In this 5 full-day course, 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 and an explanation on the construction of Allen (juxtaposition) plots which will be illustrated with several exercises
• Geomechanical aspects of CO₂ containment
• Trap identification and analysis in a variety of extensional and in compressional settings
• Analysis and risking of stratigraphic traps
• Unusual traps such as basement and hydrodynamic 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 in gas-oil mix in traps
• Quantitative analysis of trapped HC columns and gas-oil mix based on seal qualities of top and fault seal using the Ariane software package (ArianeLogiX)
• How to treat trap and seal risks and uncertainty in a technically sound, pragmatic approach 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 course is designed as an advanced module of the Prospect Maturation course by the same instructor, but can also be seen as a stand-alone course where the relevant key messages of the Prospect Maturation course will be briefly summarised at the start of the course. The course is designed for explorers with at least several years of experience in exploration; both geologists and seismic interpreters, and their supervisors / team leaders.

• Advanced

At the end of the course, the participants will understand the critical elements of hydrocarbon traps and how they affect the trap risk and volume of trapped hydrocarbons. This should enable the 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 focussed search for alternative trap types (deeper, stratigraphic and unusual) in mature basins. Each topic is introduced by a lecture, and learning is re-inforced by practical exercises, including hands-on use of specialist software for seal analysis, and discussions. Hand-out material in paper and / or electronic format will be provided.

Your expert course leader has a PhD in Geology from the University of Utrecht. He worked for 31 years (1979 –2010) with Shell as an exploration geologist in a variety of functions across the globe. As Principle Technical Expert, he was responsible for ensuring that Risk & Volume assessments were carried out consistently and correctly in all of Shell’s exploration units.

In this capacity, he led and participated in countless prospect review sessions and developed and conducted a successful in-house course on Risks & Volume assessment. As manager of the Exploration Excellence Team, he performed in depth analysis of basins and plays and provided advice on exploration opportunities to senior management. Together with his team, he visited most of Shell’s exploration offices, working hands-on with Shell’s local exploration teams to generate new play and prospect ideas and to suggest evaluation techniques and technologies to apply.

In 2010, he was appointed as extraordinary professor Regional and Petroleum Geology at the VU university of Amsterdam and in 2012 also at the University of Utrecht. He was visiting professor at the University of Malaya (Malaysia).

Through his own consultancy, as of 2010, he provides advice on exploration activities to several companies and is regularly invited to carry out technical reviews. Activities cover all continents and include Portfolio Reviews, Prospect assessment, Play-based Exploration, and Geothermal activities.

He conducts courses on several topics including Risk & Volume Assessment, Prospect Maturation, Basin Analysis, Play-based Exploration, Trap & Seal Analysis, Petroleum Geology for Non-geologists.

Some of his recent publications include:

• De Jager, J. & van Winden, M. (2020): Play-Based Exploration of the petroleum potential of the Tremp-Graus, Aínsa and eastern Jaca Sub-basins in the southern Pyrenees. Invited contribution for Digital Geology, EAGE special publication (eds: Grötsch, J. & Pöppelreiter, M.)
• De Jager, J. (2020). Concepts of Conventional Petroleum Systems. Invited contribution for Regional Geology and Tectonics Volume 1: Global Concepts, Techniques and Methodology (eds: Adam, J., Chiarelly, D. & Scarselli, N.)
• De Jager, J. (2021): Handbook Risk & Volume Assessment. Self-published
• De Jager, J., Van Ojik, K & Smit, R. (2023 – in preparation): Geological Development of The Netherlands. In: Geology of The Netherlands (eds: Ten Veen, J., Vis, G-J., De Jager, J. @ Wong, T.)

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.
Request for further information post training support and fees applicable