Recent Advances in Coring and Core Analysis for Reservoir Description

By

Gharib Moustafa Hamada¹

(1) King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

 The main goal of core analysis is to reduce uncertainty in reservoir evaluation by providing data representative of the reservoir at in situ conditions. Core analysis has to be integrated with field and production data to minimize reservoir uncertainties that cannot be addressed with other data sources such as well logging, well testing or seismic. These requirements define the coring objectives, core handling and core analysis schedule. These objectives cannot be achieved by coring a single well. Coring program is thus an integral part of the reservoir history cycle. The post- eighties economics of the petroleum industry, expressed as a need for ever more cost effective technology, combined with the need to evaluate thin bed and non conventional reservoir by means of vertical and horizontal wells, serve as both the controlling factor and driving force, respectively, behind the development of new techniques of coring and core analysis. echniques are constantly being improved or new ones are introduced. In proper core analysis the concept of automatic geological core description is growing with the use of the mini-permeameter and the proliferation of sophisticated analysis methods such as SEM / EDX, X-ray CT, NMR and PIA. These Hi-Tech methods provide a wealth of micro structural and microscopic information previously undreamed of. This paper presents the recent and emerging developments and trends in coring technology and core analysis. This is to enhance the reservoir description and evaluation processes. Eventually the main challenges in core analysis and recent trends affecting future tool developments will be provided.