Reservoir characterization

Formation Evaluation-2022

As we continue to advance the capability in the laboratory environment to test downhole condition measurements experimentally, the tools we are using appear to be bridging the subsurface characterization with the production results. Continued focus on unconventionals is complemented with a renewed focus on conventional research as well.

Formation Evaluation intro fractured graphic

Over the past couple of years, we have observed the energy sector expand horizons and embrace transitions to alternative energy and scientific sectors. In light of that, it’s encouraging to see and review a continued focus on oil and gas exploration, development, and production across university, private equity, and operated contributors. In trying to complete the almost impossible task of culling down hundreds of papers into a short list of recommended readings, there are always common overarching themes that stand out. In briefly reviewing and sharing those observations, I saw that the topics below had many papers and drew much focus over the past year:

  • Advancing and improving subsurface characterization through integration (e.g., measurements and modeling)
  • Downhole monitoring and effect on production understanding
  • Advancing tools into harsher conditions and environments of hydrocarbon prospectivity
  • Laboratory measurement innovation and advancement, particularly in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and continued in unconventionals and in integration or combination of existing tools

Interesting to observe was the lack of dominance that has been present over the past couple of years of the advanced analytics and machine-learning applications. Perhaps we have reached a point where we have achieved the fundamental development of, and base modeling of, prototypes and work flows, and now are testing the hypotheses in real time. The industry looks forward to the effect the models may have in real‑time operational application results.

Rock and fluid interactions and behavior significantly dominated the focus of the efforts of researchers and operators to test their scientific hypotheses, all with the aim of understanding what to improve, mitigate, or predict in terms of subsurface interaction, and then translate that to wellhead performance. As we continue to advance the capability in the laboratory environment to test downhole condition measurements experimentally, the tools we are using appear to be bridging the subsurface characterization with the production results. Continued focus on unconventionals is complemented with a renewed focus on conventional research as well. Beyond the primary upstream focus, significant progression exists with regard to midstream-to-downstream research and knowledge-sharing, primarily related to EOR and injection capacity.

I hope you enjoy these selections, and encourage everyone to continue to expand their knowledge bases as well as develop further depth in disciplines about which they are passionate. Please continue to encourage one another to push research and application forward for the benefit of all communities.

This Month’s Technical Papers

Coreflooding and Steady-State Principles Determine Reaction Kinetics

Crossdipole Sonic Data Analyzed To Target Stack Pay in the Permian Basin

Errors in Initial Pressure Measurement Affect Rate-Transient Analysis

Recommended Additional Reading

SPE 209445 Fluid/Fluid Interfacial Area and Its Effect on Relative Permeability—A Pore-Network Modeling Study by Sanchay Mukherjee, The Pennsylvania State University, et al.

OTC 32092 Analytical Model to Effective Permeability Loss Prediction and Formation Mechanical Damage Control in Fractured Oil Wells by Fernando Bastos Fernandes, Pontifical Catholic University, et al.

SPE 209280 Analyzing X-Ray Computed Tomography Images From Unconventional Reservoirs Using Deep Generative Models by Yulman Perez Claro, Stanford University, et al.


Stephanie Perry, SPE, works for Intertek Westport as part of the core analysis team and as a petrophysical consultant. She holds BS degrees in geology and psychology from Union College in New York, an MS degree in earth sciences from the State University of New York at Albany, and a PhD degree in geology from Syracuse University. Perry has worked in the oil and gas industry for more than 12 years in exploration, development, and production. She has worked onshore and offshore, with roles including geologist, geophysicist, and petrophysicist. Perry formerly worked with operators including ExxonMobil and Anadarko and in the service sector for GeoMark Research. She is a member of the JPT Editorial Review Board.