SPE-171081-MS

Optimizing Navigation Well-Path Design on Thin-Bed, Highly Stratified

Heavy-Oil Reservoirs by Using Seismic Attributes and Well Logs, Rubiales
Field, Eastern Llanos Basin, Colombia
Edinson D. Peñaloza Gómez and Fernando J. Núñez Pérez, Pacific Rubiales Energy

Copyright 2014, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE Heavy and Extra Heavy Oil Conference - Latin America held in Medellin, Colombia, 24 –26 September 2014.

This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents
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Abstract
Normally, oil fields develop, once the exploratory phase and reservoir delineation are concluded, is
performed based on a geometric arrangement that involves the spacing of wells according to their drainage
radius and therefore avoid drain areas overlap.
The Rubiales field in the eastern plains of Colombia is characterized by high stratification and sand
thicknesses of economic interest that are on average below 10 feet and are mostly drained horizontally on
having only 3-4 feet Net Pay although in specific cases, have been drilled thicknesses less than 2 feet,
always coexisting with the water and having to manage it for doing this field economically profitable.
Generally speaking, could be considered a reservoir of low structural complexity.
However compiled drilling experience in thin beds has shown problems questioning lateral continuity
of sand bodies in the original length of the paths well designed, affecting the forecasted production
commitment, raising operational risk having to make changes on well paths during drilling and finishing
doing “pilot holes” being already in horizontal sections to resizing the stratigraphy and the placement of
sand bodies and lateral continuity involved.
This job is a compilation of some experiences obtained at Rubiales field having seismic data as support
and powerful tool for minimizing risk of total or partial navigation target loss in heavy oil thin beds
reservoirs.

Introduction
The Rubiales field is located in the southeast part of the Eastern Llanos Basin, 250 km southeast of the
city Villavicencio, Department of Meta, 465 km from the city of Bogota, Geologically, Rubiales field is
a wide monocline with an area of more than 11600 acres, with an NNE - SSW azimuthal direction dipping
towards the NW and an average dip angle of 1-2 degrees; Rubiales field reservoir, correspond to fluvial
depositional systems characterized by braided streams bodies composed mainly of sand migrating
assorted bodies, and are commonly interbedded with fine flooding sediments, these sands of the lower
section of Carbonera Formation, Late Oligocene - Early Eocene age, informally called “Arenas Basales”,
being our “Horizon of Interest”, when dealing with seismic in this paper.
2 SPE-171081-MS

Figure 1—Geographical Location of Rubiales field, Colombia.

The thickness of sand handled as subject of hor-

izontal navigation ranks among 3-6 feet, navigating
usually lying close to the top of sand bodies selected
for the horizontal navigation, thus attempting move
as far away possible, the oil-water contact.
During the development of the field, has not been
considered structural domain (faulting) as an ele-
ment of high interest, arguing that complexity of the
reservoir is framed in the stratigraphic aspect, how-
ever some troubles observed as partial or total loss
of sand bodies to be navigated and contrasting dif-
ferences in net pay values between wells separated
no more than 1 Km, motivated performing a more
detailed analysis of the seismic data allowing better
define the structural framework and how this could Figure 2—Regional Cross Section showing the placement of Rubiales
field at Regional geological framework.
be a controller of the geomorphology of the fluvial
system. Three real scenarios, (Faulting Implied, Lateral facies shift/changes, diachronic stacking sands
and Drilling through amalgamated channels) are present in this paper and show the relationship among
seismic data and horizontal wells navigated. As a complement were applied a series of seismic attributes
(Dip, Semblance volume and Maximum Curvature), that help to define clearly and continuity the
depositional environment and update the structural framework

Geographical Location
The Rubiales field is located in the southeast part of the Eastern Llanos Basin, 250 km southeast of the
city Villavicencio, Department of Meta, 465 km from the city of Bogota, Colombia (Figure 1).

Regional Geological Framework

Geologically, Rubiales field is a large NNE-SSW monocline located in a portion of a Foreland Basin,
where some Paleogene and Neogene sediments are overlaying on Precambrian and Paleozoic rocks of the
Guyana Shield.
The eastern limit is marked by the outcrops of Precambrian plutonic rocks of the Guyana Shield and
to the west the basin is limited by the frontal thrust system of the Eastern Cordillera (Casero et al., 1997;
Gómez et al., 2005; Etayo-Serna et al., 1983; Cooper et al., 1995) as shown diagrammatically in the
Figure 2.
SPE-171081-MS 3

Figure 3—Rubiales field structural map

The Llanos Basin in its current configuration can

be divided into two main structural domains:
Piedemonte domain and Llanos domain. This last
one can be divided simultaneously into two clearly
defined sub-domains: Llanos of Casanare, Arauca
and Meta Llanos. Rubiales field is located on the
subdomain Llanos of Meta.
The structure defined since 2008 and 2009 for
Rubiales field is a wide monocline with an area of
more than 11600 acres, with an NNE - SSW azi-
muthal direction dipping towards the NW and an
average dip angle of 1-2 degrees, as well is shown
in Figure 3. 325 Km2 of 3D seismic were acquired
covering a big portion of the field, having as main
proposal to decrease uncertainty in defining the
structure and try defining reservoir boundaries.
Seismic interpretation allowed detailed mapping of Figure 4 —Stratigraphic Column for Eastern Llanos Basin (Meta Petro-
the monocline structure, allowing identification of leum Ltd, 1998).
faulting that are affecting the structure. However it
was not possible to delineate reservoir boundaries (Gómez, Yohaney* et al, July 2009).

Stratigraphic Framework
The Cenozoic deposits make up Rubiales field reservoir, correspond to fluvial depositional systems
characterized by braided streams bodies composed mainly of sand migrating assorted bodies, and are
commonly interbedded with fine flooding sediments (Figure4).
The stratigraphic sequence in the field, consists of rocks ranging from Paleozoic to Tertiary (Carbonera
Formation, León Shale, Guayabo and Necesidad formations) separated by regional unconformities
(Figure 4).
4 SPE-171081-MS

Figure 5—Structural Section SW-NW showing up structural position of the Main sand object for horizontal navigation.
Vertical depth expressed in TVDss.

Figure 6 —Structural Section showing up deviated wellbore of Well 1 On main sand objective regards source-target wells

The reservoir is composed of sands of the lower section of Carbonera Formation, Late Oligocene -
Early Eocene age, informally called “Arenas Basales”, being our “Horizon of Interest”, when dealing with
seismic in this paper, as shown in the Figure 5.
The sands that compose the “horizon of Interest” were deposited in a fluvial environment predomi-
nantly and are lying unconformable on Paleozoic rocks. The reservoir is located between 2400=- 2900=
feet deep, with very low overload, as a consequence, these tend to be unconsolidated sands, bearing in
porosities between 25 and 33% and permeabilities of 3-5 Darcies, pointing out a very good quality
reservoir rock (Gómez, Yohaney* et al, July 2009).
An original oil-water contact is fully identified at different depths within the reservoir that makes up
the “Horizon of Interests”, (Figure 6). The oil-water contact follows the structural trend of the reservoir
showing up some slope changes to the western of the field, deepening the same direction of reservoir
dipping (Gómez, Yohaney* et al, July 2009).
SPE-171081-MS 5

Figure 7—Typical arrangement of horizontal wells in Rubiales Field

This identification of the oil-water contact and its

closeness the objective of economic interest of the
reservoir determined the development of the field
with vertical, horizontal wells or moderate (no more
than 50 °) inclination wells. Almost of producers
wells are horizontals, generally designed with a
length of 1200 feet. Typically, the thickness of sand
handled as subject of horizontal navigation ranks
among 3-6 feet, navigating usually lying close to the
top of sand bodies selected for the horizontal navi-
gation, thus attempting move as far away possible,
the oil-water contact Figure 8 —2D seismic lines location map showing up structural frame-
Develop of Rubiales field is performed based on work and seismic coverage for Well 1 scenario
a geometric arrangement that involves the spacing
of wells according to their drainage radius and therefore avoid drain areas overlap, considering the
arrangement proposed in the Figure 7 next.
This type of geometric arrangement does not always take into account the structural and stratigraphic
features that make up the reservoir geometry, often compromising the integrity of the horizontal sections
have been scheduled to do.
During the development of the field, has not been considered structural domain (faulting) as an element
of high interest, arguing that complexity of the reservoir is framed in the stratigraphic aspect, however
when analyzing wellbores of already navigated wells, where it is observed partial or total loss of sand
bodies expected to be navigated and contrasting differences in Net Pay values between wells separated no
more than 1 Km, was the reason that motivated performing a more detailed analysis of the seismic data
allowing better define the structural framework and how this could be a controller of the geomorphology
of the fluvial system, stacking patterns and lateral continuity sand bodies of economic interest in the
6 SPE-171081-MS

Figure 9 —2D seismic line SW-NE parallel to Well 1 horizontal wellbore that involves intersection point of the seismic line (ⴙ) [Blue line on the
seismic] regards to fault polygon plotted on the base map exhibited on the Figure 8.

Figure 10 —Directional survey suggested for drilling Well 1 projected over a 2D seismic line.

Rubiales field, defined in this paper as “Horizon of Interest.” Are shown next, some real scenarios,
confirming this appraisal.
Scenario 1: Faulting Implied
Scope
Current scenario has as subject, perform some observations regards to structural risk associated to Well
1 wellbore and the impact when having implied faulting crossing, according to existing structural
interpretation of Rubiales field. Given the uncertainty implied when crossing faults (if those exist) with
a development well, even more if this is horizontal, it was performed a review of the seismic. Next, is
summarized the result of reviewing seismic.
Regards to the seismic line proposed in the Figure 8, its intersection with fault polygon is the one
pointed out with a crest over the fault polygon. For seismic analysis of Well 1 it was used TD function
of a well placed to 2.78 Km SW.
Highlights the fact preliminary structural framework is more complex that the one shown on the base
map suggested on the Figure 8. In fact, seismic line analysis confirm the existence of a structure, affecting
seriously the length of 1200= expected to be navigated by Well 1, taking as reference the Figure 9.
SPE-171081-MS 7

Figure 11—SW-NE 2D Seismic Line, showing up the placement of already drilled Well -1, regards to N-S Rubiales faults trend

In the Figure 10, over the 2D seismic line is plotted directional wellbore designed for Well 1 as dotted
line shown in blue. From the bottom up; yellow horizon represents the top of “Unidad Arenas Basales”
(Horizon of Interest); If focusing on this intersection, the yellow horizon (Basales) has negative polarity.
Looking at the well path of Well 1 on the seismic line, two “possible” geological scenarios are seen within
confined the ellipse sector:
1. Changing negative polarity (A ⫽ -093) to positive (A ⫽ ⫹042). Whether the presence of the fault
is omitted, could be interpreted as a change of seismic facies which could infer a result of a lateral
shift/change facies, or
2. Change of polarity resulting from disruption of continuity induced by a system faults.
Both scenarios raise doubts about completeness of Well 1 “length”. If taken as true this interpretation,
would face a partial loss of navigation target or consider that “fault” as “seal” favoring the entrapment of
important volumes of oil.
Taking this as pre-drilling Well 1 analysis, investigate the feasibility of designing a geometry with
negative section or a “J” type wellbore of equal or lesser length but assuring well path permanency over
the right seismic event, thereby preventing mechanical problems, potential shear zone, and partial loss of
the original well objective, also preventing the possibility of connecting oil saturated sands with water
saturated sands, affecting well productivity

Well 1: Real Operational Scenario

Omitting structural scenario brought with it Well 1, scheduled for a length of 1200= had to be stopped
having reached a total of 568=, of which only 433= are Net Pay. Having overlay of the GR curve (red) and
resistivity (White) on 2D seismic (Figure 11), the dramatic drop in resistivity and GR degradation to
values indicative of shale is clearly observed in the moment when well path (Dotted line in blue) reaches
to communicate seismic events of different polarity. Fortunately, despite the shortening of the horizontal
section, the well could produce a little more than 300 BOPD. Currently 7 months after, produces just over
100 BOPD with a 98% BSW. These productivity values would be expected of a vertical well under the
conditions of this reservoir.
8 SPE-171081-MS

Figure 12—3D Survey Seismic line location map, showing up the Well-2, inside red ellipse.

Figure 13—3D survey Seismic line, showing up suggested directional survey (yellow dotted line) for “Well-2

Scenario 2: Lateral facies shift/changes, diachronic stacking sands

The following scenario shows the lessons learned from the Well-2. The Well-2 is located at the southern
edge of the 3D seismic survey and for analysis and its calibration was used the Time Depth function of
a well located 2.9 Km to the south.
In the Figure 13, proposed well path is plotted without having overlaying the horizon of interest. The
well path is placed over a blue seismic event, characterized by positive polarity. Changes on amplitude
values and blue shades suggest the possibilities of having some heterogeneity along navigation target
(lateral facies changes, lateral facies shifting, diachronic stacking sands, etc., etc.). Better detail of this
heterogeneity can be observed in view Zoom in that is exhibited in Figure 14.
Well-2: Real Operational Scenario
Based on the graph is displayed in Figure 15, the navigation plan (dotted blue line) does match with the
seismic event on the scale “spectrum” of colors is represented by light yellow green, and orange. This
array of colors along the navigation plan did allow infer an imminent lateral facies change at the level of
SPE-171081-MS 9

Figure 14 —ZOOM IN on 3D survey seismic line showing up proposed directional survey “Well 2 Horizontal Projection” shown as yellow dotted line.

Figure 15—3D Survey Seismic Line, showing up Plan vs Real Well 2 drilling plan

the horizon of interest. In general, the average values which confirm the economic interest of the target
of navigation are having GR ⫽20-40 API and a resistivity greater than 100 Ohms. M.
The navigation of the horizontal section was performed with support of geosteering tool.
10 SPE-171081-MS

Figure 16 —Geosteering description events

During drilling of the section of 6.125⬙ horizontal, leaving behind the casing shoe 7½⬙, to 3456 ft. MD,
is observed that curves of Gamma Ray Up and Down (Figure 16) are kept together in varying low values
(20 API) progressively higher values (45 API indicating lateral changes within sand body.
At 3496 ft. MD / TVD 2467 ft., a drop in the Gamma Ray is observed, however for cuttings samples,
is identified a sand with traces of silt, regular shows and a drop in resistivity in the range 20-30 ohm-m.
It was decided to place the axis of navigation to a TVD of 2465 ft. TVD, looking for a sand with good
petrophysical properties; increased ROP finding a gradual cleaning of Gamma Ray with average values
40 API and increased resistivity 147 ohm-m, remaining regular oil shows in cuttings.
Analyzing set of curves (Gamma Ray Up / Down) (Figure 16), we can infer that the sand body was
going through, shows lateral facies changes, as there was no polarization the same curves. With the help
of the resistive curves an average resistivity is calculated, any indication of such bias is not evidenced,
confirming the lateral changes seen in the curves of Gamma Ray UP / down.
The well was positioned the TVD of 2464 ft. TVD with poorer petrophysical properties, therefore it
was decided to go down 2 ft. to 2465 ft. TVD, and having reached 4135 ft MD it is detected a sand body
with optimal petrophysical properties, with an average of 30 API for Gamma Ray and 110 ohm-m
Resistivity.
From Figure 15 is very easy to infer that this last section of prospective sand corresponds to another
sand facies, different regards the one interpreted as continuous seismic event according to spectrum colors
(green, orange and yellow).
From Figure 15, can be clearly seen that last prospective sand section crossed “going down” is a
different seismic event (cyan) and therefore corresponds to another sand body.
Finally, a total of 703= of sand were drilled with good average petrophysical properties, of the 1200=
scheduled.
Scenario 3: Drilling through amalgamated channels
Scope
The Well 3 is located in an area where there is 3D seismic coverage (Figure 17). For seismic calibration,
the time-depth function of a well located 2681 m south was used. As usual, this well 3 was scheduled to
be drilled for a horizontal section with a length of 1200 feet, of which only fulfill reservoir prospectivity
parameters (GR ⫽ 20-40 API / Resistivity greater 100 Ohms.m), the first 152 feet after 7⬙ casing shoe and
SPE-171081-MS 11

Figure 17—Location Map from 3D Survey Seismic line, showing up the Well-3, inside red circle regards the Well from where was taken TD function.

Figure 18 —ZOOM IN: location of Well -3 navigation path (solid cyan colored line) regards positive polarity (dark blue) defined as equivalent in time
to Horizon of interest by using blowhard color map scale

270 feet at the end of the well, i.e. between the two prospective zones there is an intermediate section of
approximately 720 feet, non-prospective. The prospective section of the beginning and the end together
accounted for over 400= of Net Pay.
To everyone’s surprise, the well is a good oil producer. The initial testing of the well showed a
production of 240 BOPD and 65% BSW. Currently this well produces a bit more 1500 barrels of oil and
76% BSW, not bad for a well where only a third of what navigated horizontally, was prospective.
Based on what is exhibited in Figures 18 and 19, is observed how well path was crossing a set of
channels, depending on their stratigraphic position, would control the behavior of Gamma Ray and
12 SPE-171081-MS

Figure 19 —Zoom IN: location of Well-3 navigation path (solid black line) regards positive polarity event (yellow) defined as equivalent in time to
Horizon of Interest (Arenas Basales) by using Spectrum color map scale

Resistivity readings if being located at the top, in the middle or leaving by the base of the sand bodies,
while drilling was in progress.
Unfortunately, as in most cases, it is observed the seismic after drilling the well, looking at seismic the
support required to justify why, from a geological point of view, failed to drill a 100% sand horizontal
section, regardless it to be a nice oil producer.
Having a seismic analysis before drilling section 6.125⬙ horizontal, could help in a better design of this
section, done consistent at 90 degrees, bringing as a result not could connecting channels properly adding
that way more Net Pay. Looking at the seismic which is displayed in Figure 19, at least about 4 sand
bodies (a, b, c, d) were crossed, but the design did not lead to 90 proper placement of the axis of
navigation.
Having defined in more detail all the possibilities for expected geological environment from seismic
standpoint, could help the field geologist to make a better decision on redesigning horizontal well path and
so to optimize the net pay.
Seismic Data Analysis
Logs and cores support the fact that assures Rubiales field corresponds to a fluvial domain, but those tools
have not been good enough to delineate the continuity of fluvial systems and refine fault framework
allowing a proper field development.
The accelerated development of the Rubiales field, based on the arrangement of clusters discussed on
page 5, has become increasingly hard to determine where to place a well and be successful.
In this scenario with a high density of wells and honoring the limits of commerciality of the field, the
team of geoscientists must make use of alternative techniques, including the analysis of seismic data
allowing to be more assertive in placing new development wells.
SPE-171081-MS 13

For the seismic data analysis a series of procedures that allowed first conditioning the seismic data
removing the noise from seismic was used, then, structural filters were applied. Those filters helped a
better definition of faults and stratigraphic elements. Finally seismic attributes as dip volumes, semblance
volumes and curvature maps were applied, to define the depositional environment and structural features
through seismic geomorphology.

Seismic Data Conditioning

Data conditioning for a specific interpretation task means removing the undesired and unnecessary data,
while improving the representation and interpretability of those parts of the information that are essential
for the task. As data conditioning is adapted to a specific interpretation task, the generated volumes are
not meant to replace the original but will coexist with it as transient or permanent versions (Fehmers, G.C.,
and Höcker, F.W., 2003).
Data conditioning is performed by implementing structural filters. These filters remove the noise and
produce simple and continuous representation of stratigraphic or structural events, simplifying 3D Seismic
information. Essentially, these filters are a smoothing operation parallel to seismic reflection (Fehmers
G. C., and Höcker, F.W., 2003).
Seismic processing parameters are usually chosen such that the resulting data provides a number of
interpretation activities. The specific requirements of individual interpretation tasks may differ greatly.
Hydrocarbon detection, quantitative prediction, and stratigraphic interpretation benefit from “true” am-
plitudes and a high bandwidth of the seismic data. In contrast, structural interpretation is supplied by high
event continuity and good lateral resolution of event endings at faults (Fehmers, G.C., and Höcker, F.W.,
2003).

Structure Oriented Filtering

The goal of structure oriented-processing is to apply filtering along seismic events and in so doing to
remove random noise and enhance lateral continuity (Chopra, S., and Marfurt, K.J., 2007).
Coherency Filter Coherency filter is applied to smooth seismic reflections along the dominant dips and
remove random noise. Coherency filters are often called “Structurally-Oriented Filters (Fehmers and
Höcker, 2003; Hale, 2009).
Horizon picking and fault picking are often improved by coherency filtering data. Many seismic
attributes are also improved to obtain them from coherency filtered data. This is particularly true of 3D
attributes such as curvature and relative amplitude change. The effect of obtaining attributes from
coherency filtered data is similar to getting the attributes from unfiltered seismic data but using a larger
window. (Chopra, S., and Marfurt, K.J., 2007).
Image Enhancement Image enhancement is useful for removing random noise and spikes, used the
median option is good for dissimilarity detection because it tends to remove isolated spikes while
preserving sharp breaks in similarity that have lateral extent. In other words, faults and stratigraphic
boundaries should be heightened; noise should be reduced (Landmark Graphics Corporation PostStack
Family Software, 2011).
The function of “Image Enhancement” is getting smoothing amplitudes within a specified zone, this
filter doesn’t belong to structure oriented filters.
The analysis window for this work was define take as a reference the top of the horizon of interest and
the unconformity in the based, interpreted by geoscience team.
Note how performed the coherency and image enhancement filter to Original volume (figure 20a)
generate as a result a new seismic volume (figure 20b) with less noise and show major continuity through
reflectors that help to define stratigraphic an structural features.
14 SPE-171081-MS

Figure 20 —Comparison between Original Volume VS Applying filters Volume

Smooth Across Faults It’s applied for smoothing seismic data without considering discontinuities
(faults). This type of filter has a tendency to fill data in dead traces or where having information gaps
(Fehmers, G.C., and Höcker, F.W., 2003).
SPE-171081-MS 15

Figura 21—Comparison between Preserving Faults Filtering VS Smoothing Faults Filtering

Preserve Faults It’s applied for smoothing seismic data preserving faults and other strong discontinu-
ities, also tending filling data in dead traces or where having information gap (Fehmers, G.C., and Höcker,
F.W., 2003).
After applying Preserve Faults filter (Figure 21a), if comparing with Smooth Across Fault filter (Figure
21b), it’s observed how the first one highlights fault planes regards to second one, that smooth’s and
improves continuity.
Already finished data conditioning, it’s easier to appreciate the difference of the original volume data
(Figure 22a) if comparing the volume of data conditioning (Figure 22b) and perceive how faults planes
and stratigraphy features were enhanced. The next step is to apply seismic attributes that enable
geomorphological interpretation.
16 SPE-171081-MS

Figure 22—Comparison between Original Volume VS applying filters Volume

Seismic Attributes
A seismic attribute is any measure of seismic data that helps visually enhance or quantify features or
reservoir properties of interest, or allow to define the structural or depositional environment and thereby
enable to infer some features or properties of interest (Chopra, S., and Marfurt, K.J., 2007).
SPE-171081-MS 17

Figure 23—Comparison between Original VS Dip Volumes

Figure 24 —Flattened seismic cube semblance to the Top of the horizon of interest

Seismic attributes are a powerful support to seismic interpretation. They allow the geoscientist to
interpret faults and channels, recognize the depositional environment, and decode the structural defor-
mation history (Chopra, S., and Marfurt, K.J., 2007).
Dip and Azimuth Volumes Dip and Azimuth maps highlight faults with a throw less than 10 millisec-
onds as well as stratigraphic features that demonstrate themselves through differential compaction or
through subtle changes in the Seismic waveform (Dalley, R.M., et al, 1989.)
Dip an Azimuth volumes can be very valuable interpretation tools. The most important use is to define
local reflector surface upon are estimated some measures of discontinuity (Chopra, S., and Marfurt, K.J.,
2007).
In the process of using seismic attributes as tool, to identify geological features defined for the field,
Dip and Azimuth volume attributes were calculated. As result, Dip Volume was the more useful attribute,
enabling identify some geomorphological features associated to channeling with apparent NW-SE flow
18 SPE-171081-MS

Figure 25—Comparison between original seismic volume VS semblance volume

directions (Figure 23b), if comparing with the original volume (Figure 23a) in which it is impossible to
characterize structural and stratigraphic elements.
Semblance Based Coherence
Coherence Measures the similarity of the seismic waveform or traces highlighting structural and
stratigraphic changes in data, such as faults, channels, reef edges (Chopra, S., and Marfurt, K.J., 2007).
Semblance-based coherence In the semblance approach to computing coherence, semblance is defined
a space and a time aperture, or 3D analysis window, for the data. Semblance defines a dip and azimuth
for each point in data volume. This dip an azimuth may be user-define through flattening.
It is the relationship of average traces and average energy of all traces along the selected dip within the
selected square area, or elliptical (Chopra, S., and Marfurt, K.J., 2007).
The next step after applying the semblance attribute, was perform volume flattening. For doing that,
it was taken as reference the horizon of interest (figure 24), in order to convert it from time slice into
horizon slice, for characterizing current geological features on the unit of interest.
SPE-171081-MS 19

Figure 26 —a) Fault Polygons interpreted in the horizon of interest b) Refine faults polygons using semblance attribute

Figure 27—Illustration to explain the meaning of “curvature” in 2D. The anticlinal features have positive curvature, synclinal features have negative
curvature and planar features (horizontal or inclined) have zero curvature (Chopra, S., and Marfurt, K.J., 2007)

Figure 28 —Basement surface applied maximum curvature attribute compared with Semblance volume on the Unit of interest

On the original volume, a time slice in the unit of interest (Figure 25 a) is not showing at all, specific
features linked to depositional systems, while the horizon slice on Semblance Volume at unit of interest,
20 SPE-171081-MS

is showing up geomorphological elements such as channels with NW-SE flow directions (Figure 25b red
arrow), and crevasse splay (Figure 25b purple arrow) associated with channel-belt sandstone bodies;
additional some rectilinear features related to faults plane (Figure 25b green arrow)
Some interpretations performed before didn’t reach identify some important structural features (Figure
26 a), easily recognized by semblance attribute (Figure 26b and Figure 25b green arrow), being useful to
prevent similar events as the one exhibited at Scenario 1 (Faulting Implied).
Curvature Curvature is defined in two dimensions, as radius of a circle tangent to a curve (Figure 27).
The curvature to anticlines is defined as positive curvature, and synclines as having negative curvature.
Linear portions of a curve have zero curvature. Thus portions with constant dip exhibit zero curvature
(Chopra, S., and Marfurt, K.J., 2007).
Note that once applied the Maximum curvature attribute through unconformity horizon or Paleozoic
(Unit of Interest Base), some Channeling geomorphology NW-SE flow direction, can be identified (Figure
28). These NW- SE channels are continuous on the unit of interest as a channel belt system, as
consequence of the ancient paleo relief.

Conclusions
● Make use of seismic data as an essential tool for selecting candidates horizontal
drilling, not only during drilling process, but as an integral branch when designing
well paths geometry and length of the horizontal section.
● Seismic attributes as dip volumes, coherence volumes and curvature maps are
stronger tools to delimit a reservoir and help to assertively place new wells.

Acknowledgments
To Pacific Rubiales Energy, for allowing the publication of these recent experiences on Rubiales field Dr.
José Chiquinquirá Ferrer for his support in carrying out this paper

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