Application of 3D geocellular modeling to mature oil fields with Lonnie Kennedy, Ph.D.

Lunch starting at 11:30, presentation at 12:00.

Abstract: Recent advances in 3D geocellular modeling offer a transformative approach for revitalizing mature oil fields. Unlike repeated conventional analyses, these tools enable geoscientists to reinterpret legacy data, revealing new opportunities in previously overlooked areas. By integrating modern modeling with existing geological knowledge, overlooked pay zones and bypassed reserves become more apparent. Old fields have largely been forgotten as our focus turned to unconventional plays. However, such fields have several advantages for conducive to 3D modeling. First, the backbone of geocellular modeling is digital data. Old fields have an abundance of wells with petrophysical logs that can be rapidly and inexpensively converted to digital data. Even decades old petrophysical logs can now be converted to digital data for the first time. Old fields were developed to the extent that data availability, technology and economics of the day permitted. Thus, reservoirs that were bypassed as uneconomic may be commercial today. Finally, due to many factors, the production practices of the past left much of their reserves in the ground that can be exploited by infield or offset drilling and secondary recovery. Using old data in a new manner is a significant advantage ferreting out those opportunities. By employing 3D geocellular modeling, geoscientists can effectively breathe new life into aging reservoirs. This advanced technology synthesizes decades of accumulated geological, structural, and petrophysical data, enabling a more nuanced understanding of subsurface complexity. Instead of relying solely on conventional cross-sections and maps, practitioners can now visualize reservoirs in all three dimensions—capturing subtle stratigraphic variations, compartmentalization, and heterogeneities that might otherwise remain hidden. This approach is not only low cost but often faster and more precise than traditional methods. This multidimensional perspective not only sharpens the identification of sweet spots and untapped intervals but also facilitates more precise well placement and field redevelopment strategies. Additionally, the model can serve as a basis for interdisciplinary collaboration in ways not possible before. Through this innovative approach, mature fields once considered exhausted can yield fresh opportunities for recovery and renewed productivity. Several real-world examples of modeling processes applied to old fields Texas and Oklahoma will be shown

Resume of Lonnie G. Kennedy

Dr. Lonnie Kennedy holds a B.S. in geology from the University of Oklahoma, a M.S. in geology from Oklahoma State University and a Ph.D. specializing in biogeochemistry from the University of Oklahoma.  He has over 43 years of professional experience with specialties geocellular modeling, geostatistics and reservoir geology.  Amongst other experience, Dr Kennedy has worked for 15 years as senior advisor to Sonatrach, the national oil company of Algeria, and 8 years for Chesapeake Energy.  He uses advanced 3D geocellular modeling to characterize both conventional and unconventional reservoirs.  In overseas work, Dr. Kennedy has worked in some of the largest oil fields in the world.  Domestically, Dr. Kennedy has modeled and characterized small to large sized fields, finding oil and gas opportunities for new drilling, bypassed reserves and secondary recovery in most of the USA unconventional reservoirs and numerous classic reservoirs. 

Dr. Kennedy is multidisciplined and invented the scientific field of biogeochemical remediation.  Here, soil bacteria are stimulated to alter matrix mineralogy which then can destroy certain hazardous pollutants.  He led cutting edge environmental groundwater research for the EPA and US Air Force. Dr. Kennedy is the president and founder of Earth Science Services, LLC where he consults to many oil and gas operators and provides professional witness expertise in a variety of areas.