo-embolism. However, the use of therapeutic anticoagulation in these patients is still a matter of debate. Case summary: We describe a patient with COVID-19 pneumonia and a clinical hyperinflammatory state. He developed early respiratory depression and required ventilation, and he subsequently developed haemodynamic instability. Point-of-care echocardiography demonstrated a right atrial thrombus and right ventricular dysfunction suggestive of acute massive pulmonary embolism. He was managed with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and local thrombolysis. Discussion: Critical cases of COVID-19 pneumonia are associated with hypercoagulation, and these patients should be monitored closely for complications. Therapeutic anticoagulation may play a role in the ma

Abstract

One of the advantages of having a dual string completion is the option to develop and produce more than one reservoir simultaneously, whereas there are considerable disadvantages too and one of such is managing the integrity of the two strings intact throughout the life time of the well. In this paper, a case study from Ahmadi Field is presented highlighting the need for effective surveillance methods to identify issues with dual string completion and successful implementation of workover. Spectral Leak Detection (SPEC-LD) along with High Precision Temperature (HPT) tool was used to pin point the exact leak locations in the tubing strings prior to attempting the workover. Spectral Noise Tool is a passive tool with a high sensitivity hydrophone designed to record sound in the frequency range of 8 HZ to 60 KHZ. Analysis of noises recorded in various frequency ranges allows the location of flow-related features, such as wellbore flows, casing and tubing leaks, perforations, cement channel

Abstract

[No abstract available]

Abstract

Objective: To report on stroke subtypes, associated risk factors and outcome in Kuwait. Methods: The records of 62 patients (30 male, 32 female) admitted with diagnosis of stroke to Kuwait Oil Company Hospital, Kuwait, a tertiary care hospital, during a 5-year period (1995-1999), were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Small artery infarction was the most common subtype and occurred in 37 subjects (59.7%); less common were atherosclerotic large artery strokes (19 patients, 30.6%) and strokes of cardio-embolic origin (6 patients, 9.7%). Identifiable risk factors or associated morbidities were hypertension (72.5%), diabetes mellitus (69.4%), ischaemic heart disease (14.5%), history of migraine (8.1%), lone atrial fibrillation (5.0%), and valvular heart disease (1.6%). The most important determinants of a deleterious 30-day outcome, as indicated by severe disability or death, were female gender, lack of use of anti-platelet drugs, presence of a large artery infarction stroke subtype, and

Abstract

Safety is critical for process facilities. Considerable efforts are put in to design & operate suitable safety systems in these plants to prevent potential hazards from becoming accidents. The effort mainly involves understanding the potential hazards, analyzing their consequences and implementing mitigation measures required to protect the facilities. First step towards mitigation of risks involves risk analysis, assessment and its management. Risk analysis requires identification and quantification of probabilities of occurrence of the hazards and its consequences. Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) techniques vary from simple checklists to Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP) and Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) requiring increasing levels of information. Of the above QRA represents the most comprehensive and widely used tool available today. However, with increasingly complex facilities, it is questionable whether QRA can give the full picture about the risks. Researchers have point

Abstract

Risk management is a concept which has become very popular in a number of business organizations. Many companies often establish a risk management procedure in their projects for improving the performance and increasing profits. The project construction industry is highly risk prone, with complex and dynamic environments which create an atmosphere of high uncertainties and potential hazards. The project sector is vulnerable to various technical, socio-political and business risks including HSE (health, safety and environment). The track records to cope with these risks have not been very good in the construction industry. As a result, the people working in the project industries bear various failures, such as failure to abide by quality and operational requirements, exceeding cost and uncertain delays in project completion including HSE obligations. The risk based approach or risk management is an important process of project activities which consist of the identification of risks, app

Abstract

We show with some simple code, a wide range of possible scenarios can be simulated and visualized. Based on our simulations, we conclude that a water flood in the Burgan and/or Wara formations should be visible as an amplitude change on 4D seismic with a water flood thickness of at least 15 feet.

Abstract

It is a global challenge to comprehensively understand the rock & fluids and the impact of interactions between them to fine tune development plans & strategy. Interpretative & qualitative factors often could lead to sub optimal plans & actions impacting the recovery efficiency. This uncertainty to be minimized, MICRO reservoir management is practiced to reap the benefits in terms of enhanced oil production & water flood efficiency. Sabiriyah Mauddud is a carbonate reservoir in North Kuwait with a massive development & production enhancement plan with water flood and eventually with EOR. Surprises in terms of rock & fluid (R-F) understanding influenced changes in the development plan in the past, some of such changes triggered major departures from the originally conceived plans. All major turnaround impacted by R-F insights have been reviewed, along with the mitigation plans adopted by the team. MICRO (Monitoring Integrating Communicating Re-vitalizing Orchestrating) is a new buzz con

Abstract

Background. Increased susceptibility of diabetic mellitus (DM) patients to infection, including tuberculosis (TB), is well documented. The prevalence of DM in Malaysia is reaching epidemic proportions. In this study, we sought to assess risk factors for TB and the impact of DM on the outcome of TB treatment. Methods. TB patients, diabetic patients, and diabetic patients with TB were divided into three groups of 200 subjects each. Data were obtained from patients' medical files at the beginning and end of the study period. Prevalence rates of DM and HIV among TB patients were assessed. Prognosis, TB-related complications, anatomical site of infection, and duration of infection and diabetes were also examined. Results. The prevalence rates of HIV and DM amongst TB patients were 7.7 and 30%, respectively. The diabetic TB patient group contained more males (72%) and smokers (45.5%) compared to the nondiabetic group (58.3% and 33.5%, resp.). Approximately 74% of diabetic patients were Mycob

Abstract

The Minagish Oolite is one of the main reservoirs in the Minagish Field, Southwest Kuwait. The field is a large 4-way dip closure anticline structure, covering an area of about 90 square kilometers and with around 900feet of carbonates of the Minagish formation. The Middle Minagish member is the main reservoir, consisting of oolitic limestone with high permeability in the range of 10 to 1000 mD. The Lower Minagish member contains dense fine grained wackestones to packstones with low permeability. The Middle Minagish and Lower Minagish oil reservoirs contain highly undersaturated oil with API gravities of 28-34 °API and share a common FWL at 9950feet TVDSS. The dynamic model built along with time lapsed historical (production/injection) and well surveillance (PLT, TDT, well test) data are used for tracking the movement of injected water and gas, monitoring fluid contacts and changes in saturation with time, optimizing production and planning of new wells. Nonetheless, due high density o

Abstract

Lower cretaceous unconventional play in Kuwait comprised of majority of Carbonate with a maximum of 15% clay content. Kerogen-rich intervals present in the formation has hydrocarbon potential. However, the rock has very low matrix porosity and permeability and may not flow by itself. This paper discusses the pilot project of this play including formation evaluation and data integration to characterize the geomechanical sweet spots. Highly deviated well in minimum horizontal stress direction was drilled through this unconventional target formation. No major wellbore instability was noticed while drilling this well. Comprehensive log data acquisition plan was made which included basic logs, image logs, formation pressure measurements, advanced acoustic and deep shear wave imaging. 1D geomechanical model was built by integrating information from drilling, geology, petrophysics and reservoir engineering. This model was calibrated against failure from Image and Caliper logs. Furthermore, we

Abstract

The sequence stratigraphic analysis based on detailed core descriptions of Najmah-Sargelu formation helped defining a high-resolution stratigraphic framework. The sedimentary facies scheme and the depositional model, indicates a high lateral continuity of the sedimentary facies between the cores and the associated sedimentary facies along the stratigraphic column. The vertical successions of the interpreted depositional environments within the Najmah and Sargelu Formations represent deepening and shallowing events. Thus, Sequence stratigraphic frameworks served to define and place the main and intermediate markers position (unit and subunit tops). These were further identified on wireline log signature through comparison between core and log data (linking sedimentary facies information to petrophysical parameters). Once a log signature/pattern has been defined for the entire Najmah and Sargelu Formations, these markers were propagated to both the uncored intervals and uncored wells. Al

Abstract

Precise mapping of Faults and subtle sub seismic faults/fractures is the most important step in seismic interpretation either for exploration or for development. Often it is difficult to map subtle faults and other trace-to-trace discontinuities hidden in 3D seismic data. They may appear as minor changes in the seismic waveform that are not easily correlatable using conventional interpretation of seismic vertical cross-sections. It is well established that these subtle faults and fractures play very important role in enhancing the porosity and permeability of tight carbonate reservoirs. To map these subtle faults and fractures different seismic attributes sensitive to the existence of small faults and fractures were generated and studied. In addition to the traditional trace attributes like amplitude, phase and frequency, both geometric horizon attributes such as dip, azimuth and image enhancement attributes like coherence and spectral decomposition were useful in imaging seismic disco

Abstract

An increasing deployment of rotary steerable system to drill through complex reservoirs demands considerable gains in operating efficiency. It is a known fact that one of the main drilling challenges faced by oil & gas industry is stuck pipe. The risk of stuck pipe is particularly elevated when using a rotary steerable system tool to drill through formations having geo-mechanical instability and alternating hard-soft interbedded layers. This elevated risk is due to the pivot stabilizers, typically used on such tools which have a limited flow by-pass area and high side loads at the contact points with formation. This study showcases how in geo-mechanically unstable formations, a stabilizer in a rotary steerable system tool can be replaced with a roller reamer technology to reduce stuck pipe events while still delivering steerability objectives. Roller reamers are known to deliver reduced contact forces and torque. The analysis focuses on how roller reamer technology was used to prevent

Abstract

Sabriyah Lower Burgan (SALB) is a multi-billion-barrel reservoir located in north Kuwait with favorable fluid and rock properties, and a strong active aquifer. The presence of the aquifer is advantageous for primary development of the reservoir but presents a challenge for conventional application of chemical EOR (CEOR). SALB has passed multiple stages of a CEOR evaluation process (technical screening, laboratory formulation design, SWCT, pilot design, risk assessment, etc.), and is currently considered for a multi-well CEOR pilot. This study investigates the viability of using sacrificial wells in the management of the lateral aquifer present in the SALB Layered formation, which represents a sought after CEOR target. The objective of these sacrificial wells is to reduce the potential negative impacts of the existing aquifer on commercial CEOR deployment. The adopted approach involved using a history matched field model with EOR parameters calibrated to laboratory results for ASP and C

Abstract

Gathering Centers (GC) & Gas Booster stations (BS) operations use distinctive process and are subjected to high potential multiple hazards. The Process Safety strategy here, involves combination of Inherent, Passive, Procedural & Active controls for design & safe operation of all the processes. An inherently safer design approach attempts to eliminate potential hazards from the process operation without relying on control measures, systems or human intervention for incident prevention. Risks cannot be completely eliminated from the handling, processing, storage and export of hazardous materials. Instead, the goal of process safety management is to consistently reduce risk to a level that can be tolerated by all concerned-facility staff, company management, and the public at large. A systematic, risk-based approach to safety design can help eliminate hazards that pose intolerable risk from the process and mitigate the potential consequences of hazards. Safety Control in Process Operatio

Abstract

Production deferment due to wellbore sanding issues is a major risk for heavy oil field development. The heavy oil reservoir in Kuwait is a multi-stacked unconsolidated formation, which is prone to sanding. Currently there are two steam flood pilots in inverted 5-spot pattern configuration with pattern areas of 5 and 10 acres. The wells were operated for two cycles of Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS), before their conversion to steam flood. Different Sand Control equipment is field tested in some pilot wells to optimize production in this viscous oil-saturated unconsolidated sandstone reservoir. This paper will discuss the operational challenges and the difference in the performance of cold production and after thermal CSS cycles of the installed Stand-Alone Sand Screens (SAS), which were retrofitted in the pilot wells. The mesh size of the SAS was designed based on the particle size distribution and well operating condition. A comprehensive reservoir and well surveillance program was co

Abstract

Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) is developing its shallow heavy oil field using thermal method. Top risk of this project is the cap rock failure. If failure occur, it may lead to the steam leakage, overlying aquifer contamination, ground heave or subsidence and surface collapse. For the monitoring ground deformation caused by cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) and steam flooding (SF) thermal operation in Kuwait, InSAR technology is being considered. Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) is a remote sensing technique to measure surface heave and subsidence. First stage of heavy oil thermal development in North Kuwait comprises production from shallow Miocene reservoirs covering an area of roughly 30 square kilometers, by two or three cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) process followed by steam flooding (SF) process. Main reservoirs are the shallow Tertiary un-consolidated sandstone within the measured depth of 650 to 750 feet, sealed off by Up Shale layer that is about 30 FT thick. High pre

Abstract

An alkaline-surfactant-polymer (ASP) pilot in a regular five spot well pattern is underway in the Sabriyah Mauddud (SAMA) reservoir in Kuwait. High divalent cation concentrations in formation water and high carbonate concentration of the ASP formulation makes the formation of calcite scale a concern. The main objective of this study is to investigate the severity of the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) scaling issues in the central producer in pursuit of a risk mitigation strategy to treat the potential scale deposition and reduce the flow assurance challenges. Calcite scaling risk in terms of Saturation Ratio (SR) and scale mass (in mg/L of produced water) in the pilot producer is potentially very severe and the probability of forming calcium carbonate scale at the production well is high. Produced Ca2+ concentration is high (> 800 mg/l), which makes the equilibrated calcite SR severe (> 500) and results in significant amount of scale mass precipitation. Different flooding strategies were mo

Abstract

The precipitation of asphaltene and waxes occurs when crude oil characteristics change as a consequence of pressure, temperature variations, and/or chemical modifications, etc. The costs associated with the cleaning of deposition on the production equipment and the loss of profit opportunities can go beyond hundreds of millions of USD. Thus, there is a strong incentive to search for ways to mitigate deposit formation during the crude production process. A light crude bottom hole fluid sample from a deep well with an asphaltene deposition problem was analyzed in the laboratory. Basic data on density, viscosity, bubble point, GOR, and asphaltene onset pressure were measured at a PVT laboratory. Asphaltene characterization, as a prescreening for appropriate inhibitors, has been conducted using asphaltene phase diagrams (APD). The APD generated from two developed software programs in both Matlab and Excel codes were favorably compared with the phase behavior of other oil samples available

Abstract

The Lower Fars (LF) sandstone reservoir in Northern Kuwait(NK) is probably the single largest accumulation of heavy oil (HO, μ > 100 cP) in Kuwait, containing somewhere in the range of 12-15 Bb distributed over an area of ∼1000 km2 northwest of Kuwait City against the Iraqi border. There are other heavy oil accumulations in Kuwait, mainly in naturally fractured carbonate strata, but they are of smaller size and of lower quality. Although a small resource in comparison to Canadian and Venezuelan HO resource, the Lower Fars reservoir nonetheless represents a significant fraction of Kuwaiti resources. Compared to viscous oil deposits elsewhere in the world, the LF asset is shallow, of generally higher porosity and permeability, and of lower viscosity with a significant variation in fluid properties with depth and with location in the large reservoir. These characteristics will lead to the deployment of a number of production technologies similar to but somewhat different from Canadian exp

Abstract

Over the years, cybersecurity threats have grown significantly, and securing Operations Technology (OT) assets is one of the biggest challenges within the oil and gas industry today. Poor security policies could lead to unauthorized access to business-critical assets, confidential information leakage and result in business disruptions causing HSE, financial, and reputational impacts. This paper details how advanced and robust security policies shall mitigate cybersecurity risks and enable a smooth execution of Digital Oil Filed (DOF) projects and other complex O&G projects involving high convergence between IT & OT environments. The DOF projects include integration of Industrial Control System (ICS) network with corporate network at various levels, and this mandates consideration of multiple layers of security controls to implement a defense in depth strategy in order to secure ICS & Corporate infrastructure. It includes establishment of an integrated governance model that orchestrates

Abstract

The Lower Cretaceous Zubair reservoir is a major producing horizon in the Raudhatain Field of North Kuwait. The reservoir comprises a number of isolated vertical major sandstone units. With plans to significantly boost production through waterflooding, a major studies program has been conducted. A major sedimentology and reservoir description review has defined controls on reservoir quality, heterogeneity, and architecture. A new layering scheme has been established to honor the sedimentological boundaries and the associated dynamic reservoir behaviour. Deposited primarily as estuarine channel sands, the Zubair reservoir shows a preferred west-east channel-fill geometry across a north-south paleo-shoreface. The understanding of this geometry is crucial in the selection of future drilling locations to meet both injection and production constraints. Four main flooding events during clastic deposition define the main producing units in a sequence stratigraphie framework. Four reservoir qu

Abstract

The mid-late Holocene drop in relative sea level has resulted in the deposition and progradation of coastal facies along the Enjefa Beach in Kuwait, NW Arabian Gulf. These coastal facies display various depositional subenvironments, including landward foreshore beach, tidal channel, shallow tidal channel, and coastal sand flat. The foreshore beach facies consist of dominantly planar laminated beds. Main tidal channel subenvironments are interpreted for the trough cross-bedded facies. The shallow tidal channel deposits are composed of variable oriented planar wedge-shaped and ripple cross-bedded facies. The coastal sand flat deposits consist of extensively burrowed beds with a large network of Ophiomorpha burrows. These exposures are overlain by the recent continental deposits of rubbles and artificial infill. The mere exposed occurrence of these rocks as well as the above facies stacking pattern reflects progradation as a result of relative drop in sea level. Based on the carbon dating

Abstract

The Bahrah field in Kuwait, has a complex stratigraphic and structural setting and large heterogeneity of the reservoir quality which are factors controlling the oil accumulation and its production behavior. Seismic data in the study area is heavily contaminated with short- and long- period multiples. These challenges significantly deteriorate the seismic image particularly at the reservoir levels and impact both the structural and stratigraphic interpretation of the Cretaceous and Jurassic targets. The Bahrah field is located at the overlap area between two 3D seismic surveys with distinct acquisition geometries and parameters. These challenges have been addressed by successfully implementing a well-defined seismic processing workflow including technologies such as 5D regularization, 3D surface and internal multiples prediction, tilted transverse isotopic (TTI) depth velocity model building and 3D Kirchhoff depth migration (KDM). This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the applie

Abstract

[No abstract available]

Abstract

SEG surveyed on dual-career couples and women to explore to find the diversity between them. When both partners in a couple work, the individuals involved may have to make decisions about one career that impacts the other. In this study on average, independent of age and income contribution, 65% of dual-career women state that both careers are equally important and 43% of dual-career men are of that opinion, with 15% of women and 2% of men saying that their partner's career takes precedence. Men aged 25 to 29 appear to place more importance on their partner's career than other male age groups. This survey found that women in dual-career couples are more likely than dual-career men to work for the same employer as their partner. Equal-earner men are more willing than equal-earner women to live apart for a rotational assignment if the only other option is unemployment and for more money.

Abstract

The SEG Women's Network Committee (WNC) has organized a post-convention workshop at the 2016 SEG Annual Meeting. The workshop, 'W?7: Workplace navigating: How to recognize and avoid bias and bullying,' features Sheryl Skaggs, professor of sociology in the School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences (EPPS) at the University of Texas at Dallas, as the facilitator and guest speaker. To encourage openness and sharing of information, the workshop will be conducted in accordance with the Chatham House Rule, which means participants may use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed without explicit permission from the speaker. The SEG WNC conducted a survey to gauge the extent of bias and bullying incidents that SEG members have experienced during their professional careers. Seventeen percent of women and 9% of men responding to the survey reported that they had experienced bullying. In t

Abstract

This case study involves prediction of open fracture orientation in Najmah Formation through prestack azimuthal inversion. The main objective of this study was to detect open fractures and its orientation, since knowing the orientation is very important for developing the reservoir and in future horizontal well placement. The inversion methodology uses isotropic inversion to predict the anisotropic behavior of horizontal transverse isotropy (HTI) layers. Amplitude integrity and good S/N ratio are the basic prerequisites for any prestack azimuthal inversion. This was achieved by amplitude preserved processing flow, amplitude balancing azimuthal sector stacks and event alignment. Furthermore, noise reduction was achieved by stacking of adjacent azimuthal sectors. Based on the inversion results, we found that the predicted fracture orientation using the prestack anisotropic inversion is quite reliable. This conclusion was supported by a good match between the predicted orientation and the

Abstract

This case study involves prediction of open fracture orientation in Najmah Formation through prestack azimuthal inversion. The main objective of this study was to detect open fractures and its orientation, since knowing the orientation is very important for developing the reservoir and in future horizontal well placement. The inversion methodology uses isotropic inversion to predict the anisotropic behavior of horizontal transverse isotropy (HTI) layers. Amplitude integrity and good S/N ratio are the basic prerequisites for any prestack azimuthal inversion. This was achieved by amplitude preserved processing flow, amplitude balancing azimuthal sector stacks and event alignment. Furthermore, noise reduction was achieved by stacking of adjacent azimuthal sectors. Based on the inversion results, we found that the predicted fracture orientation using the prestack anisotropic inversion is quite reliable. This conclusion was supported by a good match between the predicted orientation and the

Abstract

Successful field development of tight fractured carbonate reservoirs hinges on wellbore designs maximizing reservoir contact that intersect open fractures. This necessitated the increased reliance on appropriately designed horizontal drain holes. Two key factors that determine the success in achieving the objectives of these horizontal wells are well selection and well placement. From geological and geophysical perspective, the well selection process should address the issues of intersection of maximum open fractures, at the same time avoid potential drilling hazards such as major faults and well stability. This paper presents the best practices adopted, right from the well selection to the well placement, in one of the challenging horizontal wells of Kuwait, targeted on deep fractured carbonates. Through integration of nearby well data, an extensive suite of post stack seismic attributes were utilized in well selection process to optimize the drain hole trajectory. The reservoir of in

Abstract

[No abstract available]

Abstract

The recent exploration focus in Kuwait has shifted from finding structural traps to search for unconventional reservoirs, including fractured reservoirs. This abstract is a geological and geophysical integration workflow case study with a focus on practical applications of seismic attribute analysis. It illustrates the workflow from fault/fracture mapping to fractured reservoir modeling. It was observed that seismic attributes are useful for fault/fracture mapping in this area. Co-rendering of many attributes can give us high confidence for fault interpretation. It was also observed that areas with high seismic curvature are associated with high fracture density based on image logs. The combined post-stack inversion and neural network analysis improved the accuracy of porosity estimation. Velocity modeling was the key step in transforming seismic-derived properties (e.g. porosity volume) from time domain to depth domain for reservoir modeling. Through this study, the workflow from faul

Abstract

Lower Fars Formation of Middle Miocene age has become focus of exploration in North Kuwait area after the recent discovery of hydrocarbons in the North Western Kuwait. Being a shallow reservoir with depths ranging from 400ft to 1200ft, identifying and characterizing of this Lower Fars play with the sparse well data, lack of E-logs and with seismic data acquired for evaluating the deeper targets make this task highly challenging. A detailed analysis of the mapped structure with the hydrocarbon indications in Lower Fars Formation observed in the mud logs of wells drilled for deeper Jurassic targets in the study area indicates that the present day structural configuration has a limited role in these hydrocarbon accumulations and the play appear to be primarily strati-structural in nature. Keeping this in mind an integrated approach had been adopted in relating the seismic data with hydrocarbon indications in wells and subsequent correlation through a combination of seismic attributes as w

Abstract

Middle Cretaceous Ahmadi Formation in Kuwait is overlain and underlain by Rumaila and Wara Formations respectively. It broadly consists of an Upper shale member and an undelaying Limestone member, known as Tuba Limestone, which has produced hydrocarbon only in Sabriyah field in north Kuwait. The aim of this study was to assess the hydrocarbon prospectivity of Tuba Limestone in adjoining Bahrah area. Broad depositional environment and a sequence stratigraphic model have been established from the well data. An available seismic inversion volume over Sabriyah field and other seismic attributes were interpreted and a very good correlation of results with the well data was established. This encourages to attempt the same in Bahrah area by integrating all existing G & G data. Seismic waveform classification are clearly showing seismic facies variation from Sabriyah to Bahrah, seismic amplitude attributes depicting the reservoir architecture in the different units of Tuba Limestone and geo-bo

Abstract

Lower Fars Formation of Middle Miocene age has become focus of exploration in North Kuwait area after the recent discovery of hydrocarbons in the North Western Kuwait. Being a shallow reservoir with depths ranging from 400ft to 1200ft, identifying and characterizing of this Lower Fars play with the sparse well data, lack of E-logs and with seismic data acquired for evaluating the deeper targets make this task highly challenging. A detailed analysis of the mapped structure with the hydrocarbon indications in Lower Fars Formation observed in the mud logs of wells drilled for deeper Jurassic targets in the study area indicates that the present day structural configuration has a limited role in these hydrocarbon accumulations and the play appear to be primarily strati-structural in nature. Keeping this in mind an integrated approach had been adopted in relating the seismic data with hydrocarbon indications in wells and subsequent correlation through a combination of seismic attributes as w

Abstract

Fracture detection and characterization is gaining importance in the oil industry with the increased focus on hitherto less explored unconventional reservoirs. Seismic attributes play an invaluable role in identifying fracture corridors and help in locating 'sweet spots' for placing exploratory and development wells. This paper presents a suite of seismic attributes that were used in the identification of such 'sweet spots' in the Middle Jurassic Najmah-Sargelu fracture play of North Kuwait. Seismic attributes analyzed in this study were categorized under three broad groups: a. Trace - Amplitude, Frequency and Phase, b. Geometry - Dip, Azimuth and DipAzimuth c. Image enhancement - Coherence, Edge and Spectral Decomposition. Attribute analysis is augmented with other characterization techniques such as curvature analysis and Geomechanical modeling, which has helped in high grading areas of potential fracture corridors and contributed to the selection process of exploratory locations for

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a pore pressure prediction study carried out for the Minagish field in West Kuwait. The objective of this study was to understand and map the abnormal pressure occurrence within the Cretaceous reservoirs and the deep Jurassic section, so that the well designs could be optimized by making recommendations on mud weight, casing type and cap seal integrity. To achieve this objective, a clear relationship between velocity and pore pressure had to be established. It was observed that high pressure had an impact on the velocity, which was detectable on seismic. As petroleum system of Minagish field is both complex and diverse, three different techniques for estimations of velocity were used namely high density picking of NMO velocities, pre stack elastic inversion and tomographic inversion. The derived velocity fields were compared and the most optimum one was chosen. Pore pressure prediction was attempted next by using three different estimation techniques

Abstract

Optimization of production from unconventional reservoirs requires estimates of reservoir properties such as porosity, total organic carbon (TOC) content, clay content, fluid saturation, and fracture intensity. The porosity and TOC content help to determine reservoir quality, and the natural fracture intensity provides information important for the completion strategy. Because shale reservoirs display intrinsic anisotropy due to layering and the partial alignment of clay minerals and kerogen with the bedding plane, the minimum acceptable representation of the anisotropy of naturally fractured shale-gas reservoirs is orthotropy, in which a set of vertical compliant fractures is embedded in a vertical transverse isotropic (VTI) background medium. Full-azimuth seismic data are required to characterize such reservoirs and to invert for the anisotropic elastic properties. Orthotropic inversion uses azimuthally sectored seismic data stacked according to the incident angle. Even for high-fold

Abstract

Orthotropic inversion uses azimuthally sectored seismic data stacked, based on incident angle ranges. Even for high-fold acquisition, this azimuth/angle grouping can result in low-fold angle stacks. Therefore, data processing techniques that ensure proper primary amplitude preservation, noise attenuation, and data alignment, are of paramount importance. This paper focuses on the data conditioning processes applied to the seismic data before azimuthal orthotropic inversion is performed. The inversion results are used to characterize reservoir properties such as porosity, total organic carbon, fracture density and fracture orientation. © 2016 SEG.

Abstract

Mapping geologic edges such as faults or channel levees forms a critical component in the interpretation on 3D seismic volumes. While the more prominent features can often be easily visualized, smaller features critical to understanding the structural and depositional environment can be easily overlooked. Careful manual interpretation of such features is both tedious and time consuming. Seismic discontinuity attributes that enhance edges not only accelerate the interpretation process, they also provide a quantitative measure of just how significant a given discontinuity is in relation to others. Since seismic attributes extract all subtle features in the seismic amplitude volume, preconditioning the data to enhance geologic edges and minimize edges due to acquisition and processing is critical to the analysis. In the present work, we find the application of a Sobel filter to energy-ratio coherence volumes significantly sharpens faults and channel edges of interest. We demonstrate this

Abstract

Mapping geologic edges such as faults or channel levees forms a critical component in the interpretation on 3D seismic volumes. While the more prominent features can often be easily visualized, smaller features critical to understanding the structural and depositional environment can be easily overlooked. Careful manual interpretation of such features is both tedious and time consuming. Seismic discontinuity attributes that enhance edges not only accelerate the interpretation process, they also provide a quantitative measure of just how significant a given discontinuity is in relation to others. Since seismic attributes extract all subtle features in the seismic amplitude volume, preconditioning the data to enhance geologic edges and minimize edges due to acquisition and processing is critical to the analysis. In the present work, we find the application of a Sobel filter to energy-ratio coherence volumes significantly sharpens faults and channel edges of interest. We demonstrate this

Abstract

Seismic, well data and regional geology indicate that the Top Gotnia salt was deposited on a broad carbonate platform. This sequence undergoes a lateral transition from halite to dominantly anhydrite in the southwest & southern Kuwait. Seismic facies analysis is carried out to map facies change and develop a depositional model for Gotnia Salt-1 (GS1), South Kuwait. A seismic line, which tied wells north to south was selected to analyze facies transition and processed for stratigraphic objective. The seismic interpretation procedure consisted of three steps: seismic sequence identification, seismic facies analysis, and Late Jurassic structural analysis in the Dibdibah Trough between Khurais-Burgan and Summan Archs. Seismic facies descriptions involving amplitude and continuity were confined to the GS1 sequence because of limited internal reflection detail. Detailed seismic characterization is carried by generating Acoustic Impedance (AI) volume and waveform classification map. Facies ma

Abstract

The carbonate-dominated, mid-Cretaceous to early Cenozoic stratigraphy of north Kuwait exhibits seismic evidence for karstification at multiple stratigraphic levels. Seismic coherence and attribute data sculptured across mapped stratigraphic horizons, isochrons and cross-sections reveal a complex distribution of karstic geomorphology. Seismic facies have been rationalized into seismic facies associations (SFA) - SFA-1: small-scale dolines, sinkholes and polygonal channels, SFA-2: large-scale dissolution pipes and coalesced pipes, SFA-3: karst-modified faults and collapse zones, SFA-4: large fluvial channels and karst-related tributaries and SFA-5: massive undifferentiated karst. Karstification shows a strong link to the underlying structural framework, with intense karstification and partial collapse associated with transtensional/transpressional fault systems, and the common alignment of karst-related features along individual fault segments. Karstification is particularly focused acr