Note on the importance of hydrocarbon fill for reservoir quality prediction in sandstones

Marchand, A.M.E., Smalley, P.C., Haszeldine, R.S. and Fallick, A.E. (2002) Note on the importance of hydrocarbon fill for reservoir quality prediction in sandstones. AAPG Bulletin, 86(9), pp. 1561-1571.

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Abstract

Oil emplacement retarded the rate of quartz cementation in the Brae Formation deep-water sandstone reservoirs of the Miller and Kingfisher fields (United Kingdom North Sea), thus preserving porosity despite the rocks' being buried to depths of 4 km and 120degreesC. Quartz precipitation rates were reduced by at least two orders of magnitude in the oil legs relative to the water legs. Important contrasts in quartz cement abundances and porosities have emerged between the oil and water legs where reservoirs have filled with hydrocarbons gradually over a prolonged period of time (greater than 15 m.y.). The earlier the hydrocarbon fill, the greater is the degree of porosity preservation. Failure to consider this phenomenon during field development could lead to overestimation of porosity and permeability in the water leg, potentially leading in turn to poor decisions about the need for and placement of downflank water injectors. During exploration, the retarding effect of oil on quartz cementation could lead to the presence of viable reservoirs situated deeper than the perceived regional economic basement.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Fallick, Professor Anthony
Authors: Marchand, A.M.E., Smalley, P.C., Haszeldine, R.S., and Fallick, A.E.
Subjects:Q Science > QE Geology
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
Journal Name:AAPG Bulletin
Publisher:AAPG
ISSN:0149-1423
Copyright Holders:AAPG©2002
First Published:First published in AAPG Bulletin 86(9):1561-1571
Publisher Policy:Reprinted by permission of the AAPG whose permission is required for further use

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