“Double sweet spot” identification method via cluster analysis of petrophysical properties from well logg data: A case study of a tight sandstone reservoir

Abstract

In recent years, interest in unconventional resource plays has grown substantially due to horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing techniques. However, the high cost of drilling, choosing the right locations for perforation intervals during hydraulic fracturing is a crucial issue. Therefore, identifying so called “sweet spot” with high potential for hydrocarbon production plays an important role in oil and gas industry. In this study a new “double sweet spot” identification method using cluster analysis of well-logged petrophysical properties of facies is presented. Firstly, an engineering sweet spot identification method based on geophysical responses parameters (brittleness index and permeability) is introduced to classify the target zone. Triaxial compression tests are performed to obtain the static Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of the rock samples. To calculate dynamic Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio, a novel model for determining interval transit time of S-wave is proposed based on the multiple linear regression theory according to well logging data. By performing the cluster analysis, an intersection diagram of permeability and calculated normalized Rickman's brittleness is built and then engineering sweet spots in target zone are characterized based on well-logged petrophysical properties of facies. By plotting the intersection diagram of porosity and oil saturation based on the cluster analysis theory, geological sweet spots in target zone were characterized and four types of rock petrophysical facies are divided: Sandstone A (So＞48%, 8＜φ＜19%); Sandstone B (31＜So＜48%, 6＜φ＜18%); Sandstone C (18＜So＜31%, 8＜φ＜20%) and Sandstone D (0＜So＜18%, 8＜φ＜17%). Secondly, target formation classification is carried out using a proposed geological sweet spot identification method based on reservoir physical parameters (oil saturation and porosity). The relationship between core electrical resistivity and water saturation is determined by traditional Archie's formula and then an oil saturation prediction model in target reservoir is established. Based on the experimental porosity and permeability measurements of 47 core samples and well logging data, a porosity interpretation model is proposed. By plotting the intersection diagram of porosity and oil saturation based on the cluster analysis theory, geological sweet spots in target formation are characterized and four types of rock petrophysical facies are given: Sandstone A (K＞0.1mD, BI＞38); Sandstone B (K＞0.1mD, 33＜BI＜38); Sandstone C (K＞0.1mD, BI＜33) and Sandstone D (0.01＜K＜0.1mD, 10＜BI＜60). The integrated “double sweet spot” identification results of Well 1 in Daqing tight sandstone oil reservoir are given. Rock AA is the most favorable type of petrophysical rock facies and rock DD is the worst favorable type of petrophysical rock facies. Finally, an integrated “double sweet spot” identification method proposed in this study was applied to screen proper interval candidates during refracturing operation in a tight sandstone oil reservoir in China. After refracturing operation a gradually increase of average oil production in well group was found from 1.10 t/d to 5.63 t/d. This novel “double sweet spot” identification method has applicability in other tight oil reservoirs around the world.