High-Resolution Multimineral Modeling Using New Core Scanning Technology

Abstract

Recent advances in core-scanning technology have provided the necessary data to model unconventional reservoirs at extremely high resolution using non-destructive techniques. These include Dual Energy Computed Tomography (DECT) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), which measure bulk density and chemical composition (rock matrix), respectively. Fine-scale core scanning along with CT imaging provides the ability to resolve geologic thin-beds (cm-scale), and can be up-scaled to match wireline logs for regional assessment. Core-scanning methods also provides rich chemical datasets, and in the case of XRF yields up to 30 elements, including majors and traces – this greatly exceeds that of industry standard core gamma scans (K, U and Th). The integration of both core scanning techniques (XRF and DECT) can also be used to generate high-resolution reservoir models to estimate resource (oil and/or gas) in place. Multimineral modeling uses bulk density measured by DECT scans and elements from XRF scans to calculate minerals present, kerogen content, porosity, and clay bound water for effective porosity. Summation of the calculated volumes (minerals plus kerogen) defines solid-phase matrix density; when combine with bulk and fluid densities yields the multimineral model at fine-scale core scanning resolution. The output model is an independent lab-based method that can be compared to log-based multimineral solutions.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90216 ©2015 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, Denver, CO., May 31 - June 3, 2015