PROCEEDINGS, INDONESIAN PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION

Fourty-second Annual Convention & Exhibition, May 2018

PETROPHYSICAL ANALYSES AND PHI-K TRENDS OF MAHAKAM DELTA, A REVIEW

FOR NEW PETROPHYSICAL CUT-OFFS DEFINITION USING INTEGRATED STATIC AND
DYNAMIC APPROACHES: CASE STUDY IN HANDIL FIELD

Riksa Pribadi, Sinto Yudho

Pertamina Hulu Mahakam, Indonesia

Abstract

Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM) have been using petrophysical cut-offs based on PHIE and Vshale
values. Following those cut-offs, there are 3 grades of reservoirs quality: Very good (A-Sands), Good (B-
Sands), and Poor quality (C-Sands). However, it is necessary to calibrate the existing petrophysical cut-
offs with additional static and dynamic data obtained after decades of production.
Petrophysical review in the Internal-Median Axis of Mahakam Delta (Handil, Tambora, Tunu, Peciko,
and Bekapai Fields) that refer to burial compaction trend, microscopic textures, and clay mineralogy,
showed approximately similar results. It indicates that those fields have similar petrophysical parameters
and hence can be integrated as complement to each other in the static data domain. Moreover, there are 3
different PHI-k trends (i.e. Shallow, Intermediate, Deep Zone) representing burial compaction which are
used then as new cut-off zonation.
Labeling PHI-k data with sedimentary core descriptions has provided new static PHIE cut-offs on C-Sand
quality. Furthermore, applying Vshale cut-offs together with PHIE cut-offs showed no added value. The
cut-off can be put either on PHIE or Vshale with subsea depth as they are redundant. In practice, it is
better to put PHIE since Vshale is very sensitive to depth. They can be used together as cut-offs, but
Vshale is chosen sufficiently high just to remove unreasonable PHIE due to bad holes.
Dynamic cut-off was carried out on this study by using pressure, mobility, PVT data, and perforation
results to define the dynamic PHIE cut-offs. Different PHIE static and dynamic cut-offs confirmed the
existing grades of reservoirs quality.
Applying new static cut-offs in Handil field has resulted in more consistent net sand thickness respected
to log responses. This paper will further detail its impact on Hydrocarbon Pore Meter in each zone.

Keywords:
Introduction

Mahakam Delta is quite complexes due to consisted of multi layer reservoirs from very thin (less then
1m) to thick one (more than 30m vertical thickness), and varies in term of lateral distribution and quality
of reservoir. Hence, it’s affected to petrophysical cut-offs which are commonly applied so as to define net
pay, or simply to differentiate reservoir and non-reservoir layer. Some of purposes are net-to-gross and
reserves calculation. PHM have been using their own cut-offs definition based on PHIE and Vshale
values. There are 3 grades of cut-offs representing quality of reservoirs: Very good (sands A), Good
(sands B), and Poor (sands C). Each field has its own grades of cut-offs and zonation.
On the other hand, abundant of petrophysical data acquired since first production have never been used to
calibrate petrophysical cut-off, including Handil Field. Therefore, this paper will explain new approach of
cut-off definition using core data, sedimentology description, and dynamic data to define static and
dynamic cut-off as well as create new cut-off zonation.
(can you explain a bit why Handil became a case on this study)

Methods
Core data are the main concentration on this study and were chosen mostly of course on Handil Field with
12 cored wells, and additional 8 cored wells were also used from other fields as complement to the data.
Those cored wells were chosen based on availability and completeness of core analysis results and reports
(Tabel 1). Type of core data that used are mainly Conventional Core Analysis (i.e. PHI-k), and Petrology
Analysis (i.e XRD, Petrography). Despite those 20 cored wells, more wells were used on each field in
order to plot the Sonic data trend on shale.
Sedimentary core descriptions were also taking an important role on this study in order to make
connection between geology and petrophysic for creating a cut-off or limit between sands and shale. Each
core plug PHI-k was labeled with sedimentary core descriptions hence corresponds to its sedimentary
facies (Figure 1). Core descriptions were done by TEPI’s Sedimentologists.
Dynamic cut-off was carried out using combination of PVT data, perforation data, and pressure test from
Wireline Formation Tester (WFT). PVT encompasses viscosity and pressure for each hydrocarbon fluid
i.e. gas and oil from shallowest interval to the deepest one. Whilst, perforation data contain database of
well name, reservoir perforation intervals, results of perforation, etc. These data have to be checked and
confirmed coming from particular reservoir where there is no issues with commingle perforation to avoid
misleading interpretation.

Petrophysical Similarity Review

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1. Compaction trend
First step to review the petrophysical similarity is to see the compaction trends on shale based on sonic
log in all fields included in Internal-Median Axis of Lower Kutai Basin (i.e. Handil, Tunu, Bekapai,
Tambora, and Peciko Field).
Sonic data versus Ssea depth on each field included in Internal-Median Axis have been plotted. On each
sonic trend, general pattern was drawn, and regional markers were also plotted. The results showed
approximately similar compaction trends except for Handil Field on the upper interval. Handil sonic trend
has slightly lower value on the same burial although the general trend is still similar with other fields.
This leads to the theory of uplifting in Internal Axis. Nevertheless, sonic trends in Tambora Field which
also on Internal Axis is showing different with Handil trend, or in other words is similar to the Median
Axis trend (Figure 1).
Another notice is that the similarity of sonic trends is not following regional geological markers but rather
to burial (Ssea depth). For example, between Handil and Tunu Field for the same marker (e.g. MF8) are
having completely different compaction trend but similar in terms of burial.

2. Core photos
The similarity, effectively, can also be seen by comparing visually core photos between axis. This study
used Handil Field as represents Internal Axis and Tunu Field represents Median Axis. Both cores are
visually quite similar in terms of grain size, compaction, and range PHI-k values based on mud invasion
on the cores (Figure 2). The only different is coal strike that occurs on Handil cores, but this is due to
proximal position of Handil field hence more to landward in the basin point of view.
On the other hand, the cores are visually very different if the comparison based on regional geological
marker, in this case MF8 marker. The cores on Tunu well are well consolidated whilst on Handil well are
unconsolidated.

3. Rock textures and mineralogy

According to the compaction trend result, thin sections were gathered based on approximately same
burial. The result as shown on Figure 3, there is a similarity of textures characterization. The displayed
thin sections highlighted the evolution of medium sands from upper interval which represent
unconsolidated sands indicated by point > planar contact, to the deeper interval represent well
consolidated sands indicated by planar > point contact.

4. Clay mineralogy

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XRD data from core measurement were used to see the composition of mineralogy, particularly clay
mineralogy. Previous study has been done by Lalanne in 2008 regarding clays composition in Tunu-
Peciko Field from SU-1 to SU-6. In this study, the data were completed in terms of geological markers
and burial involving XRD from other fields such as Handil, Tambora, dan Bekapai Field (Figure 4).

Some important notes revealed regarding the data:

 Clay composition is similar in all fields and all intervals. There are three main clay minerals:
Kaolinite, Illite, and Chlorite.
 Kaolinite content is dominant in all intervals even below 4000mSS. This is probably linked to the
relatively fresh waters encountered in Mahakam, the lack of ions K+ delaying the transformation
Kaolinite to Illite (F.Walgenwiz on Lalanne report, 2008).
 There is no such thing as zero Vshale ‘clean sands’, even in the massive thick sands there is still 3 to
5% w/w of clays.

5. PHI-k trends
Finally based on review above, it can be seen that in terms of petrophysical point of view all fields
included in Internal-Median Axis are approximately similar, hence they can be plotted, analyzed, and
make synthesis together. If the PHI-k core plug data in all intervals were plotted, then they can be clearly
seen that there are 3 general PHI-k trends in Internal-Median Axis of Mahakam Delta: Shallow,
Intermediate, and Deep Zone (Figure 5). PHI-k data from External Axis were also plotted together with
data from Internal-Median Axis to see if the petrophysical similarity can be extended. Apparently, the
trends are different hence they should be treated separately.
The 3 general PHI-k trends on Internal-Median Axis were then checked and observed to explain the
relation of the trends. The trends apparently related to burial depth, and they represent of 3 rock
compaction zonation. This zonation will be used as cut-off zonation.

Static Cut-offs Review

Static cut-offs was determined by simply plotted PHI-k data on each zonation and labeled by sedimentary
facies. However, the aim of this study was to find the limit between sands whatever the facies (e.g.
fluvial, distributary channel, mouth bar sands, etc) and shale.
The formula PHIT to PHIE value is needed to have PHIE cut-offs. On each zone the formula was created
by plotting PHIT core data versus PHIE e-logs, then PHIT core data upscaled through a “Petrophysical
Log” process which is not covered in this study. The regression of the PHIT core data versus PHIE e-logs

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can be defined afterward. The new PHIE cut-offs values are 13% for Shallow, 7% for Intermediate, and
6% for Deep Zone (Figure 6).

1. Redundancy of cut-off
Vshale impact as a cut-off was reviewed and tested together with porosity (PHI) by plotting them versus
permeability (k). The idea was previously initiated by B.Lalanne in 2008 on his Tunu-Peciko
Petrophysical synthesis report. Three plots are displayed i.e. PHI versus k, XRD clays versus k, and XRD
clays versus PHI. The review was performed only on Intermediate zone with respect to other two zones.
The zone was split into three sub-groups interval based on burial depth to see the impact of Vshale and
PHI to k (Figure 7). From the 3 plots it can be seen Vshale is very sensitive to burial while completely the
opposite for PHI. On the other hand, on the plot of XRD clays versus PHI, decreasing (or increasing) of
PHI is effected by the present of clays. In other word, in changing of PHI value, Vshale has already taken
part in it.
Therefore, the cut-off PHIE and pair of Vshale with burial (SSea depth) are somehow redundant. There is
no reason to apply both cut-offs twice, i.e. PHIE AND Vshale. The cut-off however can be put either on
PHIE or Vshale with SSea depth as they are redundant. In practice, it is better to put on PHIE because
Vshale is very sensitive toward burial depth. They can be used together as cut-offs, but Vshale is chosen
sufficiently high to only play a “cosmetic” role by removing unreasonable PHIE due to bad holes,etc
(Lalanne, 2008).

2. Cut-off Sensitivity

Sensitivity of new static cut-offs on each zone were looked on three plots: Hydrocarbon Pore Meter
(HPM) – Vshale, HPM – PHIE, and PHIE – Ssea depth. The PHIE cut offs are the reference in order to
find suitable Vshale cut-off. The new Vshale cut-offs are 65% for Shallow, 70% for Intermediate, and
65% for Deep Zone. The detail workflow is described on Figure 8.
The current existing cut-offs were also plotted which revealed interesting fact that all cut-offs are
controlled by Vshale despite applying together with PHIE cut-off. Vshale is the only active cut-off in
terms of HPM. This happened due to Vshale is put much lower compare to appropriate value according to
the equality line derived from PHIE cut-off on HPM plots.
Impact of changing cut-offs on HPM were quantified. All zones are showing additional HPM if using
new cut-offs: 0.5% for Shallow, 7% for Intermediate, and adding 2.5% of HPM for Deep Zone.

3. Cut-offs validation

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Pressure test data labeled ‘good’ results were plotted versus PHIE and see if applied new cut-offs cover
the ‘good’ pressure test results. It shows most of the results are covered and only very few of them are not
(Figure 9). The data that are not covered are lying on the edge of the limit between sands and shale which
are not captured by conventional logs resolution. It could be very interesting to measure porosity and
permeability from core plug on those data which outside the cut-offs. Other cases Wireline Formation
Test (WFT) took the pressure point on the very thin layer of sands (e.g. 5-10cm thick) which not covered
by conventional logs resolution. Therefore, the data outside the cut-offs are probably related to small-
scale bias between log-scale which has averagely 50cm vertical resolution, and WFT tool probe with
approximately 3-5cm resolution.
New cut-offs are also displayed on log layout and compare with the existing one in order to see the
change of sand thickness with respect to the logs responses in individual well by well basis. The general
results is that new cut-offs are giving more logic cut-offs in terms of net pay sands and consistent to the
log responses.

Dynamic Cut-Offs Review

Dynamic cut-offs is really related to what hydrocarbon fluid inside reservoir due to each fluid act
differently in terms of production behavior, hence each fluid must have their own cut-off definition.
Handil Field is well known to have two main fluid pools: Oil Pool and Gas Pool. Pool naming represents
the main hydrocarbon fluid and main production target despite existent of another hydrocarbon fluid.
Dynamic cut-off zonation is put the same as static one due to limit of fluid pools is the same as static limit
zonation.
The main objective in dynamic cut-off is actually to define limit of flow permeability in terms of reservoir
production. Then, from permeability it can be converted to PHIE cut-off using PHI-k plot. Sequence of
defining PHIE dynamic cut-off is as follow:
1) Mean value of pressure data on each zone is picked and then used to find pressure-derived viscosity
by plotting them on hydrocarbon viscosity versus pressure plots. These plots were coming from PVT
sampling. Thus, there were six viscosity values representing cut-off zonation and hydrocarbon fluid
(Figure 10).
2) Perforation results (flow or no flow) were gathered in order to define mobility cut-off. The ‘unsure’
data were excluded due to production allocation uncertainty or problem related to comingle
perforation. Each of data then labeled with mobility and pressure deq from WFT (Figure 11).
3) The limit of flow mobility then can be defined using mobility versus pressure plot. Unfortunately, the
plots cannot be divided into more detail intervals (e.g. Oil Pool Shallow zone or Gas Pool

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 Intermediate zone) due to limited data. Some of flow points are fallen in no flow area probably due to
WFT data were taken either on thin layer of bad quality sands or coaly area hence, low mobility.
4) By multiplying mobility and viscosity values the apparent dynamic permeability can be obtained.
Detail values of permeability cut-off are showed on Figure 11.
5) Finally, PHIE cut-offs can be obtained by plotting permeability on PHIE-k plot. Dynamic PHIE cut-
offs for gas fluid in Shallow and Intermediate Zones are apparently much lower than static cut-off due
to permeability fallen on shale area, hence they are not applicable to apply as dynamic cut-off.
Therefore, the cut-offs of gas fluid on those zones will be referring to static one. Detail values of
dynamic PHIE cut-off are showed on Figure 12.
6) Dynamic Vshale cut-off is determined in the same concept as static cut-off. The function is just to
remove too high PHIE that could be wrongly calculated in shales due to badholes, etc.

Conclusion

Petrophysical review on Internal and Median Axis of Mahakam Delta based on compaction trend,
microscopic textures, and clay mineralogy has shown approximately similar characteristics. The main link
is probably burial (Ssea depth) rather than regional geological marker. Therefore, in terms of
petrophysical point of view at least in the static data corridor, those two axis have petrophysical
similarities and can be as complement to each other.
There are 3 static cut-offs and zonation based on PHI-k trends. Those cut-offs can be used not only in
Handil Field, but also in other fields situated on the two axis. However, this hypothesis need to be tested
and further studies. Main driver of cut-off is PHIE, whilst Vshale is chosen sufficiently high to only play
as ‘cosmetic’ role.
Results of 2 new cut-offs (i.e. Static and Dynamic cut-offs) confirmed the existing grades of reservoirs
quality. Detail Handil Static and Dynamic cut-offs and comparison with existing one is shown in Table 2.

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank MIGAS, INPEX, and PHM for permissions to publish this paper. Many
thanks are also extended to PHM and PHI Management for the support.
References

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Cibaj, I., and Wiweko, A. (1994-2014) : Various Reports of Cores Descriptions in Internal, Median,

External Axis of Mahakam Delta and South Mahakam, Internal report.

Jong, Y., and Pribadi, R. (2009-2014) : Various Reports Of Core Analysis, Internal report.

Lalanne, Bruno. (2008) : Petrophysical Synthesis, 15 Cored Tunu – Peciko Wells, Internal report.

Tabel 1: 20 cored wells used in the study. Wells were coming from Internal and Median Axis of
Mahakam Delta, which mostly taken from Handil Field.

Figure 1: Compaction trends on shale based on sonic data i.e. compressional sonic log (DTC).

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Figure 2: Visual comparison on core photos between Internal and Median Axis based on geological
marker and burial. Same burial is showing same visual characterization, but different in the same
geological marker.

Figure 3: Textures comparison on thin section based on same burial. Each of burial intervals is
showing same description.

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Figure 4: Internal and Median Axis XRD-derived mineralogy.

Figure 5: Evolution of PHI-k trends by burial on Internal-Median Axis.

Figure 6: Static cut-offs for all intervals. Green points on the plot indicate core plug taken on shale
interval, and other than green points indicate core plug taken on sands interval according to
sedimentary descriptions.

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Figure 7: Core plug data on intermediate zone: plots PHI versus k, XRD clays versus k, and XRD clays
versus PHI with 3 bottom plots are explaining sketches of plots on 3 plots above.

Figure 8: Workflow of defining Vshale cut-off in Deep zone. It started from PHIE cut-off as reference
(6%) then go up until crossing with cumulative HPM line. Then make a horizontal line to the left until
crossing with cumulative HPM line on HPM vs Vsh plot, and corresponds Vsh can be determined.
However, Vsh is moved sufficianly high to right on PHIE vs Vsh plot just to remove badhole effect.

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Existing cut-off is also plotted, and apparently Vsh is the active cut-off. The workflow for other two
zones is the same principle.

Figure 9: Validation of cut-offs on pressure test data, and change of hydrocarbon thickness using new
cut-offs on some of Handil wells (right layout image).

Figure 10: Handil Oil and Gas viscosity versus Ssea depth from PVT data.

Tabel 2: Detail Handil static and dynamic cut-offs and comparison to existing one.

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Figure 11: From mobility to permeability on Handil Oil and Gas Pool.

Figure 12: PHIT and PHIE dynamic cut-offs.

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