Hydrodynamics

Most hydrodynamic systems have historically been associated with uplift, fluid recharge and tilt toward the basin centre. The pressure drive comes from meteoric waters located in neighbouring highlands. Few examples are reported where the fluid drive is by expulsion from overpressured sediments. Most of the examples of compaction-driven hydrodynamics come from the North Sea. Recognition of the hydrodynamic component of trapping was over 30 years after exploration started and when the province is being described as 'mature'. Published accounts of a hydrodynamic model for trapping in the Pierce Field, North Sea led to a substantial upgrading of the petroleum reserves many years after the field was initially discovered and originally deemed sub-economic.

The conditions for compaction-driven hydrodynamic systems are met whenever overpressured shales are connected to laterally-drained reservoirs. Such areas are found in many Tertiary deltas including the South Caspian Sea, Mahakam Delta, (offshore Kalimantan, Indonesia), Nile Delta and Mississipi Delta. We suspect that compaction driven hydrodynamic flow is unrecognised in many other petroliferous basins.




Non-structural, stratigraphic traps in hydrodynamic reservoir systems have not been systematically explored for. Recognition relies on reliable pressure data and its correct interpretation. Re-visiting pressure data from existing fields will help to identify fluid flow in the regional aquifers and tilted hydrocarbon/water contacts. Pressure data can be used to develop regional maps to identify direction of fluid movement. Providing the exploration tool to identify areas of potential hydrodynamic structural traps.

Opportunity for risk assessment

Ikon GeoPressure has experience in the evaluation of hydrodynamic traps and can offer to conduct studies either on a well by well basis and/or on a more regional basis, either as a single-company consultancy or as a multi-company project with a view to:

• Aid prospect and field evaluation by explorationists and petroleum engineers.
• Potentially increase reserves in existing fields.
• Reduce risk by understanding the response of the OWC to aquifer heterogeneity.
• Improving understanding of the regional pressure regime and its part in controlling aspects of the petroleum system, including fluid flow.
• Providing a future source of quality, reliable pressure data and accompanying information.

Ikon GeoPressure has widespread and world-wide expertise in the utilisation and interpretation of pressure data. A non-proprietary Central North Sea study was completed in 2004, recognising hydrodynamic flow conditions at four stratigraphic levels in the area. A later proprietary in-depth study of Hydrodynamics in the Lower Cretaceous of the Outer Moray Firth reinforced the link between overpressure, sediment permeability and tilted fluid contacts. Hydrodynamic flow has also been recognised for fields in other basins in the recently released Mid-Norway Pressure study.

Study Workflow

• Conversion of available pressure data into standard RokDoc PressureView database format.

• Analysis of pore fluid pressure data for all wells.
• Determination of overpressures and mapping of the distribution of formation pressures across the area at all main reservoir horizons.
• Determination of flow regime at all relevant horizons in all wells, linked to structural data.
• Report of key findings.

If you would like to know more about working with Ikon GeoPressure on the evaluation of hydrodynamic traps, complete our consultancy enquiry form or contact us on +44 (0) 191 3846587.