SPE 71703 Capillary Pressure Data From NMR Logs and Its Implications On Field Economics
SPE 71703 Capillary Pressure Data From NMR Logs and Its Implications On Field Economics
SPE 71703 Capillary Pressure Data From NMR Logs and Its Implications On Field Economics
pressure information. The reasonable accuracy of the results In capillary phenomenon, the pressure imbalance between two
grants taking the next step to derive relative permeability phases is mostly controlled by pore throat size. On the
based on capillary pressure, then the effective permeability contrary, S/V term in the T2 decay equation yields the pore
and fractional flow data, and, consequently, leads to a body size. To equate capillary pressure and T2-decay
preliminary look at the well economics. equations would be troubling if not for the fact that commonly
there is a relation between pore-body and pore-throat size, an
Theoretical background: occurrence or a fractal quality more common for clastics than
The governing equation for the T2 decay phenomena for spin- carbonates. As pores deviate from geometrically definable
spin relaxation can be written as follows: shapes into irregular voids with stretched extensions, the
relation between pore-body and pore-throat size deteriorates
1 1 S 1 and becomes more difficult to quantify. Consequently, the
= + ρ + γ G 2 TE 2 D ability to compute properties depending on pore-throat
T2 T2bulk V 12
attributes from pore-body attributes becomes less reliable.
Bulk Surface Relaxation due If we assume a geometrically definable shape for pores
Relaxation Relaxation to diffusion (spherical or tube like), however, we can write the surface to
volume ratio in terms of pore size:
Historically, to obtain capillary pressure from NMR
data5,6,2,17,18,19,20 started from the observance of the similarity S Fs
between the inverted magnetization decay of the polarized =
pore-filling fluids and the pore-size distribution obtained from V rb
capillary pressure data for the same sample. NMR T2 decay in for a spherical pore:
porous media is commonly simplified and interpreted in terms S 4 ⋅π ⋅ r 2 3
of pore size distribution (where pore size distribution is used = =
synonymously with pore-body size). In its simplified form, the V 4 r
⋅π ⋅ r 3
T2 relaxation time is proportional to the ratio of the pore 3
volume to pore surface area and is inversely proportional to
surface relaxivity. It should be noted that this relationship is The shape factor (Fs) is 3 for round pores and 2 for cylindrical
valid when pores are water wet, there is no diffusive coupling, tubes. Both equations (Pc and T2-decay) define two different
the T2 distribution is not shifted by the presence of phenomena and can be linked by their common variable pore-
hydrocarbons and the T2 of the bulk fluid is large enough to throat-size (rpt) for the capillary pressure and the pore-body-
drop the term (1/T2bulk) from the preceding equation. size from the T2-decay with an assumption of correlatable
body to throat size. If we substitute the rpt in the capillary
Construction of capillary pressure curves from NMR data1 is pressure equation with the corresponding T2 term from the T2-
based on fundamental definitions of capillary pressure and the decay equation, capillary pressure can be expressed within the
T2-decay phenomena; hence the complexities caused by the terms of T2 decay phenomenon for spin-spin relaxation.
presence of hydrocarbons and their respective placement in
various size pores must be addressed after the introduction of
the linkage between these two. When porous media contain 1 ρ r pt
= Fs T2
more than a single fluid, the pressure for each fluid differs Pc 2 σ cos(θ ) rb
even if the fluids are in a state of pressure equilibrium. The
mutual attraction between porous media and fluid (adhesion By rearranging the above equation and regrouping the surface
tension) differ for each couple, which is the reason for the relaxivity and pore throat to pore body ratio into a variable
pressure imbalance, defined as capillary pressure. This
called C:
concept can be expressed in terms of the following equation:
ρ r pt
C= Fs
2 σ cos (θ ) 2σ cos(θ ) rb
Pc =
rpt
We can simplify the original equation into:
Capillary pressure may be determined from laboratory tests, or
correlations, or calculated from known fluid distributions and 1
fluid properties. In this study, we will elaborate on the = C T2
methodology to convert log NMR data into Pc versus Pc
saturation profile with or without the availability of core data.
SPE 71703 CAPILLARY PRESSURE DATA FROM NMR LOGS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON FIELD ECONOMICS 3
Algebraic manipulation of the above relation between the In most cases, to identify the reasons for the deviation and to
capillary pressure and the T2-decay yields: rectify the scaling coefficient is impossible due to lack of data
or simply lack of rock samples. Of note is the scaling
1 coefficient C does not reflect the effects of magnetic
Log (C ) = Log − Log (T2 ) susceptibility on the magnetic field. Nevertheless, the C
Pc computed as a variable for each saturation level (at each time
segment of the inversion) suffices for the reasonably accurate
This is the coefficient that scales the Sw versus T2 curve to transformation of NMR data into capillary pressure
match as close as possible to Sw versus 1/Pc curve. The information provided that the correction of T2-spectra for non-
coefficient serves as a merit function in the absence of wetting hydrocarbons2 is performed (Volokitin et al. SCA
hydrocarbons. 9924).
1
We use the above methodology to generate scaling coefficient
T2, ms
1/Pc, psi-1
tables for any subject formation by using a porosity-range-
0.9
C qualifier. The porosity-range-qualifier checks NMR log
0.8
C*T2
derived porosity to select the proper C table for that range of
clastics or carbonates for processing the wireline NMR data to
0.7
derive capillary pressure versus saturation profile for the given
0.6 depth level or interval. The accuracy of this procedure
0.5
becomes better when core calibration of the C coefficient is
possible.
Sw
0.4
0.3
In the absence of core data, we devised a methodology to
convert the NMR log data to capillary pressure based on the
0.2
same concept for deriving the proper scaling coefficient.
0.1 Derivation of the scaling coefficient from hydrocarbon-
corrected T2-spectra relies on the analogy between the time
0
0.0001 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1000 10000 dependent desaturation of a core plug at a constant capillary
C, 1/Pc, psi-1, C*T2, T2, ms pressure and the time dependency of the partial porosity
Any deviation between the C*T2 and 1/Pc versus Sw curves (as
observed in the very low Sw values) maybe because of the
inapplicability of the selected shape factor or any variability in
the surface relaxivity or possibly both. The following graph
shows the variability of C for different samples emphasizing
the requirement of computing C for each saturation point of
each sample.
1
Smpl1
Smpl2
Smpl3
0.1 Smpl4
0.01
buildup in an NMR experiment. First, the transformation of T2
C versus φi into T2 versus Sw is obtained.
0.001
n =t n
∑ φi
i =t1
0.0001 S wi = 1 −
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
φe
Σ ( φ i) / φ t
4 M. ALTUNBAY, R. MARTAIN, M. ROBINSON SPE 71703
Then, the rate of change in porosity build up is computed. The The transformation is completed with the plot of Pc versus Sw.
rate of change in cumulative partial porosity is reflective of n =t n
the changing pore sizes and also analogous to desaturation rate
at an increasing capillary pressure (increased rpm) in a ∑ φi Ri
i =t1
centrifuge Pc test. S wi = 1 − Pc i =
φe C ⋅ T2i
1
0.9
The theoretical approach of the conversion is based on
0.8 assumptions and inferences. Perfectly ordered spherical grains
0.7
in theory:
0.6
Sw
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0.1 1 10 T2, ms 100 1000
dS wi
mi =
dT2i
The slope change is computed from the initiation time of the
NMR experiment to the end of each time increment. The ratio
of effective pore volume to cumulative slope change for each are replaced with irregular and randomly packed grains of the
increment yields a multiplier for each time slice. depositional environment and diagenetic changes.
φe
Ri = n dS w i
Log (∑ )
i =1 dT2 i
35
carbonate
30
sandstone
A scaling coefficient with a selected shape factor compensates
25
to a certain extent for the deviation from the theoretical
20 starting point. Hence, the accuracy of the transformation relies
C on the data quality (S/N ratio, adequate polarization, good
15
borehole conditions etc), formation characteristics and the
10
proper selection of the shape factor. Of further note is that the
comparison of the NMR log-derived capillary pressure should
5 be made with the laboratory capillary pressure attained at the
0
insitu conditions especially if the formation is unconsolidated.
In addition, the capillary pressure data obtained from the
0 5 10 15 φ 20 25 30 35
transformation reflects the capillary characteristics of the
volume of the rock that is only 1 to 3 in. into the formation –
SPE 71703 CAPILLARY PRESSURE DATA FROM NMR LOGS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON FIELD ECONOMICS 5
flushed zone- and only 1 mm thick. Any formation damage The sources for uncertainty in the laboratory test data cannot
will be reflected in the results while the core sample may not be summarized by the error in volumetric readings only, but
have the similar alteration because of cleaning of the samples are sufficient to warn us about the pitfalls of imperfect
prior to the laboratory test. comparisons.
30 2.5
Pc,psi
25
2
20
φi
15 1.5
10
1
5
0
0.5
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
Sw
0
A systematic study of the random errors in the volumetric 0.1 1 10 T2, ms 100 1000 10000
100
10
% error in Swirr, Pd
0.1
Error in Swirr
Error in Pd, psi
0.01
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
% error in volumetric readings
6 M. ALTUNBAY, R. MARTAIN, M. ROBINSON SPE 71703
The comparison of Swir and the curve shapes from NMR-based The following graph shows the uncertainty in fractional flow
and centrifuge-based capillary pressure curves indicate an and OWC level determination if the scaling coefficient is ± 50,
approximate deviation of 0.03 to 0.04 saturation units. As 30 and 20% in error.
evident from the above graph, the Hassler-Brunner treatment
of laboratory core data contained a 0.02 to 0.025 saturation
point deviation on its own from the expected trend due to the
characteristic of the model equation. Any other model NMR Pc with 50%
equation would have yielded similar deviations from the error in C
laboratory-derived data points because of its statistical nature. NMR Pc with 30%
error in C
NMR-derived capillary pressure error margins remain at NMR Pc with 20%
acceptable levels if the expectations for OWC (oil-water- error in C
contact) accuracy are comparable to the acquired NMR log
resolution.
capillary pressure helps to eliminate the ambiguity in capillary pressure in atmosphere. A permeability range
permeability models that are based on BVI by equating the varying from 1 to 1450 mD has a lithology factor average of
computed permeability to absolute permeability. 0.216 with minimal variability.
The capillary pressure profile for the entire coverage of the Relative permeability to wetting and non-wetting phases is
NMR log is created. Theoretical (absolute) Swir is computed by computed by interrelating the synthetic capillary pressure with
using the preceding model equation. Pore throat size the Corey-Burdine equations. These equations have recently
histograms for any given interval can also be computed been re-worked by Huang et al13. for the drainage and
provided the shape factor that links the pore body and pore imbibition cycles, and are presented below:
throat size is not grossly in error and the hydrocarbon shift of
the T2-spectra is corrected. Wetting phase relative permeability:
S w*
1
∫ P 2 dS w
*
( )
k rw = S w*
2
⋅ 0
1
c
1
∫ P 2 dS w
*
0 c
S w*
1
∫ P 2 dS w
*
(
k rnw = 1 − S w* ) 2
⋅ 0
1
c
1
∫ P 2 dS w
*
0 c
where:
3. Purcell’s permeability model7 Sw* is normalized wetting phase saturation:
Purcell relates the permeability of a unit system of cylindrical S w − S iw
capillaries with various radii to the porosity and the capillary S w* =
pressures and volumes of its components by: 1 − S iw − S or
(σ ⋅ cos θ )2 φ N
S
k =
2 ⋅10 4 ∑ Pw2
i =1 c
Sw =100 dP
k =0.66 ⋅ F φ ∫
Sw= 0
Pc2
Empirical relative permeability models compiled and 1. Reliable and repeatable capillary pressure information can
derived9,10,11 from the historical SPE database classified by be obtained from NMR logs for neutral to water wet
system, lithology, and wettability are used in conjunction with formations provided that the correction for “hydrocarbon
the resistivity-based or DTW-based Sw analysis to derive shifting of the T2-spectra” is applied.
relative permeability characteristics of the porous media. 2. Derivation of Pc from NMR logs for oil-wet formations
and formations with heavy crude and tar require special
6. Fractional flow of water treatment of the T2-spectra.
3. Scaling coefficient must be computed for each time
Fractional flow of water16 can be computed for each level by segment (bin) of the data either using an empirical model
using: or core calibration when available.
4. Synthetic capillary pressure-based BVI estimations are
1 more responsive and more accurate BVI values then the
fw = T2cutoff or SBVI-based BVI values for both clastics and
k rnw µ w
1+ ⋅ carbonates.
k rw µ nw 5. BVI estimations for carbonate formations are more
accurate with Synthetic Pc-based BVI than other
and plotted (fw versus Sw) for any given interval or for the traditional techniques.
entire profile. 6. Purcell’s permeability model provides an alternative to
the Bound Water and Kozeny models and eliminates the
needs for the calibration of coefficient and exponents of
Bound Water and Kozeny models and the T2cutoff time.
7. Using theoretical BVI (Swir*φe as Pc approaches to
infinity) with the Bound Water Model for permeability
provides a closer approximation of the absolute
permeability then the T2cutoff-based BVI.
8. Relative permeability derived from synthetic capillary
pressure tends to be reasonably accurate for practical
engineering calculations of productivity.
9. The mD-ft computations for hydrocarbons and water
provide a solid framework for completion / hydraulic
fracturing decisions and, consequently, increasing the
utility of NMR logs in engineering applications
10. Reasonably accurate predictions of unmeasured rock
properties at wireline log scale enhance the reservoir
performance estimations via reservoir and frac simulation
7. Effective permeability and productivity analysis at a fraction of the cost for unnecessary measurements
11. “Reservoir Description and Characterization” studies
The permeability we obtain by using the theoretical Swir (as Pc improve and gain accuracy with the generation of
goes to infinity Sw approaches to Swir) eliminates the Advance Rock Properties information from NMR log
ambiguity of the permeability type we derive from the Bound data.
Water Model. The permeability we obtain by using synthetic
BVI (i.e. Swir*φe) with the Bound Water Model is the closest Nomenclature
approximation of the absolute permeability. In addition,
Purcell’s permeability also approaches to the absolute perm. BVI : bulk volume irreducible
Having both the relative and absolute permeability enable us D : diffusion constant
to compute the effective permeability to the wetting and non- DTW : dual wait time
wetting phase. The ability to derive effective permeability to F : lithology factor
hydrocarbons helps to compute the correct mD-ft for any φe : effective porosity
interval that is subject of interest in addition to the first φi : partial porosity
approximations of the productivity to both phases provided Fs : pore shape factor
that the pressure and fluid properties data also available (see fw : fractional flow of water
figure on page 9). γ : gyromagnetic ratio
G : gradient field
k : permeability
SPE 71703 CAPILLARY PRESSURE DATA FROM NMR LOGS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON FIELD ECONOMICS 9