Petrophysics and Geothermics

GeoSegment 3D - Automatic segmentation of 3D seismic data with various tested and selected seismic attributes and clustering algorithm including a verification using logging data and rock samples.FFG - 853191 2016-2019

For the exploration of hydrocarbons and geothermal water or geothermal applications, seismic profiles respectively seismic 3D cubes are measured. These become furthermore interpreted by geologists in conventional ways time-consuming focusing on the geology. To complement this conventional interpretation respectively in the long term to replace and improve it, a workflow for a semiautomatic or in parts automatic segmentation of geological bodies is developed. For the accomplishing, data are well processed, that is integration of a high amount of seismic attributes, with the aid of tests of various clustering algorithms, verification with logging data and additional verification with rock samples from the surface and geophysical measurements on cores for each geological body. The following geological bodies are selected: channel, fan, karst body, salt body, volcano, riff and two geological bodies with faults. The workflow will be built in a first phase with synthetic data and afterwards on real 3D ocean data with low noise applied. Finally the cluster will be segmented with logging data and the samples from the surface and can be extracted as geological body. This project should show to which extend automatic algorithms can interpret modern 3D seismic cubes. Especially with the right selection of optimal attributes as preparation and for verification with logging data and petrophysical measurements on rock samples.

 

Petrographic coded correlations in Petrophysics
2015-2018
FWF-project P 27959

Petrophysics refers to the research on the physical properties of rocks, their experimental and theoretical derivation and their correlations. Petrophysical applications are important in various geoscience, petroleum and geotechnical fields. Therefore a systematic study of various properties and influencing factors with a resulting matrix, where everything is combined for a further application is of great interest.

The project should be a systematic study for the petrographic coded model concept and the influencing factors on the petrophysical properties. Within this project a ferrofluid based method for the derivation of the anisotropy of the pore space will be additionally evaluated. Therefore different petrophysical properties (electrical and elastic properties, porosity and permeability, thermal conductivity) are determined in the laboratory. For a systematic evaluation additional the mineral composition is identified and CT and SEM measurements will be carried out for a verification of the results.

The first part of the project will be field work in Austria and sample preparation as well as the derivation of the orientation of the pores with the ferrofluid method. This method should be additionally improved and evaluated. The other petrophysical properties will be interpreted and a petrographic code will be determined. The result will be a deeper understanding of the influences on the properties. The relationship between physical defined model types and the petrographic code should be further investigated and stronger physically based by “mixing rules” for the host material. Combination of the new insights with standard formation evaluation for a more accurate interpretation and an extended output of borehole data should stand at the end.

At that time requirements in petrophysics have changed. Needed is a good understanding of the various properties and a systematic matrix, where different geoscientist can get a quick idea of influencing factors on the different properties. Better understanding and therefore better correlations will result in improved applications. The result will be a unique systematic summary about the influencing factors on the individual properties, especially concerning pore space anisotropy and petrographic code.

REINJEKTION: Geothermal Energy-Recovery in Sandstone Formations
Factor - Analysis, Simulation and Modelling
FFG-Project 838744
Projectleader: TB für Hydrogeologie und Geothermie

Petrophysical measurements and interpretation

Partners:

  • Mag. Bernd Böchzelt, TB für Hydrogeologie und Geothermie
  • RAG
  • University Vienna, Institute for Physical Chemistry
  • MUL, Chair of Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Recovery
  • Ingenieurbüro Dr. Martin Steiner

THERMTEC: Joint thermal-tectonic modelling of active orogenic processes at two representative regions of the Eastern Alps (Tauern Window and its vicinity, Mur-Mürz Furche & southern Vienna Basin)
(2008-2013)
Execution: GBA on behalf of the Austrian Academy of Science

Petrophysical operations in the project:

  • Evaluation of the spatial distribution of thermo-physical parameters such as heat capacity and thermal conductivity as well as the connected hydraulic properties such as effective porosity.
  • Determination of the effect of the anisotropy of the petrophysical properties, especially thermal conductivity.
  • Analysis of the vertical and horizontal distribution of the radiogenic heat production and its effect on the temperature field.