A new integrated approach to resolve the saturation profile using high-resolution facies in heterogenous reservoirs

Abstract

The saturation calculation in complex reservoirs remains a major challenge to the oil and gas industry. In simple formations, a tendency towards simple saturation models such as Archie or Simandoux for clean and shaly reservoirs respectively is always preferable. These models were found to be working effectively in homogeneous formations within which the porosity and permeability are linked in the light of a simple facies scheme. Where the rocks show some degrees of heterogeneity, the well-logs are usually affected by different factors. This adversely results in a compromised or averaged log profiles that may affect the saturation calculations. Four wells drilled across a shaly sand of high heterogeneity have been studied in the Perth Basin, Western Australia. The aim is to resolve the hydrocarbon saturation and explain the high productivity results, despite the high water saturation, obtained through a conducted formation well test across the interested reservoir zones. A new integration technique between a suite of conventional and advanced logging tools together with the capillary pressure measurements has been carried out to generate a high-resolution reservoir saturation profile, that is lithofacies dependent. Three different independent methods were used in the studied wells to calculate the saturation and to reduce the uncertainty of the final estimated profiles. The methods are the resistivity-based saturation, the NMR-based irreducible saturation, and a new application through saturation height modeling. Furthermore, through the workflow, an effective calibration for the magnetic resonance T2 cutoff has been applied that is supported by the excellent reservoir production behavior from such complex reservoir. The methodology will help resolve the saturation calculation as one of the most challenging reservoir parameters, particularly where the resistivity logs are affected in complicated shaly sand environments. The effectiveness of the workflow shines the possibility to predict high resolution facies and saturation profiles in the lack of resistivity logs. A further possibility can complete the analysis on real time basis, which can certainly provide facies and saturation profiles extended to the uncored wells. Application of this methodology in the uncored wells has shown very encouraging results in various well trajectories, either vertical, deviated or horizontal long boreholes.