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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

West Texas Geological Society

Abstract


Banking on the Permian Basin: Plays, Field Studies, and Techniques, 2004
Pages 279-284

Optimizing the Value of Cuttings Samples

Chuck Segrest

Abstract

Cuttings samples are commonly the only samples of reservoir rocks and seals that are available for study. If correctly analyzed, these small samples can be extremely valuable for purposes of reservoir evaluation in both carbonates and sandstones. Although these samples are abundant, the amount of information typically derived from them is much less than is possible.

Reservoir storage capacity and flow properties are controlled by both macroscopic (thickness, extent, layering) and microscopic rock properties (porosity, pore size distribution, permeability, capillary displacement pressure). While some of this information can be derived from the study of log or seismic data, the analysis of actual rock samples, particularly when integrated with other information, dramatically improves reservoir modeling and formation interpretation.

Cuttings can be used to improve estimates of reservoir permeability as well as define proper cutoff values and critical saturations. In addition, they can aid in the understanding anomalous log response such as low resistivity pays.


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