Sandstone diagenesis and reservoir quality prediction: Models, myths, and reality

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Thomas R. Taylor1, Melvyn R. Giles2, Lori A. Hathon3, Timothy N. Diggs4, Neil R. Braunsdorf5, Gino V. Birbiglia6, Mark G. Kittridge7, Calum I. Macaulay8 and Irene S. Espejo9

+ Author Affiliations 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
1

Shell International Exploration and Production, Projects and Technology, 3737 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77025; thomas.taylor@shell.com 2 Shell International Exploration and Production, 200 North Dairy Ashford, Houston, Texas 77079-1197; Melvyn.giles@shell.com 3 Shell International Exploration and Production, Projects and Technology, 3737 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77025; lori.hathon@shell.com 4 Shell International Exploration and Production, 200 North Dairy Ashford, Houston, Texas 77079-1197; timothy.diggs@shell.com 5 Shell International Exploration and Production, Projects and Technology, 3737 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77025; neil.braunsdorf@shell.com 6 Sarawak Shell Berhad, Locked Bag No.1, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia 98000; gino.birbiglia@shell.com 7 Shell International Exploration and Production, 200 North Dairy Ashford, Houston, Texas 77079-1197; mark.kittridge@shell.com 8 Shell International Exploration and Production, Projects and Technology, 3737 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77025; calum.macaulay@shell.com 9 Shell International Exploration and Production, 200 North Dairy Ashford, Houston, Texas 77079-1197; irene.espejo@shell.com

Abstract
Models and concepts of sandstone diagenesis developed over the past two decades are currently employed with variable success to predict reservoir quality in hydrocarbon exploration. Not all of these are equally supported by quantitative data, observations, and rigorous hypothesis testing. Simple plots of sandstone porosity versus extrinsic parameters such as current subsurface depth or temperature are commonly extrapolated but rarely yield accurate predictions for lithified sandstones. Calibrated numerical models that simulate compaction and quartz cementation, when linked to basin models, have proven successful in predicting sandstone porosity and permeability

where sufficient analog information regarding sandstone texture, composition, and quartz surface area is available. Analysis of global, regional, and local data sets indicates the following regarding contemporary diagenetic models used to predict reservoir quality. (1) The effectiveness of grain coatings on quartz grains (e.g., chlorite, microquartz) as an inhibitor of quartz cementation is supported by abundant empirical data and recent experimental results. (2) Vertical effective stress, although a fundamental factor in compaction, cannot be used alone as an accurate predictor of porosity for lithified sandstones. (3) Secondary porosity related to dissolution of framework grains and/or cements is most commonly volumetrically minor (<2%). Exceptions are rare and not easily predicted with current models. (4) The hypothesis and widely held belief that hydrocarbon pore fluids suppress porosity loss due to quartz cementation is not supported by detailed data and does not represent a viable predictive model. (5) Heat-flow perturbations associated with allochthonous salt bodies can result in suppressed thermal exposure, thereby slowing the rate of quartz cementation in some subsalt sands. Tom Taylor has worked at Shell's Bellaire Technology Center since 1982 in research and applications related to reservoir quality, diagenesis, and rock properties. He holds a B.S. degree from Winona State University and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University. Melvyn R. Giles has a B.Sc. (honors) degree in geology and chemistry from the University of Bristol and a Ph.D. from the University of Glasgow. He joined Shell's Koninklijke/Shell Exploratie En Produktie Laboratorium research center in 1980, where he has been active in diagenesis, basin modeling, overpressure, rock property, and geophysical research. He is currently the global theme leader for unconventional gas. Lori Hathon worked in exploration and regional studies for Amoco Production Company prior to joining Shell International Exploration and Production, Inc. in 1997. At Shell, she has performed research in reservoir quality and physical rock properties modeling. She holds a B.S. degree from Michigan State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri. Tim Diggs holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Virginia and the University of Texas at Austin. He has more than 24 years of experience in clastic and carbonate petrology, with more than 20 years at Shell working on field- to regional-scale reservoir characterization. He has also worked extensively with numerous types of unconventional reservoirs, including HPHT, oil shales, and fractured reservoirs. Neil Braunsdorf holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Stony Brook University and the University of Michigan. He has more than 25 years of experience in exploration and exploration research with Shell, investigating varied aspects of rock and fluid properties and pore-pressure prediction. His current research interests include unconventional reservoirs and predrill rock property prediction in complex geological settings. Gino Birbiglia joined Shell in 1997. He has a broad technical background, including previous roles as a development geologist, exploration geophysicist, and regional exploration geologist. He has worked in deep-water, shelf, and onshore environments, primarily in the United States

and Southeast Asia. Presently, he is living and working in Malaysia evaluating new exploration opportunities in Southeast Asia. Mark G. Kittridge is a principal technical expert (quantitative interpretation) and a regional discipline lead in petrophysics with Shell International EP Inc. He joined Shell in 1988 after earning B.Sc. and professional degrees in geological engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and an M.Sc. degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Texas. Calum Macaulay is a sedimentary petrologist. He holds a B.Sc. degree in geology and mineralogy from the University of Aberdeen and a Ph.D. in applied geology from the University of Strathclyde. As a postdoc at the Scottish Universities Research and Reactor Center and the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, he investigated diagenetic processes for 10 years before joining Shell in 2001. Irene Espejo has more than 18 years of industry experience, having joined Shell in 2001. Her work involves upscaling properties among thin section, core, log, and subseismic scales, relating them to depositional environments, provenance, rock properties, and reservoir quality modeling. Previous experience includes a research associate appointment at Rice University. She holds a doctorate degree from the University of Buenos Aires. http://aapgbull.geoscienceworld.org/content/94/8/1093.abstract