Deep Frio Regional Study

Gulf of Mexico Onshore

RESERVOIR EVALUATION OF DEEP FRIO SANDSTONES ALONG THE SOUTHEAST TEXAS COAST - Available in RAPID

Core Laboratories conducted a geological and petrophysical study of Deep Frio sandstones on the southeast Texas coast. The study is directed at analyzing conventional cores from multiple wells located primarily in Brazoria and Galveston counties. The technical objective of this study is to provide each participating company with detailed geological and petrophysical characterization and evaluation of productive and/or potentially productive Frio sandstones. The study also provides companies with a strong database and understanding of the Deep Frio sandstones, to aid in their exploration and exploitation efforts, and it contains conventional core from 6 (six) wells.

The analytical program consisted of the following:

• Core description, core photography, and sedimentological interpretation of depositional environments. All conventional cores were described in detail in terms of lithology, grain size, physical and biogenic sedimentary structures, contacts, and vertical sequence. These data are provided in a graphic core description, along with core and depositional facies correlated to open-hole logs. In addition, all cores were photographed in color to provide a permanent reference of the cored sequence.
• Define and evaluate Frio sandstone reservoir quality in terms of texture, mineralogy, diagenesis, and pore system properties. Conventional core, sidewall core, and drill cutting samples from productive and potentially productive sandstones were subjected to thin section petrographic characterization, point count modal analysis (conventional core and rotary sidewall cores only), and color photomicroscopy. In addition, the samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to identify diagenetic clays and characterize pore systems. X-ray diffraction analysis was utilized to determine bulk and clay fraction mineralogy.
• A series of petrophysical measurements were performed on conventional core samples to determine important parameters for formation evaluation. The sample suite represented the spectrum of Frio reservoir rock types. These rock types and associated data serve as reference analogs for more accurate estimates of formation parameters when evaluating non-cored reservoir intervals.
• Six (6) wells
• Conventional core