In this 5-day VILT, the main aspects that need to be considered for trap and seal analysis will be discussed, including:

• Understanding and identifying spill- and potential leak-points of traps
• Theoretical aspects of seals and sealing capacity
• The effectiveness of Top and Fault seals
• Methods to assess the sealing potential of seals
• The calculation of Shale Gouge Ratio and Clay Smear as well as the construction of Allen (juxtaposition) plots which will be explained and illustrated with several exercises
• Trap identification and analysis in a variety of extensional and in compressional settings
• Analysis and risking of stratigraphic traps
• Unusual traps such as basement traps
• Sealing mechanisms and reasons of seal failure: permeability seals and hydraulic seals
• Dealing with traps with multiple reservoir-seal pairs (in different basin settings)
• Differential leakage of gas versus oil and its role on gas-oil mix in traps
• How to treat trap and seal risks and uncertainty in a technically sound (and pragmatic) way in probabilistic risk and volume analysis tools; also for multiple reservoir-seal pair prospects

Examples of traps and sealing efficiency from around the world will be given throughout the various modules.

This VILT has been designed for exploration geoscientists working in prospect maturation roles; both geologists, seismic interpreters, and their supervisors and/or team leaders.

Learning, methods and tools

The VILT will be delivered online in 5 sessions of 3.5 hours per day, with 2 breaks of 10 minutes per day. It is the intention to have at least 2 smaller exercises per day and a larger exercise as ‘home assignment’ which should be worked on after the VILT and before the start of the next VILT. Time will be reserved for recapitulation, questions and discussions.

VILT will be conducted either via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Presenting materials can easily be done on this platform. When participants need to ask a question, they can raise their hand, write notes or interrupt the Instructor by using their microphone. The presenter can switch to a screen where he/she can see all participants (also when each participant is sitting in another location e.g. at home). There is also a whiteboard functionality that can be used as one would use a flip chart. Exercises will be done on an online platform which provides each participant with a private work area that can be accessed by the Instructor to discuss the exercise in a similar manner as in a classroom course.

Exercises are focused on understanding how traps and seals should be assessed in a practical manner as a sound basis for realistic risk and volume assessments for prospects. At the end of the VILT, participants will understand the critical elements of hydrocarbon traps and how they affect the trap risk and volume of trapped hydrocarbons. This should enable participants to focus on realistic traps and in technically sound and realistic pre-drill estimates of prospect volumes. It should also result in a more focused search for alternative trap types (deeper, stratigraphic and unusual) in mature basins.

Each topic is introduced by a lecture, and learning is re-enforced by practical exercises and discussions. Hand-out material in electronic format will be provided.

Dr. Jan de Jager has a PhD in Geology from the University of Utrecht. He joined Shell in 1979 as an exploration geologist, and worked in several locations around the world such as Netherlands, Gabon, USA, Australia, Argentina, and Malaysia in technical and management positions. During the last 10 years of his career, he was responsible for the quality assurance of Shell’s exploration prospects in many parts of the world and for upgrading and replenishing Shell’s global exploration portfolio. During this period, he had also developed extensive expertise in Prospect Risk and Volume assessments for which he ran successful internal training programmes. Following his retirement from Shell in 2010, Dr Jan de Jager took on a position as part-time professor at the University of Amsterdam and also serves as a consultant exploration advisor for various E&P companies.

To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized “One to One” coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster.
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