Formation Damage Prediction
Analysis of reservoir samples can help predict fluid sensitivity related to the mineralogy of the rock. It is important to identify the types and amounts of minerals that can potentially cause damage, and to determine the location of the minerals in relation to the effective pore system.
Thin Section Analysis
Various types of clays are the most common minerals associated with formation damage. The identification of clay types is important, but the location of the clay minerals within the pore system is also significant. Thin section petrography can best give an idea of the fabric of a rock and helps determine the difference between ‘structural’ clays and authigenic clays.
Scanning Electron Microscopy Authigenic minerals, like clays and zeolites, are frequent causes of formation damage. SEM analysis can accurately determine the distribution of authigenic minerals within the rock’s pore system.
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
X-Ray Powder Diffraction is the quickest way to determine rock composition and the best technique to determine the variety and abundances of clay minerals. A combined XRD and SEM analysis of a sample is the fastest way to identify amounts and types of clay minerals and their distribution in a rock. These analyses can be done in a time-frame that can aide in the determination of the best completion and stimulation fluids for your reservoir.
