As a postdoctoral researcher at DTU Offshore, Shohreh Iraji is enhancing our understanding of unconventional reservoirs and of their significance in future energy solutions. With a background in petroleum engineering and a PhD in Petroleum Science and Engineering from the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil, her work concentrates on petrophysical properties of diatomaceous formations in the Norwegian North Sea.
Exploring the Potential of Diatomite Reservoirs
Shohreh’s research is part of a project funded by Aker BP in Norway, focused on characterising the petrophysical and flow properties of Miocene diatomaceous formations. These formations are particularly challenging to study because of their low permeability and delicate nature.
“Diatomite reservoirs are unique. Their development poses risks including fines migration and mechanical instability, making it essential to assess the properties of these sediments to determine whether they are sufficiently competent to sustain production” she explains.
Her work contributes to a more complete understanding of formation evaluation and flow potential within these reservoirs. The data collected can be applied across several areas, including reservoir management, storage assessment, hydrocarbon field abandonment, and evaluating production prospects.
Combining Experiments and Modelling
Shohreh conducts detailed experimental analyses using core samples from the Valhall and West Hod structures under the Norwegian Shelf. Her work provides critical insights into the petrophysical properties of these low-permeability and soft rocks with high specific surface area, by combining advanced laboratory techniques with geophysical borehole log interpretation. Her experiments include nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements, BET surface area analysis, porosity and permeability assessments, and core flooding experiments. A significant focus of her research is complex conductivity measurements. By predicting surface area from electrical conductivity data, she aims to establish new approaches for estimating permeability and ultimately improve understanding of fluid flow and reservoir performance.
Collaborative Research with Industry and Academia
Shohreh works closely with colleagues at DTU Offshore and within Aker BP’s operational team. This partnership involves regular meetings and workshops, ensuring knowledge exchange and alignment between academic and industrial objectives.
“Collaboration is essential,” she says. “By combining multidisciplinary expertise in geology, geophysics, and engineering, we gain a much broader perspective on the reservoir’s behaviour.”
Supporting the Energy Transition
Her research directly supports DTU Offshore’s mission to advance offshore energy technologies and contribute to energy transition with secure energy. The findings provide insights that are valuable for CO₂ storage strategies, hydrocarbon field abandonment projects, and managing unconventional reservoirs.
