Gary Aillud
Reservoir Geology Manager
Chemical stratigraphy is a reservoir correlation tool involving the interpretation of inorganic geochemical data.
Hierarchical zonations are developed using graphical and statistical techniques based on variations in key elements and ratios. Chemical stratigraphy can be utilised successfully on any stratigraphic interval from any geographic location. It has been effectively applied by RPS on a worldwide basis for many operating companies.
An inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is defined as a type of plasma source in which the energy is supplied by electric currents which are produced by electromagnetic induction.
The two types of ICP machine used by RPS are ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometry) and ICP-MS (Inductively coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry). ICP-OES involves measurement of wavelengths of light and is used to acquire data for major elements (e.g. Si, Ca, Mg, K, Fe) and high abundance trace elements (e.g. Zr, Sr, Ba). By contrast wavelengths of radiation are measured by ICP-MS, which is used to generate data for low concentration trace elements (e.g. Cs, Ta, U) and rare earth elements (e.g. La, Ce, Yb).
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) involves bombarding rock material with high energy X-rays. This results in ionization of atoms and emission of radiation.
The raw data comprises a series of wavelets, each one with a unique wavelength of radiation and representing a specific element. Based on ‘peak height’ and ‘area’ of each wavelet, the concentrations of individual elements may be calculated. It is possible to obtain data for c. 43 elements in the range Na-U in the periodic table, with detection levels of c.1ppm achieved for most elements (1wt% oxide = c.10,000ppm).
Analysis can be performed on wet ditch cuttings, washed and dried ditch cuttings, sidewall core, core or outcrop samples, with all preparations undertaken in our own laboratory. Typically, projects can consist of up to 200 samples per well depending on the interval size and the required level of resolution
RPS provides wellsite chemical stratigraphic services by offering our own high specification XRF machines capable of being mobilised to any destination globally.
Backed by our highly experienced team of chemical stratigraphers and technicians who are able to deliver the service safely and efficiently.
Dan Atkin
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