Gazprom Neft Successfully Applied Offshore Exploration to Study Continental Deposits
For the first time in Russia, Gazprom Neft adapted the method of offshore electrical exploration to study deposits of difficult oil. The new approach made it possible to identify the most promising sections of the Bazhenov formation, the industrial development of which will begin in 2021.
The Gazprom Neft Science and Technology Center and the Bazhen Technology Center successfully tested this solution * on Palyanovskaya Square of the Krasnoleninsky field in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra. The technology, which was previously used to search for oil and gas on the shelf, allows you to determine the type, location and parameters of the occurrence of geological rocks by their specific electrical resistance. “Marine” electrical exploration surpassed the mainland counterparts, which turned out to be less effective in the study of geologically complex and heterogeneous deposits of the Bazhenov formation.
Over an area of 347 km 2 , over 1,100 sensors were installed to measure the potential difference of the electromagnetic field **. Combining the results of 3D seismic and offshore electrical exploration allowed us to obtain valuable information on the geological structure of the formation ***, which previously could not be provided by any of the traditional methods.The interpretation of the collected data will be completed by the end of 2020.
In the future, the new method can also be applied to other Gazprom Neft assets on land, primarily in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra. Offshore electrical exploration will be used both to identify the most promising areas for development, and during the initial study of new search zones. The technology will improve the accuracy of well drilling, as well as reduce the time of field research.
“The accuracy of exploration results determines the quality of future investment decisions. At this stage, the maximum value of the oil production project is formed. That is why we are constantly expanding our arsenal of technologies to search for hydrocarbon deposits and determine their characteristics. For the first time in Russia, by adapting offshore electrical exploration to study continental assets, we were able to significantly improve the accuracy of the comprehensive forecast of the productivity of the Bazhenov formation in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug. In the future, this technology may find application in other Gazprom Neft fields throughout the country. ”Alexey VashkevichHead of Technological Development Directorate, Gazprom Neft
“Comprehensive seismic and electrical exploration data will allow us to formulate the optimal program for the industrial development of the Bazhenov formation in the region, which we plan to begin in 2021. The high degree of bazhen knowledge that we have achieved so far will allow the company to fully implement the resource base development strategy. ”Kirill StrizhnevGeneral Director of the Bazhen Technology Center
* Gazprom Neft used electrical intelligence with a controlled source CSEM (English controlled source electromagnetic method). With this method, the artificially created and controlled electromagnetic field acts on the studied area. Measurement of the electrical resistivity in the area covered makes it possible to determine the composition of the rocks and their saturation with water or oil. The technology is used simultaneously with seismic and complements its results.
** Using sensors, data were collected on the geological features of the studied section of the Bazhenov Formation and the area distribution of carbonated layers, the presence of which indicates the potential productivity of the formation.
*** Combining the data of the 2 methods increases the accuracy of exploration and helps to collect unique information about the geological characteristics of the site. So, 3D seismic allows you to clarify the quantitative distribution of the material composition of rocks and the structure of bedding. Electrical exploration provides a detailed qualitative forecast of the composition of rocks within the Bazhenov formation.
