conventional core studies

Improving our understanding of the subsurface

Conventional cores provide us with a sample of what lies beneath the surface, and detailed studies can help us reduce uncertainty associated with reservoir and seal distribution and quality.
Core description is a fundamental starting point for reservoir characterisation. GNS Science has proven expertise in sedimentary facies analysis and an international reputation in outcrop analogues, which we use to ground-truth our core interpretations. We provide petrographic services and geological data integration for describing reservoir and seal attributes and link these to burial history and hydrocarbon generation models in order to better understand petroleum systems. The national petroleum core library contains all open-file cores from New Zealand petroleum wells, and this provides us with the building blocks to better understand New Zealand geology.

at a glance
 State-of-the-art We use industryleading modelling software suites from Petrel, PetroMod, RMS and Zetaware. We develop our own fast multi-dimensional models.  Core Description We offer graphic descriptions at a range of scales to suit your needs, whether it is for regional comparison or for detailed integration with image logs.  Facies Analysis An interpretation of facies and depositional environment is generated based upon our considerable experience of New Zealand geology and outcrop analogues. Facies schemes can be designed for input into 3-D reservoir simulation programs, defining sandbody or seal geometries and characteristics.  Seal Quality A range of analyses, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and mercury injection capillary pressure measurements, are used to characterise seal quality and variability of core samples.  Provenance Studies Analytical studies of lithics and heavy minerals, together with our expertise in New Zealand regional geology, enables us to provide an insight to provenance, transportation pathways and the tectonic evolution of sedimentary basins.  Reservoir Quality We offer a range of services in order to determine controls on reservoir quality. They include fully quantitative descriptions of rock texture, including particle size analysis, composition, and pore systems, together with diagenetic modelling and petrographic data integration with core analysis.  Fluid Rock Interaction Advanced petrographic techniques are used in conjunction with basin and hydrocarbon generation models to better understand porosity evolution and degradation through time.

www.gns.cri.nz

Hydrocarbon science - tapping the energy

Conventional core studies

recent projects
 Core descriptions and facies analysis of 25 wells have been used to develop regional stratigraphic correlations and calibrate interpretations based on wireline logs. Petrology of core samples together with fluid inclusion/stable isotope analysis and K-Ar dating has been integrated with 1D and multi-1D geohistory simulations to model pore evolution through time.

specialist services
 Integrated petroleum systems studies from basin to prospect scale.  Graphic core description at 1:10, 1:20, 1:50, 1:100, 1:200.  Integrated displays of core descriptions with wireline logs, image logs and other data.  Transmitted light, ultraviolet fluorescence, and cathodoluminescence microscopy.  X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and image analysis.  Heavy mineral analysis.  Fluid inclusion and stable isotope analysis.  K-Ar and Ar-Ar dating.*  Mercury injection capillary pressure measurements.*  Integrated petrographic and image log to core studies.

* in partnership with

about us
GNS Science has built up considerable experience on the application of core studies and has undertaken work for numerous exploration and production teams in New Zealand and overseas. Our team includes specialists in reservoir sedimentology, petrology, diagenesis, log analysis, seismic interpretation reservoir and basin modelling, who work together to provide seamless integrated studies.

contact us
Please contact us for no-obligation technical advice on how basin modelling will bring new understanding to your exploration area. VISIT www.gns.cri.nz/hydrocarbons CALL +64-4-570 4683 +64-4-570 4843 EMAIL hydrocarbons@gns.cri.nz GNS Science 1 Fairway Drive, Avalon Lower Hutt 5010 PO Box 30368 Lower Hutt 5040 New Zealand T +64-4-570 1444 F +64-4-570 4600

www.gns.cri.nz

Hydrocarbon science - tapping the energy