Reconstruction of rocks petrophysical properties as input data for reservoir modeling

Abstract

The worldwide increasing energy demand triggered studies focused on defining the underground energy potential even in areas previously discharged or neglected. Nowadays, geological gas storage (CO2 and/or CH4) and geothermal energy are considered strategic for low‐carbon energy development. A widespread and safe application of these technologies needs an accurate characterization of the underground, in terms of geology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, and geomechanics. However, during prefeasibility study‐stage, the limited number of available direct measurements of reservoirs, and the high costs of reopening closed deep wells must be taken into account. The aim of this work is to overcome these limits, proposing a new methodology to reconstruct vertical profiles, from surface to reservoir base, of: (i) thermal capacity, (ii) thermal conductivity, (iii) porosity, and (iv) permeability, through integration of well‐log information, petrographic observations on inland outcropping samples, and flow and heat transport modeling. As case study to test our procedure we selected a deep structure, located in the medium Tyrrhenian Sea (Italy). Obtained results are consistent with measured data, confirming the validity of the proposed model. Notwithstanding intrinsic limitations due to manual calibration of the model with measured data, this methodology represents an useful tool for reservoir and geochemical modelers that need to define petrophysical input data for underground modeling before the well reopening.

CO2 Leakage Scenarios in Shale Overburden

“…For each of the 15 rock types, specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity were indirectly defined as a function of thermal properties of all rock forming mineral phases with respect to their abundances as obtained by XRPD analysis [60][61][62]. The domain is fully saturated by water.…”

Fluid-assisted brecciation of Lower Cretaceous Maiolica limestone in the Umbria-Marche Apennines: Hydrodynamical implications

“…It is important to highlight the roles played by the Burano and the Marne a Fucoidi in the process of brecciation in the Maiolica. The Calcare Massiccio overlying the Burano is, on a large scale, the most permeable formation in the area (Dragoni and Verdacchi, 1990;Cantucci et al, 2016). The post-Massiccio Jurassic sequence, with its alternations of limestone and marly formations, has relatively low permeability, while the Marne a Fucoidi behaves as an aquiclude above the Maiolica.…”

Hydrothermal Alteration at the San Vito Area of the Campi Flegrei Geothermal System in Italy: Mineral Review and Geochemical Modeling

“…Porosity was taken from AGIP data (Table S1), whereas density and specific heat were indirectly computed as a function of properties of all minerals forming rock with respect to their abundances as obtained by XRD analyses. Specific heat was then corrected as function of the set temperature [83][84][85][86]. Thermal conductivity was taken from the measured data on trachytes [87,88] and then corrected for temperature dependence at 165 • C [85].…”