An automated and universal approach for characterising cored formation intervals: gaining more insight from comparing zonation results – according to geological facie, rock type and hydraulic units
Peter Behrenbruch A * , Trevor Doan A , Phil Dohuu A , Hussam Goda A and Spencer Quam AA Bear and Brook Consulting Pty Ltd, 135 Hilda Street, Corinda (Brisbane), Qld 4075, Australia.
The APPEA Journal 63 110-126 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ22231
Submitted: 12 December 2022 Accepted: 9 February 2023 Published: 11 May 2023
© 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of APPEA.
Abstract
Formation characterisation of cored intervals presents an important challenge in defining reservoir parameters for integration of subsurface data, to gain understanding and subsequently use this information for other tasks, for example geological correlation, petrophysical calibration with open-hole logs and vertical grid definition for dynamic reservoir simulation. This paper demonstrates a fully automated and comparative analysis approach to define formation characteristics: based on geological and core description, linked to logs and pore structure – pore throat size and sorting, based on hydraulic parameters. Such comparison leads to greater understanding and more meaningful integration, taking into account all available data and ensuring consistency. Methodologies employed make use of cluster analysis and pattern recognition and use a six-parameter model space, a so-called global characteristics envelope (GCE): considering porosity, permeability, hydraulic radius, porosity group – porosity/grain volume, flow zone indicator – linked to pore-throat grain size/sorting. Comparative perspectives presented give greater insight to formation characteristics than more conventional approaches. The extended catalogue of models presented, not previously published, can be universally applied to all conventional formations, clastics and carbonates. Facie types are identified by different cluster situations exhibited in GCEs. Consistent diagenetic intervals form a base model. Very uniform intervals are those with uniform porosity or permeability, or both (a cluster). More heterogeneous intervals are highly varying diagenetic intervals; interbedded diagenetically-driven intervals, e.g. pyritisation; and alternating thinly-bedded intervals of different lithologies and fining sequences. A detailed case history is presented involving a cored formation interval exceeding 110 m plus one other example.
Keywords: cluster analysis and optimisation, depositional environments, geological facie, hydraulic zonation, reservoir characterisation and modelling, rock typing, routine core analysis, sedimentology.
Peter Behrenbruch is currently Principal of Bear and Brook Consulting (Company) and has more than 45 years of petroleum industry experience. Commencing his career in Canada, Peter subsequently worked for Shell (SIPM) for 8 years, two assignments in the Netherlands, including Lecturer at SIPM’s Training Centre and secondment to Woodside (Phase I, Northwest Shelf gas development). He subsequently worked for BHP Billiton for 16 years, most notably Project Manager (pre-sanction) for Skua and Griffin oilfields and was also involved in overseas projects, including 3 years in Vietnam. Subsequently, he was Professor at the University of Adelaide, starting a new PE department. Re-joining the industry, he project-managed the Puffin oilfield development (AED Oil, SINOPEC). He has been a director on management boards: BHP Petroleum (late 1980s), SPE (late 1990s), and AED Oil (2005–08). More recently, Behrenbruch has expanded the company’s capabilities through the establishment of an Integrated Core Data Modelling System. |
Trevor Doan has more than 15 years of petroleum industry experience, including academia, and has been employed by Bear and Brook Consulting since 2018. Obtaining his BSc degree in Petroleum Engineering from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT) in Vietnam, he commenced work for Chevron (Vietnam) as a Petroleum Engineer. After obtaining a MSc in Petroleum Geoscience from the Asian Institute of Technology (Thailand), he continued to work for Chevron (Thailand) and joined HCMUT as visiting lecturer in drilling and production. His work has covered many facets related to field development planning for new projects and also managing producing fields. Trevor is concurrently studying for his PhD in Hydrogen Geo-storage at Edith Cowan University. |
Phil Dohuu has more than 17 years of petroleum industry experience, including academia, and has been employed by Bear and Brook Consulting since 2014. Obtaining his BSc Degree in Petroleum Engineering from HCMUT in Vietnam, he subsequently undertook postgraduate studies in Drilling Engineering at the University of Adelaide. His initial employment was as Lecturer (2005–08) at HCMUT and he was subsequently employed as a Senior Reservoir Engineer (2008–14) at Cuu Long JOC (a joint venture of PetroVietnam and foreign parties), involved with field development planning for new projects and managing producing fields. |
Dr Hussam Goda has more than 15 years of petroleum industry experience, including academia, and has been employed by Bear and Brook Consulting since 2020. Prior to his current position, he was employed by ExxonMobil: Esso Australia and ExxonMobil in UAE/Iraq. Sam held various technical/computing support positions: Australia, Asia-Pacific and Russia. He worked as an expert in reservoir simulation, surveillance and integrated production modelling (IPM) on a variety of Australian/overseas projects, and also gave training courses related to IPM. He was responsible for maintenance of upstream computing systems, with his final role being Upstream Business Process Specialist. Prior to joining ExxonMobil and following his time with Schlumberger, he worked as a Reservoir Engineering Consultant in Perth and has taught PE courses at the University of Western Australia. He obtained a PhD from the University of Adelaide, studying Core Data Analysis and Modelling. |
Spencer Quam has more than 40 years of petroleum industry experience and is currently an independent consultant, associated with Bear and Brook Consulting since 2016. His career has been varied and international: GALP Energy, Portugal, Chief Geologist (2012–15); Qatar Petroleum, Consultant and Head of Exploration (2011–2012); SASOL, South Africa, Technical and Asset Manager (2007–2010); BHP (Billiton) Petroleum, Australia and UK, technical and technical management roles (1997–2006); and Chevron, USA, mainly technical roles (1979–1996). He was involved in many diverse projects: West Grimes and Port Arguello developments, offshore California; exploration/development projects in Nigeria; Tengiz early development and Korolev appraisal, Kazakhstan; Nkossa development and Moho and Bilondo exploration, offshore Congo; PNG divestment and Bayu-Undan development, Australia; Ohanet acquisition, appraisal/development, Algeria; Pande development and nearby exploration, Mozambique; Pre-Khuff (various blocks, HP/HT) exploration, Qatar; Coral and Mamba appraisal, Mozambique; Blocks 14/32 exploration/development, Angola; and exploration/appraisal onshore and offshore Brazil. |
References
Amaefule JO, Altunbay M, Tiab D, Kersey DG, Keelan DK (1993) Enhanced reservoir description: using core and log data to identify hydraulic (flow) units and predict permeability in uncored intervals/wells, SPE 26436. Paper presented at the 68th Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, Houston, Texas, October 1993.Barr DC, Kennaird AF, Fowles J, Marshall NG, Cutten VL (2001) Determining reservoir continuity in the Laminaria formation by integrated geological study. The APPEA Journal 41, 415–428.
| Determining reservoir continuity in the Laminaria formation by integrated geological study.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Beard DC, Weyl PK (1973) Influence of texture on porosity and permeability of unconsolidated sand. AAPG Bulletin 57, 349–369.
| Influence of texture on porosity and permeability of unconsolidated sand.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Behrenbruch P, Biniwale S (2005) Characterisation of clastic depositional environments and rock pore structures using the Carman-Kozeny equation: Australian sedimentary basins. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering 47, 175–196.
| Characterisation of clastic depositional environments and rock pore structures using the Carman-Kozeny equation: Australian sedimentary basins.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Behrenbruch P, Hoang TG, Do Huu MT, Bui KD (2017) Optimal zonation of geological formations and identification of pore structures for sandstone reservoirs, including variation in cementation and fining sequences, SPE 186951. Paper presented at the SPE/IATMI Asia Pacific Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition, Jakarta, Indonesia, October 2017.
Biniwale S, Behrenbruch P (2004) The mapping of hydraulic flow zone units and characterisation of Australian geological depositional environments, SPE 88521. Paper presented at the Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, Perth, Australia, October 2004.
Hoang TG, Behrenbruch P, Do Huu MT (2016) Defining reservoir quality relationships: how important are overburden and Klinkenberg corrections? Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection 5, 86–96.
| Defining reservoir quality relationships: how important are overburden and Klinkenberg corrections?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Hoang TG, Behrenbruch P, Do Huu P (2017) Correction of laboratory gas permeability measurements using Klinkenberg type correction models. The APPEA Journal 57, 171–176.
| Correction of laboratory gas permeability measurements using Klinkenberg type correction models.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Nooruddin H, Hossain ME, Bin Sudirman S, Sulaimani T (2011) Field application of a modified Kozeny-Carman correlation to characterize hydraulic flow units, SPE 149047. Paper presented at the SPE/DGS Tech Symposium and Exhibition, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, May 2011.
