Print this pageUse of Strontium Isotope Residual Salt Analysis (SrRSA) in Reservoir Management
MEARNS, EUAN W. and JOHN J. McBRIDE
Strontium Isotope Residual Salt Analysis (SrRSA) has been applied to at least 200 cored well sections, from over 35 fields. The primary purpose of this work has been to gain understanding of vertical connectivity within individual well sections or lateal connectivity between wells. Historically, the method was viewed as most applicable to fields under appraisal but it is now recognised that useful information can be gained for engineering intervention or in-fill drilling of mature fields. Examples of the following applications of SrRSA data will be given:
1. A pre-production reservoir with static pressures -- SrRSA conducted on core may demonstrate which low permeability horizons are extensive sealed barriers before wells are completed and production begins.
2. A new well in a producing reservoir -- Breaks in pressure across various low permeability horizons cannot discriminate whether these are baffles or barriers. SrRSA data from core combined with pressure data can distinguish baffles from barriers, providing essential information for optimum development of the reservoir.
3. A poor net/gross reservoir with abundant shale horizons -- Economic development depends upon horizontal well technology. The design of the horizontal well depends on whether the shale horizons are baffles or extensive sealed barriers. SrRSA data can help provide this vital information.
4. A mature reservoir producing large volumes of water -- Planned well workovers aim to plug back water production. Success depends on whether low permeability zones are extensive sealed barriers or baffles. SrRSA data from core can help provide this information.