Characterization of micro-fractures in carbonate Sarvak reservoir, using petrophysical and geological data, SW Iran

Abstract

In this paper, an integrated study of micro-fractures is carried out in Sarvak Formation. To achieve this goal the data from three wells (A, B and C) in one of the southwestern Iranian oil fields were used. In this study petrographic thin sections, porosity-permeability core data, image logs, Dipole Shear Sonic Imager (DSI) log, Velocity Deviation Log (VDL), Hydraulic Flow Units (HFU) concept, resistivity logs and drilling mud reports were used to identify and analyze micro-fractures in Sarvak Formation. The micro-fractures were first detected in thin sections and image logs directly, then the results of other methods in micro-fracture zones were investigated. The results show there is an abnormal trend of porosity-permeability in core data which is compatible with micro-fracture zones. Also, the relationship between micro-fractures and flow units was studied. Eight HFUs were recognized using porosity-permeability core data and FZI* (Flow Zone Indicator-Star) method. Later each of the HFUs was divided into two sub-HFUs; one of them is well-matched with the micro-fracture zones. The negative parts of VDL were in good agreement with the micro-fracture zones. The slowness anisotropy was mainly affected by the micro-fracture zones, but the energy and traveltime anisotropies were under the influence of the other phenomena such as solution seams, shale layers and borehole washouts. The fast shear wave azimuth was mainly aligned with the SHmax (maximum horizontal stress) direction, however, in micro-fracture zones, the direction suddenly changes. It was also observed that the micro-fractures do not have a considerable effect on Stoneley wave reflection, while the borehole washouts and shale layers have a great impact on this. The mud loss and mud invasion were very low in micro-fractured zones, which is related to the lack of lateral continuity of micro-fractures in the formation. The measured fracture apertures using thin section and image logs are often less than 0.1 mm, but the calculated values using Pezard-Anderson equations are very high.