GEOSEA '98 Proceedill ejJ, GeoL. Soc. M aiaYJia Buff. 43, Decem6er 1999,.

. 5 77-384

Ninth Regional Congress on Geology, Mineral and

Energy Resources of Southeast Asia - GEOSEA '98
17 - 19 August 1998 Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

GEOSEA '98

Chasing channel sands in South East Asia

P.M.

LLOYDI,

R.

KOCH 2 , D. DESAuTELS 3 , AMIRUDDIN

M.

ZAIN4 AND

R.

DAVIS 5

1Schlumberger East Asia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2VICO, Jakarta, Indonesia
3Santa Fe, Jakarta, Indonesia
4CPOC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
5Schlumberger Indonesia
Abstract: With technical advances in surface seismic and downhole electrical imaging techniques, it is
now possible to not only map the distribution of reservoir sandstones in the subsurface, but to more
accurately define the orientation of productive fairways , or "sweet-spots", within the sequence.
This paper will summarize the results of four case studies of how channel sands, laid down in
different depositional settings, have been recognized with borehole electrical imaging. From sedimentary
features and palaeocurrent directions within the sands it has been possible to determine their orientation.
These channel sands frequently have favorable reservoir characteristics; having often been laid down in
higher energy settings, they commonly have coarser and better sorted grains , less clay and improved
poroperm characteristics. However, they often have limited lateral extent and shoe-string geometries
which makes them more difficult to predict in the subsurface. The ability to locate wells along
prospective trends can result in the drilling ofthicker pay zones , and in significantly improving the ratio
of good producers to dry or poorly producing wells.

DEVELOPING AN EXPLORATION
CONCEPT IN DEEP WATER SEDIMENTS
The first case study shows how electrical
borehole images (Ekstrom et al., 1987; Lloyd et al.,
1986) were used to orient the direction of channel
levee deposits in a mid fan, deep water setting, of
the Miocene, Mount Messenger Formation in New
Zealand. The results were confirmed by core
analysis and outcrop study as part of an
multidisciplinary effort to better map such
sequences in the subsurface (Spang et al., 1997).
The individual channel units have a sharp
erosive scoured base which is commonly lined with
a basal deposit comprised of clay rip-up clasts.
Typically the underlying sediments are finer grained
and more highly bioturbated. The channel is filled
with coarser sediment with steeper dips in the
lower section. The decrease in dip as one moves up
the section reflects the channel fill. From the change
in dip angle it is possible to orient the channel axis;
the dips along bedding surfaces point to the channel
center (NW), and the axial trend is at right angles
(interpreted as SW-NE). Note on the images the
sharp erosive base oflight coloured (more resistive)
sands over the darker (more conductive) shales.

There is also a basal channel lag of conductive

clayey rip up clasts, as well as a sharp change in
dip direction at the basal scour surfaces (Fig. 1).
Being able to recognize such finely inter-bedded
sequences and the orientation of channels will help
in the evaluation of deep water sands as they become
increasingly more important exploration and
development targets in S .E. Asia.

APPRAISAL WELLS IN DELTA FRONT

SANDS
The second study is an example from a Miocene
delta front setting off the Sunda Shelf in the South
Sumatra Basin of Indonesia. Here palaeocurrent
analysis of distributary front sands resulted in a
thicker sequence of distributary channel sands being
encountered in an appraisal well drilled in a more
proximal (up current) location (DesAutels and Lloyd,
1997).
No wireline logs were available in the discovery
well, but dip and image data were acquired for the
next two appraisal wells. The images show a typical
distal deltaic setting with lots of shales, and some
5-15 feet thick sandier units with a coarsening up
grain size motif and thin silty laminations and low

378

P.M . LLOYD, R. KOCH, D. DESAuTELS, AMIRUDDIN M. ZAIN AND R. DAVIS

120

240
FMlll18ge

41

Finely laminated
sande and elite,
decreaH In dip
magnitude
towards top.

41 .6

Pebbly lag on

KOureurface

Pebbly lag on

scour surface.
Structural dip
42.6

Shaly beds, low

angle dip, minor
bioturbation.

of 7 degs I1lIIg
270degsszlm
ro1lltedout

- I 1 II

Figure 1. Images across base of a deep sea channel sand.

5260 . 0

5265 . 0

10 : 3/12 2

5270 . 0
'D : 5/205
10 : 5/15

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10 : 4/2"

F
F

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o

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Figure 2. Images in a delta front distal setting.

GEOSEA '98 Proceeding" (GSM BIlLL. 43)

CHASING CHANNEL SANDS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA

angle foresets (Fig. 2). These sands are invariably

well cemented and bioturbated at the top, and are
interpreted as distributary front deposits; the distal
edge of a prograding delta lobe. Another facies is
developed in close association; units are 10 feet
thick, have a sharp erosive base, and a massive
lower section overlain by finely interbedded silty
sands. They correlate with the distributary front
facies in the nearby wells, and are interpreted as
representing storm deposits. The palaeo-current
direction in these various distal sand units varies
-from SSW to NNW, showing a dominant WNW
trend.
This palaeocurrent data from the dips in the
distal sands was used to locate the next appraisal
well approximately 3 km to the E, towards the
more proximal part of the delta where thicker sands
could be expected. This fourth well on the structure
was successful, with the sand/shale ratio close to
50% across the prospective interval, and with
improved reservoir quality. 25-55 feet thick
distributary channel sands were penetrated at
several of the levels confirming the progradational
deltaic model. They are characterized on the
oriented wrap-around images by a sharp base and
have well developed current bedding from which
the palaeocurrent direction (and by inference the
direction of the axis of the channel) can be
determined, in this case to the WNW (Fig. 3). Note
that planarity along the individual bedding surfaces
is poor and the dips are quite scattered (Fig. 4);
characteristic of trough cross sets and indicative of
a high energy flow regime. The fining up grain size
motif at the top of the sand represents a channel
abandonment facies.
With this additional image data in this fourth
well, it has been possible to develop
palaeogeographic and thickness maps of the sand
bodies as they develop across the field.

INFILL DRILLING IN FLUVIAL DELTA

TOP SANDS
The third study shows how the integration of
image, log and seismic attribute data in Miocene
delta top channel sands in the Kutai Basin of E.
Kalimantan, resulted in drilling 4 successful oil
producing wells. In previous drilling efforts (before
the integrated study) stratigraphic complexity
resulted in other oil bearing channel sands being
missed in 6 out of 7 offset wells on an otherwise
straightforward plunging anticlinal feature (Koch
et al., 1997).
Interpretation of image data from wells across
the field indicated stratigraphically complex, often
compart-mentalized deltaic reservoirs; those with
December 1999

379

the best poroperm being delta top stacked fluvial

channel sands sometimes exceeding 100 feet. A
pilot study was initiated using hires 2D seismic.
Seismic horizons were picked and carefully tied to
geological markers in the wells. For the E314
reservoir interval (the prime target of the study) 25
different seismic attributes were extracted and
presented as maps. However, the physical
significance of an attribute map, and how it might
relate to sand thickness and hydrocarbon column
thickness is never immediately obvious~
Where wells intersect the seismic lines a match
can be made between the seismic attribute and the
petrophysical parameters (Fig. 5). In fact 2,760
combinations of various attributes and different
log properties (such as net/gross, net pay thickness,
porosity etc.) were statistically compared in order
to find attributes with good dynamic range which
correlated well with reservoir properties. Having
identified good matches (Fig. 6), it is possible to
calibrate the attribute, and with the depositional
setting interpreted from the images, develop a
geological model including thickness variation,
stratigraphic pinchouts and palaeocurrent direction
(Fig. 7).
The next step was to pick well locations and
drill. All 4 proposed wells encountered 100 feet oil
columns, with net and gross thicknesses within 5%
of prediction. Imagery was again used to better
understand and fine tune the model. The images
show a sharp base to the channels, well developed
sets of stacked foreset beds (typically with planar
bedding surfaces and low dip scatter, and so
interpreted as tabular sets), and a consistent
palaeoflow to the ESE (Fig. 8).

FIELD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IN

TIDAL CHANNEL SANDS
The fourth study reviews the recognition of
channel features in a tidal and lower coastal plain
setting in the Miocene of the Malay Basin, and how
this is helping delineate the orientation of gas
sandstone reservoirs. The channel sands are
interesting targets because when deposited by
higher energy currents they are moderately to well
sorted and typically less subjected to bioturbation
which can be very intense in (for example) bar
sands, where sedimentation rates may be lower.
This bioturbation can result in grains and pore
throats being coated by clays, and for capillary
bound water to be correspondingly high and
permeabilities low. However, the shoestring
geometry (and subsequent restricted areal extent)
of the channel sands makes it important that they
be mapped accurately in the subsurface and so

380

P.M. LLOYD, R. KOCH , D. DESAuTELS, AMIRUDDI N M. ZAIN AND R. DAVIS

-

S t~reon~t:

-------- - -- -------FraCVH~.bJ 1-3A

5324.0 - 5380 . 0 f1 -

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Figure 3. Dips across a distributary channel sand.

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Figure 4. Images across a distributary channel sand.

GEOSEA '98 ProceeoillgJ (GSA! BuLL. 45)

381

CHASING CHANNEL SANDS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA

- -

. ---- I

-".-

- -

- - -- <

I
I

Figure 5. Matching petrophysical attributes in the depth domain with seismic attributes in the time domain.

E 314 time HSEG Significance: 75.7

e MUT040

0.8

0.6

-,9
rn

ex::

0.4

.s
Q5

:z:

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200

250

300

E 314 aat

Figure 6. Calibrating the seismic attributes against the petrophysical properties.

December 1999

382

P.M. LLOYD, R. KOCH, D. DESAuTELS, AMIRUDDIN M. ZAIN AND R. DAVIS

57:

IP"edllcted 98'
105'

M-58:

Predicted 106'
Encountered 99'

Figure 7. Original seismic net thickness map posted with results of offset wells M-57 and M-5S.

120

1ese

2<0

Current beds;
flowtoSE.

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1 !leI

Current beds;
flow to SE.

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Figure 8. Images across part of a fluvio-deltaic channel sand.

GEOSEA '98 Procee{)ilZgJ (G SM BuLL. 43)

383

CHASING CHANNEL SANDS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA

~I
1424.11

Hi+ttt-i

Bioturbated sandy
muds

14S

Wavy bedding and

claydrapea

1~.S

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Low angle current

bedding showing
bl-modal current
direction; local
burrowing

Figure 9. Images across top of tidal channel sand.

1.30

Foresets :showing
current flow towards
SE. Some burrowing

1 .30.5

143'

Foreaeta showing
current flow to ESE;
cementation along
bedding surtaces.

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and clay drape$.

,
f

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December 1999

i\

Sharp charnel base

on cemented & burrwed mudstones.

Figure 10. Images across lower part oftidal channel sand.

384

P.M. LLOYD, R. KOCH, D. DESAuTELS, AMIRUDDIN M. ZAIN AND R. DAVIS

targeted for production.

The higher energy channel sands typically have
a sharp base and well developed foreset beds in the
lower part of the unit from which flow direction and
channel orientation can be determined. In the
upper part it is often common to see a bimodal
current influence, wavy bedding, clay drapes and
increasing bioturbation as the channel unit fines
up due to lateral migration (point bar development)
or channel abandonment (Figs. 9 and 10).
It has been possible to distinguish channel from
bar sands, and further subdivide those units based
on the degree of energy in the depositional setting,
and the degree of bioturbation. Changes in dip
magnitude and direction towards the top of the
fining up channel units may sometimes be used as
an indication of point bar development and the
direction of the meandering interpreted.
The borehole electrical image data is currently
being carefully integrated with 3D seismic to help
track individual channels away from the borehole.
Being able to first identify the channels in the well
is proving extremely helpful in isolating the time
slice and time interval across which to extract
wavelet attributes.
This is allowing
palaeogeographic maps to be constructed for the
main intervals, which are themselves being used to
define the grids for reservoir simulation models.

CONCLUSIONS
A sound understanding of the depositional
model and the integration of all the available data
(outcrop studies, seismic attributes, cores, logs and
downhole imagery) allows channel sands to be
identified in a wide range of environments.
The examples show how electrical imagery can
be used to identify channel sands, and from the
depositional structures it is possible to orient them.
This is useful as channels typically have locally
improved reservoir characteristics, but are often

difficult to chase in the subsurface due to their

limited lateral extent and their elongate, often
shoestring, geometries. Developing a concept for
the depositional model is essential. As image, core
and log data are integrated with the seismics, it is
possible to extrapolate the sand geometry further
away from the borehole. Maps of the channels are
being used to define grids for reservoir simulation
models.
The ability to orient the channels and so map
them in the subsurface provides the basis for
reducing risk and optimizing the success ratio of
both appraisal and development wells. Because of
their potential as stratigraphic traps and production
fairways, they offer good prospects for increasing
recoverable reserves.

REFERENCES
DESAUTELS, D.A. AND LLOYD., P.M., 1997. Stratigraphic and
Depositional Analysis of a Fluviodeltaic Sequence used
for Aiding Field Development, North Geragai Field,
South Sumatra. AAPG International Convention,
Vienna.
EKSTROM, M.P., DAHAN, CA., CHEN, M.Y., LLOYD, P.M. AND
ROSSI, D.J., 1987. Formation Imaging with Micro Electrical
Scanning Arrays. The Log Analyst, 28.
KOCH,R, WmoWO,A.,LLOYD,P.M.ANDGIR,R, 1997. Integration
of Seismic, Geological, and Petrophysical Data to Improve
Reservoir Characterization: examples from the Kutai
Basin, E. Kalimantan. AAPG International Convention,
Vienna.
LLOYD, P.M., DAHAN, CA. AND HUTIN, R, 1986. Formation
Imaging with Micro Electrical Scanning Arrays. A New
Generation of Stratigraphic High Resolution Dipmeter
Tool, Transactions of the SPWLA Tenth European
Formation Evaluation Symposium, paper L.
SPANG,RJ., SLATI,RM., BROWNE,G.H.,HURLEY, N.F., WILLIAMS,
E.T., DAVIS,RJ.,KEAR,G.R AND FOULK, L.S., 1997. Fullbore
Formation Micro Imager Logs in Evaluating Stratigraphic
Features and Key Surfaces in Thin-bedded Turbidite
Successions, Gulf Coast Association of Geological
Societies Transactions, Vol. XLVII.

...---------

---------.~.~~-

Manuscript received 21 August 1998

CEOSEA '98 Proceedillg.! (CSM Bull. 43)