TABLE OF CONTENT

TABLE OF CONTENT
INTRODUCTION
BODY
1.1 Physical Properties Of Rocks
1.2 Reservoir Rocks Modification
1.3 Reservoir Rocks Modification Methods
● Acidizing
● Hydraulic fracturing
● Wettability Alteration
1.4 Geological and reservoir conditions
1.5 Reservoir rock modification Challenges
1.6 Advantages of Reservoir Rock Modification
1.7 Disadvantages of Reservoir Rock Modification
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
 INTRODUCTION
Conceiving the intricate interplay between surface-level operations and the

profound subsurface dynamics, particularly within the globally paramount oil and gas

industry, presents a formidable intellectual challenge.

Persistent topics of discourse encompass the productive field, daily production yields in

barrels, the intricacies of production operations, and their consequential ramifications on

the global economic landscape. Nevertheless, the enduring sustainability of the field,

amplification of barrel output, and optimizing the production lead us to put the reservoir

under the microscope. In other words, gaining knowledge of subsurface occurrences,

or, with greater precision, the study of the physical properties of rocks, serves to offer

insights into the principles governing fluid dynamics within the reservoir, ultimately

extending to the surface.

The physical properties of rocks present within the reservoir assume a critical

role in governing the dynamics of fluid movement within the reservoir. For instance,

properties like porosity and high permeability serve to facilitate the flow of fluids, while

parameters such as capillary forces, wettability, and heterogeneity can exert influence

over fluid entrapment and displacement. Additionally, the type of rock, its textural

characteristics, and the geological structures at play collectively contribute to variations

in fluid flow pathways and potential impediments.

In light of the fact that fluid motion within the reservoir is intricately linked to the

physical properties of the rocks, it becomes evident that any modification in the physical

properties of these rocks yields a consequential shift in fluid dynamics, whether

impeding or enhancing it. This positions us at the forefront of one of the most crucial

processes within the oil and gas industry, namely, the reservoir rock modification. This
process aimed at enhancing fluid mobility within the reservoir, with the overarching

objective of optimizing recovery to its maximum capacity.

This report will revolve around the reservoir rocks modification, inclusive of the

involved processes, alongside their consequential influence on reservoir performance.

 BODY

1.1 Physical Properties Of Rocks

In the field of petroleum reservoir engineering, the physical properties of rocks

are of paramount significance, serving as the bedrock upon which efficient reservoir

management and hydrocarbon extraction hinge. These properties encompass a

multifaceted spectrum of attributes that profoundly shape the reservoir's performance.

Porosity, the extent of pore space within the rock, profoundly influences storage

capacity, with higher porosity enabling more substantial hydrocarbon storage.

Permeability, essential for understanding fluid flow, determines how readily oil and gas

move through the rock pore spaces. saturation, particularly hydrocarbon saturation, is

pivotal for estimating recoverable reserves. Capillary pressure underscores the

distribution of immiscible fluids within the reservoir. Wettability, a crucial factor in relative

permeability and recovery strategies, pertains to interaction between the rock surface

and fluids. Compressibility and elasticity are pivotal in predicting how the rock responds

to pressure fluctuations and its potential compaction and subsidence. Reservoir

heterogeneity considers variations in rock properties, crucial for optimized reservoir

management and well placement. Mechanical strength is integral for wellbore stability

and hydraulic fracturing, especially in weaker rock formations. thermal conductivity

governs temperature distribution, impacting hydrocarbon behavior. Rock density aids in

determining mass for Reservoir modeling, while mineral composition can significantly

alter multiple properties and responses to Reservoir engineering processes. These

diverse physical properties are foundational in guiding decisions, from exploration to the

reservoir rocks modification, ultimately ensuring the maximization of hydrocarbon

recovery and reservoir performance.

1.2 Reservoir Rocks Modification

Reservoir rock modification is a specialized technique in the field of petroleum

engineering and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) designed to improve the recovery of

hydrocarbons from subsurface reservoirs. This process involves altering the physical

properties of the rock formations within the reservoir to enhance the movement and

extraction of oil, gas, and other fluids.

The primary objectives of reservoir rock modification encompass enhancing

hydrocarbon recovery from subsurface reservoirs through tailored alterations of the

geological formations. This specialized technique seeks to augment fluid mobility within

the reservoir, enabling more efficient extraction of oil, gas, and related fluids. Moreover,

it endeavors to optimize sweep efficiency, ensuring a uniform and effective

displacement of hydrocarbons. Reservoir rock modification serves as a means to

extend the productive life of reservoirs, extract hard-to-reach resources, and ultimately

maximize recovery beyond what primary and secondary recovery methods can achieve,

making it an essential component of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) strategies.

1.3 Reservoir Rocks Modification Methods

● Acidizing

Acidizing, a widely employed technique in the realm of petroleum engineering

and enhanced oil recovery (EOR), entails the meticulous injection of acid, often

hydrochloric (HCl) or hydrofluoric (HF) acid, into a wellbore. This acid is then

systematically introduced into the subterranean reservoir to optimize the

liberation and movement of hydrocarbons, comprising both oil and gas, from the

subsurface formations.

Types of Acidizing
● Matrix Acidizing: This is the most common form of acidizing. It is used to

treat the entire formation or reservoir and is typically employed in

carbonate reservoirs. The acid reacts with the rock to create channels and

pathways for oil and gas to flow more .

Figure.1: Matrix Acidizing

● Fracture Acidizing: In this type, acid is injected into existing fractures in the

reservoir. It is often used in sandstone reservoirs to enlarge and stimulate

existing fractures, improving their permeability.

Figure.2: Matrix and Fracture

Acidizing
● Hydraulic fracturing

Technique used to enhance the extraction of hydrocarbons from subsurface

reservoirs, particularly in tight or unconventional formations such as shale. It

involves the injection of high-pressure fluids, typically water, sand, and chemical

additives into a wellbore.

The injected fluid creates fractures in the rock, often extending radially from the

wellbore.

Figure.3: Hydraulic Fractuing

The primary goal of hydraulic fracturing is to increase the permeability of

underground rock formations, particularly in tight reservoirs, and stimulate the

flow of oil, natural gas, or other fluids to the wellbore.

● Components of Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid

Water: Water serves as the primary component, constituting the bulk of

the fracturing fluid.

 Sand (Proppant): Sand is added to the fluid to prop open the fractures

created in the rock, preventing them from closing after the pressure is

released.

Chemical Additives: Various chemical additives, such as friction reducers,

corrosion inhibitors, and biocides, are included in the fluid to improve

performance and mitigate potential issues.

● Wettability Alteration

Process involves introducing chemical agents or surfactants into the reservoir to

change the rock's wettability, making it either more oil-wet or more water-wet.

This adjustment influences the capillary forces at the fluid-rock interface,

facilitating the flow of oil and enhancing hydrocarbon recovery.

Wettability alteration is particularly effective in reservoirs where oil recovery is

hampered by unfavorable rock-fluid interactions. By making the rock surface

more receptive to oil, this technique enhances oil displacement and recovery.

Figure.4: Wettability Alteration

1.4 Geological and reservoir conditions

Geological and reservoir conditions are critical determinants when selecting the

most appropriate reservoir rock modification method. These conditions encompass a

wide range of geological and reservoir parameters, each of which can significantly
influence the choice of modification techniques. The decision-making process is guided

by a thorough understanding of the specific geological and reservoir features

encountered in a particular oil or gas field.

Geological and reservoir conditions impact the choice of reservoir rock modification

method:

● Rock Type and Composition: Different types of reservoir rocks, such as

sandstone, carbonate, and shale, have distinct properties. Sandstone reservoirs

are often more porous and permeable, making them conducive to techniques like

hydraulic fracturing. Carbonate reservoirs may require acidizing to dissolve

minerals and improve fluid flow. Shale reservoirs, known for their low

permeability, might benefit from techniques like hydraulic fracturing or thermal

methods to enhance permeability and hydrocarbon recovery.

● Geological Structures: Geological structures, including fault systems, folds, and

fractures, can affect the choice of modification technique. Faults may act as

barriers or conduits for fluid flow, influencing where and how modifications are

applied. Fractures can be targeted for enhancement through hydraulic fracturing

to improve permeability.

● Fluid Properties: The properties of hydrocarbons in the reservoir, such as oil,

gas, or heavy oil, play a vital role in method selection. Reservoir engineers need

to understand the behavior of these fluids within the reservoir and how they

interact with the rocks.

● Reservoir Heterogeneity: Heterogeneity within the reservoir, including variations

in porosity, permeability, and fluid saturation, influences the choice of

modification. Some techniques may be applied to homogenize these properties

or target specific zones to maximize production.

1.5 Reservoir rock modification Challenges

Reservoir rock modification, while a valuable technique for enhancing

hydrocarbon recovery, presents a set of challenges that must be carefully addressed to

ensure the success and sustainability of the modification process.

● Formation Damage:

The unintended alterations in the reservoir rock's properties or the blocking of

pore spaces within the formation during the modification process. It can impede

the flow of hydrocarbons and reduce the effectiveness of the modification efforts.

Formation damage can occur due to factors such as the intrusion of foreign

particles or fluids, chemical reactions with reservoir minerals, and physical

changes within the formation during the modification process.

● Environmental Concerns:

Reservoir rock modification can involve the injection of chemicals, fluids, or

steam into the reservoir, potentially raising environmental concerns related to

fluid disposal, chemical usage, and the overall environmental impact of the

process.

The injection of certain chemicals or fluids can lead to groundwater

contamination, soil pollution, and the release of harmful emissions.

Environmental concerns must be addressed to comply with regulations and

protect ecosystems.

● Specialized Knowledge and Equipment:

Reservoir rock modification requires a high level of expertise, specialized

knowledge, and the use of advanced equipment.

● Cost and Resource Intensity:

 They require significant investments in terms of capital, time, and manpower,

making cost management a critical challenge.

● Reservoir Uncertainty:

Variability in rock properties, fluid movement, and geological structures can make

it challenging to predict the outcome of reservoir rock modification accurately.

1.6 Advantages of Reservoir Rock Modification

● Enhanced Recovery: Optimizes rock properties to significantly boost oil and gas

extraction.

● Tailored Solutions: Adapts to specific reservoir conditions for maximum

efficiency.

● Prolonged Field Life: Extends the productive life of oil and gas fields, unlocking

additional hydrocarbons.

● Economic Gain: Increased production leads to higher revenues and potential

profits.

● Environmental-Friendly Techniques: Some methods have lower environmental

impact compared to other EOR methods.

1.7 Disadvantages of Reservoir Rock Modification

● Formation Damage: Potential harm to the reservoir formation affecting efficiency.

● Environmental Concerns: Risks groundwater contamination, emissions, and

disposal challenges.

● Costly: Requires specialized equipment and expertise, which can lead to

significant investments.

● Complex Execution: Demands expert planning and implementation.

● Reservoir Uncertainty: Outcomes are not always predictable due to the

complexity of reservoir behavior.

● Regulatory Compliance: Involves navigating stringent regulations and permitting

processes.
 CONCLUSION

In the field of petroleum reservoir engineering, the physical properties of rocks

play a crucial role in efficient reservoir management and hydrocarbon extraction. These

properties include porosity, permeability, saturation, capillary pressure, wettability,

compressibility, elasticity, reservoir heterogeneity, mechanical strength, thermal

conductivity, rock density, and mineral composition. These properties guide decisions

from exploration to reservoir modification, ensuring optimal hydrocarbon recovery and

reservoir performance.

Reservoir rock modification is a technique in petroleum engineering that aims to

enhance hydrocarbon recovery from subsurface reservoirs by altering the geological

formations within the reservoir. This method improves fluid mobility, sweep efficiency,

and extends the productive life of reservoirs, making it essential for enhanced oil

recovery (EOR) strategies.

There are several methods for reservoir rock modification, including acidizing

(matrix and fracture), hydraulic fracturing, and wettability alteration. These methods are

chosen based on geological and reservoir conditions, which encompass rock type,

geological structures, fluid properties, and reservoir heterogeneity.

However, reservoir rock modification comes with challenges, such as formation

damage, environmental concerns, the need for specialized knowledge and equipment,

cost, and reservoir uncertainty. These challenges must be carefully addressed to

ensure the success and sustainability of the modification process.

 REFERENCES

● Zoback, M. D. (Year). Reservoir Geomechanics.

● Terry, R. E., & Rogers, J. B. (Year). Applied Petroleum Reservoir Engineering.

● Ahmed, T. (Year). Reservoir Engineering Handbook.

● Johns, R. T. (Year). Fundamentals of Enhanced Oil Recovery.

● Wu, Y.-S. (Year). Hydraulic Fracturing in Unconventional Reservoirs: Theories,

Operations, and Economic Analysis.

● Mian Umer Shafiq, Hisham Ben Mahmud, Muhammad Zahoor, Arshad Ali

Shahid, Reza Rezaee and Arif, M. (2019). Investigation of change in different

properties of sandstone and dolomite samples during matrix acidizing using

chelating agents. 9(4), pp.2793–2809.