Fluorescence analysis can identify movable oil in self-sourcing reservoirs
- Calhoun (Gerry G.), Midland, TX (United States)
The recent surge of activity involving self-sourcing reservoirs and horizontal drilling recognizes a little tapped niche in the domestic energy mix. Such prolific pays as the Cretaceous Bakken and Austin Chalk have drawn research interest and large amounts of investment capital. Fluorescence analysis can discern movable oil--as opposed to exhausted source rock--in such reservoirs with an inexpensive test. Other potential targets are the Cretaceous Mesaverde in the Piceance basin, Devonian New Albany shale in Kentucky, Devonian Antrim shale in the Michigan basin, and the Cretaceous Niobrara, Mancos, and Pierre formations in Colorado and New Mexico. To insure success in this niche this key question must be answered positively: Is movable oil present in the reservoir? Even if tectonic studies verify a system of open fractures, sonic logs confirm overpressuring in the zone, and resistivity logs document the maturity of the source, the ultimate question remains: Is movable oil in the fractures available to flow to the borehole? The paper explains a technique that will answer these questions.
- OSTI ID:
- 61274
- Journal Information:
- Oil and Gas Journal, Vol. 93, Issue 23; Other Information: PBD: 5 Jun 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Using resistivity to assess Niobrara fracture patterns for horizontal wells
Horizontal drilling: Overview of geologic aspects and opportunities