19 May 2012
 
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Rock Physics Challenges in Unconventional Reservoirs
There is no such thing as a typical unconventional reservoir, they can be shallow or deep, with high or low pressure, high or low temperature and contain single or multiple layers. New technology is required to understand these unconventional reservoirs containing heavy oils, tar sands, shales, coals and gas hydrates the properties of which demand more accurate and complex rock physics solutions and models.

Petrophysical challenges include
–Low porosity
–Clay content, distribution
–Variable mineralogy
–High TOC (kerogen)
–Analytical procedures
–Saturation
–Mechanical properties
Exploring Shale Gas in RokDoc
  • Shale classification using rock physics models
  • TOC analysis
  • Anisotropic fracture analysis using VSP data
  • Model anisotropic fractures using HTI and VTI
  • Understand fluid flows and pressure regime
  • Forward model Young's modulus and other engineering parameters


A word from Ikon Science VP Technology, Mark Kittridge

Unlike tight gas, shale gas reservoirs are not likely another extension/application of traditional ‘Archie-style’ formation evaluation.   In Ambrose (SPE131772) the image depicts porosity distribution; yellow outlines 3D kerogen network, red outlines porosity – in this sample all porosity is found within the kerogen.
 

 

SPE 131772

 

Ambrose (SPE131772)

  

Conventional formation evaluation concepts are generally inappropriate 

  •  (very) low porosity

  • connected pore volume

  • HC generation TOC

Formation Evaluation Challenges 

  • Tool response (low porosity)
  • Mineralogy modeling
  • FE data in Hz wells
  • Saturation vs TOC
  • Flow properties, mechanism integration
    • Core analysis, 2d/3d imaging
    • PP (HCPV) vs Mechanical properties
    Working with Heavy Oil in RokDoc

    There are New Fluid Substitution capabilities 

    Heavy Oil Gassmann Function

    • Ciz and Shapiro (2007)
    • Extension to Brown and Korringa
    • Handles solid pore space infill
    • Isotropic method


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