SPE 109646
Permeability and Saturation Evaluation in Deepwater Turbidite Utilizing Logging-
While-Drilling Low-Gradient Magnetic Resonance
Kevin Turco and Jim Brenneke, BP, and Segun Jebutu, Andrew Kirkwood, Holger Thern, Roland Chemali, and
Thomas Kruspe, Baker Hughes INTEQ
Copyright 2007, Society of Petroleum Engineers
This paper was prepared for presentation at the 2007 SPE Annual Technical Conference and
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Abstract
The economic recovery of hydrocarbons from deepwater
reservoirs continues to be a major challenge facing the
exploration and production industry, not just contending with
the multitude of market uncertainties, but also, more
importantly, reservoir deliverability uncertainties associated
with deeply deposited pay targets. One large field subject of
this study is such, deposited in stacked Pliocene sandstones.
These are high net-to-gross, with predominant very fine-
grained sands. The efficient sweep of the oil in place requires
a detailed understanding of the network of the reservoir pore
structure, and the permeability distribution and capillary
bound fluids.
To better understand and characterize the permeability and
to help quantify the potential reserves, a novel low gradient
magnetic resonance LWD tool for application on conventional
drilling assemblies was used. This is a major departure from
the more conventional techniques which use high gradient
magnetic resonance on post-drilled wireline platforms.
Advantages of an LWD approach are twofold; the wellbore is
in good condition at the time of drilling, yielding high quality
data, and the gain in rig time is significant.
The high quality magnetic resonance dataset acquired was
confirmed by overlaying with stationary measurements. The
data was integrated with offset core data to normalize
permeability models and saturation functions. LWD density
images acquired during drilling were also used to provide
detailed visualizations of the internal laminations of the
turbidites, as well as a reservoir structural setting. Formation
pressures and mobility measurements acquired during drilling
were also integrated in the normalization process to
characterize the deliverability of the sands.
The resulting permeability model was used to study and
redesign future development in the field. The saturation results
also provide an improvement over the previous resistivity-only
based saturation values, which were pessimistic due to the
fine-grained structure of the reservoir sands.
Introduction
The oil field subject of this study is located in the Gulf of
Mexico. Like most oil fields in the area, the reservoir rock is
made of unconsolidated sandstone and turbidites. Efficient
sweep of the oil in place requires an accurate reservoir model
to determine the best drainage strategy. The reservoir model
must be based on true petrophysical descriptions detailing the
local inhomogeneities and the variations in permeability, pore
size distribution, irreducible water saturation and capillary
pressure magnitudes.
The study begins by identifying three main facies and
correlating them across the known portion of the field. Given
the importance of the petrophysical characterization, a multi-
faceted approach was undertaken, acquiring multiple types of
data, then integrating them in comprehensive models
corresponding to the identified facies. Cores were obtained
from selected key intervals and analyzed in the laboratory for
fundamental petrophysical characteristics: porosity, pore size
distribution, and permeability. Magnetic resonance played a
key role in both surface core analysis and downhole logging.
The measurement techniques employed in magnetic resonance
data acquisition on cores and in LWD, respectively, were
similar in design to bridge across core laboratory data and
LWD logs.
Irreducible water saturations (Swi) were estimated through
magnetic resonance by using an approach similar to the
“cumulative NMR porosity amplitude method”1. Close
agreement was observed between petrophysical analysis on
cores, magnetic resonance data acquired on cores, and LWD
magnetic resonance logs. By comparison, saturation estimates
derived from resistivity were less favorable, probably due to
the variability of the Archie saturation parameters.
Permeability estimates based on Coates-Timur equations2
were calibrated on cores and extended through LWD. The
permeability values were then found to be quite consistent
with the mobility information from Wireline Formation Tester
and from LWD Formation Tester.
Reservoir Geology
The geology consists of a complex stack of Pliocene turbidite
sandstone reservoirs. The internal architecture of the
2 SPE 109646
sandstones reveal significant depositional and post-
depositional heterogeneity. The structure has a terrace section
of channelized lobes, relatively undeformed, gently grading
into the mid-section ramp in shale-baffled shingles. The mid-
section ramp is characterized by post-depositional
microfractured deformation bands. (Figure 1) The structure
then tails into the trough section in sand -shale sequences, with
significant laminations towards the base of the reservoir. The
entire stack column is about 2100 ft, thus reflecting the
volumetric potential. The reservoir hydrocarbon is
undersaturated oil with little acquifer presence.
J2
increased
deformation
on Ramp
K2
Terrace Ramp Trough
Figure 1. Schematic cross section of the Field Sands.
Correlations Across the Structure
Comprehensive core data is available on one well only, but
facies analysis helps correlate across the structure with a high
degree of confidence (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Core analysis and core photos lead to a classification in
three major facies shown below. The most favorable is
“Homogeneous”, sometimes subdivided into “Homogeneous 1”
and “Homogeneous 2.”
Three major facies are first identified from the cores and
then correlated to LWD logs. The facies analysis was
primarily based on core examinations and core-to-log
correlation using core images and downhole LWD images
from azimuthal density (Figure 3).
J3
Figure 3. Litho-Facies based mainly on core images and LWD
density images help correlate like intervals across the field.
The three main facies are designated as follows:
Microfractures facies corresponds to the “ramp” portion of the
reservoir; Homogeneous is the desirable high porosity, high
permeability portion of the reservoir, and Sand/Shale
Laminations facies describe the sequences seen in the lower
interval of the reservoir. Sometimes we subdivide the
Homogeneous facies into Homogeneous 1 and Homogeneous
2 respectively, where Homogeneous 2 is coarser.
Petrophysical Information Obtained from Core
Analysis
Among the most important data sought through this exercise
was the irreducible water saturation Swi. Given the water-free
oil production, the main section of the reservoir is believed to
be at irreducible water saturation. Conventional Archie
interpretation of the resistivity yields water saturation values
which are likely too high for the Homogeneous Facies section.
It will be shown through integrated core analysis and LWD
log interpretation with magnetic resonance that the resistivity
based interpretation yields pessimistic saturation values while
magnetic resonance both in the laboratory and in LWD yields
more consistent saturation estimates.
Logging data, mainly from LWD with some limited
wireline, was acquired from three wells designated as “Well
A”, “Well B” and “Well C”, respectively. Cores were only
SPE 109646 3

available from “Well C”. The cored intervals encompassed a

significant portion of the reservoir. Core analysis, as described
below, was extensive and thorough. Porosity values were
normalized to downhole pore pressure and confining pressure
conditions.
The cores were slabbed and the slabs were laid side by side
with the logs. Optimal plug sample depths were selected. Ten
core plugs were cut, in two different sizes: 1.5 in. plugs were
characterized at room temperature and pressure. One-inch
plugs were also characterized at 150°F and with a net
confining pressure of 1900 psi to simulate downhole
conditions.
In addition, oil production samples from the reservoir were
evaluated and their density and viscosity renormalized to
downhole conditions.
Petrophysical evaluation of the cores was carried out in
conjunction with laboratory NMR evaluation in order to better
understand and calibrate magnetic resonance logs. The
magnetic resonance bench instrument, Maran Ultra
Figure 4. Comparison of the oil saturated and brine saturated
Spectrometer, was operated with a Te of 0.6 msec matching states yields a hydrogen index of 0.975 for the native oil.
the Te of the downhole LWD sensor. T2 spectra were acquired Hydrogen index was measured with a laboratory magnetic
with virtually identical measurement characteristics as resonance instrument.
downhole. Both surface and downhole measurements were
performed under near-zero gradient field with a Larmor The bulk native oil itself was also characterized with the
frequency on the order of 500 KHz. Identical acquisition Maran magnetic resonance bench instrument. Results from
sequences and wait times (six seconds) were used for both bulk oil T2 measurement in the laboratory, at simulated
environments. downhole temperature and pressure conditions are reported in
Core plugs were evaluated in the sequence of steps Figure 5. A paraffin content of 8.4%, with a wax appearance
detailed below, combining standard petrophysical assessment temperature of 127°F, and an asphaltene content of 3.2% in
and magnetic resonance T2 spectrum. weight were noted in the stock tank oil. Bulk oil showed a
In the first step, plugs were taken in their fresh native state. mean relaxation time T2 of 420 msec.
Some oil from production was even added to the cores under
back pressure to compensate for fluid losses during handling
and to more accurately reconstruct the native state. Magnetic
resonance T2 distributions were acquired at room temperature
and pressure conditions, then in the case of 1-in. plugs, at the
elevated pressure and temperature conditions cited above.
Core plugs were then “cool extracted”, leached, and dried
to Swi at 210°F. Cool extraction was used because of the
unconsolidated nature of the samples. Helium porosity and
permeability were measured for each sample. In order to
simulate overburden, the petrophysical measurements were
conducted at net confining stress for the one-inch core plugs.
In the next step, core plugs were vacuum-saturated with
brine of 4% KCl. Magnetic resonance spectra were acquired
once more, at surface temperature and zero stress conditions
for the 1.5-in. plugs and at surface and simulated downhole
conditions for the 1-in. plugs.
Comparing the measured porosity values from magnetic
resonance for the initial oil saturated condition and for the
brine saturated condition respectively yields a direct Figure 5. T2 Distribution of native bulk oil measured in the
laboratory at simulated downhole temperature and pressure
assessment of the hydrogen index of the reservoir oil. The conditions.
comparison is shown in Figure 4. The chart indicates good
agreement between the two sets of magnetic resonance Consistency of porosity evaluation from direct
measurements when one assumes a calculated Hydrogen Index petrophysical core analysis and from laboratory magnetic
of 0.975 for the formation oil. resonance was also assessed. Recall that NMR core porosity
measurements were conducted in the fresh state, resaturated
with native oil. Alternative porosity measurements were also
made by determination of the immersed weight. Both data
4 SPE 109646
agreed with each other and with standard helium
measurements conducted in later phases of the analysis. On
the limited set of samples, total porosity from NMR compared
well with porosity from core analysis except for one core plug
(Figure 6). For that particular core sample, the T2 spectrum
featured fast decaying components below 1 msec indicating
probable clay swelling.
Figure 6. Favorable comparison between magnetic-resonance
derived core porosity and helium porosity from standard core
analysis. One anomalous point is probably due to swelling shale.
Reconciling laboratory core data with downhole LWD logs
requires that measurements be corrected to downhole
conditions by accounting for temperature effect, for pore
pressure effect, and for the reduction in porosity due to the
confining stress from the overburden. The confining stress is
estimated by subtracting the pore pressure from the
overburden pressure created by the total weight of the
overlaying formations. The confining stress was estimated for
the subject reservoir to be 1900 psi.
Total porosity was accurately measured for one core plug
both at surface conditions and at downhole stress conditions.
A difference of 2.5 p.u. was observed (Figure 6). This
seemingly large difference is consistent with the mechanical
weakness of the unconsolidated reservoir subject of this study.
LWD NMR Technology
Previous observations had shown variations in permeability
across the field that did not correlate with resistivity, porosity,
or density. These variations are significant and must be taken
into account in optimizing the development and drainage
strategy of the reservoir. Magnetic resonance was included in
the logging program in order to evaluate variations in
permeability across the field.
There were two main reasons for acquiring magnetic
resonance data in LWD rather than wireline. The first reason
was related to borehole quality. In the unconsolidated sands of
the Gulf of Mexico there is sometimes a tendency for the
borehole to degrade over time and exhibit some detrimental
irregularities between the drilling phase and the wireline
logging phase. The second reason was economical in terms of
rig time savings, especially important in the deep offshore
environment.
The LWD magnetic resonance instrument selected for this
study has a near-zero gradient field and has been described in
greater detail in past publications3. The main advantage of its
design is the capability to acquire a full T2 spectrum under
normal drilling conditions, with minimal interference with the
drilling process. The tool is mechanically held in place by
non-rotating centralizers mounted on diamond bearings. In
addition, the measurement’s inter-echo spacing is maintained
at a short 0.6 msec to further enhance immunity to drilling
induced vibrations. One potential limitation with this design is
its inability to perform detailed hydrocarbon typing by the
variable gradient field method. Alternative methods using
variable inter-echo spacings and wait times could be used, but
the application was not deemed important enough for this
study. Unlike traditional wireline NMR T2 spectra, the T2
recorded by this LWD instrument has almost no diffusion
component, similar to the so-called intrinsic T2.
Figure 7. Schematic of the sensor of the LWD magnetic resonance
instrument. The zone of investigation or sensitive volume,
represented by the toroid, is in near-zero gradient field.
The radial static magnetic field pattern B0 shown in Figure
7, combined with the radio frequency field B1, create a toroid
shaped zone of investigation. For the wells in this study, wait
time was set at six seconds, long enough to ensure 95%
polarization.
Water Saturation and Reservoir Rock Quality from
LWD Magnetic Resonance
The volumetric estimation of water saturation is more
accurately determined as a function of both the reservoir rock
quality and height above free water level. To evaluate the
reservoir quality variations via pore size distribution and
saturation profiles, high-pressure mercury intrusion
porosimetry was conducted using the incremental pressure
method. Two plug samples were immersed in mercury in a
pressure-sealed chamber and pressure was gradually increased
from 0 psia to 55,000 psia. Figure 8 below shows the height
SPE 109646 5

above free water level (HaFWL) versus saturation derived

from the capillary pressure measurements. The samples
represent the homogenous facies and the microfracture facies.

Figure 9. Slope of cumulative Saturation approach asymptote

analogous to traditional capillary pressure

Swi were also derived from conventional material balance

core analysis using a centrifuge technique and compared with
Figure 8. Saturation-Height function from Mercury Injection the saturation derived from the LWD magnetic resonance
Porosimetry. tool’s NMR data (Figure 11). Excellent agreement is observed
between the LWD magnetic resonance tool’s NMR irreducible
Irreducible water saturations were estimated using the water saturation curve and the core analysis derived Swi. The
cumulative NMR porosity amplitude approach adopted by conventional archie saturation (a-0.62, m-2.15, n-2.0 and Rw-
Volokitin1. Here the authors proposed a method to convert 0.025 estimates), is observed to be pessimistic due to the
NMR T2 to capillary pressure by using cumulative T2 plotted resistivity measurement resolution and model constraints
on an inverse T2 scale, and rescaled with a proportionality imposed by the heterogenous nature of the reservoir facies.
constant from which Swi can be determined. However, we use
a different approach to derive an Swi asymptote condition
analogous to the traditional capillary pressure asymptote
condition. For the traditional capillary pressure (Pc) approach,
the Swi asymptote condition is where a further increase in Pc
does not result in significant saturation change. In our case,
this is equivalent to selecting a T2 asymptote where decreasing
T2 does not result in significant saturation change. Figure 9
shows a plot of the slope of the cumulative saturation versus
inverse T2, from which we estimate Swi asymptote at an
inverse T2 of 0.5 ms-1. This asymptote is then entered into the
cumulative saturation distributions shown in Figure 10 to
estimate Swi for varying rock quality.
The cumulative saturation curves in Figure 10 reveal the
rock quality variation evident in the different identified facies.
The Microfractured facies shows a higher permeability trend,
but also has increasing fine grained components, while the
Homogenous facies, with a permeability of about 209 md, has
the best reservoir quality with coarser grained rock. The
Homogenous facies was also observed to be faster in drying
up compared to the other sections on the core slab. The sand-
shale laminations facies indicates relatively high permeability
Figure 10. The cumulative saturation curves for the different
in the sand interlayers, with the implication of significant facies characterize the rock quality and show the homogenous
contribution of hydrocarbon production from these facies to be more coarsely grained. On the core slab, these
laminations. sections dry up fastest.

Effective porosity from conventional logs using a Hodges-

Lehman shale minimization model is also in good agreement
6 SPE 109646

with the LWD magnetic resonance NMR effective porosity magnetic resonance measurements agree well with those
(Figure 12). obtained from core samples. The slightly pessimistic
saturation values based on LWD resistivity data are probably
Estimation and Validation of Permeability from NMR related to uncertainty in the Archie type parameters and the
LWD Using Formation Tester uncertainty on high resistivity measurements from LWD.
One of the main objectives of the study using LWD NMR was Permeability estimates from laboratory magnetic
to validate a method for continuous assessment of the resonance and the Coates-Timur equation showed good
permeability vs. measured depth based on magnetic resonance. agreement with core data. Applying the same calibration
The reservoir lithology, sandstone, lends itself to the factor to LWD magnetic resonance gave good agreement with
permeability estimation method via the Coates-Timur wireline formation tester and LWD formation tester.
equation2. The method was first validated and calibrated based
on laboratory measurements on cores, then applied on well Acknowledgments
logs and verified on discrete points against formation test The authors wish to thank BP Gulf of Mexico and Baker
measurements. Hughes INTEQ for supporting the study and for permission to
Calibrating the Coates Timur equation amounts to publish the results.
determining a single constant “C” that provides a reasonable
fit on a set of data points. References
According to Coates-Timur: 1. Volokitin, Y., Looyestijn, W.J., Slijkerman, W.F.J., Hofman,
J.P., “A Practical Approach to Obtain 1st Draingage Capillary
K = ((Phi/C)2 * (FFI/BVI))2 Pressure Curves from NMR Core and Log Data,” Paper SCA-
9924, presented at the International Symposium of Core
Analysis, Golden, Colorado, Aug. 1-4, 1999.
K: Permeability 2. Coates, G.R., Gardner, J.S., and Miller, D.L., “Applying Pulse-
Phi: Porosity Echo NMR to Shaly Sand Formation Evaluation,” Paper B,
FFI: Free Fluid index presented at 35th SPWLA Annual Logging Symposium, June
BVI: Bulk Volume Irreducible 19-22, 1994.
C: Calibration Constant 3. Borghi, M., Porrera, F., Lyne, A., Kruspe, T., Krueger, V.,
Thern, H., Chemali, R., “Magnetic Resonance While Drilling
In order to determine “C” for the reservoir under study, Streamlines Reservoir Evaluation,” Paper HHH, presented at
permeability, BVI, and FFI were measured for the set of cores 46th SPWLA Annual Logging Symposium, June 26-29, 2005.
discussed in the previous paragraph. These cores were
obtained from the one representative well (Well C). Results
were then used to obtain the most likely “C” value for the
entire set. A regression analysis gave a value of 11.9 with a
reasonable dispersion.
The “C” value thus determined was applied to the
interpretation of the LWD magnetic resonance logs obtained
in the other two wells (Well A and Well B). The permeability
estimates thus derived were then compared to the mobility
values measured by formation tester instruments. The
correspondence between permeability and mobility was
bridged by entering the viscosity values for the native oil,
corrected for downhole temperature and pressure conditions.
In Well A (Figure 14), an LWD formation tester acquired
drawdown and build-up data at discrete intervals. These
measurements were in turn converted to mobility and
permeability. As seen from Figure 14, there is good agreement
between LWD magnetic resonance and LWD formation tester
permeability estimations.
In Well B, the permeability values from the above
normalized Coates-Timur and the LWD magnetic resonance
data also compared favorably to wireline pressure sampling
(Schlumberger) permeabilities (Figure 15) The robustness of
the Coates-Timur equation in this environment warrants its
extension to continuous permeability profiling in these and
future wells in the field.

Conclusion
Consistency of petrophysical parameters across the main
geological facies of the reservoir has been achieved. Porosity
and irreducible water saturation determined from LWD
SPE 109646 7

Figure 11. MagTrak Saturation Swi shows good agreement to Core material balance Swi

Figure 12. Effective porosity comparison between NMR and conventional porosity measurements.
8 SPE 109646

Figure 13. Comparison between permeability values from LWD magnetic resonance and LWD formation tester, based on Coates-Timur and
entering viscosity of reservoir oil corrected to downhole conditions.

Figure 14. Comparison between permeability values from LWD magnetic resonance and wireline formation tester. Here again the results
are based on Coates-Timur and fluid viscosityis that of reservoir oil corrected to downhole conditions.