Everything you need to know about types of core samples

Core Analysis is becoming an increasingly popular process in the oil and gas industry due to the use of knowledge it can provide. Core analysis is a way of measuring well conditions by studying and researching samples of reservoir rocks that have been taken, these samples are known as cores. Cores are typically cylinder shaped samples that are gathered from the side of a drilled gas or oil well. Once a core has been extracted skilled professionals can then further dissect the sample into smaller samples. These smaller samples tend to have a 1-2 inch diameter and are referred to as core plugs.

With the help of a trusted industry, that has extensive knowledge in core sampling, several types of core samples can be recovered from work sites. These sample types include oriented cores, full-diameter cores, sidewall cores and native state cores.

As the name oriented core sample suggests oriented samples indicate direction. These specific type of samples are designed with a groove along the length of the sample. The groove then indicates the magnetic or geographic north. With oriented core samples their location in the reservoir has been pinpointed.

The second sample mentioned, the full-diameter core, is the traditional core sample that is taken from reservoirs. Full diameter core samples are typically restricted to carbonates and often contain fractures.  Full diameter core samples can range from 1.50 to 6 inches in diameter and anywhere between 15 to 400 feet in length.

If you are looking to acquire a less time-consuming and expensive process for retaining core samples you would be interested in sidewall coring. In this process, a variety of small core samples are gathered. These core samples measure approximately 1 inch in diameter and 2 inches in length. Sidewall core samples can be retrieved by using a rotary sidewall coring instrument into a given well and rotates in order to drill the sample.

The last core sample to be mentioned is the native states cores. These cores are bagged as the sample is drilled to ensure the current state of the sample. These samples are then inspected in labs for closer analysis.

When it comes to drilling core samples in reservoirs and wells there are numerous types of samples that you can acquire. When obtaining core samples it is important to pay attention to the permeability and porosity of the sample.

 If you are looking to obtain core samples from various materials such as carbonate, limestone or sand stone contact the professionals at Kocurek Industries. Kocurek specialized in precision stone cutting for the oil and gas research industry. Kocurek Industries are based in Caldwell, Texas, 30 minutes outside of College Station. With experience in providing core samples to universities, research labs and major oil firms, Kocurek is ready to serve you. For more information call (979) 406-0627 or visit www.kocurekindustries.com