Coring preparation, preservation, and handling - Research Paper Example

Module Coring When dealing with the preparation of cores, it is important to recognize the lithological, diagenetic, structuraland depositional features of the whole or slabbed core. This is essential when dealing with the preparation because it offers both the qualitative and quantitative core descriptions. It is an important process critical in the analysis of cores as it offers descriptions of important attributes such as supplementary core and reservoir core analyses. It also creates a permanent and accessible record that can be used to define a core in the future.

When seeking to form a description of a core, it is essential that one place the lay out of the core on a table. This will be essential in checking the amount of the core and compare it to the coring report so as to ensure no core material was lost during the transportation process (Fjar, Holt, Raaen, Risnes, and Horsrud 125). In case of any alterations or damage, it is important to note such details. The numbering placed on the containers should be noted against the cumulative depth reported.

This then creates a better understanding of the core, and offers a chance to check on the orientation and continuity with respect to the top of the core. If the records show the downhole gamma-ray logs, then it would be advisable to verify the same by comparing the to the core gamma-ray logs. This verifies the consistency of the cored interval depths with the log depths. The core features such as composition, texture, color, and porosity types should also be noted. After getting this information, the cutting of stabilized or unstabilized cores will depend on the plug sample methods or the plunge cut technique.

This will prepare it for preservation (Fjar, Holt, Raaen, Risnes, and Horsrud 127). Core PreservationThe purpose of preservation is to maintain the chemical and physical properties inherent in the cores as close as possible to the reservoir data. The impact noted should be in relation to the intended utility of the core afterwards. The failure to create an impermeable barrier around the sample could lead to wettability alterations, loss of interstitial water, precipitation of the salts, and damage to the mineral fabric (Morton-Thompson and Woods 105).

The methods of preservation differ depending on the intended achievements. Six methods have been developed which include sealing the core in airtight metal-cans, dry ice freezing, plastic bag seals, using plastic, steel, or aluminum tubes to seal, wrapping in plastic tape or metal foil, as well as using plastic coatings. Notably, quick freezing method (where dry ice chambers are used for core storage) and wrapping of the cores with aluminum sheets and paraffin wax coats were some of the best methods noted for preservation of cores (Morton-Thompson and Woods 107).

Handling CoresAfter preservation, it is important to learn the important techniques of handling cores. To main methods do exist that assist in this area. First is the method that employs a standard reusable sinner barrel made of steel. The other uses a disposable inner barrel. Handling requires different levels of expertise with the basic handling requiring minimum training. The basic handling includes the use of the standard reusable steel inner barrels that allow the user to obtain core from homogeneous consolidated rocks (Bawa 95).

There is also core acquisition on a wireline sidewall that allows one to gather cores from rotary or percussion coring. The special handling category requires extensive training and requires one to understand the different ways of handling disposable inner barrels and oriented core barrels for obtaining cores from unconsolidated rocks. They may also use pressure-retained core barrel as a way of maintaining core reservoir pressure and minimize fluid expansion as the core comes to the surface. Whichever way the core is handled, the right procedure is important to achieve the intended goal (Bawa 98).

Works citedBawa, H. S. Manufacturing Processes - Ii. New York: Tata McGraw-Hill Education, 2004. Print.https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=jeb9wdpFx2oC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Bawa+Manufacturing+Processes+2004&hl=en&sa=X&ei=JB7JVOSKA86y7Qbx24CoCw&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Bawa%20Manufacturing%20Processes%202004&f=falseFjar, Erling, Holt, R. M., Raaen, A. M., Risnes, R., and Horsrud, P. Petroleum Related Rock Mechanics: 2nd Edition. London: Elsevier, 2008. Print.https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=l6CfasFxhzYC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Fjar+Holt+Raaen+Risnes+Horsrud+Petroleum+Related+Rock+Mechanics+2008&hl=en&sa=X&ei=VB7JVOPUMofT7QadnIDwDA&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Fjar%20Holt%20Raaen%20Risnes%20Horsrud%20Petroleum%20Related%20Rock%20Mechanics%202008&f=falseMorton-Thompson, Diana & Woods, Arnold M.

Development Geology Reference Manual: AAPG Methods in Exploration Series, No. 10. Boston, MA: AAPG, 1993. Print.https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=4NoVAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA353&dq=Morton+Diana+Woods+Development+Geology+Reference+Manual:+AAPG+Methods+in+Exploration+Series+1993&hl=en&sa=X&ei=mx7JVMWRFOGe7ga2lIHACA&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Morton%20Diana%20Woods%20Development%20Geology%20Reference%20Manual%3A%20AAPG%20Methods%20in%20Exploration%20Series%201993&f=false