Determining static reservoir connectivity using noble gases

Scott, J., Pujol, M., Gyore, D. , Stuart, F. and Gilfillan, S. (2021) Determining static reservoir connectivity using noble gases. Chemical Geology, 582, 120410. (doi: 10.1016/j.chemgeo.2021.120410)

[img] Text
245377.pdf - Accepted Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives.

1MB

Abstract

Determining the connectivity of fluids in hydrocarbon reservoirs is a key challenge during the appraisal stage. Such information is critical for assessing the economic viability and planning its development. Although several tools exist to determine static connectivity and the fluid column organisation post-hydrocarbon emplacement, it is extremely difficult to determine the extent of the connectivity between fluids of different phases. Conventional connectivity studies on the Tormore field, West of Shetland Basin, UK have resolved the vertical connectivity of one well (T2) but have been unable to resolve further vertical or lateral connectivity. Here, we outline a new tool for assessing hydrocarbon connectivity by completing the first intra-field connectivity study of the noble gas composition (He, Ne, Ar, Kr and Xe) of fluids from individual reservoir units, allowing the resolution of both the vertical and lateral connectivity within the Tormore field. To achieve this, we obtain fluid samples from archived PVT vessels rather than from the wellhead or platform separators, allowing sampling of the individual reservoir units obtained during drilling. Our findings corroborate previous connectivity studies undertaken on the oil well, T2, confirming that the reservoir unit of T2-A is isolated from the lower reservoir units. We apply the same method to the gas well, T3, finding that unit T3-A is isolated from the lower reservoir units. In addition, we identify a previously unknown connection between the gas and oil phase that is separated by a poorly constrained fault. These findings confirm the effectiveness of using noble gas fingerprints to assess the connectivity of fluids in different phases, providing a new tool for understanding connectivity in hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon settings (Carbon, Capture and Storage).

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Gyore, Dr Domokos and Stuart, Professor Fin
Authors: Scott, J., Pujol, M., Gyore, D., Stuart, F., and Gilfillan, S.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
Journal Name:Chemical Geology
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0009-2541
ISSN (Online):1872-6836
Published Online:28 June 2021
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V.
First Published:First published in Chemical Geology 582: 120410
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record