An Automated and Universal Approach for Characterizing Cored Formation Intervals: Gaining More Insight from Comparing Zonation Results – According to Geological Facie, Rock Type and Hydraulic Units.

Presented by Peter Behrenbruch – Bear and Brook Consulting

Abstract:

The presentation discusses a fully automated, universal and comparative analysis approach for defining formation characteristics: based on geological and core description, linked to logs and pore structure – pore throat size and sorting, and based on hydraulic parameters. It is shown how such analysis leads to greater understanding, more meaningful data integration while ensuring consistency. Methodologies employed make use of cluster analysis and pattern recognition, utilising a 6-parameter model space, a nomograph called ‘Global Characteristics Envelope’ (GCE): displaying porosity, permeability, hydraulic radius, porosity group (porosity/ grain volume), flow zone indicator (linked to grain size) and grain sorting. The approach gives greater insight than more conventional methods. A catalogue of models is presented, which can universally be applied to all conventional formations, clastics and carbonates. Zones are identified according to different cluster situations exhibited in GCEs: consistent diagenetic intervals (base model); very uniform intervals (3 models) – uniform porosity or permeability, or both (cluster); more heterogeneous intervals (4 models) – highly varying diagenetic intervals, interbedded diagenetically-driven intervals (e.g. pyritisation), alternating thinly-bedded intervals of different rock types, and fining sequences. Outliers can be identified, e.g. shale plugs or fractures (natural or induced). Examples and a detailed comparative case history are presented.

Biography

Peter is currently Managing Director of Bear and Brook Consulting (Company) and has more than 40 years of petroleum engineering related experience, most notably employed by Shell International (8 years) and BHP Petroleum (16 years). He has held positions as engineer, technical manager, project manager, academic and consultant, and in general management, including member of management boards. His expertise is in field development planning and reservoir management. Peter has been Project Manager for three Australian FPSO projects. Since establishing the Company in 2003, he has engaged in numerous consulting activities. In the last 10 years alone, he has conducted 98 short courses, workshops and seminars, given to 38 organisations. Peter has led core-related research since 2002 and is presently commercialising this research. He has published more than 60 technical and managerial papers. He was the SPE Regional Director for Asia-Pacific, serving on the SPE Board in the late ‘90s.