Publications

Core data is one of the most important and highly valued data types acquired in wells. The information from core data plays an important role in both exploration and production. In exploration, it is used to evaluate the production potential of target formations and to gather geologic information leading to a better understanding of the area. For field development, core analysis is used to design completions, develop reservoir and production models, and to evaluate and plan secondary and tertiary recovery projects. Coring provides the only direct means of obtaining information on reservoir properties. Such information is used to determine physical properties and flow characteristics, and provide a continuous record of the geologic history of the formation. Frequently, subsequent to being acquired and analyzed, the maintenance of the core data is not appropriately planned and core degradation occurs. For example this may happen as a consequence of the transfer of large volumes of data from one storage contractor to another with inadequate procedures in place. As core data provides critical information for field development it impacts significant investment decisions. ConocoPhillips Indonesia initiated a core maintenance project in 2012 together with other physical data such as rock, fluids and seismic records. The core maintenance itself involved restoration of around 10,000 feet of core, acquired since 1977. By conducting this project, the damage to the core and the risk of losing invaluable subsurface data was minimized, thereby preserving good quality core data for future studies for field development work. The project also implemented improved workflows and procedures to manage and predict future core maintenance issues. This can be used as a best practice for other production sharing contracts (PSC) to ensure the data are maintained in optimum condition through the PSC life for the benefit of the state.