What Is Core Sample Analysis?
The analysis of core samples is one of the most important parts of finding oil and gas reserves. It is a process in which a small section of rock is taken from the earth. The core samples are then transported to a laboratory for testing.
The core samples in Texas have to undergo all these steps to get analyzed –
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Onset of coring
Find the location of any oil, water or natural gas reservoirs. It provides clarity to geologists on how much oil, water and natural gas is present in a reservoir by determining its size. Coring is not just restricted to the oil companies but also widely used by the researchers working in the oil and gas field. Coring can be of two types – Oil well coring or side well coring. Oil well coring is done by sampling a cylindrical portion of the rock and examining it. The drilling is done using a core bit which is an instrument used to extract core samples. It consists of two parts – core catcher and core barrel. The core catcher would provide support to the rock sample and prevent it from getting damaged. On the other hand, the core barrel is used to bring the sample to the surface.
In the case of side well coring, the drilling is done in the previously sampled space. A hollow bullet is fired onto the rock to create a sample. Most of the time, soft rock formations are treated with this method.
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Core wash
The samples are cut horizontally into sections, often about one foot long called plugs. It can also be cut vertically in 2.5 – 3.8 cm in Diameter and 5cm in length. Plugs measuring one-foot long are then joined together to form a continuous core, which can be several thousand feet long. Upon obtaining the core, it is cleaned and stored for analysis.
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Sample Examination
Once the sample is extracted from the rock, the features of the rock are studied. Based on rock characteristics, the properties of the reservoir, lithology of formation and permeability of the rock are determined. Additionally, the rock is being examined for traces of oil, water or natural gas. The information gathered from the core analysis is used to determine the presence of oil or natural gas in the rock and the amount present in it.
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Petrography
Based on the information gathered in the primary examination of the rock the petrography process is done. Petrography is the study of rocks by taking their thin sections. The sections are examined using petrographic microscopes along with various methods, including scanning microscopes, electron microscopes, spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction. The petrographic analysis allows us to determine whether a rock is igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic based on its origin.
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Core testing
The benefit of testing the core sample is you will get an idea about the petroleum reservoir in your vicinity. Core sampling can be an expensive process, but it’s worthwhile. Get the best coring services in Texas to discover the potential oil reserves. For more details, feel free to contact us at (979) 406-0627 or mail us at contact@kocurekindustries.com