SPE 53887
Effective Integration of the Core Analysis and Wireline Datasets-Using a New Core
Analysis Data †Suite and New Software †
Dr. P. N. Theologou , Petroleum Technology Mincom, R. D. East , formerly of ACS Laboratories Pty. Ltd., Dr. A. A.
† †
Curtis , BHP Petroleum, Dr. P. J. Boult , Boral Energy Resources Ltd., and A. M. Drake, ACS Laboratories Pty. Ltd.
†
SPE Members
Copyright 1999, Society of Petroleum Engineers Inc.
This paper was prepared for presentation at the 1999 SPE Latin American and Caribbean
Petroleum Engineering Conference held in Caracas, Venezuela, 21–23 April 1999.
This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE Program Committee following review of
information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper, as
presented, have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to
correction by the author(s). The material, as presented, does not necessarily reflect any
position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its officers, or members. Papers presented at
SPE meetings are subject to publication review by Editorial Committees of the Society of
Petroleum Engineers. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper
for commercial purposes without the written consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is
prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300
words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous
acknowledgment of where and by whom the paper was presented. Write Librarian, SPE, P.O.
Box 833836, Richardson, TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435.
Abstract
Core analysis information is considered one of the
cornerstones of formation evaluation. However, there seems to
be general consensus that more could be done with it, both in
the scope of the petrophysical data obtained and how it is
used. In recognition of this, a suite of methods have been
developed that provide a ‘new’ extended core data set, and
software has been designed expressly for the interpretation of
core data.
Historically, there has been a gap in the services provided
by core analysis laboratories. Routine core analysis (RCA)
provides core plug measurements such as porosity,
permeability, fluid saturations, grain density and whole core
gamma at high sample frequency and low cost. However, this
data has limited interpretative potential. On the other hand,
special core analysis (SCAL) provides a range of information
with high interpretative potential, but at a low sampling
frequency, primarily due to the cost and extended time frames
associated with gathering the data.
A new data set was designed to compliment the current
(RCA) data set, significantly extending its interpretative
potential. The additional measurements performed are total,
effective and furnace porosity, capillary pressure versus water
saturation curve, surface area, core plug spectral gamma and
an extended sample description. This new information fills
the gap that currently exists between RCA and SCAL data, by
providing significant interpretative potential at a high
sampling frequency and in a reasonable time frame.
The computation of core-based or core-enhanced
petrophysical interpretations has also been hampered by the
lack of software designed expressly for modeling core data.
Most petrophysical packages are decidedly log-centric, which
has limited the effective integration of core and log data.
Much core data processing is performed using spreadsheets,
with inherent data integration and transfer limitations. To
redress the balance, a core interpretation module designed to
handle both the new data suite and existing core data, has been
developed within a main-stream log analysis software
package.
Applications using the new data suite include calibration of
petrophysical parameters, the estimation of Qv profile from
surface area data, the independent assessment of water
saturation through the reservoir, and the estimation of initial
reservoir flow properties at production start-up. The final
outcome is that core analysis becomes truly a parallel
formation evaluation discipline. In order to illustrate the core-
log integration capabilities of the package, case studies are
presented.
Introduction
The integration of core and log data is by now a well known
and accepted concept, particularly by geoscientists involved in
reservoir characterization, and by petrophysicists in general.
Worthington1 states that a key component of reservoir
description for characterization is the integration of core and
log data, with its primary use being to control log evaluation.
Deakin2 used an integrated petrophysical approach
incorporating image logs, core capillary pressures and
conventional logs, to increase certainty in the reserves
estimate for a series of low resistivity contrast reservoirs.
Rafdal3 reviews some of the processes of core calibration of
log data, as do Goode et al with particular reference to
freshwater bearing sands.4
However, while the need for core-log integration has been
well recognized, its practice is much more limited. This
would appear to be due to two main factors; the relatively
small amount of commonly available SCAL data, and the lack
of suitable software for interpretation and integration of core
analysis data. This paper examines both of these issues and
describes ways of improving access to data, new tools for
2 P.N. THEOLOGOU, R.D. EAST, A.A. CURTIS, P.J. BOULT, A.M. DRAKE,
core-log integration, and improving the associated work flow
processes.
Development of New Tools
It is worthwhile at this stage to review the philosophy behind
the development of these new analytical and software tools.
The key objective was to make core data more accessible and
more useful to the geoscientist and engineer. While core data
is accepted as one of the cornerstones of formation evaluation,
core analysis applications technology has not advanced at a
rate anything like those in other formation evaluation
disciplines. Based on this premise two areas were identified to
be addressed;
1. The identification of analyses that would extend the
routine data-sets in oil and gas reservoirs, and
development of methods for obtaining this data
routinely.
2. The presentation of data in a suitable software package
for integration and interpretation. It became quite
clear that there was no commercial package available
to do this in combination with high end petrophysical
log analysis.
Development of the new tools took almost two years, with
the first twelve months devoted to laboratory methods
development and applications research to identify the most
valuable data set. The second year was spent gathering test
data, refining methods and undertaking software development.
Subsequent sections describe in detail the methods, software
and work processes which developed, and looks at a case
study in which the new tools were used in conjunction with
NMR data to improve reservoir description and reserves
estimation.
Core Analysis – Data Acquisition
Routine core analysis (RCA) provides core plug
measurements such as porosity, permeability, fluid saturations,
grain density and whole core gamma at high sample frequency
and low cost. However, the data has limited interpretative
potential. For example, poor to questionable determination of
the saturation height function, and unreliable quantification.
Special core analysis (SCAL) on the other hand, provides a
wide range of data such as capillary pressure versus water
saturation, electrical properties, CEC, relative permeability
and wettability which provide a high interpretive potential.
However, the data is usually obtained at low sample
frequency, mainly due to the cost and time associated with
gathering the data.
New Suite of Core Analysis Data
A new suite of laboratory measurements has been designed
to fill the gap that has existed between RCA and SCAL
services. This new service compliments RCA analysis by
providing an extension to the existing data-set, but does not
replace the SCAL service, (rather it can be used to enhance
SCAL analysis). Table 1 shows a comparison between the
turn-around time, cost and interpretative capability of the
RCA, SCAL and new data-sets. Importantly, the new suite
provides measurements at a cost and turn-around time that
SPE 53887
makes it feasible for analysis to be performed on every RCA
sample through a reservoir sequence.
To achieve these features the bulk of the measurements are
performed on off-cuts from the original RCA plug. The
methods used are in most cases a modification of existing
methods, but they account for the smaller sample volume and
shorten the turn-around time without compromising the
quality of the results. The following is a brief description of
each method used in the new suite (known as corEVAL™).
Fig. 1 shows a flow diagram of the analysis procedure.
Sample preparation
Preparation for data analysis firstly involves selection of
samples from the available RCA core plugs. As with any core
analysis, care should be taken in the sample selection process
to ensure that samples do not contain any obvious
heterogeneities, that the samples are representative of the
whole plug, and as far as possible the surrounding core. Most
benefit will be obtained when samples are obtained at a similar
frequency to the RCA plugs, remembering that the two data-
sets will be combined to form an extended data-set.
The core should be laid out, orientated, described, and a
continuous core gamma then performed. On completion of the
core gamma acquisition, RCA horizontal core plugs are cut
and trimmed to right cylinders using standard operating
procedures and temporarily preserved. At this stage, the
samples for the new analysis suite may be selected from the
core description, or it may be decided to wait for the initial
porosity-permeability results from RCA, (which are usually
available within the first week), to help with sample selection.
Once samples have been selected, the appropriate off-cuts are
trimmed into pieces 'A' and 'B' using a diamond impregnated
saw. The flat surfaces of the off-cuts are faced to aid capillary
contact during testing.
After cutting, the RCA plugs are placed in a soxhlet
extractor to remove hydrocarbons using a
chloroform/methanol azeotrope solvent. Once dried, the plugs
are stored in a desiccation chamber and allowed to cool to
room temperature before standard RCA analyses are
performed.
All off-cuts are extracted using standard core analyses
procedures as described above, and are then further dried at
1050C for 72 hours in an ultra-clean oven. Off-cuts 'A' are
then utilized for furnace porosity testing, and off-cuts 'B' for
humidified porosity, surface area, and subsequent capillary
pressure analyses (Fig. 1).
Porosity
Off-cuts ‘B’, having already been dried at 1050C, are then
weighed to provide an estimate of the total porosity of the off-
cuts using the grain density from the whole plug, which will
later be confirmed or revised (if necessary) from the saturated
weight of the off-cuts. The samples are then vacuum dried in
a strictly controlled humidified environment. Weights at both
drying conditions, together with plug weights, allow an
effective porosity to be calculated using surface moisture
adsorption theory.
SPE 53887 EFFECTIVE INTEGRATION OF THE CORE ANALYSIS AND WIRELINE DATASETS
Following drying of the ‘A’ off-cuts, these samples are
subjected to extreme temperatures (~650ºC) in a furnace for
two hours. This process results in the dehydration of the
hydrous crystalline layers within the clay crystal structure,
(structural water), and therefore provides an estimate of
porosity similar to that from the neutron log. However, care
should be taken when using these porosity measurements,
because thermal decomposition of specific minerals such as
pyrite or carbonates, may result in furnace porosity values
which are too high. This procedure is destructive due to the
high temperatures, and thus the off-cuts are disposed of on
completion of testing.
Surface area
Direct surface area measurement is not usually performed,
even as part of a SCAL program. Surface area has most
commonly been measured using BET (Brunauer-Emmett-
Teller) gas adsorption analyses, which involve the adsorption
of inert gases such as argon or krypton to rock surfaces.5 The
major concern with these methods for rock analysis is that the
adsorption of inert molecules does not produce clay inter-layer
expansion and can result in a significant underestimation of
the surface area.6 For example a sample of Wyoming
montmorillinite gave a surface area of 31 m2/g using BET
analysis and 666 m2/g using the glycerol adsorption
technique.6
Surface area may also be measured by polar molecule
adsorption techniques, with similar values being obtained on
reservoir sandstones using polar molecule adsorption methods
and NMR analysis.6 Water vapor adsorption was chosen as
the preferred technique for the new data suite as it provides a
suitable compromise between turn-around time, accuracy and
cost. Under controlled temperature and humidity conditions
1.8 statistical layers of water are bound to the surface of the
pores allowing the estimation of surface to unit pore volume
ratio and bound water volume at two mono-layers.
Capillary pressure
Following water vapor adsorption, off-cuts ‘B’ are
saturated with simulated formation brine in readiness for
porous-plate equilibrium capillary pressure analysis.
Each fully saturated sample is placed on a hydrophilic
porous plate within a modified capillary pressure chamber. A
series of pressures are applied to the samples within the
chamber, using humidified air, and fluid production is
monitored. When de-saturation has ceased for that pressure
point, samples are removed and individually weighed in a
specialized environment, using airtight sample containers with
a fixed humidity to minimize evaporation and grain loss, and
returned immediately to the plate. The next pressure in the
sequence is then applied. This process is continued until a full
curve is defined for each sample. The pressures applied for
each sample are a function of the plug permeability, from
routine core analysis and can be modified as the curve
develops.
To maintain the relatively low cost and quick turn-around
time, capillary pressure measurements are performed at
ambient conditions in multi-sample porous-plate cells. Thus,
3
ambient data needs correction to overburden conditions for the
prediction of in-situ water saturation and permeability etc.
As each sample curve develops from the data gathered, a
hyperbolic curve is fitted and used to confirm, or review, the
next point on the curve. When the entire curve has been
established, samples are dried once again and the final dry
weight utilized for any grain loss and salt corrections to the
data curve. Usually only four points are required.
Spectral gamma
Upon completion of the RCA analyses, whole plug
spectral gamma measurements are performed using a
technique modified to account for the small sample size.
Some of the modifications include a large crystal detector, two
tones of heavy lead shielding, and up to a 90 minute count
time. A matrix inversion technique is used to best-fit the
sample spectra to the standard calibration spectra and identify
the concentrations of potassium, uranium, and thorium.
Sample description
Each of the core plugs and off-cuts are described together
to identify features that may affect laboratory results, such as
unusual minerals, fractures, bedding planes etc., as well as to
flag significant differences between the off-cut and core plug
samples.
The entire extended analysis, from core collection to final
results will generally be completed within 10-12 weeks of the
receipt of the core, and in no way affects the rapid turn-around
time for the RCA analysis.
Core Data Storage
The storage of acquired core analysis information is a
neglected part of the overall data analysis and interpretation
cycle. Unlike wireline log data, core data can be varied in its
type, and in the format supplied from the contractors.
Historically, a significant amount of core data has either not
been stored digitally at all, or stored in a variety of areas such
as the corporate well database for RCA results, (along with
wireline data), and spreadsheet packages for SCAL results.
This leads to inherent inefficiencies in the locating and use of
core analysis data, as well as the existence of multiple versions
of the same data-sets.
Database Requirements
Effective integrated core-log analysis is only possible
when all the required data can be located in a timely manner,
and when the end user of the data can be confident they have
the most up to date and correct version of the data. Ideally, it
would be best to store all core analysis data digitally and in the
same database as the other well data.
The storage of core data represents some problems,
particularly in relational databases. Core data is normally
point sampled, and can have either one or several samples per
plug. Therefore, for a database to handle wireline and core
data, it needs to be able to handle data that is single and
multiple sample (i.e. scalar and array), and it also needs to be
able to handle evenly spaced and random point sampling.
The most common relational databases in use today for
storage of well data are based on data models that were not
designed to handle such data, and thus do not incorporate all
4 P.N. THEOLOGOU, R.D. EAST, A.A. CURTIS, P.J. BOULT, A.M. DRAKE,
types of core data.7 This apparent limit in functionality may
explain the historically poor storage of core data. The
difficulty of efficiently using a relational database to store set
oriented information that is commonly used by the petroleum
industry, has forced many software suppliers to use a hybrid
scheme or completely propriety database formats.8
New Computer Software
Considering the above, it became apparent that new
software using a database structure which could handle all the
required types of data, should be used as the foundation for the
development of core data interpretation tools. Another
important factor in this decision was that the software should
already contain advanced petrophysical processing capability.
Petroleum Technology Mincom’s GEOLOG6 software uses a
proprietary database capable of handling appropriate data
formats and contains high-end petrophysical processing and
display capabilities. Thus a commercial core analysis
interpretation module was developed within this product. This
approach is unique in that it allows total vertical integration
between wireline and core data applications.
A full description of the new software designed to process
and analyze data from the new data suite (and in fact all core
analysis data) is beyond the scope of this paper.
Notwithstanding, the use of the software to provide results in
several key areas of practical use, particularly on core-log
integration, are discussed below.
Naming Conventions
Standardized naming conventions are reasonably well
entrenched in the wireline logging industry, making the
recognition of various data easier and more efficient for the
end user. However, in the core analysis industry, such naming
conventions are absent, most likely due to the large number of
contractors and to the lack of routine digital storage of the
data. A naming convention has been adopted here and is listed
in Appendix A. This represents a first proposal, and
discussion in invited on the merits of the proposed convention.
Uses of the Data Suite and Software
The use of the new data suite requires the adoption of
some new analysis and interpretation work processes that are
facilitated by the new computer software. It is not possible to
cover all such uses in detail, however an overview is provided
to show the value of the extended data suite and associated
software.
The work flow processes that we have identified for the
interpretation of core-enhanced petrophysical and engineering
interpretations are summarized in Fig. 2, and are discussed
below.
Initially, the parameters obtained from interpretation of the
extended data suite can be used for the identification of
petrophysical lithotypes. Three & four dimensional plots of
these parameters can be used for visual clustering of the data
into petrophysically distinct lithotypes. Alternatively,
statistical clustering techniques can be used to achieve a
similar result. This is important as different petrophysical and
engineering relationships will be expected within each
lithotype.
SPE 53887
Once the lithotypes have been identified, all the core data
should be grouped on a lithotype basis to provide a population
from which to estimate the petrophysical/engineering
properties of each group. For example, each lithotype will
have a specific mean and standard deviation for permeability
and porosity. This information can then be used to populate
the 3D reservoir model using geostatistical techniques.
Lithotypes can also be used to control the selection of samples
for SCAL projects.
Techniques such as discriminant analysis, or fuzzy logic
can be used to predict the distribution of the lithotypes beyond
the cored intervals.
It is important to introduce the idea of lithotype
identification and prediction here, as all of the following
applications and interpretations made using core data, must
always be considered on a lithotype basis. The analysis of
routine core data of Brent Group reservoirs in the North Sea
showed a large difference between porosity-permeability
trends, even within almost uniform sands.23 Such trends were
also evident when relative permeability curves of the different
facies were obtained, thus supporting the need for a lithotype
based approach.
There will be times when the differences between certain
lithotypes are small enough to warrant grouping, however
there will generally be the justification for the use of a
different algorithm, (for example a different J-function), when
analyzing a different lithotype.
Lithotype Identification and Prediction
An important use of the new data suite is for the rapid and
accurate identification of reservoir lithotypes from core.
Within a reservoir, geological lithofacies or lithostratigraphic
units are generally made up of various proportions of different
rock types or lithotypes. A lithotype is a basic petrophysical
rock unit that has properties that are definable and statistically
predictable. As such each lithotype has a unique set of basic
parameters or relations, such as Pc(Sw), Kr(Sw) and resistivity
parameters.
While the best processes for the identification of such
lithotypes are still not defined, and given that exact procedures
will vary from reservoir to reservoir, the steps involved in the
identification of the significant lithotypes within a reservoir,
should follow a similar pattern to the following;
1. Acquire sufficient core to adequately define the range
of sedimentary rock types likely to be encountered
within the reservoir.
2. Statistically sample the core, and measure the physical
properties of the various lithotypes. Capillary pressure
and surface area data are particularly useful in
defining the pore geometry of the various lithotypes,
as these properties are fundamental to flow through
the reservoir.
3. Use visual crossplots (3 and/or 4D) or statistical
methods for clustering the data into lithotypes.
4. These lithotypes can then be distributed throughout
the wells beyond the cored intervals, through the use
SPE 53887 EFFECTIVE INTEGRATION OF THE CORE ANALYSIS AND WIRELINE DATASETS 5

of discriminant analysis, fuzzy logic, or other such Another parameter that can be related to permeability is
statistical techniques. 9,10 the Swanson parameter,19 wherein (Vnw/Pc) at the apex of a
Lithotype properties capillary pressure curve is correlated with permeability. We
Capillary pressure data and surface area data can be used have found that correlations of (Vnw/Pc)max with permeability
to better understand the factors that are controlling fluid (i.e. the maximum value of (Vnw/Pc)) are generally better (Fig.
distribution and flow within the reservoir sequence. These 4c) and do not always correspond with the location of the apex
factors are the most useful for the identification of lithotypes of the capillary pressure curve as suggested by Swanson.
within a reservoir. The degree of pore throat heterogeneity in a particular
Surface area and permeability sample may be quantified using the pore throat sorting number
Permeability and surface area appear to be closely related (PTS)20 defined as:
when considered on an individual lithotype basis. While it is 0.5
 3rd quartile pressure 
generally considered that the main rock property controlling PTS =  
permeability is pore throat size distribution, derivations of the  1st quartile pressure 
Carmen equation have been used to estimate permeability of
PTS can be related to permeability, and it is likely that PTS
unconsolidated beads from surface area.11 On this basis,
will also influence the recovery efficiency of oil from the
surface area is an integral part of the hydraulic flow unit
reservoir (though no supporting data is presented here). Some
model.12
of the factors affecting oil recovery efficiency are discussed by
Fig. 3 is an example of the relationship that exists between
Wardlaw and Cassan,21 and Willhite.22 The Reservoir Grade
surface area and permeability for three sandstone reservoirs
Index (RGI) was defined by Jennings as the linear area
with varying clay content.13 It is important to note however,
beneath a capillary pressure curve.20 This parameter gives a
that there is no universal relationship. The likely cause for the
value that is related to the average pore throat diameter of the
relationships that do exist are; 1) as grain size decreases
rock, and can also be related to permeability (Fig 4d).
permeability decreases and the surface area increases, and 2)
Wireline Log Calibration
diagenesis acts to decrease permeability and increase surface
Historically, the most common use for core data has been
area in a systematic fashion within a particular facies.
the direct calibration of the wireline logging response. Rafdal3
Capillary pressure
gives a summary of the core calibration of wireline data for
Parameters that may also help in the understanding of what
determination of lithology, porosity, fluid saturations, and
is controlling permeability within a reservoir can be extracted
permeability. Some of the pre-suppositions that are
from capillary pressure curves. Capillary pressure data is
necessarily made before performing core calibration include; 1
indicative of the pore throat sorting of a rock, which itself may
1. Core and log data are correctly depth-matched;
be a major control on permeability. Pittman14 and Nelson15
2. Samples are of sufficient volume to be representative
present a thorough comparison of the various permeability
of the volume of rock that the wireline log
prediction techniques and their relative applications. The
measurement has ‘seen’ (or conversely that the
following is a brief summary of some of the parameters that
formation is homogeneous enough for the wireline log
we have found useful for permeability correlations.
response to be compared with the core sample),
The displacement pressure Leverett is the minimum
3. Samples are restored to their initial conditions and the
pressure required for the non-wetting fluid to begin displacing
effects of drying, filtrate invasion etc. do not affect the
the wetting fluid from the largest pores.16 Fig. 4a shows a
results, and
correlation between permeability and displacement pressure
4. Laboratory techniques are representative of the tools
from a sandstone reservoir. The displacement pressure may be
used downhole.
estimated graphically by extending the slope of the plateau to
Surface area
a capillary pressure curve to 100% wetting phase saturation.
An analysis technique that has not been generally utilized,
A numerical method was developed17 for the estimation of
but is now made possible by the extended data suite including
displacement pressure by regressing log10(Sw*) with log10(Pc)
capillary pressure and surface area, is the ability to accurately
and extrapolating the regression line to Sw*=1, where:
(S w − S wi )
predict excess conductivity and hence, formation resistivity.
Surface area is rarely measured during core analysis. This is
Sw* =
(1 − S wi ) perhaps an oversight given the potential value of the data.
Surface area can be correlated with excess conductivity,
The pore throat size at a particular saturation has also been
permeability, irreducible water saturation and NMR response.
used as a classification technique for lithotypes.18 This can be
The surface area of reservoir rocks varies enormously and
estimated assuming the bundled capillary tube model by the
depends on such things as grain size, sorting, and grain shape,
following equation and then correlated with permeability (Fig.
whilst the presence of clays can dramatically increase the
4b):
surface area of a rock (Table 2). Cation exchange capacity is a
2σ cosθ
r= measure of the quantity of charge bearing cations at the rock
Pc surface, and is the accepted mechanism for excess
conductivity within shaley sand reservoirs.
6 P.N. THEOLOGOU, R.D. EAST, A.A. CURTIS, P.J. BOULT, A.M. DRAKE,
The relationship between specific surface area and CEC
has long been recognized in the soil sciences and by some in
the petroleum sector. We can use this relationship and the
apparently constant nature of the surface charge density within
a particular reservoir, to predict a profile of CEC or Qv from
calibrated core measurements.
Fig. 5 shows a correlation between surface area and Qv
estimates from wet chemistry and multiple salinity formation
resistivity factor measurements. For a particular reservoir
there appears to be a consistent relationship, (dependent upon
clay type, morphology etc.), which can be used to extrapolate
Qv values to all core plugs that have a surface area
measurement. Additionally, if calibrated NMR can be used to
predict surface area then Qv could be estimated continuously
through the reservoir.
Once a core-based estimate of Qv has been made, this data
can be used to construct a log predictor of Qv, or a core based
estimate of resistivity can be made to help with calibration of
the saturation parameters, such as m*, n* and Rw. Fig. 6
shows a comparison between core derived resistivity using the
Waxman and Smits equation, and resistivity from the Dual
Lateralog. Reconciliation of the wireline and core-based Rt in
this case required a significant change in the Rw value used
and the free water level initially assumed.
Independent Reserves Estimation
Core data is increasingly being used to provide a log
independent measure of in-situ fluid saturations. Capillary
pressure curves from SCAL can be used to estimate fluid
saturations, providing certain assumptions about the reservoir
system are made. Deakin2 used capillary pressure data to
provide an independent measure of fluid saturations over
cored intervals. Then, for lithotype, the wireline fluid
saturation interpretation was calibrated to the hydrocarbon
volumes calculated from core data, for extrapolation beyond
the cored interval. Lasserre and Choo25 describe the use of
core analysis water saturation measurements made on a core
drilled using low invasion coring techniques. The core
saturations were used to calibrate the water saturation model,
thus providing evidence for oil-wetting behavior within this
relatively clean and thick sandstone reservoir. The relatively
large error in the initial un-calibrated saturation estimates,
highlights the possible uncertainty associated with wireline
derived water saturations, and the need for core calibration.
Saturation versus height function
In order to estimate fluid saturations from capillary
pressure data, it is necessary to determine a function that
relates the water saturation of a particular lithotype, (having a
particular pore throat geometry and distribution), to the
applied capillary pressure or height above the free water level.
There are a wide variety of mathematical/statistical techniques
for the derivation of water saturation versus height functions.
These can be divided into two main groups; 1) those that relate
back to an individual capillary pressure curve, and 2) those
that are derived from several capillary pressure curves and
usually are a mathematical function of permeability and/or
porosity. We will discuss two methods here, curve-fitting of
SPE 53887
individual capillary pressure laboratory data and the Leverett
J-function.
Individual sample curve fit
Curve fitting capillary pressure data from individual
samples is often desirable so as not to include the effect of
sample averaging, or as a precursor to some averaging
techniques. When the sample frequency of capillary pressure
measurements is great enough, (as is obtained from the
approach discussed herein), then the most accurate results are
obtained in this way. Various forms of the hyperbola have
been used by a number of authors.26,27,28 Constants in all of
the equations can commonly be related in various ways to
physical characteristics of the samples, (e.g. irreducible water
saturation, pore throat sorting, etc.). Upon comparison of
three approaches, it was found that the most flexible and
reliable curve form was the three constant hyperbolic proposed
by Donaldson27 having the form:
A + BS w
Pc =
1 + CS w
Donaldson27 describes the least squares fit of this curve
form. Fig. 7 shows the curve fit results for three samples of
varying reservoir quality. Once the curve fit has been
performed, the equation can be re-arranged to a form suitable
for predicting water saturation:
Sw =
(A − Pc )
(CPc − B )
A disadvantage of the hyperbola methods is the inability to
easily model rocks with a bimodal pore throat sorting. In this
case two or more curves with different characteristics need to
be combined and used, depending on the height above the free
water level.
Leverett J-function
Leverett16 plotted the results of capillary pressure
experiments on unconsolidated sands, in dimensionless form
as:
∆ρgh k
× against Sw
σ φ
The assumption in using (k/φ)0.5 is that the water saturation
at a specific height is inversely proportional to an “equivalent
circular diameter” of the voids in the sand, which is based on a
combination of Poiseuille’s Law and Darcy’s law. What is
commonly call the J-function may then be expressed as:
Pc k
J (S w ) =
σ cos θ φ
This relationship has commonly been applied as a
correlating group for all measurements of capillary pressure
using different fluid systems, as long as the rocks have similar
pore geometries. Once the J-function trend for a specific rock
type has been established under laboratory conditions, it can
then be used to predict the reservoir saturation distribution
through the reservoir, as long as there is a pre-existing
estimate of porosity and permeability.
SPE 53887 EFFECTIVE INTEGRATION OF THE CORE ANALYSIS AND WIRELINE DATASETS
The process of constructing and using a J function is
relatively simple. Firstly, the laboratory data should be quality
controlled and any suspect data should be identified and
possibly removed. Next, the data should be grouped into
consistent petrophysical units, and a separate J-function
determined for each group, where data is available. Then the
value for J is determined for each of the capillary pressure
measurements within the group and a regression made of
log10(J) versus log10(Sw). This data will commonly form a
straight line that can be estimated from linear regression. Fig.
8 shows a linear best fit through J function data. The slope
and intercept of the best fit are used to then predict water
saturation from only porosity, permeability and the height
above the free water level. This means core based saturations
can be determined from all RCA samples, not just for which
there is capillary pressure data. In addition, if a log based
estimate of permeability can be made, then a core-log based
estimate of water saturation can be made that is independent of
resistivity and which may be useful in low resistivity contrast
reservoirs. The following equations summarise that process:
Pc = 0.433( ρ w − ρ o ) × HAFWL
S w = 10 ( m log( J )+C )
The Pretty Hill Sandstone-Penola Trough
The Redman field is located within the Penola trough,
South Australian Otway Basin. Gas is trapped within the
Pretty Hill Formation, which was deposited as part of a
braided fluvial system. Conventional log analyses of wireline
data from several wells through this low resistivity contrast
sequence, have failed to identify the gas water contacts that
are known to be present (Fig. 9). The reason for the poor
reliability in gas saturation prediction has been blamed on
complex mineralogy, fresh water, and deep invasion by
various authors.29
The failure of resistivity-based, water saturation prediction
has led to the use of a new saturation versus height function
for the Redman Field. This is based on the relationship
between NMR echo trains, laboratory capillary pressure
curves, and an iteratively-derived pore-body to pore-throat
size ratio.
To quickly and economically obtain the required capillary
pressure data from various lithofacies within the reservoir
sequence, a corEVAL™ suite of analyses was obtained from
22 of the 30 RCA plugs that were cut from the 18 metre core.
Capillary pressure data from the extended core data suite was
integrated with cumulative T2 distributions, derived from the
NMR echo train, to extrapolate a saturation algorithm beyond
the cored intervals (Fig. 10).
In the Redman Field this new technique superseded the use
of the previously used Leverett J function. Also of interest
was the derivation of a modified J-function that was necessary
to adequately model the capillary pressure data. Fig 11
summarizes the development of the J-function, initially from
pre-existing SCAL measurements, and then the marked
improvement obtained from the corEVAL™ analysis and then
7
from increasing the relative importance of the permeability
term within the J-function.
Over the cored interval near the top of the reservoir, there
was an excellent correlation between gas saturations derived
from core capillary pressure curves, core-derived and log-
derived Leverett J function data, and the NMR-based data.
However, over the transition zone, where there was no core,
the correlation between the two different log methods for gas
saturation prediction did not hold. Gas saturations derived
from NMR data were best able to explain the flow of dry gas
from the lower part of the transition zone. The combined
application of NMR technology, calibrated and validated by
extended core data, resulted in a 30% increase in average gas
saturation in the reservoir at the Redman field, compared with
previous methods.
Relative Permeability Prediction
Capillary pressure data can also be used to derive initial
rapid estimates of the flow characteristics of a reservoir,
through the estimation of relative permeability behavior.
Rose30 explored the potential for capillary pressure data to
be used for predicting relative permeability. This concept was
followed by amongst others, the work of Burdine,31 and then
by Brooks and Corey17. A comprehensive review of relative
permeability models and prediction is given by Honarpour,32
who also provide a series of equations that relate capillary
pressure end points, porosity, and permeability, to relative
permeability. Once a relative permeability curve has been
defined, it can be used to estimate fractional flow and effective
permeability profiles through the cored reservoir sequence.
These estimates are based on the following equations:33
1
fw =
µ K 
1 +  w rnw 
 µ nw K rw 
K w = K e K rw
K o = K e K ro
While these estimates need to be backed up by actual
experimental measurements, to speed up and increase the
resolution at which they can be obtained makes them attractive
for initial quick look results. Fig. 12 is a depth plot showing
relative and effective permeability estimates made from
capillary pressure data. A relative permeability curve is
created and stored as an array curve for each of the samples.
In this way, the synthetic relative permeability curves for a
particular lithotype can be viewed together or compared with
those of another lithotype.
Conclusions
1. A new core analysis suite has been developed for use in
combination with RCA information to provide an
extended data-set. This extended data-set, when acquired
on a routine basis, provides economical data in a 10-12
8 P.N. THEOLOGOU, R.D. EAST, A.A. CURTIS, P.J. BOULT, A.M. DRAKE,
week time period that will significantly add to the
interpretive potential of the RCA data.
2. We found that the key parameters required to make up
this extended data-set are the standard RCA information,
plus air/brine capillary pressure versus water saturation
curves, surface area, spectral core gamma, and an
extended sample description.
3. We expect that this new data suite will provide a valuable
source of information for detailed petrophysical,
engineering, and reservoir modeling studies. Specifically,
the information can be used, (in conjunction with logs and
SCAL where needed), for clustering of data into
petrophysical lithotypes, sample screening/selection
during special core analysis project design, the estimation
of water saturation independently of resistivity logs, the
calibration of wireline log interpretations, and the
estimation of relative permeability behavior.
4. Software has been developed expressly for the purpose of
petrophysical interpretation of core data. This software
application shares the database and functionality of a
main stream, advanced log-analysis package. As far as
the authors are aware, for the first time complete vertical
integration between core and wireline applications is
available in a commercial software package.
5. The data suite has been effectively used to help with the
interpretation of a low resistivity contrast gas reservoir.
The suite provided a means for quickly and economically
obtaining the information required to calibrate NMR logs
to capillary pressure data, and so provide a resistivity
independent estimate of water saturation, based on
capillary theory.
Nomenclature
A, B, C = Hyperbolic curve fitting constants
c = J-function intercept
CEC = Cation exchange capacity, meq/g
f = Fractional flow, v/v
FRF = Formation resistivity factor
k,K = Permeability, mD
m = J-function slope
m* = Shale corrected cementation exponent
n* = Shale corrected saturation exponent
Pc= Capillary pressure, psi
Qv = Effective concentration of clay-exchange cations,
meq/g
r= Pore throat radius, microns
Sw= Water saturation, v/v
V = Bulk volume, v/v
ρ = Density, g/cm3
φ = Porosity, v/v
θ = Contact angle, degrees
µ = Viscosity, cp
σ= Interfacial tension, dynes/cm
Subscripts
e = Effective at irreducible water
SPE 53887
nw = Non-wetting phase
o= Oil
r= Relative
w= Water
Acknowledgments
We thank Boral Energy Resources Ltd., and Santos Ltd. For
permission to publish data. We also thank Petroleum
Technology Mincom, Boral Energy Resources Ltd, BHP
Petroleum, and ACS Laboratories Pty Ltd for support during
the writing of this paper.
References
1. Worthington P.F “Effective integration of core and log data”,
Marine and Petroleum Geology (1994), 11 (4).
2. Deakin M. “The integration of petrophysical data for the
evaluation of low contrast pay”. SPE Paper 39761, SPE Asia
Pacific conference on integrated modeling for asset
management, Kuala Lumpur (1998).
3. Rafdal J. “Core analysis to calibrate well log interpretation. In
Advances in core evaluation II (Eds, P.F. Worthington & D.
Lonergan), Gordon & Breach, (1991).
4. Goode P. A. et al “Determination of petrophysical parameters
using wireline logs in low salinity reservoirs”, SPE Paper
29272, SPE Asia Pacific Oil & Gas conference, Kualar Lumpur
(1995).
5. Dullien F.A.L. Porous media, fluid transport and pore structure,
Academic Sand Diego (1979).
6. Faris S.R. et al “Surface area data for sandstones with low clay
mineral content – a comparison of results obtained by different
methods”, Proc. Of the Electr. Chem. Soc. Syposium on the
Chemistry and Physics of composite media, Toronto (1985).
7. Boles P. Personal communication, PTM, Brisbane Australia
(1999).
8. Gout W. “Well database design – generality vs efficiency” Oil &
Gas Gazette, 1 (85), November (1998).
9. Davis J.C Statistics and data analysis in Geology (2ed), John
Wiley & Sons (1986).
10. Cuddy S. J. “The application of the mathematics of fuzzy logic to
the geosciences”. SPE Paper 49470, 8th Abu Dhahbi
International Petroleum Exhibition and conference, Abu Dhabi,
Oct (1998).
11. Carman P.C. Flow of gases through porous media, Butterworth
Publications Ltd., London (1956).
12. Amaefule J. O. “Enhanced reservoir description: Using core and
log data to identify hydraulic (flow) units and predict
permeability in uncored intervals/wells”. SPE Paper 26436,
SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Houston,
(1993).
13. East R.D. “The use of surface area data obtained on reservoir core
samples”, SCA9839, SCA Conf. Proc., September (1998).
14. Pittman E. D. “Relationship of porosity and permeability to
various parameters derived from mercury injection-capillary
pressure curves for sandstone”. AAPG 76 (2) (1992).
15. Nelson P.H. “Permeability-porosity relationships in sedimentary
rocks. The Log Analyst, May-June (1994).
16. Leverett M.C. “Capillary behavior in porous solids”, Trans. AIME
142 (1940).
17. Brooks R.H. & Corey A.T. “Properties of porous media affecting
fluid flow”, J Irrig Drain. Div., 6 (61) (1966).
SPE 53887 EFFECTIVE INTEGRATION OF THE CORE ANALYSIS AND WIRELINE DATASETS 9

18. Spain D. R. “Petrophysical evaluation of a slope fan/basin-floor LC - Lorenz coefficient

fan complex: Cherry Canyon Formation, Ward County, Texas”. MU - viscosity
AAPG, 76 (6) (1992). THETA - Contact angle (degrees)
19. Swanson B. F. A simple correlation between permeabilities and VDP - Dykstra-Pasrons coefficient
mercury capillary pressures”. JPT, December (1981).
20. Jennings J. B. “Capillary pressure techniques: application to
exploration and production geology”, AAPG 71 (10) October Logs
(1987). BETA Forcheimer coefficient (ft-1)
-
21. Wardlaw N.C. & Cassan J.P. “Oil recovery efficiency and the FW* -
Fractional flow of water (frac)
rock properties of some sandstone reservoirs”. Bull. Cdn. Pet. FZI -
Flow zone indicator
Geol., June (1979). HI -
Heterogeneity index
22. Wilhite G. P. Waterflooding, Soc. Petr. Eng. (1986) IFT -
Interfacial tension (dynes/cm)
23. Stiles J. H. & Hutfilz J. M. “The use of routine and special core J* - Leverett J-function
analysis in characterizing Brent Group reservoirs, U.K. North KA - Gas permeability (md)
Sea”. JPT, June (1992).
KE - Single phase permeability in multiphase system
24. Waxman M.H. & Smits L.J.M. “Electrical conductivities in
bearing shaly sands” SPEJ, June (1968). (md)
25. Lassere D. & Choo C. F. “Experience with determination of water KK - Slip corrected gas permeability (md)
saturation from core in the Cossack field”, APEA Journal, KR* - Relative permeability (frac)
(1993). PC* - Capillary pressure (psi)
26. Thomeer J.H. “Introduction of a pore geometrical factor defined PHIE - Humidity dried porosity (frac)
by the capillary pressure curve”, JPT, March (1960). PHIF - Furnace dried porosity (frac)
27. Donaldson E.C. et al, “Characteristics of capillary pressure PHIS - Summation of fluids porosity (frac)
curves”, J. Petr. Sc. & Eng. 6 (1991). PTSD* - Pore throat size distribution
28. Skelt C. & Harrison R. “An integrated approach to saturation
height analysis”, SPWLA Conf. Proc. Paper NN 36th Annual
PTR - Pore throat radius (microns)
Logging Symposium, June (1995). RQI - Rock quality index
29. Boult et al “Use of Nuclear magnetic resonance and new core SAGM - Surface area per unit weight (m2/g)
analysis technology for determination of gas saturation in Pretty SAPV - Surface area per unit pore volume (m2/cm3)
Hill Sandstone reservoirs, onshore Otway Basin”, APPEA SW* - Water saturation (frac)
Journal, (1999). SWB - Bound water saturation (frac)
30. Rose W. & Bruce W.A. “Evaluation of capillary character in
petroleum reservoir rock”. Trans. AIME, May (1949). Possible condition modifiers
31. Burdine N.T. “Relative permeability calculations from pore size _AMB - Ambient conditions
distribution data, Petr. Trans AIME, 198 (1953).
_OB - Overburden conditions
32. Honarpour M.M et al, Relative permeability of petroleum
reservoirs, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida (1986). _IRR - At irreducible water saturation
33. Craft B.C. & Hawkins M. Applied petroleum reservoir _T - Trapped fluids
engineering 2ed, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs (1991). _R - Residual fluids
_WAT - Water
Appendix – Core Data Naming Convention _OIL - Oil
The naming convention for core data that we have adopted _GAS - Gas
consists of three basic components;
1) the initial property identifier as listed beneath constants, Asterisk indicates logs that may contain array data.
and logs below,
2) 2) A modifier term that identifies special conditions of the
measurement such as ambient or overburden, and
3) 3) an _CR term to identify that this is a core based
measurement/interpretation.
Thus for example to construct a name for a measurement of
total porosity at overburden conditions we combine 1), 2) and
3) to give PHIT_OB_CR.
Constants
BO - Oil formation volume factor (rbbls/bbls)
BW - Water formation volume factor
(rbbls/bbls)
CHARGEDEN - Surface charge density (C/m2)
CV - Coefficient of variation
FWL - Elevation of the free water level (m)
HAFWL - Height above the FWL (m)
10 P.N. THEOLOGOU, R.D. EAST, A.A. CURTIS, P.J. BOULT, A.M. DRAKE, SPE 53887

TABLE 1 – COMPARISON BETWEE N CORE ANALYSIS DATA-SETS

RCA Extended suite SCAL
Cost (per sample) 100’s Several 100’s High 100’s to many 1000’s
Turn-around time 2-4 weeks 10-12 weeks 2-12 months

Application Basic cali bration data, fluid Lithotype classification, log Log calibration, reservoir flow
saturations (low inva sion calibration, initial fluid properties, wettability, excess
coring), depth-matching. saturations, quick look flow conductivity, and ma ny more
properties

L ayo u t W h ole C o re C o re P lu g Cu ttin g

C o re C o llectio n C o re G am m a
an d O rien tate an d T rim m in g

R o utine C ore A n aly sis E xte n de d a naly sis su ite

C o re P lu g s O ffcu ts

T rim in to 2

C lean , Dry and

Cool
O ffcu t A O ffcu t B

H eliu m In jectio n
P o ro sity C lean , Dry and C lean , Dry and
Cool Cool

G rain Density

F u rn ace S u rface Area

Air P erm eab ility P o ro sity

S atu rate w ith

B rin e

S p ectral G am m a

C ap illary
P ressu re

Fig. 1--Flow chart summarizing the analysis procedure for the extended data
suite and standard RCA core analysis. This emphasizes that the two sets of
analyses are run in parallel, and the RCA turn-around time is not affected by the
acquisition of the new data suite.
SPE 53887 EFFECTIVE INTEGRATION OF THE CORE ANALYSIS AND WIRELINE DATASETS 11

Initial fluid
3D assignm ent of
saturations W ireline
reservoir properties F lu id sa tura tio ns
ind epe nd an t
calibration
of res istivity log s C alibra tio n of log
G e olog ica l m o de l interp retation
pa ram e te rs
B
A C
A
SC A L program
3D reservoir design Build saturation
B vs height function
m odelling C C
Plan/screen for
B
SCAL analysis
A
Statistical lithotype Relative & effective
property description permeability

Litho ty pe pred iction

from log s
Perm eability
Prediction
Discriminant analysis
Fuzzy logic
Neural net

Litho ty pe C alss ific ation Lithofacies

Standard Log data
Classification
NM R
Bio stratigraphy

FM S/FM I Cluster Analysis

Se dim entolo gy
(V isu al/sta tis tic al) Se quen ce stra tigrap hy
T extu ral descrip tion
Pe rm eab ility

W ireline log Po rosity

G eological
C ap illary P ressure
data Su rface a rea interpretation
Extended data
suite & interpretation
softw are
Fig. 2--Flow diagram summarizing the integration and application of the extended data suite into various
reservoir projects. The key here is the need for classification of the reservoir into lithotypes prior to
performing the bulk of the interpretation. With the new software application that has been developed, all
of the vertical integration described can be performed within the same software package (other than 3-D
modeling)

TABLE 2 - SURFACE ARE DATA FOR COMMON CLAYS AND FOR QUARTZ BEAD PACKS
2 2
Clay External (m /g) Total (m /g)
Smectite 50 800
Vermiculite <1 750
Chlorite 15 15
Kaolinite 15 15
Illite 25 30
Spherical Qtz φ=26%
Quartz-1.0 mm diam. 0 0.0023
Quartz-0.0039 mm diam. 0 0.5805
 .

12 P.N. THEOLOGOU, R.D. EAST, A.A. CURTIS, P.J. BOULT, A.M. DRAKE, SPE 53S87

z . : 8 ~ 2. : SE
W009 r Im <moo -10000
,,, ,
,,
.; +-x:____ ,*
‘+!$--:-----
1= .-----, - Wal ----, ---,--

- ‘- 8 : : ‘%x:
$ ‘* “---;
---:-+-----
~
im . -----:---*:-: ------ 100
d xx, ‘m
8’ ,0 .._ - ;__!?L_. ,. ~ *X
,0. --, ---,._-* ---,___ !
,m

!i!’
-, -,

‘. ;., ,

i -

------; ------; ------ ‘ i’ ---: ---:----: ---:--- ‘

8 0.1
8
0.1
----,
““
---,---J ---a---—- O.*
..2 ------ 1----- -* ------

ai b: : : : on,
0.01 Onl
0.01
. .,- ~-: 8
.-
2 . 3

r
cm6vALPm_s tbwmONs)

mom
i5 3 “ WVOO 100M
g g ii
“Ic.m

w.m-----, --- -iPi; ----- 10DD Im -----x- .~xi’:---- ------ ‘m

?! %x: : 4 .*

ij’-----l-y---: -----’m $ ‘- ---------y----- ‘m

p--:-:------;-----’” ~ ‘““--” -----: --:------ ‘“
1 -----’ ----- -’ -----v z- ---------: --------- *
! #. V -----, ---- --1 -----0.1
if
0.1 --------- *--- ------- 0.1

..08
d: 0.01

.
.
.
Ce+Qvunm-10

Fig. 4-Cross-piots showing the relationship between permeability and

four parameters obtained from capillary pressure dat% (e)
displacement pressure (PC_D), (b)pore throat radius (PTR), (c)
maximum VW= (SBPC_MAX) and (d) reservoir grade index (RGI).

O.a I
I b
0.7
i x Capum+ca
A -~
i I

. ..,..,.7,

02

1 1 J
ai
/f-
Al
1
~~ .+4” x I I 1 I I
Fi~. 5-Qv ver&s eurfac;%$a%r tio shaiy sari%reservo;s
from the Cooper Basin and the Malay Basin~3 Calibration
of surface area data with CEC or QV measurements allows
the extrapolation of Qv to the complete cored interval.

Fig. 8-A depth plot showing a direct comparison

between core and log-derived porosity, water saturation
and resistivity. This analysis waa used to delineate the
position of the free water level, and the value of Rw, by
matching the resistivity response in the water leg. This
ia a freshwater, shaiy sand sequence, and surface area
was used to provide a calibrated core estimate of Qv.
Core-gamma was used for depth matching. The vertical
resolution affect of the deep reaistivity tool is quite
evident when compared to core derived data.
 ,

SPE 53887 EFFECTIVE INTEGRATION OF THE CORE ANALYSIS AND WIRELINE DATASETS 13

300 3 :gyf~~ I
130 . --- -:------- ------: ------: ------ lM

160 .. -.. ., . .. . . . . . J. . . . . . . . . . . . . :. . . . . . la!

140 .. --- .
.~$+--: ---; ---:--- ; -” -:-.-:---
~

120 .,, ,,
.. --: ------: ------
‘***, ,,,2 ,

,,
,,
,!
----- . . . . . .. .. 7 -.-, .. -*-

,,, ,, ,1

$,, , .!} .*

),, , !!>! !

!,!! ,,1! !
,,, , r,, ! ,

0. . . .

,,,
. . .. . . . . . . . ,

!
“-%
:11!
.--,--- . -- ...--,.-.
I
I0.1
,$, ! r!!’ I
,,, , .,, ! r
SWLABJRRAY (vn’1 ,!, ! :1!, ‘

Fig. 7--Cross-plot showing the isast-equares fit ,! .!! !,21

,,, , .!). !

of a hyperbolic function to capillary pressure

0.0
data from three different reservoir types. This
flexible function wiil produce a good fit to the
majority of capiliary pressure data. Sw (v/v)
Fig. 8-Cross-piot showing the correlation and best-
fit between water aeturation and the Leverett-J
function for a sandstone reservoir. This function
can then be used to predict water saturation
whenever porosity, permeability and the height
above the free water ievei are known.

k
Gamma Ray Sonic Resktivity
-a
g% 0.2 RX02 [Worn) 2KLX
& 0.2 HLLs Ichllml m
.2 GR.t#cRm mm 0.2 MoSW Z02 02 FLLOIo+mml ZLm
---------------------- Cue Entry Pressures
—

—
De@
I
:j31Ks) o
—.- —.
Gamma
——-—.-.
Ray
IQ*I I
la
1200

).3
● (Dal

T2 at 92%4
●

m
0,1

TOP PRET TY HILL

r’-
‘z 2830
—
{

:?
— 2835
3 (.. .
(u
.—-------
f--
—
2840-
r
-—-n.,
—
.- -, )
,.4..----’
F REE WAT ER LEVI 2845

Fig. ItI-Comparison between capiilary pressure

derived core entry (dispiacemsnt) pressures, and
calibrated 12 response from the nuclear magnetic
\ resonance log, for the Pretty Hili Sandstone.m
4
Fig. 9-Gamma-ray, sonic and resistivity iogs through the
Pretty Hiii Sandstone in Redman-1 showing the lack of
resistivity contrast above and beiow the free water Ievei.m
 ● b*

14 P.N. THEOLOGOU, R.D. EAST, A.A. CURTIS, P.J. BOULT, A.M. DRAKE, SPE 53887

40
A. B. c.
1

33 - t

u
*,iii ;’,
i \~, .
.
P’ - .
.
.
\ $,
\.
‘,

$ . \, ●

10-
m& “.. s●
8S.,
“*.
“.“.
“.*. “...
I 138ibl \
L_Sr!!!
02 03 0.4 0.5 0.6 ar on 0.9
% %!

Fig. 1l-f)evelopment of the saturation versus height function for the Pretty Hill Sandstone in the Redman Field (Australia).
The original J-Function (A) was derived from SCAf. data mainly measured at Swirr, (B) was derived from overburden
corrected capillary pressure measurements from the new data suite, while (C) repreeente the same data but using a modified
version of tha J-function that was found to work better for this resewoir.m

Fig. 12-Values for core derived water saturation, irreducible

weter saturation from the J-function, and residual oil
esturation (based on empirical correlations) were used to
provide an estimate of the initial flow characteristics of this
reservoir. This provides quick-look engineering information
that can later be calibrated to measured relative permeability
data.