Cementation of Oilfield Sandstones: Micro-Geochemical Tracers, Reveal Macro-Fluid Hydrogeology

PROJECT DETAILS ONLY - NO DATA. Reservoir quality in hydrocarbon reservoir sandstones can be greatly influenced by mineral cementation or dissolution. This can change porosity by 50% and permeability by 105. Such processes were partly controlled by palaeo-hydrogeology. The micro-isotopic and micro-geochemical composition within cements holds a detailed zonation record of palaeo-hydrogeology, which can now be investigated by new micro-scale analytical technology. We will combine conservative tracers and palaeopressures from fluid inclusions with natural isotopic tracers measured by ion and laser microbeam instruments. Statistically based sampling will enable reliable up-scaling to calibrate blocks in basin-scale computer models. This will integrate microanalysis with basin architecture. Study sites are selected to resolve conflicting interpretations of characteristics cementation processes.