Digital SCAL opens a new era in reservoir characterization

minus
Italy, Europe, Onshore

Digital SCAL services proved reliable for Eni S.p.A. by providing accurate analysis that matched, within the range of uncertainty, the laboratory test results on the same cores. Using this technology produces results up to 100 times faster than traditional laboratory analysis, reduces the time required for petrophysical characterization, and provides a better understanding of transport mechanisms at the smallest scales.

Digital rock analysis (DRA) gives petroleum engineers a unique look into the pore spaces of rocks by combining experimental and numerical studies that help evaluate fluid transport and petrophysical properties at pore scale. Technical evolution and the integration of processes have enabled DRA to effectively replace long-duration laboratory core testing with digital tests that are up to 100 times faster.

To confirm the effectiveness of DRA techniques, both SLB and its research partners at Eni performed a series of rigorous tests and validation studies using digital SCAL digital rock and fluid analytics services from SLB.

A comparison of laboratory and digital data showed an excellent match for all the studied rock samples. Digital SCAL services provided accurate and reliable SCAL within the range of uncertainty of repeated laboratory test results on the same core. Applied in combination with traditional laboratory analyses, Digital SCAL reduces the time required for petrophysical characterization and provides a better understanding of transport mechanisms at the smallest scales.

More technical details

For more details, read the full technical paper SPE-212617-MS.

"SLB digital rock technology was proven to be a reliable technology for all studied rocks providing accuracy levels that are within the range of uncertainty of repeated laboratory test results on same core."

Francesco Radaelli, Technical Leader Experimental Research, Eni S.p.A.
Products Used