DE-FC26-04NT15509

Goal
The overall objective is to collect and synthesize available data on the hydrocarbon-bearing geological systems in the Permian Basin and distribute data in readily usable formats to scientists, engineers, managers, and decision makers in the oil and gas industry.

Performer
Bureau of Economic Geology, University of Texas, Austin, TX

Results
The project delivered data and interpretations in three formats: 1) detailed, written summaries of Paleozoic depositional and reservoir systems in the Permian Basin; 2) digital files of graphic and numerical data from wells and fields, and 3) a spatially integrated database of depositional, stratigraphic, lithologic, and petrophysical properties in selected stratigraphic horizons.

Benefits
This project was designed to expand the geological knowledge base of the Permian Basin, the largest oil producing region in the United States, and make this information readily accessible to operators so they can rapidly and effectively determine the best focus for exploitation effort and dollars. Access to these data will decrease risk, increase efficiency, and be an important basis and incentive for new drilling.

Background
The Permian Basin is the largest producing basin in the United States, still containing as much as 30 billion barrels of remaining mobile oil. A long-standing problem for companies seeking to recover this resource has been the difficulty of access to data and the knowledge of how to use the data. No modern, integrated syntheses of Permian Basin geologic data was previously available. This project will make large volumes of Permian basin reservoir and basin data and interpretations available for use by industry, academic, and the general public.

Summary
Major tasks included the following:

• Preparation of written syntheses of stratigraphy, depositional and diagenetic processes, and reservoir development for every major play or depositional system.
• Development of play-based databases of Permian Basin reservoirs and stratigraphic horizons in geographic information system (GIS) format.
• Dissemination of data to industry and the public (technology transfer).

The first task was to create comprehensive reports on the depositional, stratigraphic, diagenetic, structural architecture and history, and reservoir development of the Paleozoic section in the Permian Basin based on an integration, interpretation, and synthesis of existing and new data. These reports will comprise individual chapters on each depositional episode of the Paleozoic section in the Permian Basin and will be distributed in both paper and digital formats. The reports will be supplemented by regional maps of facies, thickness, and structure; regional and reservoir-specific cross sections; illustrations of core facies and cyclicity; reservoir and depositional models; depictions of wireline log character; seismic models; photographs of representative facies; representative outcrop data; and extensive reference lists.

Selected stratigraphic successions have been analyzed in greater detail to define and portray spatial interrelationships among depositional, structural, and diagenetic properties, and reservoir distribution. Source data (comprising wireline logs, seismic surveys, cores, core data, outcrop data and models, and reservoir data and models) have been compiled, interpreted, and integrated and then compiled into a readily accessible GIS format for delivery and use. These data are being assembled in a spatially integrated database in GIS format for the most efficient transfer and use.

All data ultimately will be made available to all interested parties. Some data and results have already been disseminated through digital data transfer, written reports, workshops, and oral presentations.

Current Status (November 2008)
The project ended on September 30, 2008. A final report is being prepared which will include written chapters on reservoir plays in the Permian basin. Other data and interpretations will be made available through the public website hosted by the Bureau of Economic Geology. Final wrap-up work will continue through 2009. Additional technology transfer activities are also scheduled for 2009.

Funding
This project was selected in response to DOE’s Oil Exploration and Production solicitation DE-PS26-04NT15450-0 (November 4, 2003), focus area Advanced Diagnostics and Imaging: Regional Study and Basin Analysis. Additional funds have been obtained from industry partners. At present, 16 industry sponsors are involved in the program. These companies have provided more than $672,000 in funds to support project activities to date. A one year no-cost extension was granted until September 30, 2008. Project activities are expected to continue after DOE involvement ends with funds provided from industry sponsors.

Project Start: October 1, 2004
Project End: September 30, 2008

Anticipated DOE Contribution: $754,838
Performer Contribution: $258,571 (24 percent of total)

Other Government Organizations Involved: State of Texas

Contact Information
NETL - Virginia Weyland (virginia.weyland@netl.doe.gov or 918-699-2041)
University of Texas - Stephen Ruppel (Stephen.ruppel@beg.utexas.edu or 512-471-2965)

Publications
Semi-annual progress reports (3/31/05, 9/30/06, 3/31/06, 9/30/06) have been submitted. Reports are available through NETL, 918-699-2000.

Map of Permian Basin showing extent of study area.

Map of structure on the top of Precambrian basement. The map, which is the first of its kind, is spatially registered in ARC-GIS.

Map showing distribution of the Barnett Formation, a major shale gas reservoir target in the Permian Basin.