Sedimentological Studies of Neogene Formations in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: Field Investigations-Phase 1
(Project # CPM 2305)
This project is a part of the Miocene Geology Research program initiative by KFUPM/Saudi Aramco to conduct multidisciplinary research on the Dam Formation exposed within the Lidam Escarpment area of Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The main goal of the sedimentological part of the research program research was to integrate sedimentologic, petrographic and stable isotope data to identify the depositional rock facies (facies model), petrographic facies and diagenetic history, and develop sequence stratigraphic framework for the exposed Tertiary rock on the Dam Formation in the study locality. The initial aim of the project was training students on field techniques, identifying and selecting suitable outcrops for mapping, sedimentological description and sampling, acquiring high resolution digital photographs of the selected outcrops, developing photomosaic of the outcrops to develop facies models, and establishing sampling protocols which will serve as a baseline for other projects' sampling needs.
Sedimentological and Digital Outcrop Modelling of the Upper Dhruma Formation in Central Saudi Arabia: An Analog for Lower Fadhili Reservoir
(Project# NSTIP 13-OIL1694-04)
This multidisciplinary research utilizes sedimentological, geochemical, biostratigraphical and digital geological data to develop high resolution qualitative geological and geostatistical models for the upper members (D5-D6) of the Middle Jurassic Dhruma outcrop in central Saudi Arabia. The models are expected to be useful in predicting and understanding the vertical and lateral variability in the facies architecture, facies heterogeneity and depositional setting, diagenetic history and reservoir quality of the subsurface equivalents of these members, particularly the Lower Fadhili reservoir and other carbonate reservoirs.
Sedimentological and Geochemical Characterization of the Hanadir Shale Using Outcrops as Analogues for the Shale Gas Reservoir
(Project# NSTIP 15-OIL3802-04)
The research was designed to develop geological, geochemical and geostatistical models of the Lower Ordovician Hanadir Shale in central Saudi Arabia. It involves detailed sedimentological description, organic geochemical characterization, chemostratigraphy, biostartigraph (forminifera and palynolomorphs), petrophysics, basin analysis and digital geological modelling using LIDAR data. It is expected that the outcome of the research would improve geologic understanding of the shale properties, source rock and reservoir qualities of the formation and other shale gas resources in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and elsewhere.
Facies, Diagenesis, and Reservoir Qualities of Late Ordovician Sarah Formation, Subsurface Rub’ Al-Khali Basin, Saudi Arabia
(Project# 14-OIL468-04)
In this research, the research team is investigating the control of reservoir quality in one of the exploration targets for tight gas resources in Saudi Arabia, the Late Ordovician glacinogenic Sarah Formation. The research is being conducted on subsurface cores retrieved from exploratory wells drilled within one of the blocks in the Rub’al-Khali basin blocks, southwest Saudi Arabia. We relate lithofacies, mineralogy, fracture occurrences diagenetic changes to porosity and permeability distribution and development. The main objective is to determine the control on the reservoir quality in the reservoir and possibly identify potential sweet spot zones in the core intervals.
Design and Synthesis of Magnetic Nanoparticle-Supported bis-Phosphine Ligands for the Rh-Catalyzed Organic Transformation of Olefins, funded by NSTIP
(Project # 15-NAN-4650-04).
In oil refining, naphtha contains medium-chain olefins C4–C7 in different structures. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an oil-rich country and therefore has significant need for new and more effective oil processing technologies. In order to adhere to strict environmental policies, we must develop methods or techniques to decrease contaminant emissions to the environment and improve gasoline quality. Hence, this project focuses of catalyst for conversion of olefins to oxo and more useful chemicals.
Lead-free Organic-Inorganic Halide Perovskites for Solid State Solar Cell Application, May 2015, KFUPM internal funded
(Project # IP142-CORERE-109).
In order to address the toxicity issues related to lead containing perovskites, the research is more focused on replacement of lead with non-toxic material. The projects aims to synthesize lead free Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites for Solid State Solar Cell Application. The design of high performance, low cost, stable, and environmentally friendly material is the main goal of the proposed research.
Integrated, Multiscale Study of A Highly-bioturbated, Low-permeability Carbonate Reservoir Using Laboratory Measurements and Digital-Rock Methodology
The main objective of this project is to characterize a bioturbated, heterogeneous, carbonate reservoir and relate bioturbation to its petrophysical properties. Experimental and digital-rock attributes will be acquired to achieve the following detailed objectives: (i) obtain geochemical and geological characterization of the reservoir, (ii) identify how the morphometric of bioturbation affect the petrophysical properties, (iii) investigate the response of porosity and electrical resistivity to the presence of conductive and paramagnetic minerals, specifically, pyrite and glauconite, and (iv) develop a specific saturation model that will ultimately enhance the estimation of water saturation in the bioturbated reservoir.
Derivation of Geomechanical Parameters to Determine in-situ Stress in Arab-D, Hanifa, and Khuff Reservoirs of the Abqaiq Field
(CPM 2303)
This project is split into two phases. The main objective of Phase 1 is to derive 1D profiles of the geomechanical parameters from log data for selected wells. This phase includes the following tasks: (i) determine rock properties experimentally or use the existing data, (ii) calibrate dynamic and static rock properties, (iii) estimate magnitude and direction of in situ stresses, and (iv) generate a 1D profile of the geomechanical parameters from log data for each well. The main objective of Phase 2 is to integrate and populate 1D profiles into a 3D model. The study uses the existing experimental logs, and field data in addition to new geomechanical experimental data. This data is used to generate vertical profiles each consisting of six different rock properties, viz., Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, cohesion coefficient, angle of internal friction, and tensile strength. Pore pressure and the three stress profiles, viz., vertical stress, minimum in-situ horizontal stress, and maximum in-situ horizontal stress are determined.
UTMN-2013 Khuff Petrophysical Study
The objective of this study is to perform petrophysical description of the three Khuff reservoirs namely: Khuff-A, Khuff-B, and Khuff-C. This project consists of five tasks: (i) conventional core measurements (porosity, permeability, and grain density), (ii) detailed petrographic description, (iii) mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) testing, (iv) QEMSCAN analysis, and (v) microstructural examination and EDS & bulk elemental analysis.
Viscosity Reduction of heavy oils with cyclic injection of supercritical CO2 for enhanced recovery
- Setup foundation study of heavy oil recovery using different techniques (CO2 & N2 in future stages).
- Measure viscosity reduction and thermodynamic properties of mixtures of oil + CO2 and IFT with formation water.
- Measure efficiency of recovery techniques for heavy oil.
- Determine effect of CO2 on rock structure using CT and NMR techniques.
- Using produced data and models as platform for future collaboration with Saudi Aramco for solving heavy oil mobility problems.
Petrophysical analyses on multiple wells in the QATIF Arab-C
The objective of this study is to perform petrophysical analysis on 125 samples from six (6) wells of Arab-C of Qatif Field. This project consists of five tasks: (i) conventional core measurements (porosity, permeability, and grain density), (ii) detailed petrographic description, (iii) mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) testing, (iv) QEMSCAN analysis, and (v) microstructural examination and EDS & bulk elemental analysis.
Petrophysical analyses on multiple wells in the QATIF Arab-D
The objective of this study is to perform petrophysical analysis on 70 samples from four (4) wells of Arab-D of Qatif Field. This project consists of five tasks: (i) conventional core measurements (porosity, permeability, and grain density), (ii) detailed petrographic description, (iii) mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) testing, (iv) QEMSCAN analysis, and (v) microstructural examination and EDS & bulk elemental analysis.
Development of Date Pit Nanoparticle Additive for Water Based Drilling Fluid Formulation
Drilling fluids can be generally classified into two classes, namely water based, and oil based drilling fluids. The water based drilling fluids (WDF) are widely used due to their relatively lower cost and ease of preparation. The rheological and filtration properties are very important factors that contribute to the performance of WDF. Different materials (including natural polymers, synthetic polymers, and inorganic nanoparticles) are used for improving these two properties. Natural polymers are highly preferred due to economic, sustainability and environmental reasons. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, date powder is an example of natural material that has potential for improving the rheological and filtration properties of WDF.
The objective of this project is to develop a date pit based nano-composite material for application in water based drilling fluid additives.
Development and Evaluation of Lost Circulation Material (LCM) for Combating Loss of Circulation while Drilling, funded by Saudi Aramco
(Project # CPM-2287)
The major objectives of this study are to identify the lost circulation problems for Saudi Aramco formations and from reports and formulate a strategy to combat the problem with gel-based LCMs. It aims to develop experimental setups which can test the efficacy of known gel-based Lost Circulation Materials (LCM) and different combinations of bridging, gelling and cementing agents.
Investigation of Newly Green, and Environmental Friendly Fluids to Remove the Damage from Sandstone and Carbonate Reservoirs, funded by NSTIP
(Project # 13-OIL151-04)
Different chelating agents have been proposed to be used as alternatives to HCl in such cases that HCl cannot be used (in sandstone or carbonate reservoirs). However, the old studies did not show a complete optimization of those fluids in order to be used in oil and gas wells stimulation.
Lower Fadhili Reservoir of FDHL-115 for Reservoir Characterization and Integrated Field Study
Study the FDHL-115 reservoir based upon reservoir permeability including directional permeability, porosity, petrography, pore size distribution, as well as other petrophysical properties like capillary pressure, relative permeability and rock resistivity.
Study of polymer-surfactant interaction for chemical enhanced oil recovery in carbonate reservoir
(Project # CPM2297)
The main objective of this project was to study and evaluate the Surfactant-Polymer interactions and its influence on the chemical formulation used for EOR from carbonate oil reservoirs; to add new reserves; to understand and describe the physics of fluid flow for this process; understand the chemical interactions between the commercial SP and the saline water at different reservoir temperatures; assess the impact of the physics of flow and the chemistry of SP-saline water interactions on the rheology of the mixture; to reduce the environmental impact of excessive water production and to derive guidelines for developing carbonate oil reservoirs under chemical-SP injection.
SHYB Facies-based Petrophysical Study
The objective of this study is to perform petrophysical description of Arab-D reservoir, Shaybah Field. The study includes five tasks conducted on nine (9) wells. The tasks include (i) conventional core measurements (porosity, permeability, and grain density) (ii) detailed petrographic description, (iii) mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) testing, (iv) QEMSCAN Analysis, and (v) microstructural examination and EDS & bulk elemental analysis.
Core Drill Cuttings and Formation Fluids/Gas Analysis in the area of Block “A” Rub-Al-Khali, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The objective of this multi-studies project is to provide R&D support to the exploration program of Luksar Energy Limited. The project is divided into four parts: (i) Geological and reservoir properties, (ii) Formation fluids/gas characterization, (iii) Core storage and management facilities, and (i) Special reservoir studies. The special reservoir studies included: (a) 1D petroleum systems modeling, (b) PVT analyses, (c) Geochemical (source rock) analyses, (d) Rock mechanics, (e) Palynostratigraphy, and (f) Formation water analyses.
Khuff-C Petrophysical Rock Types – UTMN 1803
The objective of this study is to perform petrophysical and petrographical description of Khuff-C reservoirs using 75 (1” plug) samples, 265 veneer edge samples (for XRD), and 75 thin section samples. The petrography of Khuff-C included description of mineralogy, constituents, cement, skeletal, and porosity types. Mineralogy and porosity types of Khuff-C were correlated to results obtained from QEMSCAN analysis. The petrophysical tasks included: (i) conventional core measurements (porosity, permeability, and grain density), (ii) mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) testing, and (iii) microstructural examination and EDS & bulk elemental analysis.
Rock Physics: Resistivity Measurement with Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
(Project # CPM 2294)
In order to ensure proper design and viability of Carbon dioxide (CO2) flooding projects, accurate data is required from laboratory experiments on representative samples under actual field conditions. The mechanisms of crude displacement and recovery need to be studied in relation to changing saturation distributions. Electrical resistivity has the capability to map saturation changes pertaining to the manner of flooding in representative core plugs.
This study was conducted to determine the resistivity profile of rock formations before, during, and after Carbon dioxide (CO2) flooding. The effect of CO2 -formation fluids-rock reaction on the rock pore topology was also investigated. Using a customized experimental set up in conjunction with existing laboratory facilities in the center of petroleum & minerals, an oil recovery process was simulated starting from initial oil migration followed sequentially by aging process, water flooding, and finally CO2 EOR process. During these processes, electrical resistivity of the rock samples were measured in real time. The electrical resistivity were also measured at varying frequency in order to investigate the effect of frequency on electrical resistivity measurements.
Results from this study showed that electrical resistivity is affected by the applied current frequency. Results of the pore topology at pre- and post- CO2 flooding process showed alteration in pore size distribution. The results of the study is useful for evaluation studies on the feasibility and performance of CO2 flooding for the dual purpose of enhanced oil recovery and geological storage of CO2 in a Saudi Arabia oil field.
Determination Of Electrical Properties Of 19 Rock Samples Recovered From Utmn-1614 at Reservoir Conditions (Arab-D Reservoir)
(Project # CPM2293-1)
Accurate determination of the electrical properties and capillary pressure of reservoir rocks is critically important for accurate evaluation of virgin as well as developed reservoirs. In this study, Archie’s electrical parameters namely cementation factor, saturation exponent, as well as capillary pressure curves of some representative oil field rock samples from the Saudi Arabia oil field were determined. Representative crude oil from the same field were collected while synthetic brine with the same composition as the reservoir formation brine were prepared. The rock samples were then saturated with the synthetic brine and the electrical resistivity were measured at high temperature of 900C and a confining pressure of 2500psi. Crude oil was then injected at one end to displace the brine, which is produced at the other end across a water wet ceramic porous plate placed at the end of the rock sample. The pore pressure was increased gradually at a pressure step starting from 1psi to 200psi. A data acquisition system measures the pressures, resistivity as well as the production during the test duration. At the end of the test, data were processed and analyzed to compute the needed parameters and curves.
Effect of Saturation and Pore Structure on Acoustics of Carbonates
The objective of the study is to examine the effect of saturation and pore-structure on the acoustic properties of reservoir carbonate rocks and to develop empirical models based on correlations between acoustic properties and petrophysical properties at various confining pressures and fluid saturations.
The study was conducted on more than 140 vertical plug samples representative of lithology variations encountered within Lower Fadhili reservoir in 4 well. Acoustic measurements were conducted on dry, brine-saturated, and crude-oil-saturated plugs samples. Measurements were taken at room temperature and for various confining pressures in order to determine hysteresis. Models describing the relationships between acoustic parameters and petrophysical parameters were developed as a result of this study
On-Going Projects
Sedimentological Studies of Neogene Formations in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: Field Investigations-Phase 1
(Project # CPM 2305)
This project is a part of the Miocene Geology Research program initiative by KFUPM/Saudi Aramco to conduct multidisciplinary research on the Dam Formation exposed within the Lidam Escarpment area of Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The main goal of the sedimentological part of the research program research was to integrate sedimentologic, petrographic and stable isotope data to identify the depositional rock facies (facies model), petrographic facies and diagenetic history, and develop sequence stratigraphic framework for the exposed Tertiary rock on the Dam Formation in the study locality. The initial aim of the project was training students on field techniques, identifying and selecting suitable outcrops for mapping, sedimentological description and sampling, acquiring high resolution digital photographs of the selected outcrops, developing photomosaic of the outcrops to develop facies models, and establishing sampling protocols which will serve as a baseline for other projects' sampling needs.
Sedimentological and Digital Outcrop Modelling of the Upper Dhruma Formation in Central Saudi Arabia: An Analog for Lower Fadhili Reservoir
(Project# NSTIP 13-OIL1694-04)
This multidisciplinary research utilizes sedimentological, geochemical, biostratigraphical and digital geological data to develop high resolution qualitative geological and geostatistical models for the upper members (D5-D6) of the Middle Jurassic Dhruma outcrop in central Saudi Arabia. The models are expected to be useful in predicting and understanding the vertical and lateral variability in the facies architecture, facies heterogeneity and depositional setting, diagenetic history and reservoir quality of the subsurface equivalents of these members, particularly the Lower Fadhili reservoir and other carbonate reservoirs.
Sedimentological and Geochemical Characterization of the Hanadir Shale Using Outcrops as Analogues for the Shale Gas Reservoir
(Project# NSTIP 15-OIL3802-04)
The research was designed to develop geological, geochemical and geostatistical models of the Lower Ordovician Hanadir Shale in central Saudi Arabia. It involves detailed sedimentological description, organic geochemical characterization, chemostratigraphy, biostartigraph (forminifera and palynolomorphs), petrophysics, basin analysis and digital geological modelling using LIDAR data. It is expected that the outcome of the research would improve geologic understanding of the shale properties, source rock and reservoir qualities of the formation and other shale gas resources in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and elsewhere.
Facies, Diagenesis, and Reservoir Qualities of Late Ordovician Sarah Formation, Subsurface Rub’ Al-Khali Basin, Saudi Arabia
(Project# 14-OIL468-04)
In this research, the research team is investigating the control of reservoir quality in one of the exploration targets for tight gas resources in Saudi Arabia, the Late Ordovician glacinogenic Sarah Formation. The research is being conducted on subsurface cores retrieved from exploratory wells drilled within one of the blocks in the Rub’al-Khali basin blocks, southwest Saudi Arabia. We relate lithofacies, mineralogy, fracture occurrences diagenetic changes to porosity and permeability distribution and development. The main objective is to determine the control on the reservoir quality in the reservoir and possibly identify potential sweet spot zones in the core intervals.
Design and Synthesis of Magnetic Nanoparticle-Supported bis-Phosphine Ligands for the Rh-Catalyzed Organic Transformation of Olefins, funded by NSTIP
(Project # 15-NAN-4650-04).
In oil refining, naphtha contains medium-chain olefins C4–C7 in different structures. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an oil-rich country and therefore has significant need for new and more effective oil processing technologies. In order to adhere to strict environmental policies, we must develop methods or techniques to decrease contaminant emissions to the environment and improve gasoline quality. Hence, this project focuses of catalyst for conversion of olefins to oxo and more useful chemicals.
Lead-free Organic-Inorganic Halide Perovskites for Solid State Solar Cell Application, May 2015, KFUPM internal funded
(Project # IP142-CORERE-109).
In order to address the toxicity issues related to lead containing perovskites, the research is more focused on replacement of lead with non-toxic material. The projects aims to synthesize lead free Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites for Solid State Solar Cell Application. The design of high performance, low cost, stable, and environmentally friendly material is the main goal of the proposed research.
Integrated, Multiscale Study of A Highly-bioturbated, Low-permeability Carbonate Reservoir Using Laboratory Measurements and Digital-Rock Methodology
The main objective of this project is to characterize a bioturbated, heterogeneous, carbonate reservoir and relate bioturbation to its petrophysical properties. Experimental and digital-rock attributes will be acquired to achieve the following detailed objectives: (i) obtain geochemical and geological characterization of the reservoir, (ii) identify how the morphometric of bioturbation affect the petrophysical properties, (iii) investigate the response of porosity and electrical resistivity to the presence of conductive and paramagnetic minerals, specifically, pyrite and glauconite, and (iv) develop a specific saturation model that will ultimately enhance the estimation of water saturation in the bioturbated reservoir.
Derivation of Geomechanical Parameters to Determine in-situ Stress in Arab-D, Hanifa, and Khuff Reservoirs of the Abqaiq Field
(CPM 2303)
This project is split into two phases. The main objective of Phase 1 is to derive 1D profiles of the geomechanical parameters from log data for selected wells. This phase includes the following tasks: (i) determine rock properties experimentally or use the existing data, (ii) calibrate dynamic and static rock properties, (iii) estimate magnitude and direction of in situ stresses, and (iv) generate a 1D profile of the geomechanical parameters from log data for each well. The main objective of Phase 2 is to integrate and populate 1D profiles into a 3D model. The study uses the existing experimental logs, and field data in addition to new geomechanical experimental data. This data is used to generate vertical profiles each consisting of six different rock properties, viz., Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, cohesion coefficient, angle of internal friction, and tensile strength. Pore pressure and the three stress profiles, viz., vertical stress, minimum in-situ horizontal stress, and maximum in-situ horizontal stress are determined.
UTMN-2013 Khuff Petrophysical Study
The objective of this study is to perform petrophysical description of the three Khuff reservoirs namely: Khuff-A, Khuff-B, and Khuff-C. This project consists of five tasks: (i) conventional core measurements (porosity, permeability, and grain density), (ii) detailed petrographic description, (iii) mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) testing, (iv) QEMSCAN analysis, and (v) microstructural examination and EDS & bulk elemental analysis.
Viscosity Reduction of heavy oils with cyclic injection of supercritical CO2 for enhanced recovery
- Setup foundation study of heavy oil recovery using different techniques (CO2 & N2 in future stages).
- Measure viscosity reduction and thermodynamic properties of mixtures of oil + CO2 and IFT with formation water.
- Measure efficiency of recovery techniques for heavy oil.
- Determine effect of CO2 on rock structure using CT and NMR techniques.
- Using produced data and models as platform for future collaboration with Saudi Aramco for solving heavy oil mobility problems.
Petrophysical analyses on multiple wells in the QATIF Arab-C
The objective of this study is to perform petrophysical analysis on 125 samples from six (6) wells of Arab-C of Qatif Field. This project consists of five tasks: (i) conventional core measurements (porosity, permeability, and grain density), (ii) detailed petrographic description, (iii) mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) testing, (iv) QEMSCAN analysis, and (v) microstructural examination and EDS & bulk elemental analysis.
Petrophysical analyses on multiple wells in the QATIF Arab-D
The objective of this study is to perform petrophysical analysis on 70 samples from four (4) wells of Arab-D of Qatif Field. This project consists of five tasks: (i) conventional core measurements (porosity, permeability, and grain density), (ii) detailed petrographic description, (iii) mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) testing, (iv) QEMSCAN analysis, and (v) microstructural examination and EDS & bulk elemental analysis.
Development of Date Pit Nanoparticle Additive for Water Based Drilling Fluid Formulation
Drilling fluids can be generally classified into two classes, namely water based, and oil based drilling fluids. The water based drilling fluids (WDF) are widely used due to their relatively lower cost and ease of preparation. The rheological and filtration properties are very important factors that contribute to the performance of WDF. Different materials (including natural polymers, synthetic polymers, and inorganic nanoparticles) are used for improving these two properties. Natural polymers are highly preferred due to economic, sustainability and environmental reasons. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, date powder is an example of natural material that has potential for improving the rheological and filtration properties of WDF.
The objective of this project is to develop a date pit based nano-composite material for application in water based drilling fluid additives.
Recently Completed Projects
Development and Evaluation of Lost Circulation Material (LCM) for Combating Loss of Circulation while Drilling, funded by Saudi Aramco
(Project # CPM-2287)
The major objectives of this study are to identify the lost circulation problems for Saudi Aramco formations and from reports and formulate a strategy to combat the problem with gel-based LCMs. It aims to develop experimental setups which can test the efficacy of known gel-based Lost Circulation Materials (LCM) and different combinations of bridging, gelling and cementing agents.
Investigation of Newly Green, and Environmental Friendly Fluids to Remove the Damage from Sandstone and Carbonate Reservoirs, funded by NSTIP
(Project # 13-OIL151-04)
Different chelating agents have been proposed to be used as alternatives to HCl in such cases that HCl cannot be used (in sandstone or carbonate reservoirs). However, the old studies did not show a complete optimization of those fluids in order to be used in oil and gas wells stimulation.
Lower Fadhili Reservoir of FDHL-115 for Reservoir Characterization and Integrated Field Study
Study the FDHL-115 reservoir based upon reservoir permeability including directional permeability, porosity, petrography, pore size distribution, as well as other petrophysical properties like capillary pressure, relative permeability and rock resistivity.
Study of polymer-surfactant interaction for chemical enhanced oil recovery in carbonate reservoir
(Project # CPM2297)
The main objective of this project was to study and evaluate the Surfactant-Polymer interactions and its influence on the chemical formulation used for EOR from carbonate oil reservoirs; to add new reserves; to understand and describe the physics of fluid flow for this process; understand the chemical interactions between the commercial SP and the saline water at different reservoir temperatures; assess the impact of the physics of flow and the chemistry of SP-saline water interactions on the rheology of the mixture; to reduce the environmental impact of excessive water production and to derive guidelines for developing carbonate oil reservoirs under chemical-SP injection.
SHYB Facies-based Petrophysical Study
The objective of this study is to perform petrophysical description of Arab-D reservoir, Shaybah Field. The study includes five tasks conducted on nine (9) wells. The tasks include (i) conventional core measurements (porosity, permeability, and grain density) (ii) detailed petrographic description, (iii) mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) testing, (iv) QEMSCAN Analysis, and (v) microstructural examination and EDS & bulk elemental analysis.
Core Drill Cuttings and Formation Fluids/Gas Analysis in the area of Block “A” Rub-Al-Khali, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The objective of this multi-studies project is to provide R&D support to the exploration program of Luksar Energy Limited. The project is divided into four parts: (i) Geological and reservoir properties, (ii) Formation fluids/gas characterization, (iii) Core storage and management facilities, and (i) Special reservoir studies. The special reservoir studies included: (a) 1D petroleum systems modeling, (b) PVT analyses, (c) Geochemical (source rock) analyses, (d) Rock mechanics, (e) Palynostratigraphy, and (f) Formation water analyses.
Khuff-C Petrophysical Rock Types – UTMN 1803
The objective of this study is to perform petrophysical and petrographical description of Khuff-C reservoirs using 75 (1” plug) samples, 265 veneer edge samples (for XRD), and 75 thin section samples. The petrography of Khuff-C included description of mineralogy, constituents, cement, skeletal, and porosity types. Mineralogy and porosity types of Khuff-C were correlated to results obtained from QEMSCAN analysis. The petrophysical tasks included: (i) conventional core measurements (porosity, permeability, and grain density), (ii) mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) testing, and (iii) microstructural examination and EDS & bulk elemental analysis.
Rock Physics: Resistivity Measurement with Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
(Project # CPM 2294)
In order to ensure proper design and viability of Carbon dioxide (CO2) flooding projects, accurate data is required from laboratory experiments on representative samples under actual field conditions. The mechanisms of crude displacement and recovery need to be studied in relation to changing saturation distributions. Electrical resistivity has the capability to map saturation changes pertaining to the manner of flooding in representative core plugs.
This study was conducted to determine the resistivity profile of rock formations before, during, and after Carbon dioxide (CO2) flooding. The effect of CO2 -formation fluids-rock reaction on the rock pore topology was also investigated. Using a customized experimental set up in conjunction with existing laboratory facilities in the center of petroleum & minerals, an oil recovery process was simulated starting from initial oil migration followed sequentially by aging process, water flooding, and finally CO2 EOR process. During these processes, electrical resistivity of the rock samples were measured in real time. The electrical resistivity were also measured at varying frequency in order to investigate the effect of frequency on electrical resistivity measurements.
Results from this study showed that electrical resistivity is affected by the applied current frequency. Results of the pore topology at pre- and post- CO2 flooding process showed alteration in pore size distribution. The results of the study is useful for evaluation studies on the feasibility and performance of CO2 flooding for the dual purpose of enhanced oil recovery and geological storage of CO2 in a Saudi Arabia oil field.
Determination Of Electrical Properties Of 19 Rock Samples Recovered From Utmn-1614 at Reservoir Conditions (Arab-D Reservoir)
(Project # CPM2293-1)
Accurate determination of the electrical properties and capillary pressure of reservoir rocks is critically important for accurate evaluation of virgin as well as developed reservoirs. In this study, Archie’s electrical parameters namely cementation factor, saturation exponent, as well as capillary pressure curves of some representative oil field rock samples from the Saudi Arabia oil field were determined. Representative crude oil from the same field were collected while synthetic brine with the same composition as the reservoir formation brine were prepared. The rock samples were then saturated with the synthetic brine and the electrical resistivity were measured at high temperature of 900C and a confining pressure of 2500psi. Crude oil was then injected at one end to displace the brine, which is produced at the other end across a water wet ceramic porous plate placed at the end of the rock sample. The pore pressure was increased gradually at a pressure step starting from 1psi to 200psi. A data acquisition system measures the pressures, resistivity as well as the production during the test duration. At the end of the test, data were processed and analyzed to compute the needed parameters and curves.
Effect of Saturation and Pore Structure on Acoustics of Carbonates
The objective of the study is to examine the effect of saturation and pore-structure on the acoustic properties of reservoir carbonate rocks and to develop empirical models based on correlations between acoustic properties and petrophysical properties at various confining pressures and fluid saturations.
The study was conducted on more than 140 vertical plug samples representative of lithology variations encountered within Lower Fadhili reservoir in 4 well. Acoustic measurements were conducted on dry, brine-saturated, and crude-oil-saturated plugs samples. Measurements were taken at room temperature and for various confining pressures in order to determine hysteresis. Models describing the relationships between acoustic parameters and petrophysical parameters were developed as a result of this study