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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Houston Geological Society Bulletin

Abstract


Houston Geological Society Bulletin, Volume 49, No. 1, September 2006. Pages 17-17.

Abstract: The Role of Petrophysics in the World of the Independent: Wow or Wizardry?

By

Bob Lieber

Petrophysics (the integrated evaluation of a reservoir’s hydrocarbons in place and potential deliverability) was once viewed as realm of the selected specialist. With the advent of computer based log analysis packages, many independent operators in the oil and gas industry feel the need for petrophysical specialization is past. Petrophysics is viewed as simply the science of putting four significant figures to the right of the decimal point when one or two will do, isn’t it? This presentation looks at some of the assumptions about petrophysics widely held in our industry and shows them to be just that; assumptions. Among the topics to be discussed are “What does a porosity cut-off really mean”; “What does the Archie equation really calculate” and “I’m an independent, why do I have to worry about relative permeabilities.” In these times of economic upheaval (hardly new to our industry) it is essential that technology levers be applied in the correct manner. Petrophysics may be “wow” or it may just be wizardry to you, but if you do not understand its correct application you may not be exploiting your reservoirs to their maximum potential.

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