Brazil - Central Offshore Basins

South America

The Central (Espirito-Santo to Sergipe-Alagoas) offshore basins of Brazil have been subject of much speculation by the industry as a result of recent license rounds. Although seismic coverage is now extensive, well data is less available. Core Laboratories and Fundacao CCMN (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) are pleased to present the generation of an all-new geological sciences dataset (biostratigraphy, geochemistry, reservoir geology and petrophysics) from fifty-eight (58) wells.

The study has the full approval (under Ordinance 114) of ANP. In total fifty-eight (58) wells have been analyzed and presented in a regional setting. The study was undertaken in two phases: Phase A - Espirito Santo to Jequitinhonha Basins, and Phase B - Almada to Sergipe Alagoas Basins. These phases are available combined or separately. The study was completed in January 2003.

The main technical objective of the study is to provide a geological database for the Central Basins consisting of biostratigraphic, geochemical, reservoir geology and petrophysical data. This data set will form the basic framework for the development of an improved geological model of the Central Basins. It will be of great value to further hydrocarbon evaluation studies by the participating companies and will add to the understanding of the functioning of petroleum systems in the Central Basins.

The following approach has been applied throughout the study:

• Construct a basin-wide biostratigraphic framework through the integration of lithostratigraphic, biostratigraphic, and wireline log data
• Constrain an extensive geochemical database within this stratigraphic framework and identify the functioning elements of the petroleum systems
• Establish correlations between reservoir quality and depositional/diagenetic units, and evaluate controls on reservoir quality and seal effectiveness
• Develop a summary of the petroleum geology of the area
• Provide a digital database of laboratory and well data, including electric logs for the area and HTML version of the report

Five (5) bound interpretive volumes of each phase is provided. These volumes are fully illustrated with figures, analytical data and regional data in the form of maps, isopachs and cross sections. Conclusions from the analytical and interpretive program are synthesised into a regional petroleum geology, outlining current and proposed play concepts.