Exploration Insights September 2020 | Page 7

Exploration Insights | 7
Range (m)
0–10
10–50
50–100
100+
Source rock thickness
Index value
0.25
0.5
0.75
Table 1> Example of threshold values used to define the
numerical index score applied to one component of a
petroleum system; in this case, source rocks thickness.
of these thresholds for source rock thickness.
The full implementation of this schema to the
Woodford petroleum system of the Permian
Basin can be seen in Figure 2B.
In this schema, an individual element or process
may have several attributes that need to be
considered (Figure 2B). In such cases, the index
score is an average for that element. Similarly,
index scores can be averaged at the process and
element level, or averaged for the petroleum
system as a whole. In this way, the schema is
hierarchical and enables analysis across the range
of levels. Specific comparisons can be made for
an individual element or process (e.g. reservoir),
or petroleum systems can be compared using
a holistic index score that accounts for all the
elements and processes.
GATHERING A GLOBAL DATASET
The workflow for populating the data used to
calculate index scores can be broken down into a
number of key steps, depicted in Figure 3.
Three approaches were used to aggregate
information at the petroleum system level. In
1
© 2020 Halliburton
each case, the chosen approach reflected how
well the input dataset was structured, and the
nature of the information. The following methods
were employed:
»»
Automated extraction and aggregation of
data from existing digital databases
»»
Extrapolation of models for the
stratigraphic extent of petroleum system
elements from the suite of Neftex Gross
Depositional Environment maps
»»
Capture of knowledge from regional
experts
Together, these methods of data collection
delivered a comprehensive resource for the
integrated assessment of petroleum systems.
The data-gathering effort was conducted globally,
in each basin constrained by a Neftex Play Cross
Section.
We used the data we collected to power a
visualization dashboard, where information can
be displayed and filtered both geographically and
stratigraphically. The dashboard also displays the
locations of basins and play cross sections. It can
be used to discriminate between the different
qualities of petroleum systems elements and
processes at each level of the hierarchy
(Figure 1).
These new data and the insights they provide will
be accessible via a number of updates to the
cloud-hosted PlayFinder dashboard linking the
petroleum system assessments to their plays.
These updates will be available to subscribers
later in 2020.
Extract and populate data
Design analytical schema
Aggregate
digital data at
a petroleum
system level
Interpolate
data from
digital
products
Capture
knowledge
from domain
experts
Field, play,
stratigraphy
Mapped extent
or qualities of
petroleum
system
element
Nature of
charge
systems,
estimates of
uplift, etc.
Aggregate
database
Design and
build
dashboard
Apply
matrix
schema
Publish
dashboard
to cloud
Assess,
evaluate and
compare
petroleum
systems
© 2020 Halliburton
Figure 3> A simplified workflow for populating and evaluating the impact of the holistic petroleum systems index defined in this work.