Understanding CO2 Storage and Unconventional Reservoirs
Exploring Flow Potential in Diatomites to Enhance CO2 Storage and Oil & Gas Production
As the offshore industry evolves, the emphasis will shift towards CO2 storage, the safe and reliable continuation of oil and gas production, and effective decommissioning. Notably, the overburden (Cenozoic) succession in the North Sea remains largely underexplored, primarily because operations have concentrated on deeper hydrocarbon reservoirs. Approximately 1,000 meters above the producing chalk reservoir lies the 200-meter-thick Miocene Lark Formation, commonly known as the diatomites. This diatomaceous mudstone interval is regarded as an unconventional reservoir characterized by exceptionally high porosity and very low fluid mobility.
The objective of this research project is to enhance the understanding of this unique reservoir while developing innovative models and methodologies applicable to similar low-mobility unconventional reservoirs. Key areas of focus include:
- Matrix Permeability: Estimating matrix permeability and improving the understanding of its effects through downhole measurements.
- Formation Evaluation: Establishing a connection between the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) work currently conducted in the industry and a new method developed at DTU Offshore.
- Elasticity and Pore Collapse: Utilizing elastic strain as a predictive tool for pore collapse.
- Methodology Development: Creating advanced tools and methodologies for formation evaluation of diatomites based on downhole data.
Key areas of focus include:
- Matrix Permeability: Estimating matrix permeability and improving the understanding of its effects through downhole measurements.
- Formation Evaluation: Establishing a connection between the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) work currently conducted in the industry and a new method developed at DTU Offshore.
- Elasticity and Pore Collapse: Utilizing elastic strain as a predictive tool for pore collapse.
- Methodology Development: Creating advanced tools and methodologies for formation evaluation of diatomites based on downhole data.
