Recent Advances in Coring and Core Analysis for Reservoir Description
By
Gharib Moustafa Hamada1
(1) King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The main goal of core analysis is to reduce uncertainty in reservoir
evaluation by providing data representative of the reservoir at in situ
conditions. Core analysis has to be integrated with field and production data to
minimize reservoir uncertainties that cannot be addressed with other data
sources such as well logging, well testing or seismic. These requirements define
the coring objectives, core handling and core analysis schedule. These
objectives cannot be achieved by coring a single well. Coring program is thus an
integral part of the reservoir history cycle. The post- eighties economics of
the petroleum industry, expressed as a need for ever more cost effective
technology, combined with the need to evaluate thin bed
and non conventional
reservoir by means of vertical and horizontal wells, serve as both the
controlling factor and driving force, respectively, behind the development of
new techniques of coring and core analysis. echniques are constantly being
improved or new ones are introduced. In proper core analysis the concept of
automatic geological core description is growing with the use of the mini-permeameter
and the proliferation of sophisticated analysis methods such as SEM / EDX, X-ray
CT, NMR and PIA. These Hi-Tech methods provide a wealth of micro structural and
microscopic information previously undreamed of. This paper presents the recent
and emerging developments and trends in coring technology and core analysis.
This is to enhance the reservoir description and evaluation processes.
Eventually the main challenges in core analysis and recent trends affecting
future tool developments will be provided.