KAZAKHSTAN UPSTREAM OIL AND GAS technology and R&d ...

1.4 Core analysis and data interpretation
Challenge commentary
Routine core analysis and special core analysis
(SCAL) are key to improving our understanding
of oil and gas reservoirs and gaining a true
estimate of their reserves. The data from these
various analyses drives field development
decisions and drilling campaigns.
Unfortunately, local Kazakhstan capability in
this area is limited and most of the work has to
be done overseas, which leads to higher costs,
inconvenience, and delays.
Moreover, full or partial cores cannot be
exported from Kazakhstan; only limited
plugs from the core are allowed out of the
country and this takes a long time to arrange.
This erodes the value of the core, creates
uncertainties with analysis results and severely
holds up development decisions.
There is also an inability in Kazakhstan to
conduct core displacement tests with live sour
fluids. These tests are hazardous and can only
be done in Edmonton, Canada. Considering
how many large sour fields there are in
Kazakhstan, it would make huge sense to bring
this technology into the country. It would raise
understanding of relative permeability and
help determine remaining oil saturations, thus
accelerating the development of sour fields.
The challenge is to establish core analysis
laboratories in country capable of providing
services that match those available
internationally. The staff for these core analysis
laboratories will need to suitably trained;
particularly important will be the development
of expertise in analysing carbonate reservoir
cores and carrying out studies, for example,
designed to mimic the acid treatment of these
cores at abnormally high temperatures and
pressures.
VALUE
CHALLENGE (elements)
Core analysis infrastructure &
equipment
Data analysis capability
1.4.1
ATTRACTIVENESS
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS
1.4.1 Special core analysis facilities in Kazakhstan
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Kazakhstan Upstream oil & gas technology and R&D roadmap