Anisotropy and spatial variation of relative permeability and lithologic character of Tensleep Sandstone Reservoirs in the Bighorn and Wind River Basins, Wyoming

Abstract

ObjectivesThis multidisciplinary study is designed to provide improvements in advanced reservoir characterization techniques. This goal is to be accomplished through 1. 2. 3. 4.An examination of the spatial variation and anisotropy of relative permeability in the Tensleep Sandstone reservoirs of Wyoming;The placement of that variation and anisotropy into paleogeographic, depositional, and diagenetic frameworks;The development of pore-system imagery techniques for the calculation of relative permeability; and Reservoir simulations testing the impact of relative permeability anisotropy and spatial variation on Tensleep Sandstone reservoir enhanced oil recovery.Concurrent efforts are aimed at understanding the spatial and dynamic alteration in sandstone reservoirs that is caused by rock-fluid interaction during COz-enhanced oil recovery processes. This work focuses on quantifying the relationship of fluid-rock interaction with lithologic characterization (in term of changes in relative permeability, wettability, and pore structure) and with fluid characterization (in terms of changes in chemical composition and fluid properties.) This work will establish new criteria for the susceptibility of Tensleep Sandstone reservoirs to production-induced formation alteration that results in change in relative permeability and in wellbore scale damage.2. Examination of regional trends in water chemistry;3. Examination of local water chemistry trends at field scale; and 4. Chemical modeling of both the reservoir and experimental systems in order to scaleup the experiments to reservoir conditions.

Anisotropy and spatial variation of relative permeability and lithologic character of Tensleep Sandstone reservoirs in the Bighorn and Wind River Basins, Wyoming. Annual report, October 1, 1994-- September 30, 1995

“…The TDS values of these Tensleep Formation waters are greater than 3000 m a , and the fact that these waters are nearly saturated with respect to anhydrite is consistent with the saturation index of anhydrite of the Tensleep Formation waters in the Bighorn Basin, which we compiled during the first contract year (see Figure 24; Dunn, 1994). Saturation with respect to barite of all solutions is probably due to the low solubility product of this mineral.…”

“…Experimental apparatus and techniques were quite the same as those adopted in an earlier experiment (Run I), which was run during the first contract year (Dunn, 1994).…”

Anisotropy and spatial variation of relative permeability and lithologic character of Tensleep Sandstone reservoirs in the Bighorn and Wind River basins, Wyoming. Final technical report, September 15, 1993--October 31, 1996

“…Recent work has documented the relative permeability anisotropy associated with accumulation-related structures (Dunn, 1994(Dunn, ,1995Iverson et al, 1996).…”

“…The present study was initially undertaken as part of a larger study Wind River Basins of western Wyoming (Dunn, 1994(Dunn, , 1995Carr-Crabaugh and Relative Permeability Anisotropy, Tensleep Sandstone DE-AC22-93BC14897 39 Iverson et al, 1996). Marathon Oil Company is a cost-share partner on the project and provided data on the North Oregon Basin Field in proximity to recently drilled horizontal well completions ( Fig.…”

“…Standard gas permeability measurements for Tensleep sandstone cores used in this study. Samples are from various locations in outcrop and subsurface as described by Dunn et al (1995). Each sample was cleaned, dried, and corrected for Klinkenburg slip.…”