Detailed microbial surveys help improve reservoir characterization

Journal Article · Mon Jun 06 00:00:00 EDT 1994 · Oil and Gas Journal; (United States)

OSTI ID:7013411

Tucker, J; Hitzman, D ^[1]

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1. Geo-Microbial Technologies Inc., Ochelata, OK (United States)

Application of the Microbial Oil Survey Technique (MOST) as a reservoir characterization tool expands a surface geochemistry technique from exploration into the production industry. The three examples presented show how tightly spaced microbial sampling grids over producing fields are effective tools to delineate reservoir drainage patterns associated with and related to reservoir heterogeneities. Using this surface microbial information with geology and geophysics is a powerful combination for identifying infill target and stepout potential within existing fields. Distinct microbial population patterns identified in these surveys are: (1) decreased microbial populations over or adjacent to producing wells indicating hydrocarbon withdrawal drainage patterns; (2) linear high and low variations of the gas withdrawal patterns which illustrate the compartmentalization of the reservoir; and (3) exploration type, broad microbial highs which indicate either missed horizons or stepout potential in the field.

• OSTI ID: 7013411
• Journal Information: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Vol. 92:23; ISSN 0030-1388
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
03 NATURAL GAS
MICROORGANISMS
POPULATION DYNAMICS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
DRAINAGE
WELL SPACING
OIL WELLS
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
CALIFORNIA
DETECTION
GEOCHEMICAL SURVEYS
OKLAHOMA
PRODUCTIVITY
PROSPECTING
SEEPS
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
NORTH AMERICA
SURVEYS
USA
WELLS
020200* - Petroleum- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
030200 - Natural Gas- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration