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Prediction of abrupt reservoir compaction and surface subsidence caused by pore collapse in carbonates

Journal Article · · SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Format. Eval.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/15642-PA· OSTI ID:6339544

A new procedure has been developed to predict the abrupt in-situ compaction and the associated surface subsidence above high-porosity carbonate fields that show pore collapse. The approach is based on an extensive laboratory compaction study in which the effects of carbonate type, porosity, core preparation, pore saturant, horizontal/vertical stress ratio, and loading rate on pore-collapse behavior were investigated. For a number of carbonate types, a trendline was established that describes the relationship between the porosity after collapse and the vertical effective stress. This trendline concept, in combination with existing subsidence models, enables reservoir compaction and surface subsidence to be predicted on the basis of wireline porosity logs. Static and dynamic elastic constants were found to be uncorrelated during pore collapse. The position of the trendline depends strongly on carbonate type, pore saturant, loading rate, and stress ratio. Therefore, procedures are given to derive the correct in-situ trendline from laboratory compaction experiments.

Research Organization:
Koninklijke/Shell E and P Laboratorium, Rijswijk (NL)
OSTI ID:
6339544
Journal Information:
SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Format. Eval.; (United States), Journal Name: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Format. Eval.; (United States) Vol. 3:2; ISSN SFEVE
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English