Hydrocarbon Prospectivity in the West Waha and Worsham-Bayer Fields, Delaware Basin


Authors : Odoh, B. I.; Ahaneku, C. V.; Chukwu, D. C.; Boma, E. K.; Nwafuluibeya, S. C.; Ochili, M. C.; Ozoemena, O. G.; Omezi, I.; Ezeonyema, C. C.

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 9 - September


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4ppwvzpa

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/bdz9reyv

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24SEP123

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : The west Waha and Worsham-Bayer field, located within the Delaware Basin of western Permian Basin, represents a significant hydrocarbon province with substantial production potential. This study aims to reevaluate the hydrocarbon resources and optimize recovery strategies for these fields by integrating seismic interpretation, petrophysical analysis, and volumetric assessment. Using data from 3D seismic reflection volumes, well logs, and production records, the research applied advanced techniques including seismic-to-well ties, structural and sequence stratigraphic interpretations, and fault-seal analysis. Key findings highlight the identification of four major reservoirs: UML, TF, FF, and ELB. The ELB reservoir, characterized by very high porosity, high permeability, and low water saturation, emerged as the most promising target for hydrocarbon production. The TF and FF reservoirs also demonstrated high potential, while the UML reservoir showed moderate characteristics but high-water saturation. Volumetric assessments supported these findings, confirming the ELB reservoir’s exceptional hydrocarbon potential. The study recommends drilling deeper into the Ellenburger Formation with Wells 42 and 98 to exploit deeper targets, acquiring additional 3D seismic data towards the southeastern basin, and employing enhanced seismic resolution for better facies distribution understanding. Furthermore, the development of a 3D reservoir model incorporating fracture networks and a detailed fault-seal analysis are advised to optimize hydrocarbon recovery. This research provides a comprehensive evaluation of the West Waha and Worsham-Bayer fields, offering actionable insights for maximizing hydrocarbon production through targeted exploration and advanced reservoir management strategies.

Keywords : Hydrocarbon, Delaware Basin, Seismic Interpretation, West Waha, Volumetric Assessment.

References :

  1. Adams, J.E. (1965). Stratigraphic-Tectonic Development of Delaware Basin. AAPG Bulletin, 49, 2140-2148.
  2. Ademola, O. T., (2009). #D Geological Model of West Waha and Worsham Bayer Field, West Texas. The Geological Society of America South-Central Section - 43rd Annual Meeting (16 - 17 March 2009).
  3. Ali, K. and Chaudhry, U., (2014). An Integrated Seismic and Petro-Physical Analysis for Reservoir Characterization of West Waha and Worsham-Bayer Fields, Southeastern Delaware Basin, West Texas . New York Tech Institutional Repository, accessed September 10, 2024, https://repository.nyitlibrary.org/items/show/438
  4. Benson, W. E. (1989). Petroleum resources of the Delaware Basin, Texas and New Mexico. U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 1916
  5. Haigler, L. B. (1962). Geologic notes on the Delaware basin. Retrieved from https://pubs.usgs.ov/bul/0829/report.pdf.
  6. Haruna, K.A., Ojo, O.J., & Odufisan, W. (2014). Subsurface Mapping and Reservoir Evaluation of West Waha and Worsham-Bayer Field Area of Southeastern Delaware Basin, West Texas.
  7. Hills, J. M. (1983). Sedimentation, tectonism, and hydrocarbon generation in Delaware Basin, West Texas, and Southeastern New Mexico. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK221173/.
  8. Horne, E. A., Hennings, P. H., Smye, K. M.,  Staniewicz, S., Chen, J., and  Savvaidis, A., (2022). Structural characteristics of shallow faults in the Delaware Basin. Interpretation 2022;; 10 (4): T807–T835. doi: https://doi.org/10.1190/INT-2022-0005.1
  9. Maley, V.C., & Huffington, R.M. (1953). Cenozoic Fill and Evaporate Solution in the Delaware Basin, Texas and New Mexico. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 64, 539-546.
  10. Smye, K., Banerji, D.A., Eastwood, R.L., McDaid, G., & Hennings, P.H. (2021). Lithology and reservoir properties of the Delaware Mountain Group of the Delaware Basin and implications for saltwater disposal and induced seismicity. Journal of Sedimentary Research.

The west Waha and Worsham-Bayer field, located within the Delaware Basin of western Permian Basin, represents a significant hydrocarbon province with substantial production potential. This study aims to reevaluate the hydrocarbon resources and optimize recovery strategies for these fields by integrating seismic interpretation, petrophysical analysis, and volumetric assessment. Using data from 3D seismic reflection volumes, well logs, and production records, the research applied advanced techniques including seismic-to-well ties, structural and sequence stratigraphic interpretations, and fault-seal analysis. Key findings highlight the identification of four major reservoirs: UML, TF, FF, and ELB. The ELB reservoir, characterized by very high porosity, high permeability, and low water saturation, emerged as the most promising target for hydrocarbon production. The TF and FF reservoirs also demonstrated high potential, while the UML reservoir showed moderate characteristics but high-water saturation. Volumetric assessments supported these findings, confirming the ELB reservoir’s exceptional hydrocarbon potential. The study recommends drilling deeper into the Ellenburger Formation with Wells 42 and 98 to exploit deeper targets, acquiring additional 3D seismic data towards the southeastern basin, and employing enhanced seismic resolution for better facies distribution understanding. Furthermore, the development of a 3D reservoir model incorporating fracture networks and a detailed fault-seal analysis are advised to optimize hydrocarbon recovery. This research provides a comprehensive evaluation of the West Waha and Worsham-Bayer fields, offering actionable insights for maximizing hydrocarbon production through targeted exploration and advanced reservoir management strategies.

Keywords : Hydrocarbon, Delaware Basin, Seismic Interpretation, West Waha, Volumetric Assessment.

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