Enhancing Reservoir Zonation through Triple Porosity System: A Case Study

Abstract

Summary The Asmari-Jahrom reservoirs, located in southwest Iran, are recognized as one of the major fractured reservoirs in the world. Understanding the role of fractures in enhancing hydrocarbon flow and permeability is of utmost importance. In this study, petrophysical conventional logs [neutron porosity (NPHI), density (RHOB), sonic (DT), and gamma ray (GR)] and advanced image logs [formation microresistivity imaging (FMI)] were used to investigate the reservoir properties. The novelty of this study lies in the implementation of triple porosity on reservoir quality and identification of flow units in Asmari-Jahrom reservoirs using petrophysical and borehole image logs. By quantifying fracture and vuggy porosity and correlating them with velocity deviation log and fracture parameters [fracture aperture (VAH) and fracture density (VDC)], it was demonstrated that fracture porosity is directly related to VAH. High peaks were observed in fracture parameters, particularly in VAH diagrams where the velocity deviation log was negative and low. Total porosity from density logs was found to match secondary porosity from petrophysical logs, validating FMI results. However, FMI log resolution was higher, enabling clearer identification of fracture porosity peaks. The velocity deviation log indicated that the predominant type of porosity in the reservoir was matrix (primary) porosity. However, fracture and vuggy porosity were also observed in certain zones. Based on indirect evidence such as drilling mud loss, porosity type (matrix, fracture, and vuggy), porosity amount, and oil saturation, 18 zones were identified to determine quality zones with appropriate reservoir quality. Asmari-Jahrum reservoirs were found to possess high storage and flow capacity. The presence of multiple fracture types, especially longitudinal fractures, contributed to the development of secondary porosity and enhanced flow unit quality. Despite their complexity, these fractured carbonate reservoirs were analyzed comprehensively through integrated petrophysical and FMI log interpretation, enabling optimized reservoir performance and facilitating hydrocarbon production.