Stability Assessment of a Bedding Rock Slope Using Q-slope and Seismic Tomography: A Case Study in the Ecuadorian Amazon

Roads are generally affected by slope failures, and these failures can increase when there are weathered materials and high rainfall. These circumstances occur in the sub-Andean zone of Ecuador. This is the region where the study area is located. The stability of a stratified rock slope, which is affecting a section of highway E45, was evaluated. The study slope is exposed to the road, but the upper part is covered by a soil-type material and dense vegetation that makes it challenging to study. We applied the Q-slope method and seismic tomography; these methods used together worked well, because they allowed to correlate and infer information about the quality of the rock mass, even in a fast and economical way. We also performed core drilling with core recovery in the crown of the slope and SPT test. The slope presented two well-differentiated zones; therefore, Q-slope values were calculated for each of these zones. The results show that the slope is unstable. The application of seismic tomography as an input parameter for calculating Q-slope was important because it allowed evaluating the stability where it is impossible to collect geomechanical information, correlate information taken at the foot of the slope, and define the depth of the bedrock.

Quantifying the Porosity of Crystalline Rocks by In Situ and Laboratory Injection Methods

The porosity and pore geometry of rock samples from a coherent granodioritic rock body at the Grimsel Test Site in Switzerland was characterised by different methods using injection techniques. Results from in situ and laboratory techniques are compared by applying innovative in situ resin impregnation techniques as well as rock impregnation and mercury injection under laboratory conditions. In situ resin impregnation of the rock matrix shows an interconnected pore network throughout the rock body, consisting mainly of grain-boundary pores and solution pores in magmatic feldspar, providing an important reservoir for pore water and solutes, accessible by diffusion. Porosity and pore connectivity do not vary as a function of distance to brittle shear zones. In situ porosity was found to be about 0.3 vol.%, which is about half the porosity value that was determined based on rock samples in the laboratory. Samples that were dried and impregnated in the laboratory were affected by artefacts created since core recovery, and thus showed higher porosity values than samples impregnated under in situ conditions. The extrapolation of laboratory measurements to in situ conditions requires great care and may not be feasible in all cases.

Automated Verification of Sidewall Core Recovery Depth using Borehole Image Logs

Sidewall coring is a cost-effective process to complement conventional fullbore coring. Because sidewall cores target exact depth points, verification of the sidewall core recovery depth is required. We present an automated, fast workflow to perform the depth verification using borehole images, thereby providing consistent results. An application example using a typical dataset is used to showcase the workflow. A novel automated approach based on image analysis techniques and Bayesian statistical analysis is developed to verify sidewall core recovery depth using borehole image logs. A complete workflow is presented covering: 1) utilization of reference logs, e.g., gamma ray, to correct image log depth using cross correlation and/or dynamic time warping, 2) automated identification of sidewall core cavity in borehole image log using the circle Hough transform, and 3) estimation of confidence in the identification using Bayesian statistics and specialized metrics. The workflow is applied on a typical dataset containing tens of sidewall core cavities with varying quality. Results are comparable to the manual interpretation from an experienced engineer. A number of observations are made. First, the use of reference logs to correct the image log allows for determining the exact well logs values where the sidewall core was sampled, which is then compared to the initial target well logs values. This increases the confidence that the target lithofacies was sampled as planned. Second, the circle Hough Transform is suitable for this problem because it provides stable solutions for partially imaged sidewall core cavities typical in pad-based borehole images. Third, the use of Bayesian statistics and specialized metrics for the problem, such as average and standard deviation borehole image intensity in the cavity, provides customizability to work with multiple types of borehole images and with varying initial depth guess uncertainties. Overall, the use of fast and automated methodology for depth verification opens up avenues for near real-time combined sidewall coring, imaging, and verification workflows. The novelty in this study lies in using a combination of image processing techniques and statistical analysis to automate an established manual workflow. The automated workflow provides consistent results in minutes rather than hours. Results also incorporate a confidence index estimation.

Tutorial: A Century of Sidewall Coring Evolution and Challenges, From Shallow Land to Deep Water

Due to the high cost of conventional coring operations, rotary sidewall coring has become increasingly important, particularly for deepwater operations. The rig costs, operational challenges, and amount of time involved to core wells below 30,000 ft are considerable, even for wireline operations. As wells get deeper, formation pressures will exceed 30,000 psi, and differential pressures can exceed 10,000 psi, which will eclipse the capabilities of traditional rotary coring tools. New technology has been introduced to enhance the recovery of rotary sidewall cores to improve operations and capabilities on these challenging wells that will be the primary subject of this paper. This new technology can also enhance coring operations and reliability for land and other offshore operations, in addition to deep water. New improvements and challenges include: * Reliable 1.5-in.-diameter core samples, with a 35,000-psi-rated tool * New high-powered coring tools with enhanced energy to address cutting Lower Tertiary wellcemented formations (Wilcox, Lower Miocene, etc.) * Higher torque and horsepower at the bit to enhance cutting and prevent stalling when coring * High-powered surface systems along with highstrength and high-power wireline cables * Upgrades to address high temperatures, highdifferential pressures, high-mud viscosity, large (24 in.) boreholes, and improved reliability * New drill bits and catcher rings to use a high-power system and operate in harsh coring environments * New cutting, retrieval, and core handling advancements for reliability in hard, consolidated formations * Combinability upgrades to reduce wireline trips and reduce rig costs for coring * Dual-coring tools with the ability to have different catcher rings and bits downhole simultaneously on a single run, along with tool redundancy downhole for improved reliability * Combination of rotary coring and formation sampling operations to obtain formation pressures, fluid samples, and rotary sidewall cores on a single run * Downhole monitoring of the coring operation, which includes drilling functions like torque, bit force, penetration rate, core bit penetration, and recovered core length, along with tool orientation * Core recovery information to enable 100% core verification downhole, so extra cores are not cut unnecessarily during the job, with individual core plugs measured and verified downhole * A unique method to seal the cores in a pressurecompensated coring tube downhole to capture all the formation fluids in the rock in downhole conditions * Complete rotary coring downhole operations can be monitored remotely for offsite interaction during the coring operation Besides reviewing historical coring tools and techniques, new technology is also discussed in more detail. The new technology starts with the introduction of the 1.5-in.-diameter rotary sidewall coring tools for deep water over a decade ago. Many applications and technologies are presented to show their effectiveness for deepwater operations. The successful examples include acquiring 1.5-in. cores in large boreholes, hard formations, deep wells, high-differential pressures, and extreme hydrostatic pressure. There are also examples of new technology available for future operations, including dual coring, combination coring, and sealed pressurized coring.

Advanced Use of Borehole Acoustic Televiewer (ATV) for Structural Interpretation of Unconformity-Related Uranium Deposits

The structural controls on unconformity-related uranium deposits of the Athabasca basin, Saskatchewan, Canada, are a matter of debate regarding the role of inherited fault systems and their reactivation. This can be related to the lack of outcrops allowing for direct observations, the strong clay alteration halos wrapping deposits that often obliterate structures, and the poor core recovery related to drilling strongly altered and mineralized intervals, which limits observation of structures and reliable oriented measurements. Borehole imaging technology is an invaluable alternative for obtaining oriented data through challenging drilling intervals. The use of borehole Acoustic Televiewer (ATV) has been integrated in recent exploratory campaigns in the Athabasca basin by Orano Canada. Here, we present the inputs and benefits of the use of the ATV in the exploration of unconformity-related uranium deposits and the structural analysis of oriented data from seven inclined diamond drill holes completed in 2016 during the McClean project (Sue deposits). The main objectives were to precisely identify the structural controls of the basement-hosted mineralization, and to test the tool in a well-known site. This work shows the applicability and added value of using televiewer probes to provide reliable oriented data in zones where there is much less information available. The ATV data structural interpretation supports the concept of mineralization of dilational jogs opening during preexisting shear-related foliation under right-lateral reverse fault reactivation. The ATV provides robust oriented data, allowing for a better understanding of the meaning of flat-lying mineralized structures along the Sue trend.

Case History: Coring in ERD Well with Collision Risk Challenge and Optimization of Coring Parameters Based on Previous Coring Jobs in Carbonate Formation Alleviated Core Recovery

Coring during the development phase of an oil and gas field is very costly; however, the subsurface insights are indispensable for a Field Development Team to study reservoir characterization and well placement strategy in Carbonate formations (Dolomite and limestone with Anhydrite layers). The objective of this case study is to capture the successful coring operation in high angle ERD wells, drilled from the fixed well location on a well pad of an artificial island located offshore in the United Arab Emirates. The well was planned and drilled at the midpoint of the development drilling campaign, which presented a major challenge of wellbore collision risk whilst coring in an already congested area. The final agreed pilot hole profile was designed to pass through two adjacent oil producer wells separated by a geological barrier, however, the actual separation ratio was < 1.6 (acceptable SF to drill the well safely), which could have compromised the planned core interval against the Field Development Team's requirement. To mitigate the collision risks with offset wells during the coring operation, a low flow rate MWD tool was incorporated in the coring BHA to monitor the well path while cutting the core. After taking surveys, IFR and MSA corrections were applied to MWD surveys, which demonstrated an acceptable increase in well separation factor as per company Anti-Collision Risk Policy to continue coring operations without shutting down adjacent wells. A total of 3 runs incorporating the MWD tool in the coring BHA were performed out of a total of 16 runs. The maximum inclination through the coring interval was 73° with medium well departure criteria. The main objective of the pilot hole was data gathering, which included a full suite of open hole logging, seismic and core cut across the target reservoir. A total of 1295 ft of core was recovered in a high angle well across the carbonate formation's different layers, with an average of 99% recovery in each run. These carbonate formations contain between 2-4% H2S and exhibit some fractured layers of rock. To limit and validate the high cost of coring operations in addition to core quality in the development phase, it was necessary to avoid early core jamming in the dolomite, limestone and anhydrite layers, based on previous coring runs in the field. Core jamming leads to early termination of the coring run and results in the loss of a valuable source of information from the cut core column in the barrel. Furthermore, it would have a major impact on coring KPIs, consequently compromising coring and well objectives. Premature core jamming and less-than-planned core recovery from previous cored wells challenged and a motivated the team to review complete field data and lessons learned from cored offset wells. Several coring systems were evaluated and finally, one coring system was accepted based on core quality as being the primary KPI. These lessons learned were used for optimizing certain coring tools technical improvements and procedures, such as core barrel, core head, core handling and surface core processing in addition to the design of drilling fluids and well path. The selection of a 4" core barrel and the improved core head design with optimized blade profile and hold on sharp polished cutters with optimized hydraulic efficiency, in addition to the close monitoring of coring parameters, played a significant role in improving core cutting in fractured carbonate formation layers. This optimization helped the team to successfully complete the 1st high angle coring operation offshore in the United Arab Emirates. This case study shares the value of offset wells data for coring jobs to reduce the risk of core jamming, optimize core recovery and reduce wellbore collision risks. It also details BHA design decisions(4"core barrel, core head, low flow rate MWD tool and appropriate coring parameters), all of which led to a new record of cutting 1295 ft core in a carbonate formation with almost 100% recovery on surface.

Coring not Boring

Coring and core analysis are considered the only direct and physical data to provide a true reflect to the reservoir properties. The measured properties are used to calibrate subsurface models and ensures close to reality properties. Representative data is critical to allow achieving such target. Coring planning and close follow up from the day decision is taken to core is important to achieve representative data. The approach followed in this manuscript allowed a high probability of successful core cutting, and representative core analysis. Field A is planned for appraisal phase and reservoir is expected to be of low permeability with sequence of shaly sands which adds complications to achieve the objective in cutting and analyzing the core. Different coring technologies were evaluated against the main coring objective of potential hydraulic fracturing field development. Conventional core is selected to offer the best value in both cost, and data coverage in compare to sidewall core. However, due to financial impact only one run was allowed, consequently it was critical to get the highest possible recovery and highest quality in one shot. An extensive planning phase investigated all variables to ensure high recovery. Rock strength and its mechanical properties allowed the selection of optimum coring parameters, coring accessories, and coring bit. It is critical to the project to collect the core and the added challenge of only single run required detailed workflow. Borehole size, mud wt, rate of coring and coring parameters were challenging due to the given one time opportunity. As a result, successful 100% core recovery is achieved, core retrieval to surface ensuring least core damage, this is demonstrated by CT scan which indicated no tripping out induced fractures. Well site core preservation reduced any weathering alteration, the selected stabilization method allowed minimal invasive to the core. Electrofacies guided by the whole core CT scans allowed the best coverage to the reservoir's properties. Long and large diameter plugs were achieved. Cleaning pilot study facilitated the selection of least damaging cleaning and drying method. Pilot small core analysis programs, and close follow up, and the analysis of raw data reduced the risk of unrepresentative core analysis results. Conventional core analysis data allowed refining and enhancing premeasurement electro facies and allowed a distinctive rock typing. The detailed planning permitted us to secure 100% core recovery and ensured core is reached the surface with least possible damage. The followed core analysis strategy reduced redundant experiments and allowed representative results at the same time optimized on the cost. This paper demonstrates the best practice that is followed in challenging environment of shaly sand sequences to successfully cut core and develop a program, and workflow which reflects the uncertainties to be solved.

Initial results from coring at Prees, Cheshire Basin, UK, and future plans for the Early Jurassic Earth System and Timescale Project (JET)

<p>The Prees-2 fully cored borehole was drilled in November and December 2020 and captures a thick biostratigraphically complete, hemipelagic marine record for the Triassic-Jurassic boundary and for the Hettangian, Sinemurian and lower Pliensbachian stages.  The borehole is sited at the centre of the Prees Jurassic outlier in the Cheshire Basin, Shropshire, England. The overall JET project, funded principally by ICDP, NERC, and DFG, aims to construct a fully integrated age model and timescale for the Early Jurassic combining new data from the Prees core with data generated from the historic Llanbedr (Mochras Farm) borehole in NW Wales.  The new timescale and a wide range of geological data are then being used to reconstruct and understand diverse aspects of the Early Jurassic Earth system, and to provide constraints on astronomical solutions for solar system dynamics over this crucial time interval that links oceanic records of the Cenozoic and later Mesozoic to continental records of the Triassic.  The Prees-2 borehole was drilled to a total depth of 656 m below rig floor, and the Early Jurassic succession comprises mudstone, limestone, and siltstone, which is fossiliferous throughout and includes many biostratigraphically significant ammonite fossils. Diverse trace fossil assemblages are also observed, and lithological cyclicity is apparent through the Jurassic on a scale of about one metre, compatible with interpretations of Milankovitch cyclicity in the precession band based on analysis of Mochras core. Core recovery was largely at 100% and the core quality is excellent. A suite of downhole logs was obtained and ongoing work at the British Geological Survey Core Scanning Facility is generating a high-quality, high-resolution geochemical and geophysical dataset that will provide a fundamental basis for further core-log integration, astrochronology and palaeoenvironmental work.</p>

Collisional Orogeny in the Scandinavian Caledonides (COSC): Some preliminary results from drilling of the 2.276 km deep COSC-2 borehole, central Sweden

<p>COSC investigations and drilling activities are focused in the Åre-Mörsil area (Sweden) of central Scandinavia. COSC-2 was drilled with nearly 100% core recovery in 2020 to 2.276 km depth with drilling ongoing from mid-April to early August. Drilling targets for COSC-2 included (1) the highly conductive Alum shale, (2) the Caledonian décollement, the major detachment that separates the Caledonian allochthons from the autochthonous basement of the Fennoscandian Shield, and (3) the strong seismic reflectors in the Precambrian basement.</p><p>Combined seismic, magnetotelluric (MT) and magnetic data were used to site the COSC-2 borehole about 20 km east-southeast of COSC-1. Based on these data it was predicted that the uppermost, tectonic occurrence of Cambrian Alum shale would be penetrated at about 800 m, the main décollement in Alum shale at its stratigraphic level at about 1200 m and the uppermost high amplitude basement reflector at about 1600 m. Paleozoic turbidites and greywackes were expected to be drilled down to 800 m depth. Below this depth, Ordovician limestone and shale with imbricates of Alum shale were interpreted to be present. Directly below the main décollement, magnetite rich Precambrian basement was expected to be encountered with a composition similar to that of magnetic granitic rocks found east of the Caledonian Front. The actual depths of the main contacts turned out to agree very well with the predictions based on the geophysical data. However, the geology below the uppermost occurrence of Alum shale is quite different from the expected model. Alum shale was only clearly encountered as a highly deformed, about 30 m thick unit, starting at about 790 m. Between about 820 and 1200 m, preliminary interpretations are that the rocks mainly consist of Neo-Proterozoic to Early Cambrian tuffs. Further below, Precambrian porphyries are present. The high amplitude reflections within the Precambrian sequence appear to be generated by dolerite sheets with the uppermost top penetrated at about 1600 m. Several deformed sheets of dolerite may be present down to about 1930 m. Below this depth the rocks are again porphyries.</p><p>A preliminary conclusion concerning the tectonic model is that the main décollement is at about 800 m and not at 1200 m. Also the thickness of the lowermost Cambrian/uppermost Neoproterozoic sediments on top of the basement is much greater than expected (hundreds of meters instead of tens of meters) and likely to have been thickened tectonically. Detailed studies are required to assess the actual importance of the “main décollement” and the degree, type and age of deformation in its footwall. We can also conclude that the Precambrian basement is very similar to the Dala porphyries succession that are typically present farther south.</p><p>An extensive set of downhole logging data was acquired directly after drilling. Borehole seismic measurements in 2021 will help to define and correlate seismic boundaries with lithology and structures in the core. Unfortunately, work for describing the geology of the drill core in detail is still on hold due to Covid-19.</p>