CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION

1.1. Introduction

Despite limited understanding of the details of many diagenetic processes,

empirical techniques can be used effectively to predict reservoir quality prior to
drilling. The predictive approach depends mainly on the availability of empirical
data in the area of interest. In frontier basins, mean or maximum porosity of a
potential sandstone reservoir can be estimated for a given composition and level
of thermal exposure (or burial depth). The reliability of the estimates is
constrained by input data. Approximate values of input parameters can be
obtained from seismic data in combination with geological analysis of the area.

In basins with sufficient information to generate calibration data sets, the

predictive technique uses regression analysis. The applicability of this approach
is constrained by the limits imposed by the calibration data set and is generally
limited to samples containing less than 10% pore-filling cement. Quartz-rich
sandstones (>85% framework quartz), cemented with quartz, are an exception to
the 10% limit because quartz cementation commonly is related to burial history
and rock texture. In weakly cemented sandstones, the critical variables
controlling porosity are detrital composition, sorting, and burial history.
Permeability can be predicted independently of porosity using the same variables
plus grain size. These variables can be evaluated from seismic data and facies
models. T is approach is best suited either for sandstones in which compaction
is the main porosity-reducing process or for quartz-rich sandstones.

An adequate predictive model for sandstone suites with a wide range of cement
content can be obtained by dividing the calibration data set into two or more
subsets and developing a predictive model for each. For example, one subset can
be limited to samples with less than 10% cement, whereas the second subset will
consist of samples with more than 10% nonquartz cement. Porosity and
permeability in the first subset are then expressed by linear regression, whereas
controls on reservoir quality in the more heavily cemented sandstones are

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CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION

determined independently based on understanding of cement distribution

patterns.

1.2. Reasons of Reservoir Quality Study

Predicting reservoir properties away from well control is complicated due to the
variety of factors that influence porosity and permeability. Quartz cementation
and compaction effects are two such factors. By using specialist in-house
software, TGS is able to quantitatively model these effects and therefore predict
the possible variations of porosity and permeability of reservoirs. The
technology considers the primary textural, compositional and diagenetic
influences on porosity and permeability, along with the impact of quartz grain
coatings and overgrowth cementation. Monte Carlo simulations make
probabilistic predictions of reservoir quality by incorporating the uncertainties
and variabilities in input values into the model simulations.

Figure (1.1): (a) SEM photomigrograph showing quartz crystal (Qo), Actinolite (A) and illite
(I). Triassic sandstone, outcrop sample, Scrabo Quarry, Ulster Basin (scale bar 10 microns). (b)
SEM photomicrograph showing laumontite (L) Triassic sandstone, out crop sample, Cultra
section, Ulster Basin (scale bar 10 microns). (c) SEM photomicrograph showing albite (Ao),
illite (I) and actinolite (A), outcrop sample, Scrabo Quarry, Ulster Basin (scale bar 1 micron).
(d) SEM photomicrograph showing well developed cabbage head chlorite (Ch) and illite-
smectite (I-S), outcrop sample, Cultra section, Ulster Basin (scale bar 1 micron).

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CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION

1.3. Benefits of Reservoir Quality Study

 Reduce drilling risk by accurately predicting porosity and permeability

before drilling.
 Rank exploration prospects based on predicted reservoir quality.
 Rank development well locations based on modelled reservoir quality.
 Qualitatively analyse the sensitivity of the predictions to the input
variables

1.3. Tools of Reservoir Quality Study

o Large-scale tools: like seismic and out crop.

o Medium-scale tools: like log data, core and well test.
o Small-scale tools: like sidewall core and thin section.