Carbonate_Seminar

1. CARBONATES APPLIED TO
HYDROCARBON
EXPLORATION AND EXPLOITATION
AN INNOVATIVE, EXERCISED-BASED,
5-DAY SEMINAR
AVAILABLE ON A PRIVATE BASIS
Presented By
JEFFREY J. DRAVIS Ph D
Dravis Interests, Inc.
4133 Tennyson
Houston, Texas 77005
(713) 667-9844
WEB: www.dravisinterests.com
Copyrighted @ 2009 by Dravis Interests, Inc.

2. INTRODUCTION
Please allow me to introduce a short presentation about my
applied carbonate seminar. I am offering this seminar on a private
basis, to be presented either at your offices or in a nearby facility.
This highly-rated seminar will provide the training needed by any
geoscientist or engineer involved in carbonate exploration or
development geology projects. Each participant will come away
from this seminar energized with an enhanced perspective on
carbonate sequences, and with new ideas that can be applied in
their daily work.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could forward this on to those
personnel within your company who make decisions regarding
training of employees. Thank you very much - Jeff Dravis.

3. CARBONATE RESERVOIRS
Carbonate rocks (limestones and dolostones) contain major oil
and gas deposits throughout the world:
* 33% of N. American Fields
* 50% of N. American Giant Fields
* ~40% of World’s Giant Fields
Discovering carbonate plays is predicated on a sound understanding
of the key controls that govern their occurrence and distribution, for
a given geological period. Seismic is but one part of the equation.
In addition, existing carbonate reservoirs can be exploited if one
understands the basic play relationships, how these reservoirs are
organized into depositional cycles, and how porosity and
permeability relate to depositional facies and cyclicity.

4. PURPOSE
The purpose of this seminar is to introduce participants to
established principles of carbonate sedimentology applied to
hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation. Hydrocarbon play
relationships associated with both shallow- and deep-marine
sequences are emphasized, stressing the interrelationship between
reservoir, source, seal and trapping mechanism. How one zones a
carbonate reservoir to more effectively extract oil and gas is
discussed as well.

5. APPROACH
This seminar is taught under the basic premise that to predict or
exploit plays, or even interpret seismic data and wells logs in
carbonates, one needs a sound understanding of carbonate
depositional systems (facies) and potential pathways for porosity
and permeability evolution (diagenesis). One needs experience
with the rocks!
I have designed a five-day seminar that utilizes a sample-based
lecture and exercise format. The seminar includes various rock
description/interpretation exercises, a real exploration core
problem with a suite of logs, and a stratigraphic-facies
correlation exercise. Exercises tied to ten identical rock sets,
comprised of samples from around the world, reiterate principles
presented in lectures.

6. WHO IS THIS SEMINAR FOR?
This seminar is intended for geologists, geophysicists, reservoir
engineers and supervisors working or planning to work carbonate
sequences. This is an excellent refresher course for those who
have been away from carbonate projects for a while. Geologists
with siliciclastic backgrounds working mixed carbonate and
siliciclastic sequences benefit from this course as well.
After this seminar, each participant will be able to describe and
classify typical carbonate rocks, interpret facies relationships,
delineate stratigraphic sequences and correlate facies within them,
evaluate reservoir quality in limestones and dolostones, and better
understand subsurface carbonate play relationships.
Participants will be better prepared to initiate carbonate projects or
evaluate carbonate prospects brought to them.

7. WHY A PRIVATE SEMINAR?
There are several benefits to conducting a private version of this
seminar in your office, or in a nearby facility:
First, it is more cost-effective. More employees can be trained at
one time.
Second, employees do not have to travel, further minimizing
costs.
Third, participants are near their offices and can handle more
easily any brushfires that arise.
Fourth, sensitive play concepts/strategies can be discussed in
complete confidentiality.
Fifth, teams of professionals (geologist, geophysicist, engineer)
can attend the seminar together. This fosters better
communication between disciplines and enhances team
work and productivity.

8. HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
This seminar has been presented 69 times to industry, either on a
private basis or in a public format open to all companies.
Private versions of this seminar have been presented to Tenneco,
Conoco (6 times), BP Canada, BP, Chevron, Exxon USA, Canadian
Hunter Ltd., Union Pacific Resources, Marathon Oil, ADNOC,
Chesapeake Energy (2 times), Occidental Oil & Gas (4 times),
Baker Hughes (5 times), Suncor Energy, Devon Canada and
Enerplus Resources.

9. INSTRUCTOR’S QUALIFICATIONS
Jeffrey J. Dravis (Ph D) is a technical consultant and instructor in
carbonate geology with over 30 years of worldwide industry and
field experience in all aspects of applied modern and ancient
carbonate geology. This experience includes 8 years with Exxon
Production Research Company where he headed up Exxon's
worldwide training efforts in carbonates. Since 1987, he has taught
168 basic and advanced applied carbonate seminars. He has
completed over 115 technical projects for clients, including
reservoir studies in Texas (Paleozoic & Mesozoic), Devonian of W.
Canada and Russia, Jurassic and Cretaceous of Gulf of Mexico, and
Cretaceous of Tunisia; and exploration studies of the Jurassic
Smackover/Haynesville and Cretaceous James Lime, Edwards and
Glen Rose Limestones, Devonian/Mississippian of W. Canada,
Pennsylvanian of Four Corners region, Mesozoic of western and
northern Africa, Permian Khuff of Qatar, and Tertiary off of
Nicaragua. See web site for details.

10. CLASSROOM FORMAT
Typical classroom view showing participants with notebook and rock
sets, as they work an exercise following a lecture.

11. TYPICAL LAB EXERCISE
Participants work in groups of two, fostering discussion and
sharing experiences. The labs reinforce the formal lectures.
This format is more enjoyable and enhances learning.

12. SEMINAR MATERIALS
Lectures are reinforced with exercises that use rock samples of cores
and outcrops, augmented by thin sections. Thin section photographs
are organized into a photo book. Each participant receives a CD
containing representative photos of hand samples & thin sections.

13. DEMONSTRATION SAMPLES
Demonstration samples from all over the world, ranging in age from
Holocene to Cambrian, are used to illustrate typical examples
of carbonate skeletal and non-skeletal grains, textures
and sedimentary structures, porosity types, and evaporites.
Participants examine these samples before tackling the formal
exercises.

14. CORE DESCRIPTION EXERCISE
Much of the fourth day of the seminar is devoted to a core
description exercise that utilizes a suite of cores from a lower
Cretaceous reefal and oolitic sequence in S. Texas. Participants
discern depositional facies, cycles of sedimentation, and reservoir
quality and relate each to log response. They present their results to
the group. Each group discusses the plays evident in their core and
evaluates the bigger-scale controls for each.

15. LECTURE SYLLABUS - 1
1. DISTINCTIVE ASPECTS OF CARBONATES
(Introduction to unique attributes of carbonate facies and controls on their deposition)
2. GRAIN TYPES
(Non-skeletal and skeletal components of limestones; criteria for their recognition and
environmental significance [exercise])
3. CARBONATE CLASSIFICATIONS AND SEDIMENTARY
STRUCTURES
(Review of popular classification schemes; discussion of typical sedimentary textures
and structures inherent to carbonates, and their significance for interpreting
environmental setting [exercise])

16. LECTURE SYLLABUS - 2
4. LIMESTONE DIAGENESIS AND POROSITY EVOLUTION
(Basic geochemical principles governing diagenetic reactions; carbonate mineralogies
and their influence on diagenesis; diagenetic environments and associated processes and
products, including cementation and porosity modification in marine, fresh water and
burial diagenetic environments; diagenetic fabrics - their recognition and significance;
controls on carbonate diagenesis; guidelines for predicting porosity trends in the
subsurface; new techniques for more effective evaluation of diagenetic history and
reservoir quality [exercise])
5. DOLOMITIZATION AND POROSITY EVOLUTION
(Review of geochemical principles governing dolomite formation; controls on
dolomitization; review of standard models of dolomitization; porosity
development/modification associated with dolomitization; review of new techniques to
interpret facies and timing of porosity evolution in massive dolomites [exercise])
6. CARBONATE POROSITY TYPES
(Review of Choquette and Pray scheme for classifying carbonate pore types [exercise])

17. LECTURE SYLLABUS - 3
7. CARBONATE FACIES MODELS
(Discussion of controls on facies occurrence and distribution; attributes and
criteria for recognition of basinal facies, foreslope facies, platform reef systems,
oolitic sand complexes, platform-interior grapestones, subtidal pelleted sands and
lime muds, and carbonate tidal flats; Review of predictive end-member models:
the ramp and platform with a steeply-dipping margin; use of Holocene two-
dimensional models stressing comparative sedimentology, environmental
relationships, geometries and preservable facies attributes; review of classical
models of shallow-marine carbonate deposition from the Caribbean, Arabian
Gulf and Australia)
8. VERTICAL DEPOSITIONAL SEQUENCES AND CYCLICITY
(Facies components of ancient carbonate sequences and their upward-shoaling
character; recognition of depositional sequences and cyclicity in outcrops and
cores; major controls on depositional cyclicity; geometries within depositional
cycles; geometries between depositional cycles; effects of progradation and
backstepping on carbonate facies distribution and geometry; guidelines for
predicting depositional cyclicity in ramps or steep-margined platform settings; use
of depositional cyclicity for local and regional time-stratigraphic correlation -
implications for exploration and development geology)

18. LECTURE SYLLABUS - 4
9. LOG AND SEISMIC EXPRESSION OF CARBONATES
(Use of wireline logs in delineating carbonate facies and depositional cyclicity;
pitfalls in log pattern correlations; seismic expression of carbonate buildups and other
facies; pitfalls of seismic interpretation; evaluation of existing carbonate sequence
stratigraphic models)
10. CORE PROBLEM
(A suite of cores allows delegates the opportunity to interpret depositional facies,
break out depositional cycles and vertical sequences, tie facies and porosity to
cyclicity and log response, and assess regional depositional setting. In Texas, a suite
of superb Lower Cretaceous cores are borrowed from the Bureau of Economic
Geology in Austin and form the basis for the core problem. A suite of wireline logs is
used with these cores. In Calgary, cores from a Devonian sequence can be easily
substituted, using the facilities at the A.E.U.B. If the client has a series of cores from
a basin of particular interest, these may be used as well)

19. LECTURE SYLLABUS - 5
11. CARBONATE PLAY TYPES
(Discussion of a classification scheme relating physiographic setting to geometry of
plays; review of reservoir, source, seal and trap relationships for conventional carbonate
plays, including platform-margin sands, platform-margin reefs, platform-interior
mounds, platform-interior subtidal muds and tidal flats, and downslope mounds; review
of unconventional carbonate plays, in particular, foreslope deposits and basinal chalks;
review of case studies are discussed for each play type; extensive bibliography)
12. USE OF DEPOSITIONAL CYCLICITY TO ZONE CARBONATE
RESERVOIRS
(Demonstrates how established principles of carbonate depositional cyclicity can be
applied to more effective zonation of existing carbonate reservoirs; reviews tangible
benefits which result from using this approach, including development of field
extensions, wedge-edge prospects, improved well excellence and more effective
recompletions)

20. LECTURE SYLLABUS - 6
13. CARBONATE FACIES CORRELATION EXERCISE
(Exercise utilizing rock sample sets to reinforce key points discussed during the
seminar. In this exercise, delegates are required to interpret facies and vertical
sequences based on samples from four wells, develop a map depicting the regional
physiographic setting, construct a time-stratigraphic cross section in which time-
equivalent facies packages are correlated, and evaluate the merits of potential play
relationships based on their cross section. This popular exercise challenges the
delegates to apply all the information they have learned during the seminar [exercise])
NOTE: Discussions on evaporites and carbonate source rocks are integrated into some of the topics noted
above. If desired, separate lectures on these two topics can be provided (see below):
EVAPORITES
(Controls on evaporite formation and distribution; review of environments of formation and models;
depositional and diagenetic fabrics; interrelationships between evaporites and carbonate sequences)
CARBONATE SOURCE ROCKS
(Discussion of controls on preservation of organic matter in carbonate facies; review of models for predicting
carbonate source rock potential; carbonate source rock case studies, including discussion of how various
techniques and approaches aided a regional evaluation of hydrocarbon migration distances and pathways)

21. TYPICAL SCHEDULE - DAY 1
8:00 Course Overview
8:30 Distinctive Aspects of Carbonates
9:00 Coffee Break
9:15 Carbonate Non-Skeletal Grains
10:00 Lab: Non-Skeletal Grains
11:00 Review of Non-Skeletal Grains Lab
11:30 Lunch
12:30 Carbonate Skeletal Grains
1:15 Coffee Break
1:30 Carbonate Skeletal Grains - Continued
2:30 Lab: Skeletal Grains
3:45 Review of Skeletal Grains Lab
4:15 Carbonate Sedimentary Structures - Show and Tell
5:00 Adjourn

22. TYPICAL SCHEDULE - DAY 2
8:00 Carbonate Classifications
9:45 Lab: Carbonate Classifications
9:00 Coffee Break
9:15 Continuation of Lab
10:15 Review of Lab on Classifications
10:30 Limestone Diagenesis: Controls, Fabrics, Recognition,
and Porosity Relationships
11:30 Lunch
12:30 Limestone Diagenesis - Continued
1:30 Coffee Break
1:45 Limestone Diagenesis - Continued
2:30 Lab: Diagenesis of Limestones
3:45 Review of Limestone Diagenesis Lab
4:15 Dolomitization: Introduction and Models of Formation
5:00 Adjourn

23. TYPICAL SCHEDULE - DAY 3
8:00 Dolomitization: Controls, Models, Recognition and Porosity
Relationships
9:00 Coffee Break
9:15 Lab: Dolomitization
10:15 Review of Dolomitization Lab
10:45 Porosity in Carbonates
11:00 Lab: Carbonate Porosity Types
11:30 Lunch
12:30 Carbonate Facies Models: Steep Platforms
1:30 Coffee Break
1:45 Continuation of Lecture
2:45 Coffee Break
3:00 Continuation of Lecture
4:00 Coffee Break
4:15 Carbonate Facies Models: Ramp
5:00 Adjourn

24. TYPICAL SCHEDULE - DAY 4
8:00 Carbonate Depositional Sequences and Cyclicity
9:30 Coffee Break
9:45 Log and Seismic Expression of Carbonates
11:15 Introduction to Core Exercise
11:30 Lunch
12:30 Continuation of Core Exercise
3:00 Review of Core Exercise
5:00 Adjourn

25. TYPICAL SCHEDULE - DAY 5
8:00 Carbonate Play Types
9:00 Coffee Break
9:15 Carbonate Play Types - Continued
10:00 Coffee Break
10:30 Use of Depositional Cyclicity to Zone Carbonate Reservoirs
11:30 Lunch
12:30 Carbonate Facies Correlation Exercise
3:15 Review of Correlation Exercise
4:00 Adjourn

26. COMMENTS FROM PAST SEMINAR ATTENDEES - 1
"This was one of the best 5-day courses I have taken - learned enough about carbonates
that I could start a carbonate project and know where to look for help and what type of
preparation I need, and that should help the company.”
“Instructor was very knowledgeable and though-provoking. He appeared thoroughly
competent in all aspects of carbonate geology, and possessed a very likable personality
and temperament. Works very well with people."
"It (this seminar) will help me as a development geologist to interject regional concepts
into my interpretation."
Quality of Instruction: "Excellent. Speaker was very articulate, open to questions and
made an effort to walk around, ask questions and give advice during exercises."
"The core and laboratory exercises were based on real exploration examples and were
very effective.”
"This course is especially useful for the siliciclastic-background geologist who is
starting out in carbonates."

27. COMMENTS FROM PAST SEMINAR ATTENDEES - 2
"Considering that I have never had any training in carbonates..., the course was very
well run and organized and I learned a good deal about the subject matter."
"Good all around course directed at petroleum problems and objectives. A good
mixture of classical theory, case studies, new findings and practical applications."
" Overall, I really enjoyed the class and gained a great deal from it. I will strongly
recommend this course to other engineers."
"It is obvious that Jeff has taught this course many times - excellent command of
material and direction for the course. One of the best courses I've attended."
"Enjoyed material and became excited about learning again by your relaxed and
excellent teaching style."
"Jeff Dravis has put together the best geologically-oriented course I have taken in my
seven years with Conoco. Five stars!"

28. COMMENTS FROM PAST SEMINAR ATTENDEES - 3
“Having very limited background in carbonates, I now have a solid foundation
upon which I can better communicate with geologists in my group.”
“The class shows how previous models may have overlooked potential reservoirs.
We might be able to re-evaluate our areas and find new reserves.”
“I work very closely with geologists and geophysicists. When reviewing plays,
wells, cores, samples (drilling), this course will definitively help me interact with
them much better.”
“Authoritative, well-paced and clear instruction with clear, logical flow and good
balance between theory and practical exercises.”

29. COSTS - TEXAS SEMINAR
A flat fee of $18, 900 USD is charged for this seminar when it is presented in
Houston or elsewhere within the State of Texas. The maximum number of
participants is limited to 20. This fee includes: the course manual (700+ pages,
keyed to lectures; with color viewgraphs [notebooks cost ~$225 each to reproduce]);
all handouts; CD with color images of samples (rocks and thin sections) utilized in
exercises; instructor’s time for preparation (2+ days); time for teaching (5 days); and
any instructor’s travel and lodging expenses. Client is expected to provide a suitable
room for lectures, and a room for the core exercise (4th day), as well as
beverage/coffee service each day. This fee also covers charges for rental and
shipping of cores (40 boxes+) from the Bureau of Economic Geology in Austin,
Texas. Full teaching fee ($18, 900) is payable 15 days before the start of the
seminar.
For a seminar with 15 people, the per person cost is well below what a comparable
public seminar would cost, and saves on travel and lodging costs.

30. COSTS - OUTSIDE OF TEXAS
For seminars presented outside of Houston or in Canada, the
seminar fee remains the same. For seminars presented at other
international locations, the fees are negotiable and will be somewhat
higher. In areas outside of Texas, clients usually must substitute
other cores for a core exercise (and assume costs), or fill the time
with additional lectures of their choice. This time can be used to
review the client’s carbonate projects or play prospects. Clients
outside of Houston agree to reimburse expenses associated with
shipping of notebooks, handouts, and other exercise materials (rock
sets, photo books, etc.). Clients outside of Houston also agree to
reimburse instructor for reasonable travel (business class for flights
longer than 4 hours), and food and lodging expenses.

31. SCHEDULING OF SEMINAR
Less than a one-month lead time is usually required to organize
and prepare for an in-house seminar, if it is presented in Texas.
Such a time framework also is contingent upon the instructor’s
technical consulting load at the time, and the cores being
available for rental from the Bureau of Economic Geology in
Austin.
For seminars held internationally, a one- to two-month lead time
is normally required, but this varies depending on the country.
Note that this seminar can be tailored to fit your needs and time
framework. Two or more companies may consider a combined
sponsorship of this seminar for their employees.
If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Dravis at (713)
667-9844 or by e-mail at jdravi@rice.edu
Thank you for your time. (July, 2009)