scholarly journals Integrated rock typing and pore facies analyses in a heterogeneous carbonate for saturation height modelling, a case study from Fahliyan Formation, the Persian Gulf

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1577-1595
Author(s):  
Rasoul Ranjbar-Karami ◽  
Parisa Tavoosi Iraj ◽  
Hamzeh Mehrabi

AbstractKnowledge of initial fluids saturation has great importance in hydrocarbon reservoir analysis and modelling. Distribution of initial water saturation (Swi) in 3D models dictates the original oil in place (STOIIP), which consequently influences reserve estimation and dynamic modelling. Calculation of initial water saturation in heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs always is a challenging task, because these reservoirs have complex depositional and diagenetic history with a complex pore network. This paper aims to model the initial water saturation in a pore facies framework, in a heterogeneous carbonate reservoir. Petrographic studies were accomplished to define depositional facies, diagenetic features and pore types. Accordingly, isolated pores are dominant in the upper parts, while the lower intervals contain more interconnected interparticle pore types. Generally, in the upper and middle parts of the reservoir, diagenetic alterations such as cementation and compaction decreased the primary reservoir potential. However, in the lower interval, which mainly includes high-energy shoal facies, high reservoir quality was formed by primary interparticle pores and secondary dissolution moulds and vugs. Using huge number of primary drainage mercury injection capillary pressure tests, we evaluate the ability of FZI, r35Winland, r35Pittman, FZI* and Lucia’s petrophysical classes in definition of rock types. Results show that recently introduced rock typing method is an efficient way to classify samples into petrophysical rock types with same pore characteristics. Moreover, as in this study MICP data were available from every one meter of reservoir interval, results show that using FZI* method much more representative sample can be selected for SCAL laboratory tests, in case of limitation in number of SCAL tests samples. Integration of petrographic analyses with routine (RCAL) and special (SCAL) core data resulted in recognition of four pore facies in the studied reservoir. Finally, in order to model initial water saturation, capillary pressure data were averaged in each pore facies which was defined by FZI* method and using a nonlinear curve fitting approach, fitting parameters (M and C) were extracted. Finally, relationship between fitting parameters and porosity in core samples was used to model initial water saturation in wells and between wells. As permeability prediction and reservoir rock typing are challenging tasks, findings of this study help to model initial water saturation using log-derived porosity.

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 62-70
Author(s):  
Mariia A. Kuntsevich ◽  
Sergey V. Kuznetsov ◽  
Igor V. Perevozkin

The goal of carbonate rock typing is a realistic distribution of well data in a 3D model and the distribution of the corresponding rock types, on which the volume of hydrocarbon reserves and the dynamic characteristics of the flow will depend. Common rock typing approaches for carbonate rocks are based on texture, pore classification, electrofacies, or flow unit localization (FZI) and are often misleading because they based on sedimentation processes or mathematical justification. As a result, the identified rock types may poorly reflect the real distribution of reservoir rock characteristics. Materials and methods. The approach described in the work allows to eliminate such effects by identifying integrated rock types that control the static properties and dynamic behavior of the reservoir, while optimally linking with geological characteristics (diagenetic transformations, sedimentation features, as well as their union effect) and petrophysical characteristics (reservoir properties, relationship between the porosity and permeability, water saturation, radius of pore channels and others). The integrated algorithm consists of 8 steps, allowing the output to obtain rock-types in the maximum possible way connecting together all the characteristics of the rock, available initial information. The first test in the Middle East field confirmed the applicability of this technique. Results. The result of the work was the creation of a software product (certificate of state registration of the computer program “Lucia”, registration number 2021612075 dated 02/11/2021), which allows automating the process of identifying rock types in order to quickly select the most optimal method, as well as the possibility of their integration. As part of the product, machine learning technologies were introduced to predict rock types based on well logs in intervals not covered by coring studies, as well as in wells in which there is no coring.


2007 ◽  
Vol 10 (06) ◽  
pp. 730-739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Genliang Guo ◽  
Marlon A. Diaz ◽  
Francisco Jose Paz ◽  
Joe Smalley ◽  
Eric A. Waninger

Summary In clastic reservoirs in the Oriente basin, South America, the rock-quality index (RQI) and flow-zone indicator (FZI) have proved to be effective techniques for rock-type classifications. It has long been recognized that excellent permeability/porosity relationships can be obtained once the conventional core data are grouped according to their rock types. Furthermore, it was also observed from this study that the capillary pressure curves, as well as the relative permeability curves, show close relationships with the defined rock types in the basin. These results lead us to believe that if the rock type is defined properly, then a realistic permeability model, a unique set of relative permeability curves, and a consistent J function can be developed for a given rock type. The primary purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the procedure for implementing this technique in our reservoir modeling. First, conventional core data were used to define the rock types for the cored intervals. The wireline log measurements at the cored depths were extracted, normalized, and subsequently analyzed together with the calculated rock types. A mathematical model was then built to predict the rock type in uncored intervals and in uncored wells. This allows the generation of a synthetic rock-type log for all wells with modern log suites. Geostatistical techniques can then be used to populate the rock type throughout a reservoir. After rock type and porosity are populated properly, the permeability can be estimated by use of the unique permeability/porosity relationship for a given rock type. The initial water saturation for a reservoir can be estimated subsequently by use of the corresponding rock-type, porosity, and permeability models as well as the rock-type-based J functions. We observed that a global permeability multiplier became unnecessary in our reservoir-simulation models when the permeability model is constructed with this technique. Consistent initial-water-saturation models (i.e., calculated and log-measured water saturations are in excellent agreement) can be obtained when the proper J function is used for a given rock type. As a result, the uncertainty associated with volumetric calculations is greatly reduced as a more accurate initial-water-saturation model is used. The true dynamic characteristics (i.e., the flow capacity) of the reservoir are captured in the reservoir-simulation model when a more reliable permeability model is used. Introduction Rock typing is a process of classifying reservoir rocks into distinct units, each of which was deposited under similar geological conditions and has undergone similar diagenetic alterations (Gunter et al. 1997). When properly classified, a given rock type is imprinted by a unique permeability/porosity relationship, capillary pressure profile (or J function), and set of relative permeability curves (Gunter et al. 1997; Hartmann and Farina 2004; Amaefule et al. 1993). As a result, when properly applied, rock typing can lead to the accurate estimation of formation permeability in uncored intervals and in uncored wells; reliable generation of initial-water-saturation profile; and subsequently, the consistent and realistic simulation of reservoir dynamic behavior and production performance. Of the various quantitative rock-typing techniques (Gunter et al. 1997; Hartmann and Farina 2004; Amaefule et al. 1993; Porras and Campos 2001; Jennings and Lucia 2001; Rincones et al. 2000; Soto et al. 2001) presented in the literature, two techniques (RQI/FZI and Winland's R35) appear to be used more widely than the others for clastic reservoirs (Gunter et al. 1997, Amaefule et al. 1993). In the RQI/FZI approach (Amaefule et al. 1993), rock types are classified with the following three equations: [equations]


2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sugeng Sapto Surjono ◽  
Indra Arifianto

Hydrocarbon potential within Upper Plover Formation in the Field “A” has not been produced due to unclear in understanding of reservoir problem. This formation consists of heterogeneous reservoir rock with their own physical characteristics. Reservoir characterization has been done by applying rock typing (RT) method utilizing wireline logs data to obtain reservoir properties including clay volume, porosity, water saturation, and permeability. Rock types are classified on the basis of porosity and permeability distribution from routines core analysis (RCAL) data. Meanwhile, conventional core data is utilized to depositional environment interpretations. This study also applied neural network methods to rock types analyze for intervals reservoir without core data. The Upper Plover Formation in the study area indicates potential reservoir distributes into 7 parasequences. Their were deposited during transgressive systems in coastal environments (foreshore - offshore) with coarsening upward pattern during Middle to Late Jurassic. The porosity of reservoir ranges from 1–19 % and permeability varies from 0.01 mD to 1300 mD. Based on the facies association and its physical properties from rock typing analysis, the reservoir within Upper Plover Formation can be grouped into 4 reservoir class: Class A (Excellent), Class B (Good), Class C (Poor), and Class D (Very Poor). For further analysis, only class A-C are considered as potential reservoir, and the remain is neglected.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peiqing Lian ◽  
Cuiyu Ma ◽  
Bingyu Ji ◽  
Taizhong Duan ◽  
Xuequn Tan

There are many types of carbonate reservoir rock spaces with complex shapes, and their primary pore structure changes dramatically. In order to describe the heterogeneity of K carbonate reservoir, equations of porosity, permeability and pore throat radii under different mercury injection saturations are fitted, and it shows that 30% is the best percentile. R30 method is presented for rock typing, and six rock types are divided according to R30 value of plugs. The porosity-permeability relationship is established for each rock type, and their relevant flow characteristics of each rock type have been studied. Logs are utilized to predict rock types of noncored wells, and a three-dimensional (3D) rock type model has been established based on the well rock type curves and the sedimentary facies constraint. Based on the relationship between J function and water saturation, the formula of water saturation, porosity, permeability, and oil column height can be obtained by multiple regressions for each rock type. Then, the water saturation is calculated for each grid, and a 3D water saturation model is established. The model can reflect the formation heterogeneity and the fluid distribution, and its accuracy is verified by the history matching.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olugbenga Falode ◽  
Edo Manuel

An understanding of the mechanisms by which oil is displaced from porous media requires the knowledge of the role of wettability and capillary forces in the displacement process. The determination of representative capillary pressure (Pc) data and wettability index of a reservoir rock is needed for the prediction of the fluids distribution in the reservoir: the initial water saturation and the volume of reserves. This study shows how wettability alteration of an initially water-wet reservoir rock to oil-wet affects the properties that govern multiphase flow in porous media, that is, capillary pressure, relative permeability, and irreducible saturation. Initial water-wet reservoir core samples with porosities ranging from 23 to 33%, absolute air permeability of 50 to 233 md, and initial brine saturation of 63 to 87% were first tested as water-wet samples under air-brine system. This yielded irreducible wetting phase saturation of 19 to 21%. The samples were later tested after modifying their wettability to oil-wet using a surfactant obtained from glycerophtalic paint; and the results yielded irreducible wetting phase saturation of 25 to 34%. From the results of these experiments, changing the wettability of the samples to oil-wet improved the recovery of the wetting phase.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yildiray Cinar ◽  
Ahmed Zayer ◽  
Naseem Dawood ◽  
Dimitris Krinis

Abstract Carbonate reservoir rocks are composed of complex pore structures and networks, forming a wide range of sedimentary facies. Considering this complexity, we present a novel approach for a better selection of coreflood composites. In this approach, reservoir plugs undergo a thorough filtration process by completing several lab tests before they get classified into reservoir rock types. Those tests include conventional core analysis (CCA), liquid permeability, plug computed tomography (CT), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), end-trim mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thin-section analysis (TS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and drainage capillary pressure (Pc). We recommend starting with a large pool of plugs and narrowing down the selection as they complete different stages of the screening process. The CT scans help to exclude plugs exhibiting composite-like behavior or containing vugs and fractures that potentially influence coreflood results. After that, the plugs are categorized into separate groups representing the available reservoir rock types. Then, we look into each rock type and determine whether the selected plugs share similar pore-structures, rock texture, and mineral content. The end-trim MICP is usually helpful in clustering plugs having similar pore-throat size distributions. Nevertheless, it also poses a challenge because it may not represent the whole plug, especially for heterogeneous carbonates. In such a case, we recommend harnessing the NMR capabilities to verify the pore-size distribution. After pore-size distribution verification, plugs are further screened for textural and mineral similarity using the petrographic data (XRD, TS, and SEM). Finally, we evaluate the similarity of brine permeability (Kb), irreducible water saturation (Swir) from Pc, and effective oil permeability data at Swir (Koe, after wettability restoration for unpreserved plugs) before finalizing the composite selection. The paper demonstrates significant aspects of applying the proposed approach to carbonate reservoir rock samples. It integrates geology, petrophysics, and reservoir engineering elements when deciding the best possible composite for coreflood experiments. By practicing this workflow, we also observe considerable differences in rock types depending on the data source, suggesting that careful use of end-trim data for carbonates is advisable compared to more representative full-plug MICP and NMR test results. In addition, we generally observe that Kb and Koe are usually lower than the Klinkenberg permeability with a varying degree that is plug-specific, highlighting the benefit of incorporating these measurements as additional criteria in coreflood composite selection for carbonate reservoirs.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Esteban Alfonso ◽  
Frédérique Fournier ◽  
Victor Alcobia

Abstract The determination of the petrophysical rock-types often lacks the inclusion of measured multiphase flow properties as the relative permeability curves. This is either the consequence of a limited number of SCAL relative permeability experiments, or due to the difficulty of linking the relative permeability characteristics to standard rock-types stemming from porosity, permeability and capillary pressure. However, as soon as the number of relative permeability curves is significant, they can be processed under the machine learning methodology stated by this paper. The process leads to an automatic definition of relative permeability based rock-types, from a precise and objective characterization of the curve shapes, which would not be achieved with a manual process. It improves the characterization of petrophysical rock-types, prior to their use in static and dynamic modeling. The machine learning approach analyzes the shapes of curves for their automatic classification. It develops a pattern recognition process combining the use of principal component analysis with a non-supervised clustering scheme. Before this, the set of relative permeability curves are pre-processed (normalization with the integration of irreducible water and residual oil saturations for the SCAL relative permeability samples from an imbibition experiment) and integrated under fractional flow curves. Fractional flow curves proved to be an effective way to unify the relative permeability of the two fluid phases, in a unique curve that characterizes the specific poral efficiency displacement of this rock sample. The methodology has been tested in a real data set from a carbonate reservoir having a significant number of relative permeability curves available for the study, in addition to capillary pressure, porosity and permeability data. The results evidenced the successful grouping of the relative permeability samples, according to their fractional flow curves, which allowed the classification of the rocks from poor to best displacement efficiency. This demonstrates the feasibility of the machine learning process for defining automatically rock-types from relative permeability data. The fractional flow rock-types were compared to rock-types obtained from capillary pressure analysis. The results indicated a lack of correspondence between the two series of rock-types, which testifies the additional information brought by the relative permeability data in a rock-typing study. Our results also expose the importance of having good quality SCAL experiments, with an accurate characterization of the saturation end-points, which are used for the normalization of the curves, and a consistent sampling for both capillary pressure and relative permeability measurements.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Masoud ◽  
W. Scott Meddaugh ◽  
Masoud Eljaroshi ◽  
Khaled Elghanduri

Abstract The Harash Formation was previously known as the Ruaga A and is considered to be one of the most productive reservoirs in the Zelten field in terms of reservoir quality, areal extent, and hydrocarbon quantity. To date, nearly 70 wells were drilled targeting the Harash reservoir. A few wells initially naturally produced but most had to be stimulated which reflected the field drilling and development plan. The Harash reservoir rock typing identification was essential in understanding the reservoir geology implementation of reservoir development drilling program, the construction of representative reservoir models, hydrocarbons volumetric calculations, and historical pressure-production matching in the flow modelling processes. The objectives of this study are to predict the permeability at un-cored wells and unsampled locations, to classify the reservoir rocks into main rock typing, and to build robust reservoir properties models in which static petrophysical properties and fluid properties are assigned for identified rock type and assessed the existed vertical and lateral heterogeneity within the Palaeocene Harash carbonate reservoir. Initially, an objective-based workflow was developed by generating a training dataset from open hole logs and core samples which were conventionally and specially analyzed of six wells. The developed dataset was used to predict permeability at cored wells through a K-mod model that applies Neural Network Analysis (NNA) and Declustring (DC) algorithms to generate representative permeability and electro-facies. Equal statistical weights were given to log responses without analytical supervision taking into account the significant log response variations. The core data was grouped on petrophysical basis to compute pore throat size aiming at deriving and enlarging the interpretation process from the core to log domain using Indexation and Probabilities of Self-Organized Maps (IPSOM) classification model to develop a reliable representation of rock type classification at the well scale. Permeability and rock typing derived from the open-hole logs and core samples analysis are the main K-mod and IPSOM classification model outputs. The results were propagated to more than 70 un-cored wells. Rock typing techniques were also conducted to classify the Harash reservoir rocks in a consistent manner. Depositional rock typing using a stratigraphic modified Lorenz plot and electro-facies suggest three different rock types that are probably linked to three flow zones. The defined rock types are dominated by specifc reservoir parameters. Electro-facies enables subdivision of the formation into petrophysical groups in which properties were assigned to and were characterized by dynamic behavior and the rock-fluid interaction. Capillary pressure and relative permeability data proved the complexity in rock capillarity. Subsequently, Swc is really rock typing dependent. The use of a consistent representative petrophysical rock type classification led to a significant improvement of geological and flow models.


2005 ◽  
Vol 127 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Brant Bennion ◽  
F. Brent Thomas

Very low in situ permeability gas reservoirs (Kgas<0.1mD) are very common and represent a major portion of the current exploitation market for unconventional gas production. Many of these reservoirs exist regionally in Canada and the United States and also on a worldwide basis. A considerable fraction of these formations appear to exist in a state of noncapillary equilibrium (abnormally low initial water saturation given the pore geometry and capillary pressure characteristics of the rock). These reservoirs have many unique challenges associated with the drilling and completion practices required in order to obtain economic production rates. Formation damage mechanisms affecting these very low permeability gas reservoirs, with a particular emphasis on relative permeability and capillary pressure effects (phase trapping) will be discussed in this article. Examples of reservoirs prone to these types of problems will be reviewed, and techniques which can be used to minimize the impact of formation damage on the productivity of tight gas reservoirs of this type will be presented.


2019 ◽  
Vol 142 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangnan Liu ◽  
Daoyong Yang

Abstract In this paper, techniques have been developed to interpret three-phase relative permeability and water–oil capillary pressure simultaneously in a tight carbonate reservoir from numerically simulating wireline formation tester (WFT) measurements. A high-resolution cylindrical near-wellbore model is built based on a set of pressures and flow rates collected by dual packer WFT in a tight carbonate reservoir. The grid quality is validated, the effective thickness of the WFT measurements is examined, and the effectiveness of the techniques is confirmed prior to performing history matching for both the measured pressure drawdown and buildup profiles. Water–oil relative permeability, oil–gas relative permeability, and water–oil capillary pressure are interpreted based on power-law functions and under the assumption of a water-wet reservoir and an oil-wet reservoir, respectively. Subsequently, three-phase relative permeability for the oil phase is determined using the modified Stone II model. Both the relative permeability and the capillary pressure of a water–oil system interpreted under an oil-wet condition match well with the measured relative permeability and capillary pressure of a similar reservoir rock type collected from the literature, while the relative permeability of an oil–gas system and the three-phase relative permeability bear a relatively high uncertainty. Not only is the reservoir determined as oil-wet but also the initial oil saturation is found to impose an impact on the interpreted water relative permeability under an oil-wet condition. Changes in water and oil viscosities and mud filtrate invasion depth affect the range of the movable fluid saturation of the interpreted water–oil relative permeabilities.


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