Rock Physics and Petrophysics Laboratory Tests

Geology

Plugging
Core gamma logging (for depth matching)
Depth Matching
Core handling including layout, cleaning, orientation and marking Macroscopic core description including porosity types, main lithology, main facies and plug marking
Core photography (as whole cores and close-ups)
Thin section preparation
Thin section study and Petrographical analysis including of microfacies, pore type distribution
Core log preparation using particular softwares as optional scales
SEM samples preparation
SEM analysis and photography
Bulk-rock XRD analyses XRF analyses Interpretation

Geomechanical & rock physics tests

Young’s Modulus
Poisson's ratio
Biot coefficient
Bulk Modulus
Triaxial test and velocity of Vp and Vs of INSITU and dry conditions

Scal

Mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP test) (Pore size distribution)
Absolute Liquid permeability (100% saturated with brine)
Unsteady-state relative permeability (water- oil imbibition or gas-oil drainage)
Centrifuge Capillary Pressure (Water- oil imbibition or gas-oil drainage)
Formation Resistivity Factor (FRF, a and m parameters)
Formation Resistivity Index and saturation exponent (FRI and n parameters)
Cation Exchange Capacity and Qv at one salinity
Interpretation, presentation and final report preparation

Rcal

Sxhlet cleaning with Toluene & Methanol
Helium Porosity at ambient and macroscop
Air permeability at ambient and macroscop
Grain density at ambient and macroscop
Klinkenberg (Gas-Slippage Corrected)
Rock Typing based on geological and RCAL data

X-Ray CT Scanning & Micro-CT scanning of core (CSS)

X-Ray CT Scanning of Core

Geotek MSCL-XCT core scanning system. This system is capable of generating high resolution (down to 80 microns) X-Ray CT images of reservoir core material (whole core in liner, preserved core, core plugs including rotary sidewall core).

Whilst CT scanning of the core has been a routine practice since the 1980's in most cases the deliverable is not a true CT scan but a basic low-resolution radiograph. So, the term "CT scan" has in-fact been incorrectly used – referring to the method and not the deliverable. The MSCL-XCT scanner acquires high-resolution true CT data which can be used to generate 3D images and movies.

The MSCL-XCT can provide circumferential images which are equivalent to borehole image (BHI) log data though much higher in resolution. Subtle density contrasts are visible from CT that are virtually indistinguishable from visual inspection of slabbed core – apparently "featureless" massively bedded sands can show internal structure. Core structural elements can be clearly defined and the core orientated to fit with the BHI data and therefore extrapolated into the reservoir model.

The resolution is good enough to supply high-resolution palaeotransport and facies information. On delivery of circumferential images from our first core in liner project the operator, the sub-surface manager commented "compliments on the extremely high quality of these CT-scan images!".

Micro-CT scanning (FUM)

X-ray computed tomography (Micro-CT) has been used extensively in the oil and gas industry for imaging, quantifying properties, and determining the distribution of fluids in porous rocks (Wellington, 1987). Samples imaged range in size from tens of centimeters to a few millimeters, with respective voxel sizes varying from hundreds of microns down to a few microns. Whole cores, retrieved during drilling operations, are scanned for geological characterization and for selection of locations where representative plugs will be taken for laboratory petrophysical measurements. Core plugs are scanned to evaluate heterogeneities, such as laminations, fractures, and vugs (large open voids), that influence fluid flow. During laboratory fluid flow tests performed on core plugs (core floods), Micro-CT scanning is used to measure the three-dimensional time-varying fluid saturations. Microplugs are scanned to image the pore structure and determine distributions of fluids within the pore space.