SPE Formation Evaluation, Vol.12, No.2, 109-118, 1997
The use of pulsed-neutron capture logs for reservoir management in the midway-sunset field
Systematic time-lapse pulsed-neutron capture (PNC) logging was conducted during a 2-year steam-foam mechanistic field trial in the steamflooded Monarch reservoir, which is composed of interbedded sandstones, conglomerates, siltstones, and diatomaceous mudstones. Observation wells were drilled with one continuously cored through the reservoir interval and two emptied to facilitate better temperature logging. Uncalibrated PNC log responses in the air-filled wells were normalized to water-filled conditions and were used to generate a series of steam/gas saturation profiles that indicate clearly the dynamics of the fluid and foam in the reservoir during the experiment. Correlations between neutron capture cross sections (sigma), mineralogy, and rock chemistry from core samples were examined for additional use of the PNC logs for steamflood reservoir characterization. Sigma was found to increase with increasing clay/mica content and diatomite content. This finding may result in improved stratigraphic correlations of the more laterally continuous diatomaceous mudstones based on PNC logs. The PNC log data from the field trial, when used in conjunction with core, temperature, and pressure data, were critical in developing a better understanding of foam generation and propagation in the reservoir. Furthermore, they minimized the time and cost required to complete the field trial successfully. They also led to opportunities for vertical expansion of steamflooding in the area.