 Through coring, engineers, geologists and petrophysicists gain access to accurate and representative reservoir information to enhance the geological and petrophysical models. Data on the formation's lithology, flow characteristics, storage capacity and production potential are just a few of the valuable types of information that can be obtained by a successful coring program.
Coring Definition - Coring is the removal of continuous formation sample from a wellbore. To the extent possible, core samples are recovered undamaged, preserving the physical and mechanical integrity of the rock. The formation material may be solid rock, friable rock, conglomerates, unconsolidated sands, coal, shales, gumbos, or clays. Coring can be conducted by various methods with a variety of tools in a wide range of hole sizes.
The Purpose of Coring - Laboratory measurements performed on core samples recovered from hydrocarbon reservoirs provide reservoir properties and descriptive data not available from any other source. While well logs play a very important role in reservoir characterization, core material is needed to add a high degree of certainty in calibrating the data obtained from these tools.
Evaluation data gained from core samples fall into several general categories: - geological
- petrophysical
- completion/production
- engineering
The objective of taking cores changes with the drilling program across the field and can vary from well to well. The goals of drilling engineers, reservoir engineers, geologists, petrophysicists and core analysts may not be the same, pointing out the need for a team approach in planning coring operations.
Service Application Baker Hughes provides a complete range of coring services to obtain formation samples that yield data about the reservoir, such as rock properties, water saturation and wettability. With a full line of coring systems, we can match the technology to the formation to be cored. One recent advance is the HT60 System developed for 12¼" hole deepwater applications. The system is modular and incorporates technologies to recover quality samples, enhance recovery and increase coring performances. HydroLiftTM, JamBusterTM, CoreGelTM and Genesis® core bit technologies are fully integrated with the HT60 core barrel. Our CoreDrill and CoreDrill III systems are cost effective alternatives to conventional coring methods that enables the operator to selectively drill and core without tripping the bottom hole assembly to surface. Our latest Genesis Low Invasion core bit technology is particularly designed for HT Series application to enhance ROP and core recovery. |
