SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 9
Download to read offline
K Al-Khidir et al Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 7( Version 4), July 2014, pp.195-203
www.ijera.com 195 | P a g e
Integrated Petrophysical Parameters and Petrographic Analysis
Characterizing Khartam Reservoirs of the Permo-Triassic Khuff
Formation, Saudi Arabia
K Al-Khidir(*): M Benzagouta*
, A Al-Qurishi**
, A Al-Laboun
College of Engineering, Al Amoudi Research Chair in Petroleum, EOR, Department of Petroleum Engineering
and Natural Gas, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Research Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia.
College of Science Department of Geology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
ABSTRACT
Measured porosity and permeability were integrated with thin section petrography and pertophysical attributes
derived from mercury intrusion to form an essential outline for Khartam reservoirs of the Permo-Triassic Khuff
Formation. Porosity-permeability distribution of thirty two outcrop core samples delineates an existence of five
demonstrative pertophysical facies. Thin section petrography reveals dissolution as principal diagenetic feature
controlling fluid flow in Khartam reservoirs. Based on dissolution and poro – perm distribution it was found
that, better khartam reservoirs quality confined to dolostone facies type (QK1) and tidat flat oolite grainstone
facies (QK27) with higher degree of dissolution owing to cement removal. Further supports to dissolution
statement come from physical attributes acquired from mercury intrusion including pore size distribution tail
and total cumulative intrusion volume. Correspondingly facies with higher pore size distribution tail and higher
total cumulative intrusion volume restricted to dolostone facies type (QK1) and oolite grainstone facies type
(QK27).
Keywords: Khartam reservoirs, Khuff Formation, dissolution, cumulative intrusion volume, pore size
distribution tail
I. 1.Introduction
The Permo-Triassic Khuff Formation exposed in
central Saudi Arabia is bracketed between the Permo-
Carboniferous Unayzah Formation at the base and
Triassic Sudayr Formation at the top. The term Khuff
limestone member informally introduced by Steineke
,1937, unpub. Rep., and was raised to formational
status by Bramkamp et al. 1945, unpub. Rep.in
Powers et al 1966 [1].The measured and described
section of the Khuff limestone in the vicinity of Ar-
Rayn was modified and published as a reference
section for the amended Khuff Formation by
Bramkamp et al. 1945, unpub. Rep., Powera etal
1966 [1]. Later, Holm et al. ,1948, unpub. Rep.,
measured and described Khuff limestone in Buraydah
region and subdivided the formation into three
members, defined from base to top as Lower Khuff
limestone, Midhnab shale and Khartam limestone, in
Al-laboun 1993[2].
The term Khuff first appeared in publication by
Steineke and Bramkamp 1952b, [3]. Later, the same
term appeared in the stratigraphic succession of Saudi
Arabia rock units by Thralls and Hasson,1956, [4].
However, the formation was formally defined by
Steineke et al. 1958, [5]. In 1966 Powers et al. [1]
summarized the early work of Holm et al. 1948,
unpub, rep., Gierhart and Owens ,1948, unpub, rep.,
Pocock and Kopp ,1949, unpub, rep., Gierhart and
Ramirez 1949, unpub, rep. and Henry and Bramkamp
,1950. They published a reference section of the
amended Khuff Formation discarding previous
nomenclature of Holm et al. 1948. They subdivided
the formation into four lithologic units, listed from
bottom to top as dolomite and shale, dolomite and
limestone, aphanitic limestone and aphanitic-
calcarintic limestone. The basal unit was deposited
nonconformably on Precambrian basement complex.
The published Khuff Formation age is assigned
as Permian or probably upper ,Steineke et al, 1958,
[5] and/or Upper Permian ,Powers et al., 1966, [1].
This was revised by Vaslet and Fauconnier ,1982, in
Al-Laboun 1993 [2].The pollens, spores, and
acritarchs extracted from the Khuff Formatiom
proved its age as Middle-Upper Permian age.
Laboun ,1982, [6] defined a new formation
named Unayzah Formation composed of the basal
siliciclastics and minor carbonates and anhydrites of
the Khuff Formation. Later, Delfour et al. 1983, [7]
subdivided Khuff Formation of the Ad-Dawadimi
quadrangle into five informal members defined from
base to top as Unayzah, Huqayl, Duhaysan, Midhnab
and Khartam. They re-instated Khartam and Midhnab
RESEARCH ARTICLE OPEN ACCESS
K Al-Khidir et al Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 7( Version 4), July 2014, pp.195-203
www.ijera.com 196 | P a g e
members, originally introduced by Holm et al. (1948)
and discarded by Powers et al. 1966, [1] The five
informal members of the Khuff Formation of Delfour
et al. 1983, [7] were recognized by Manivit et al.
1983, unpub. Rep. [8] in stratigraphic Drill-Hole
SHD-1 (lat. 24 13 40 N., long. 45 37 30 E.) in Durma
quadrangle where the upper contact between the
underlying Khartam member and the overlying
Sudair Shale was picked at 413 meters. Khuff
formation in Ad-Dawadimi quadrangle is separated
from the underlying Saq Sandstone by a regional
stratigraphic unconformity. The Khuff Formation
rests on the Upper and Lower members of the Saq
Sandstone, in the north and south of lat. 24 47 N
respectively.
Vaslet et al. 2005, [9] studied the Permian-
Triassic Khuff Formation of central Saudi Arabia and
subdivided the Khuff into five members, listed from
oldest to youngest as Ash Shiqqah Member, Huqayl
Member, Duhaysan Member, Midhnab Member and
Khartam Member. They divided the Late Permian
Huqayl Member into a Lower and an Upper unit and
identified two units within the Khartam member, a
Lower dolomite and clayey limestone, and an Upper
oolitic limestone.
The term Khartam member was named for a 30
meter limestone section exposed at Khasim Khartam
near al-Midhnab town (Holm et al.,1948, unpub.
Rep.). Delfour et al (1983) ,[7] described a reference
section in the ad-Dawadimi Quadrangle where 27.1
meter of the member is exposed.
In central Saudi Arabia the Permo-Triassic
Khartam member is well defined and well exposed. It
is bracketed between the shales of Midhnab member
at the base and Sudayr Formation at the top. Delfour
et al 1983, [7] subdivided the Khartam Member into
lithologic sequences; a lower sequence composed of
bioclastic lumachelle limestone followed by blue and
yellow laminated dolomitic clay and ocher bioclastic
dolomite, and an upper sequence beige powdery
dolomite and limestone overlain by laminated silty
clay and lumachelle dolomite.
The Khartam Member was originally dated as
Permian (Holm et al., 1948), Late Permian (Powers,
1968; Delfour et al.,1983; Vaslet et al.,1983, Early
Triassic , Manivit et al., 1984, 1985, in Al-Laboun
1933 [2]. Early Triassic age of the Khartam member
was confirmed by Vaslet et al., 1985, in the al-
Faydah Quadrangle [2]. However, Manivit et al.
(1986) and Vaslet et al. (2004) assigned the Khartam
member exposed in the Buraydah Quadrangle to be
Djulfian (Late Permian)-Scythian (Early Triassic)
and Changhsingian (Late Permian)-Scythian (Early
Triassic), respectively [2].
Al-Khidir et al. 2011, 2013, [10] , [11], reported
a caliche surface (sub-Khuff unconformity)
separating cream,burrowed limestone facies of
Huqayl member of the Khuff Formation from the
underlying Shajara Formation Reservoirs of the
permo-carboniferous Unayzah Group at Wadi
Shajara, Qusayba area, al-qasim region,saudi Arabia.
The aim of this work is to incorporate
petrophysical and petrographic analyses to form a
fundemental framework for Khartam reservoirs
characterization and its quality assessment.
II. Subsurface Geology
Rahim et al. 2013, [12] reported that Khuff
formation represents the earliest major transgressive
carbonate deposited in a shallow continental shelf in
eastern Saudi Arabia. These carbonates were
deposited in tidal flat environments including
subtidal, intertidal and supratidal (sabkha). They
reported that these depositional environments include
four cycles named from top to base as Khuff-A,
Khuff-B, Khuff-C, and Khuff-D, each starts with a
transgressive grainstone facies that makes up the
Khuff reservoirs, and ends up with regressive,
muddy, anhydritic facies which makes up the non-
reservoir units (reservoir seals).
Raed K. Al Dukhayyil and Aus A. Al Tawil
2006, [13] reported that the Triassic Khartam
sequence boundary coincides with the Permo-Triassic
Boundary that overlies a reddish Paleosol. They
demonstrated that the 26-meter Khartam Member is
time equivalent to the Triassic Khuff B and A
carbonate gas reservoirs in Ghawar subsurface. The
outcrops exhibit reservoir character similar to that
observed in the subsurface and tied to similar rock
fabric signatures.
Meyer et al 2004, [14] studied facies
distribution, sequence stratigraphic architecture, and
reservoir development within the upper Khuff
Formation by comparing geological architecture of
two offshore Abu Dhabi fields. They reported
different diagenetic overprint leading to different
static and dynamic properties.
Saleh Al-Raimi and Rami Kamal 2000, [15]
developed a new layering scheme for the Khuff-B ,
and subdivided it into five layers , sensitive to
lithofacies distribution, and easily detected on
compensated formation-density/compensated neutron
wireline log curves and in rock core, in addition to
gamma-ray signatures. They also reported that Khuff-
B oolite volumetrically comprises the bulk of the
Khuff-B reservoir.
III. Experimental Procedure
Thirty two block samples of the Khartam
member were collected every 0.5 meter from fresh
road cut of the Riyadh-Qasim Highway Fig.1 (lat.
26° 12). The lower contact of Khartam member with
Midhnab member and the upper contact with
overlying Sudayr Formation are well exposed at this
road cut. The outcrop of the Khartam Member of the
K Al-Khidir et al Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 7( Version 4), July 2014, pp.195-203
www.ijera.com 197 | P a g e
Permo-Triassic Khuff Formation shows presence of
fracture surface and oolitic bed, Fig. 2 and Fig.3.
Thin sections were prepared for Petrographic
analysis to reveal Khartam reservoirs mineralogy,
depositional environments and post depositional
alterations (diagenetic phases). Several cylindrical
samples were cored from each block and samples
permeability (K) and porosity (Φ) were measured
using gas permemeter and helium porosimeter
respectively. Measured permeability and porosity
(Fig. 4) were used to identify the pertophysical
facies.
Based on porosity-permeability distribution
obtained, five samples have been selected for
capillary pressure measurements utilizing Mercury
Intrusion Porosimeter. The output was further used to
evaluate average distribution function of Burdine et
al., 1950, [16] and pore size distribution (PSD).
Likewise plots of cumulative intrusion volume versus
capillary pressure were utilized to confirm post
depositional alterations (dissolution).
IV. Results and Interpretation
IV.I Porosity-Permeability Distribution
The porosity-permeability distribution of the
cored samples is shown in Fig. 4. Using Tieb and
Donaldson 2012, [17] classification of pertophysical
facies, the results delineate five facies defined as
A. Good porosity, moderate permeability,
B. Good porosity, moderate fair permeability,
C. Poor porosity, fair permeability,
D. Good porosity, fair permeability,
E. Very good porosity, moderate permeability.
Facies A is represented by sample QK1, a
dolostone type with appreciable dissolution Fig. 4
and 5. Facies B is represented by sample QK13 is
oolitic grainstone type with lower degree of
dissolution Fig. 4 and Fig. 8. Further pronounced
reduction in porosity and permeability is assigned to
facies C represented by sample QK16 cracterized by
its fine grains reproduced by compaction Fig.4 and
Fig.11. Slight increase in permeability and
appreciable increase in porosity attributed to oolitic
dissolution characterizes facies D represented by
sample QK25 Fig. 4 and Fig. 14. As we proceed from
pertophysical facies D to E, a noticeable increase in
porosity and substantial rise in permeability was
recognized. This can be attributed to the serious
dissolution and oolitic charcterstics leading to better
fluid flow capacity as noticed for sample QK27 Fig.4
and Fig.17. Overall and based on the petrophysical
distribution, the best attributes consign to dolostone
facies (QK1) and oolite grainstone facies (QK27).
IV.II Petrographic Analysis
The petrographic analysis conducted aimed at
defining khartam reservoir mineralogy, depositional
environments, in addition to diagenetic features
which play an important role in storage and fluid
flow capacities. Thin sections were made for all
outcrop samples, but five representative samples
were selected based on their porosity-permability
distribution.
Fig. 5 illustrates a microphotograph of facies A
represented by sample (QK1). It is described as
dolostone type with a noticeable degree of
dissolution represented by a light gray color and
ferruginization (red color) as diagenetic phases. Fig.
8 presents a microphotograph of facies B (QK13)
identified as an oolitic grainstone type representing
tidal flat, high energy depositional environment.
Dissolution and ferruginization are the main
diagenetic features of this facies. Facies C is
demonstrated in microphotograph shown in Fig. 11
for sample (QK16). It is described as fine grains
limestone with localized fractured surface and a
lesser degree of dissolution due to compaction. Fig.
14 shows a microphotograph of facies D recognized
as porous limestone (QK25) with no pores
interconnection. Fig. 17 presents a microphotograph
of facies E designated as oolitic grainstone (QK27)
with an extensive dissolution leading to cement
removal as illustrated by the blue color.
Consequently, porosity is mainly of secondary origin
due to late diagenetic dissolution of the cement.
Fontana et al. 2010, [18] supported the cement
dissolution reporting that Khuff Formation analogues
do not have significant primary porosity. Further
supports to dissolution enhanced porosity come from
Mazzullo and Harris ,2009, [19] who reported new
porosity creation by dissolution in deep-burial,
mesogenetic environment owing to the effect of
fluids charged with organic acids, carbon dioxide and
hydrogen sulfide generated during organic maturation
in source rocks and hydrocarbon degradation.
Therefore, relating thin section petrography to
porosity-permeability distribution, indicate the role
dissolution on permeability enhancement and hence
the better Khartam reservoirs characteristics (Qk1
and QK27).
IV. III Mercury Intrusion
Mercury intrusion tests were conducted on the
five selected Khartam porosity-permeability facies to
reveal Khartam reservoirs pore geometry and quality
confirmed by cumulative intrusion volume. Fig. 6 is
the pore size distribution of facies A (QK1)
described as dolostone type. The Fig. identifies a
unimodal pore geometry with a tail skewed towards
large pore throat radii ranging from 0.01 to 68 μm.
This facies is also characterized by a total cumulative
intrusion volume up to 0.20 ml as shown in Fig. 7.
K Al-Khidir et al Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 7( Version 4), July 2014, pp.195-203
www.ijera.com 198 | P a g e
Fig. 9 is the pore size distribution of facies B
(QK13) identified as oolitic grainstone. This Fig.
identifies a bimodal pore size distribution with a tail
from 0.1 to 68 μm. In addition to that is also
characterized by a total intrusion volume of 0.17 ml
as recognized in Fig. 10.
Fig. 12 demonstrates a bimodal pore size
distribution of facies C (QK16) with two distinctive
peaks. The biggest peak posses pore throat radius
equivalent to 0.009 μm, however the smallest one is
around 0.06 μm. Reduction in total cumulative
intrusion volume (0.025 ml) as displayed in Fig. 13 is
due to its fine grains limestone characteristics
regenerated by compaction.
The bimodal pore size distribution for facies D
(QK25) is presented in Fig. 15. This facies is
characterized by two nearly identical summits
distribution in height but with different pore throat
radius. The largest pore radius is about 0.007 μm ,
whereas the smallest one is around 0.03 μm. Facies D
is also characterized by skewence ranging from 0.1 to
68 μm. This facies posses a total cumulative intrusion
volume of 0.11 ml as shown in Fig. 16. As we
progress from facies D to facies E (QK27) the pore
size distribution is converted from bimodal to
monomodal but with an essential increase in pore
size distribution extension from 0.01 to 68 μm as
shown in Fig. 18. This facies is characterized by a
total cumulative intrusion of 0.26 ml as identified in
Fig. 19. This can be attributed to the intensive
dissolution of oolitic grain stone as identified from
the microphotograph ,Fig.17 of that sample.
Generally, combining the mercury intrusion
results with the petrographic analysis and porosity-
permeability distribution indicate that, the more
skewed the pore size distribution, the higher the
dissolution and permeability and hence the better
khartam reservoirs characteristics (QK1 and QK27).
Fluid flow increase with the increase of dissolution is
also confirmed by cumulative intrusion volume. That
is to say, the higher the cumulative intrusion volume,
the higher the dissolution, the higher the
permeability, the better the Khartam reservoirs
characteristics (dolostone facies and oolite grain
stone facies).
V. Conclusion
The aim of this work is to incorporate
petrophysical and petrgraphic analyses to form a
fundemental framework for Khartam reservoirs
characterization and its quality assessment. Porosity,
permeability, pore size distribution and cumulative
intrusion volume constitute the pertrophysical
attributes. The porosity – permeability distribution
allocates existence of five illustrative petrophysical
facies. The pore size distribution of Khartam
reservoirs of the Permo-Triassic Khuff Formation is
characterized by mono modal to bimodal geometry
with a clear tailing towards larger pore size
reflecting a heterogeneous system. Better Khartam
reservoirs quality assigned to mono pore type in the
pathway of dolostone facies and oolite grainstone
facies type. This broadcast was also supported by
mercury cumulative intrusion volume which
noticeably increases in the trajectory of dolostone
facies and oolite grainstone facies.
Thin section petrography reveals dissolution,
fracturing, ferruginization and compaction as
diagenetic features and tidal flat as depositional
environment. Dissolution was found to be the
principal diagenetic phase controlling Khartam
reservoirs quality. That is to say, the higher degree of
dissolution, higher permeability, longer the tail of
pore size distribution , higher cumulative intrusion
volume in the track of dolostone facies and oolite
grainstone facies.
VI. Acknowledgement
Acknowledgement to Al-Amoudi Research
Chair in Petroleum EOR, King Saud University,
College of engineering, Petroleum and Natural Gas
Engineering Department and King Abdel Aziz City
for Science and Technology is highy considerable.
References
[1] R Powers, L Ramirez, C. Redmon and E.
Elberg, Geology of the Arabian Peninsula,
sedimentary geology of Saudi Arabia.
United States Geological Survey,
Professional Paper, 560-D, 1966, 147 p.
[2] A Al-Laboun, Lexicon of the Paleozoic and
Lower Mesozoic of Saudi Arabia ( Part-1 :
Lithostratigraphic Units, Nomenclature
Review ), Al-Hudhud Publishers, Box
63280 Riyadh 11516, 1993.
[3] M. Steineke, and R. Bramkamp , In, W.
Arkell (Ed.), Stratigraphical introduction.
Jurassic Ammonites from Jebel Tuwaiq,
Central Arabia, Royal Society of London
Philosophical Transactions, ser. B, v. 236,
1952b, 241-313.
[4] H Thralls, and R. Hasson, Geology and oil
resources of eastern Saudi Arabia. 20th
International Geology Congress, Mexico
and Symposium sobre Yacimentos de
Petrpleum and Gas, 2, 1956, 9-32.
[5] M. Steineke, R. Bramkamp and N. Sander,
Stratigraphic relations of Arabian Jurassic
oil. In, L.G. Weeks (Ed.), Habitat of Oil.
American Association of Petroleum
Geologists Symposium, 1958 ,1294-1329.
[6] A Al-Laboun, Subsurface stratigraphy of the
Pre-Khuff formations in central and
northwestern Arabia. PhD thesis, King
Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia, 1982.
K Al-Khidir et al Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 7( Version 4), July 2014, pp.195-203
www.ijera.com 199 | P a g e
[7] J Delfour, R. Dhellemmes, P. ELSASS , D.
Vaslet, SE. Bros, Y-M. Nindre, and O.
Dottin, Geologic map of the Ad Dawadimi
quadrangle, sheet 24G, Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia .Saudi Arabian Deputy Ministry for
Mineral Resources, Jeddah,Geoscience Map
GM60, 1982.
[8] J Manivit, D. Vaslet, Y.-M. Le Nindre, and
F. Vaillant, Stratigraphic drill hole SHD-1
through the lower part of the Jilh
Formation, Sudair Shale and Khuff
Formation in the Durma quadrangle, sheet
24H, Saudi Arabian Directorate General of
Mineral Resources, open file report 0F-03-
50, 1983,1-34.
[9] D Vaslet, Y-M. Le Nindre, D. Vachard, J.
Broutin, S. Crasquin-Soleau, M. Berthelin,
J. Gaillot, M. Halawani and M. Al-Husseini,
The Permian-Triassic Khuff Formation of
central Saudi Arabia. GeoArabia, Gulf
PetroLink, Bahrain, 10(4), 2005 77-134.
[10] K Al-Khidir, A. Al-Laboun, A. Al-Qurishi
and M. Benzagouta, Bimodal pore size
behavior of the Shajara formation reservoirs
of the Permo-Carboniferous Unayzah
Group, Saudi Arabia. J Petrol Explor Prod
Technol 1(1), 2011, 1-9.
[11] K Al-Khidir, M. Benzagouta, A. Al-Qurishi,
and A. Al-Laboun , Characterization of
heterogeneity of the Shajara reservoirs of
the Shajara formation of the Permo-
Carboniferous Unayzah group. Arab J
Geosci 6 (10), 2013, 3989–3995.
[12] Z Rahim, H. Al Anazi, A. Al-Kanaan, C.
Fredd and M. Nihat Gurmen, Evolving Khuff
Formation gas well completions in Saudi
Arabia: technology as a function of
reservoir characteristics improves
production. Saudi Aramco journal of
technology 2013.
[13] R Al Dukhayyil, and A, Al Tawil, Saudi
ARAMCO, Dhahran, Reservoir Architecture
of the Triassic Khartam Carbonate
Sequence, Khuff Outcrop Analogue in Al-
Qassim, central Saudi Arabia. GEO 2006
Middle East Conference and Exhibition; 27-
29 March, 2006; Manama, Bahrain.
[14] A Meyer, R. Bochard, I. Azzam, and A. AL-
Amoudi, 2004. The upper Khuff formation,
sedimentology and static core rock type
approach - comparison of two offshore Abu
Dhabi fields. Abu Dhabi International
Conference and Exhibition, 10-13 October
2004, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
[15] S Al-Raimi, and R. Kamal, A new layering
scheme for the Khuff-B depositional cycle in
the subsurface of eastern Saudi Arabia, 4th
Middle East Geosciences Conference, GEO
2000. GeoArabia, Abstract, 5(1), 2000, p.
34.
[16] N Burdine, L Gournay, and P. Reichertz,
Pore size distribution of petroleum reservoir
rocks. Petrolum Transactions, AIME.
Vol.189.,1950.
[17] D Tiab, and C. Donaldson, Petrophysics,
theory and practice of measuring reservoir
rock and fluid transport properties (Third
Edition: Elsevier,2012).
[18] S Fontana, F. Nader, S. Morad, A. Ceriani,
and I. Al-Aasm, Diagensis of the Khuff
Formation (Permian – Triassic, north
United Arab Emirates. Arabian Journal of
Geosciences. 3(4),2010, 351-368.
[19] S Mazzullo, and P. Harris, An overview of
dissolution porosity development in the
deep-burial environment, with examples
from Carbonate Reservoirs in the Permian
Basin. Search and Discovery Article #60028
, 2009.
Figure 1: The lower contact of the Khartam
member with underlying Midhnab member in Al-
Qasim region in central Saudi Arabia. Lat.26° 12.
Figure 2: The Member exposed along the Riyadh
al-Qasim Highway at al Khararah area, Al-Qasim
region, showing presence of a fracture surface.
K Al-Khidir et al Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 7( Version 4), July 2014, pp.195-203
www.ijera.com 200 | P a g e
Figure 3: Photograph showing one of the lower oolitic beds of Khartam member exposed along the Riyadh-Al-Qasim
Highway at al Khararah area, al-Qasim region in central Saudi Arabia
Figure 4: Porosity-permeability distribution for Khartam outcrop samples
Figure 5: Microphotograph for dolostone facies QK1
showing high degree of dissolution (light gray color).
Mag. 21%, Field 11 mm, Focus +0.92 mm.
Figure 6: Pore size distribution versus pore radius for
sample QK1.
K Al-Khidir et al Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 7( Version 4), July 2014, pp.195-203
www.ijera.com 201 | P a g e
Figure 7: Capillary pressure (psi) versus cumulative intrusion volume (ml) for sample QK1.
Figure 8: Microphotograph for sample QK13 showing
dissolution, ferruginization, and presence of oolites
indicating tidal flat depositional environment. Mag.
49.5%, Field 4.7 mm, Focus -0.08 mm.
Figure 9: Pore size distribution versus pore radius for
sample QK13.
Figure 10: Capillary pressure (psi) versus cumulative intrusion volume (ml) for sample QK13.
K Al-Khidir et al Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 7( Version 4), July 2014, pp.195-203
www.ijera.com 202 | P a g e
Figure 11: Microphotograph for sample QK16 displaying
fine grains matrix with a fracture surface. Mag. 59%,
Field 3.9 mm, Focus +0.06 mm.
Figure 12: Pore size distribution versus pore radius for
sample QK16.
Figure 13: Capillary pressure (psi) versus cumulative intrusion volume (ml) for sample QK16.
Figure 14: Microphotograph for sample QK25 with
dissolution (blue color) and ferruginization (red color).
Mag.100%, Field 2.3 mm, Focus -0.03 mm.
Figure 15: Pore size distribution versus pore radius for
sample QK25.
K Al-Khidir et al Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 7( Version 4), July 2014, pp.195-203
www.ijera.com 203 | P a g e
Figure 16: Capillary pressure (psi) versus cumulative intrusion volume (ml) for sample QK25.
Figure 17: Microphotograph for sample QK27 assigning
for intensive dissolution (blue color). Mag. 3.5 %, Field
6.5 mm, Focus +0.4 mm.
Figure 18: Pore size distribution versus pore radius for
sample QK27.
Figure 19: Capillary pressure (psi) versus cumulative intrusion volume (ml) for sample QK27.

More Related Content

What's hot

Cratons of india
Cratons of indiaCratons of india
Cratons of indiaPramoda Raj
 
Jurassic of kutch presentation1
Jurassic of kutch presentation1Jurassic of kutch presentation1
Jurassic of kutch presentation1mayank mahawar
 
Hydrocarbon prospects of punjab platform pakistan, with special
Hydrocarbon prospects of punjab platform pakistan, with specialHydrocarbon prospects of punjab platform pakistan, with special
Hydrocarbon prospects of punjab platform pakistan, with specialTahir Aziz
 
Engineering Geology I Report-MALEKHU
Engineering Geology I Report-MALEKHUEngineering Geology I Report-MALEKHU
Engineering Geology I Report-MALEKHUSabin Acharya
 
Bimodal pore size behavior of the shajara formation reservoirs of the permo ...
Bimodal pore size behavior of the shajara formation  reservoirs of the permo ...Bimodal pore size behavior of the shajara formation  reservoirs of the permo ...
Bimodal pore size behavior of the shajara formation reservoirs of the permo ...Khalid Al-Khidir
 
Field report of Haxara-Abbottabad area
Field report of Haxara-Abbottabad areaField report of Haxara-Abbottabad area
Field report of Haxara-Abbottabad areasalman khan
 
Economic Mineral Deposits in India
Economic Mineral Deposits in IndiaEconomic Mineral Deposits in India
Economic Mineral Deposits in Indiaakhilp2011
 
Hard Rock Spodumene Lithium Deposit
Hard Rock Spodumene Lithium DepositHard Rock Spodumene Lithium Deposit
Hard Rock Spodumene Lithium DepositLithiumStocks
 
Cratons of india
Cratons of indiaCratons of india
Cratons of indiamabass77
 
Narmada, kutch & saurastra basin
Narmada, kutch & saurastra basinNarmada, kutch & saurastra basin
Narmada, kutch & saurastra basinKaneti Pramod
 
Gilgit field report by zeeshan (uoh )
Gilgit field report by zeeshan (uoh )Gilgit field report by zeeshan (uoh )
Gilgit field report by zeeshan (uoh )Zeeshan Wahab
 
Dharwar super group
Dharwar super groupDharwar super group
Dharwar super groupPramoda Raj
 
Geology of cambay basin
Geology of cambay basin Geology of cambay basin
Geology of cambay basin Ananya21Mittal
 
Salt range field report
Salt range field reportSalt range field report
Salt range field reportUmer Bhatti
 
Southern granulite
Southern granuliteSouthern granulite
Southern granuliteSANDIP1992
 
Western dharwar craton
Western dharwar cratonWestern dharwar craton
Western dharwar cratonPramoda Raj
 

What's hot (20)

Cratons of india
Cratons of indiaCratons of india
Cratons of india
 
Jurassic of kutch presentation1
Jurassic of kutch presentation1Jurassic of kutch presentation1
Jurassic of kutch presentation1
 
Hydrocarbon prospects of punjab platform pakistan, with special
Hydrocarbon prospects of punjab platform pakistan, with specialHydrocarbon prospects of punjab platform pakistan, with special
Hydrocarbon prospects of punjab platform pakistan, with special
 
Dharwar Craton
Dharwar CratonDharwar Craton
Dharwar Craton
 
Engineering Geology I Report-MALEKHU
Engineering Geology I Report-MALEKHUEngineering Geology I Report-MALEKHU
Engineering Geology I Report-MALEKHU
 
Bimodal pore size behavior of the shajara formation reservoirs of the permo ...
Bimodal pore size behavior of the shajara formation  reservoirs of the permo ...Bimodal pore size behavior of the shajara formation  reservoirs of the permo ...
Bimodal pore size behavior of the shajara formation reservoirs of the permo ...
 
Field report of Haxara-Abbottabad area
Field report of Haxara-Abbottabad areaField report of Haxara-Abbottabad area
Field report of Haxara-Abbottabad area
 
Karakoram block
Karakoram blockKarakoram block
Karakoram block
 
Economic Mineral Deposits in India
Economic Mineral Deposits in IndiaEconomic Mineral Deposits in India
Economic Mineral Deposits in India
 
Bastar craton
Bastar cratonBastar craton
Bastar craton
 
Hard Rock Spodumene Lithium Deposit
Hard Rock Spodumene Lithium DepositHard Rock Spodumene Lithium Deposit
Hard Rock Spodumene Lithium Deposit
 
Cratons of india
Cratons of indiaCratons of india
Cratons of india
 
Narmada, kutch & saurastra basin
Narmada, kutch & saurastra basinNarmada, kutch & saurastra basin
Narmada, kutch & saurastra basin
 
Gilgit field report by zeeshan (uoh )
Gilgit field report by zeeshan (uoh )Gilgit field report by zeeshan (uoh )
Gilgit field report by zeeshan (uoh )
 
Cuddapah supergroup
Cuddapah supergroup Cuddapah supergroup
Cuddapah supergroup
 
Dharwar super group
Dharwar super groupDharwar super group
Dharwar super group
 
Geology of cambay basin
Geology of cambay basin Geology of cambay basin
Geology of cambay basin
 
Salt range field report
Salt range field reportSalt range field report
Salt range field report
 
Southern granulite
Southern granuliteSouthern granulite
Southern granulite
 
Western dharwar craton
Western dharwar cratonWestern dharwar craton
Western dharwar craton
 

Viewers also liked

Petrophysics and Big Data by Elephant Scale training and consultin
Petrophysics and Big Data by Elephant Scale training and consultinPetrophysics and Big Data by Elephant Scale training and consultin
Petrophysics and Big Data by Elephant Scale training and consultinelephantscale
 
Overview of Experimental works conducted in this work
Overview of Experimental works conducted in this workOverview of Experimental works conducted in this work
Overview of Experimental works conducted in this workmohull
 
SPWLA-2015-GGGG
SPWLA-2015-GGGGSPWLA-2015-GGGG
SPWLA-2015-GGGGRamy Essam
 
E&P data management: Implementing data standards
E&P data management: Implementing data standardsE&P data management: Implementing data standards
E&P data management: Implementing data standardsETLSolutions
 
A 5-step methodology for complex E&P data management
A 5-step methodology for complex E&P data managementA 5-step methodology for complex E&P data management
A 5-step methodology for complex E&P data managementETLSolutions
 
Petrophysics More Important Than Ever
Petrophysics   More Important Than EverPetrophysics   More Important Than Ever
Petrophysics More Important Than EverGraham Davis
 
Selecting Data Management Tools - A practical approach
Selecting Data Management Tools - A practical approachSelecting Data Management Tools - A practical approach
Selecting Data Management Tools - A practical approachChristopher Bradley
 
Well logging and interpretation techniques asin b000bhl7ou
Well logging and interpretation techniques asin  b000bhl7ouWell logging and interpretation techniques asin  b000bhl7ou
Well logging and interpretation techniques asin b000bhl7ouAhmed Raafat
 
Basic well log interpretation
Basic well log interpretationBasic well log interpretation
Basic well log interpretationShahnawaz Mustafa
 
Well logging analysis: methods and interpretation
Well logging analysis: methods and interpretationWell logging analysis: methods and interpretation
Well logging analysis: methods and interpretationCristiano Ascolani
 

Viewers also liked (12)

Petrophysics and Big Data by Elephant Scale training and consultin
Petrophysics and Big Data by Elephant Scale training and consultinPetrophysics and Big Data by Elephant Scale training and consultin
Petrophysics and Big Data by Elephant Scale training and consultin
 
Overview of Experimental works conducted in this work
Overview of Experimental works conducted in this workOverview of Experimental works conducted in this work
Overview of Experimental works conducted in this work
 
SPWLA-2015-GGGG
SPWLA-2015-GGGGSPWLA-2015-GGGG
SPWLA-2015-GGGG
 
E&P data management: Implementing data standards
E&P data management: Implementing data standardsE&P data management: Implementing data standards
E&P data management: Implementing data standards
 
A 5-step methodology for complex E&P data management
A 5-step methodology for complex E&P data managementA 5-step methodology for complex E&P data management
A 5-step methodology for complex E&P data management
 
Petrophysics More Important Than Ever
Petrophysics   More Important Than EverPetrophysics   More Important Than Ever
Petrophysics More Important Than Ever
 
Selecting Data Management Tools - A practical approach
Selecting Data Management Tools - A practical approachSelecting Data Management Tools - A practical approach
Selecting Data Management Tools - A practical approach
 
Well logging and interpretation techniques asin b000bhl7ou
Well logging and interpretation techniques asin  b000bhl7ouWell logging and interpretation techniques asin  b000bhl7ou
Well logging and interpretation techniques asin b000bhl7ou
 
Basic well log interpretation
Basic well log interpretationBasic well log interpretation
Basic well log interpretation
 
Well logging analysis: methods and interpretation
Well logging analysis: methods and interpretationWell logging analysis: methods and interpretation
Well logging analysis: methods and interpretation
 
Basic Petrophysics
Basic PetrophysicsBasic Petrophysics
Basic Petrophysics
 
Well logging
Well loggingWell logging
Well logging
 

Similar to Integrated petrophysical parameters and petrographic analysis characterizing khartam reservoirs of the permo triassic khuff formation

Tight carbonate reservoir characterization
Tight carbonate reservoir characterizationTight carbonate reservoir characterization
Tight carbonate reservoir characterizationKhalid Al-Khidir
 
Bimodal pore size behavior of the shajara formation reservoirs of the permo ...
Bimodal pore size behavior of the shajara formation  reservoirs of the permo ...Bimodal pore size behavior of the shajara formation  reservoirs of the permo ...
Bimodal pore size behavior of the shajara formation reservoirs of the permo ...Khalid Al-Khidir
 
Lithofacies architecture of the gercus formation in jabal haibat sultan, ne i...
Lithofacies architecture of the gercus formation in jabal haibat sultan, ne i...Lithofacies architecture of the gercus formation in jabal haibat sultan, ne i...
Lithofacies architecture of the gercus formation in jabal haibat sultan, ne i...Alexander Decker
 
Sandstone As A Resevoir rock 2012
Sandstone As A Resevoir rock  2012Sandstone As A Resevoir rock  2012
Sandstone As A Resevoir rock 2012Mohamed _el_shora
 
Exploration of radioactive minerals in the late ordavician jordan
Exploration of radioactive minerals in the late ordavician jordanExploration of radioactive minerals in the late ordavician jordan
Exploration of radioactive minerals in the late ordavician jordanMonatom Mgl
 
Underexplored Opportunities in the Arabian Plate.pdf
Underexplored Opportunities in the Arabian Plate.pdfUnderexplored Opportunities in the Arabian Plate.pdf
Underexplored Opportunities in the Arabian Plate.pdfssuseref75f1
 
Paleoenvironmental significance of clay minerals
Paleoenvironmental significance of clay mineralsPaleoenvironmental significance of clay minerals
Paleoenvironmental significance of clay mineralsSolomon Adeyinka
 
petroleum system elements .pptx
petroleum system elements .pptxpetroleum system elements .pptx
petroleum system elements .pptxSaadTaman
 
Dissertation d ibba_thurley_ct
Dissertation d ibba_thurley_ctDissertation d ibba_thurley_ct
Dissertation d ibba_thurley_ctCallum Thurley
 
pp387 416 Journ Petroleum Geology 14 1991 lithostrat cns. Crittenden (sen aut...
pp387 416 Journ Petroleum Geology 14 1991 lithostrat cns. Crittenden (sen aut...pp387 416 Journ Petroleum Geology 14 1991 lithostrat cns. Crittenden (sen aut...
pp387 416 Journ Petroleum Geology 14 1991 lithostrat cns. Crittenden (sen aut...Stephen Crittenden
 
Baseline Lithogeochemistry Project Report
Baseline Lithogeochemistry Project ReportBaseline Lithogeochemistry Project Report
Baseline Lithogeochemistry Project ReportDr Nick Le Boutillier
 
Geotechnical Properties of Sabkha Soil in the southern part of Al-Khobar city...
Geotechnical Properties of Sabkha Soil in the southern part of Al-Khobar city...Geotechnical Properties of Sabkha Soil in the southern part of Al-Khobar city...
Geotechnical Properties of Sabkha Soil in the southern part of Al-Khobar city...IJERA Editor
 
Einaudi 1994 High Sulfidation and Low Sulfidation Porphyry CopperSkarn System...
Einaudi 1994 High Sulfidation and Low Sulfidation Porphyry CopperSkarn System...Einaudi 1994 High Sulfidation and Low Sulfidation Porphyry CopperSkarn System...
Einaudi 1994 High Sulfidation and Low Sulfidation Porphyry CopperSkarn System...VictorValdivia20
 
7 spe-93312-pa-p fractured reservoir characterization using dynamic data in a...
7 spe-93312-pa-p fractured reservoir characterization using dynamic data in a...7 spe-93312-pa-p fractured reservoir characterization using dynamic data in a...
7 spe-93312-pa-p fractured reservoir characterization using dynamic data in a...Magda Arriola
 
Eage poster Cairo dec 2010 nov 28 Biofacies - Kuwait
Eage poster Cairo dec 2010 nov 28 Biofacies - KuwaitEage poster Cairo dec 2010 nov 28 Biofacies - Kuwait
Eage poster Cairo dec 2010 nov 28 Biofacies - KuwaitStephen Crittenden
 

Similar to Integrated petrophysical parameters and petrographic analysis characterizing khartam reservoirs of the permo triassic khuff formation (20)

Tight carbonate reservoir characterization
Tight carbonate reservoir characterizationTight carbonate reservoir characterization
Tight carbonate reservoir characterization
 
Bimodal pore size behavior of the shajara formation reservoirs of the permo ...
Bimodal pore size behavior of the shajara formation  reservoirs of the permo ...Bimodal pore size behavior of the shajara formation  reservoirs of the permo ...
Bimodal pore size behavior of the shajara formation reservoirs of the permo ...
 
Lithofacies architecture of the gercus formation in jabal haibat sultan, ne i...
Lithofacies architecture of the gercus formation in jabal haibat sultan, ne i...Lithofacies architecture of the gercus formation in jabal haibat sultan, ne i...
Lithofacies architecture of the gercus formation in jabal haibat sultan, ne i...
 
Sandstone As A Resevoir rock 2012
Sandstone As A Resevoir rock  2012Sandstone As A Resevoir rock  2012
Sandstone As A Resevoir rock 2012
 
Exploration of radioactive minerals in the late ordavician jordan
Exploration of radioactive minerals in the late ordavician jordanExploration of radioactive minerals in the late ordavician jordan
Exploration of radioactive minerals in the late ordavician jordan
 
Ijciet 06 10_012
Ijciet 06 10_012Ijciet 06 10_012
Ijciet 06 10_012
 
Underexplored Opportunities in the Arabian Plate.pdf
Underexplored Opportunities in the Arabian Plate.pdfUnderexplored Opportunities in the Arabian Plate.pdf
Underexplored Opportunities in the Arabian Plate.pdf
 
Paleoenvironmental significance of clay minerals
Paleoenvironmental significance of clay mineralsPaleoenvironmental significance of clay minerals
Paleoenvironmental significance of clay minerals
 
Absar y Sreenivas, 2015.pdf
Absar y Sreenivas, 2015.pdfAbsar y Sreenivas, 2015.pdf
Absar y Sreenivas, 2015.pdf
 
petroleum system elements .pptx
petroleum system elements .pptxpetroleum system elements .pptx
petroleum system elements .pptx
 
Dissertation d ibba_thurley_ct
Dissertation d ibba_thurley_ctDissertation d ibba_thurley_ct
Dissertation d ibba_thurley_ct
 
pp387 416 Journ Petroleum Geology 14 1991 lithostrat cns. Crittenden (sen aut...
pp387 416 Journ Petroleum Geology 14 1991 lithostrat cns. Crittenden (sen aut...pp387 416 Journ Petroleum Geology 14 1991 lithostrat cns. Crittenden (sen aut...
pp387 416 Journ Petroleum Geology 14 1991 lithostrat cns. Crittenden (sen aut...
 
Baseline Lithogeochemistry Project Report
Baseline Lithogeochemistry Project ReportBaseline Lithogeochemistry Project Report
Baseline Lithogeochemistry Project Report
 
4296
42964296
4296
 
Umair
UmairUmair
Umair
 
Furqan article
Furqan articleFurqan article
Furqan article
 
Geotechnical Properties of Sabkha Soil in the southern part of Al-Khobar city...
Geotechnical Properties of Sabkha Soil in the southern part of Al-Khobar city...Geotechnical Properties of Sabkha Soil in the southern part of Al-Khobar city...
Geotechnical Properties of Sabkha Soil in the southern part of Al-Khobar city...
 
Einaudi 1994 High Sulfidation and Low Sulfidation Porphyry CopperSkarn System...
Einaudi 1994 High Sulfidation and Low Sulfidation Porphyry CopperSkarn System...Einaudi 1994 High Sulfidation and Low Sulfidation Porphyry CopperSkarn System...
Einaudi 1994 High Sulfidation and Low Sulfidation Porphyry CopperSkarn System...
 
7 spe-93312-pa-p fractured reservoir characterization using dynamic data in a...
7 spe-93312-pa-p fractured reservoir characterization using dynamic data in a...7 spe-93312-pa-p fractured reservoir characterization using dynamic data in a...
7 spe-93312-pa-p fractured reservoir characterization using dynamic data in a...
 
Eage poster Cairo dec 2010 nov 28 Biofacies - Kuwait
Eage poster Cairo dec 2010 nov 28 Biofacies - KuwaitEage poster Cairo dec 2010 nov 28 Biofacies - Kuwait
Eage poster Cairo dec 2010 nov 28 Biofacies - Kuwait
 

More from Khalid Al-Khidir

On the equality of electric power fractal dimension and capillary pressure fr...
On the equality of electric power fractal dimension and capillary pressure fr...On the equality of electric power fractal dimension and capillary pressure fr...
On the equality of electric power fractal dimension and capillary pressure fr...Khalid Al-Khidir
 
Seismo magnetic field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs...
Seismo magnetic field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs...Seismo magnetic field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs...
Seismo magnetic field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs...Khalid Al-Khidir
 
Transverse relaxation time fractal dimension of nuclear magnetic resonance fo...
Transverse relaxation time fractal dimension of nuclear magnetic resonance fo...Transverse relaxation time fractal dimension of nuclear magnetic resonance fo...
Transverse relaxation time fractal dimension of nuclear magnetic resonance fo...Khalid Al-Khidir
 
Seismo electric bio availability fractal dimension for characterizing shajara...
Seismo electric bio availability fractal dimension for characterizing shajara...Seismo electric bio availability fractal dimension for characterizing shajara...
Seismo electric bio availability fractal dimension for characterizing shajara...Khalid Al-Khidir
 
Seismo electric bio availability fractal dimension for characterizing shajara...
Seismo electric bio availability fractal dimension for characterizing shajara...Seismo electric bio availability fractal dimension for characterizing shajara...
Seismo electric bio availability fractal dimension for characterizing shajara...Khalid Al-Khidir
 
Flow rate fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the perm...
Flow rate fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the perm...Flow rate fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the perm...
Flow rate fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the perm...Khalid Al-Khidir
 
Seismo mechanical force fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoi...
Seismo mechanical force fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoi...Seismo mechanical force fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoi...
Seismo mechanical force fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoi...Khalid Al-Khidir
 
On Similarity of Differential Capacity and Capillary Pressure Fractal
On Similarity of Differential Capacity and Capillary Pressure FractalOn Similarity of Differential Capacity and Capillary Pressure Fractal
On Similarity of Differential Capacity and Capillary Pressure FractalKhalid Al-Khidir
 
Number of moles fractal dimensions for characterizing shajara reservoirs of t...
Number of moles fractal dimensions for characterizing shajara reservoirs of t...Number of moles fractal dimensions for characterizing shajara reservoirs of t...
Number of moles fractal dimensions for characterizing shajara reservoirs of t...Khalid Al-Khidir
 
Seismo electric transfer function fractal dimension for characterizing shajar...
Seismo electric transfer function fractal dimension for characterizing shajar...Seismo electric transfer function fractal dimension for characterizing shajar...
Seismo electric transfer function fractal dimension for characterizing shajar...Khalid Al-Khidir
 
On similarity of pressure head and bubble pressure fractal dimensions for cha...
On similarity of pressure head and bubble pressure fractal dimensions for cha...On similarity of pressure head and bubble pressure fractal dimensions for cha...
On similarity of pressure head and bubble pressure fractal dimensions for cha...Khalid Al-Khidir
 
Arithmetic relaxation time of induced polarization fractal dimension
Arithmetic relaxation time of induced polarization fractal dimensionArithmetic relaxation time of induced polarization fractal dimension
Arithmetic relaxation time of induced polarization fractal dimensionKhalid Al-Khidir
 
Seismic time fractal dimension for characterizing Shajara Reservoirs of The P...
Seismic time fractal dimension for characterizing Shajara Reservoirs of The P...Seismic time fractal dimension for characterizing Shajara Reservoirs of The P...
Seismic time fractal dimension for characterizing Shajara Reservoirs of The P...Khalid Al-Khidir
 
Electro kinetic fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of th...
Electro kinetic fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of th...Electro kinetic fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of th...
Electro kinetic fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of th...Khalid Al-Khidir
 
Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the pe...
Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the pe...Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the pe...
Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the pe...Khalid Al-Khidir
 
Seismo electric field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs
Seismo electric field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirsSeismo electric field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs
Seismo electric field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirsKhalid Al-Khidir
 
Seismo electric field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs...
Seismo electric field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs...Seismo electric field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs...
Seismo electric field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs...Khalid Al-Khidir
 
Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs
Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirsResistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs
Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirsKhalid Al-Khidir
 
Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the pe...
Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the pe...Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the pe...
Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the pe...Khalid Al-Khidir
 
Geometric relaxation time of induced polarization fractal dimension
Geometric relaxation time of induced polarization fractal dimensionGeometric relaxation time of induced polarization fractal dimension
Geometric relaxation time of induced polarization fractal dimensionKhalid Al-Khidir
 

More from Khalid Al-Khidir (20)

On the equality of electric power fractal dimension and capillary pressure fr...
On the equality of electric power fractal dimension and capillary pressure fr...On the equality of electric power fractal dimension and capillary pressure fr...
On the equality of electric power fractal dimension and capillary pressure fr...
 
Seismo magnetic field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs...
Seismo magnetic field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs...Seismo magnetic field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs...
Seismo magnetic field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs...
 
Transverse relaxation time fractal dimension of nuclear magnetic resonance fo...
Transverse relaxation time fractal dimension of nuclear magnetic resonance fo...Transverse relaxation time fractal dimension of nuclear magnetic resonance fo...
Transverse relaxation time fractal dimension of nuclear magnetic resonance fo...
 
Seismo electric bio availability fractal dimension for characterizing shajara...
Seismo electric bio availability fractal dimension for characterizing shajara...Seismo electric bio availability fractal dimension for characterizing shajara...
Seismo electric bio availability fractal dimension for characterizing shajara...
 
Seismo electric bio availability fractal dimension for characterizing shajara...
Seismo electric bio availability fractal dimension for characterizing shajara...Seismo electric bio availability fractal dimension for characterizing shajara...
Seismo electric bio availability fractal dimension for characterizing shajara...
 
Flow rate fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the perm...
Flow rate fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the perm...Flow rate fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the perm...
Flow rate fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the perm...
 
Seismo mechanical force fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoi...
Seismo mechanical force fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoi...Seismo mechanical force fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoi...
Seismo mechanical force fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoi...
 
On Similarity of Differential Capacity and Capillary Pressure Fractal
On Similarity of Differential Capacity and Capillary Pressure FractalOn Similarity of Differential Capacity and Capillary Pressure Fractal
On Similarity of Differential Capacity and Capillary Pressure Fractal
 
Number of moles fractal dimensions for characterizing shajara reservoirs of t...
Number of moles fractal dimensions for characterizing shajara reservoirs of t...Number of moles fractal dimensions for characterizing shajara reservoirs of t...
Number of moles fractal dimensions for characterizing shajara reservoirs of t...
 
Seismo electric transfer function fractal dimension for characterizing shajar...
Seismo electric transfer function fractal dimension for characterizing shajar...Seismo electric transfer function fractal dimension for characterizing shajar...
Seismo electric transfer function fractal dimension for characterizing shajar...
 
On similarity of pressure head and bubble pressure fractal dimensions for cha...
On similarity of pressure head and bubble pressure fractal dimensions for cha...On similarity of pressure head and bubble pressure fractal dimensions for cha...
On similarity of pressure head and bubble pressure fractal dimensions for cha...
 
Arithmetic relaxation time of induced polarization fractal dimension
Arithmetic relaxation time of induced polarization fractal dimensionArithmetic relaxation time of induced polarization fractal dimension
Arithmetic relaxation time of induced polarization fractal dimension
 
Seismic time fractal dimension for characterizing Shajara Reservoirs of The P...
Seismic time fractal dimension for characterizing Shajara Reservoirs of The P...Seismic time fractal dimension for characterizing Shajara Reservoirs of The P...
Seismic time fractal dimension for characterizing Shajara Reservoirs of The P...
 
Electro kinetic fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of th...
Electro kinetic fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of th...Electro kinetic fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of th...
Electro kinetic fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of th...
 
Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the pe...
Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the pe...Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the pe...
Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the pe...
 
Seismo electric field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs
Seismo electric field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirsSeismo electric field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs
Seismo electric field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs
 
Seismo electric field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs...
Seismo electric field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs...Seismo electric field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs...
Seismo electric field fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs...
 
Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs
Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirsResistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs
Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs
 
Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the pe...
Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the pe...Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the pe...
Resistivity fractal dimension for characterizing shajara reservoirs of the pe...
 
Geometric relaxation time of induced polarization fractal dimension
Geometric relaxation time of induced polarization fractal dimensionGeometric relaxation time of induced polarization fractal dimension
Geometric relaxation time of induced polarization fractal dimension
 

Recently uploaded

Sheet Pile Wall Design and Construction: A Practical Guide for Civil Engineer...
Sheet Pile Wall Design and Construction: A Practical Guide for Civil Engineer...Sheet Pile Wall Design and Construction: A Practical Guide for Civil Engineer...
Sheet Pile Wall Design and Construction: A Practical Guide for Civil Engineer...Dr.Costas Sachpazis
 
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion and their Importance.pptx
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion and their Importance.pptxCoefficient of Thermal Expansion and their Importance.pptx
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion and their Importance.pptxAsutosh Ranjan
 
Introduction and different types of Ethernet.pptx
Introduction and different types of Ethernet.pptxIntroduction and different types of Ethernet.pptx
Introduction and different types of Ethernet.pptxupamatechverse
 
Structural Analysis and Design of Foundations: A Comprehensive Handbook for S...
Structural Analysis and Design of Foundations: A Comprehensive Handbook for S...Structural Analysis and Design of Foundations: A Comprehensive Handbook for S...
Structural Analysis and Design of Foundations: A Comprehensive Handbook for S...Dr.Costas Sachpazis
 
Call Girls Service Nashik Vaishnavi 7001305949 Independent Escort Service Nashik
Call Girls Service Nashik Vaishnavi 7001305949 Independent Escort Service NashikCall Girls Service Nashik Vaishnavi 7001305949 Independent Escort Service Nashik
Call Girls Service Nashik Vaishnavi 7001305949 Independent Escort Service NashikCall Girls in Nagpur High Profile
 
Microscopic Analysis of Ceramic Materials.pptx
Microscopic Analysis of Ceramic Materials.pptxMicroscopic Analysis of Ceramic Materials.pptx
Microscopic Analysis of Ceramic Materials.pptxpurnimasatapathy1234
 
Call for Papers - African Journal of Biological Sciences, E-ISSN: 2663-2187, ...
Call for Papers - African Journal of Biological Sciences, E-ISSN: 2663-2187, ...Call for Papers - African Journal of Biological Sciences, E-ISSN: 2663-2187, ...
Call for Papers - African Journal of Biological Sciences, E-ISSN: 2663-2187, ...Christo Ananth
 
UNIT-II FMM-Flow Through Circular Conduits
UNIT-II FMM-Flow Through Circular ConduitsUNIT-II FMM-Flow Through Circular Conduits
UNIT-II FMM-Flow Through Circular Conduitsrknatarajan
 
(MEERA) Dapodi Call Girls Just Call 7001035870 [ Cash on Delivery ] Pune Escorts
(MEERA) Dapodi Call Girls Just Call 7001035870 [ Cash on Delivery ] Pune Escorts(MEERA) Dapodi Call Girls Just Call 7001035870 [ Cash on Delivery ] Pune Escorts
(MEERA) Dapodi Call Girls Just Call 7001035870 [ Cash on Delivery ] Pune Escortsranjana rawat
 
UNIT-III FMM. DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
UNIT-III FMM.        DIMENSIONAL ANALYSISUNIT-III FMM.        DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
UNIT-III FMM. DIMENSIONAL ANALYSISrknatarajan
 
VIP Call Girls Service Hitech City Hyderabad Call +91-8250192130
VIP Call Girls Service Hitech City Hyderabad Call +91-8250192130VIP Call Girls Service Hitech City Hyderabad Call +91-8250192130
VIP Call Girls Service Hitech City Hyderabad Call +91-8250192130Suhani Kapoor
 
Top Rated Pune Call Girls Budhwar Peth ⟟ 6297143586 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine Se...
Top Rated  Pune Call Girls Budhwar Peth ⟟ 6297143586 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine Se...Top Rated  Pune Call Girls Budhwar Peth ⟟ 6297143586 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine Se...
Top Rated Pune Call Girls Budhwar Peth ⟟ 6297143586 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine Se...Call Girls in Nagpur High Profile
 
IMPLICATIONS OF THE ABOVE HOLISTIC UNDERSTANDING OF HARMONY ON PROFESSIONAL E...
IMPLICATIONS OF THE ABOVE HOLISTIC UNDERSTANDING OF HARMONY ON PROFESSIONAL E...IMPLICATIONS OF THE ABOVE HOLISTIC UNDERSTANDING OF HARMONY ON PROFESSIONAL E...
IMPLICATIONS OF THE ABOVE HOLISTIC UNDERSTANDING OF HARMONY ON PROFESSIONAL E...RajaP95
 
(SHREYA) Chakan Call Girls Just Call 7001035870 [ Cash on Delivery ] Pune Esc...
(SHREYA) Chakan Call Girls Just Call 7001035870 [ Cash on Delivery ] Pune Esc...(SHREYA) Chakan Call Girls Just Call 7001035870 [ Cash on Delivery ] Pune Esc...
(SHREYA) Chakan Call Girls Just Call 7001035870 [ Cash on Delivery ] Pune Esc...ranjana rawat
 
High Profile Call Girls Nagpur Isha Call 7001035870 Meet With Nagpur Escorts
High Profile Call Girls Nagpur Isha Call 7001035870 Meet With Nagpur EscortsHigh Profile Call Girls Nagpur Isha Call 7001035870 Meet With Nagpur Escorts
High Profile Call Girls Nagpur Isha Call 7001035870 Meet With Nagpur Escortsranjana rawat
 
247267395-1-Symmetric-and-distributed-shared-memory-architectures-ppt (1).ppt
247267395-1-Symmetric-and-distributed-shared-memory-architectures-ppt (1).ppt247267395-1-Symmetric-and-distributed-shared-memory-architectures-ppt (1).ppt
247267395-1-Symmetric-and-distributed-shared-memory-architectures-ppt (1).pptssuser5c9d4b1
 
Introduction to Multiple Access Protocol.pptx
Introduction to Multiple Access Protocol.pptxIntroduction to Multiple Access Protocol.pptx
Introduction to Multiple Access Protocol.pptxupamatechverse
 
HARDNESS, FRACTURE TOUGHNESS AND STRENGTH OF CERAMICS
HARDNESS, FRACTURE TOUGHNESS AND STRENGTH OF CERAMICSHARDNESS, FRACTURE TOUGHNESS AND STRENGTH OF CERAMICS
HARDNESS, FRACTURE TOUGHNESS AND STRENGTH OF CERAMICSRajkumarAkumalla
 
MANUFACTURING PROCESS-II UNIT-5 NC MACHINE TOOLS
MANUFACTURING PROCESS-II UNIT-5 NC MACHINE TOOLSMANUFACTURING PROCESS-II UNIT-5 NC MACHINE TOOLS
MANUFACTURING PROCESS-II UNIT-5 NC MACHINE TOOLSSIVASHANKAR N
 
Software Development Life Cycle By Team Orange (Dept. of Pharmacy)
Software Development Life Cycle By  Team Orange (Dept. of Pharmacy)Software Development Life Cycle By  Team Orange (Dept. of Pharmacy)
Software Development Life Cycle By Team Orange (Dept. of Pharmacy)Suman Mia
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Sheet Pile Wall Design and Construction: A Practical Guide for Civil Engineer...
Sheet Pile Wall Design and Construction: A Practical Guide for Civil Engineer...Sheet Pile Wall Design and Construction: A Practical Guide for Civil Engineer...
Sheet Pile Wall Design and Construction: A Practical Guide for Civil Engineer...
 
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion and their Importance.pptx
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion and their Importance.pptxCoefficient of Thermal Expansion and their Importance.pptx
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion and their Importance.pptx
 
Introduction and different types of Ethernet.pptx
Introduction and different types of Ethernet.pptxIntroduction and different types of Ethernet.pptx
Introduction and different types of Ethernet.pptx
 
Structural Analysis and Design of Foundations: A Comprehensive Handbook for S...
Structural Analysis and Design of Foundations: A Comprehensive Handbook for S...Structural Analysis and Design of Foundations: A Comprehensive Handbook for S...
Structural Analysis and Design of Foundations: A Comprehensive Handbook for S...
 
Call Girls Service Nashik Vaishnavi 7001305949 Independent Escort Service Nashik
Call Girls Service Nashik Vaishnavi 7001305949 Independent Escort Service NashikCall Girls Service Nashik Vaishnavi 7001305949 Independent Escort Service Nashik
Call Girls Service Nashik Vaishnavi 7001305949 Independent Escort Service Nashik
 
Microscopic Analysis of Ceramic Materials.pptx
Microscopic Analysis of Ceramic Materials.pptxMicroscopic Analysis of Ceramic Materials.pptx
Microscopic Analysis of Ceramic Materials.pptx
 
Call for Papers - African Journal of Biological Sciences, E-ISSN: 2663-2187, ...
Call for Papers - African Journal of Biological Sciences, E-ISSN: 2663-2187, ...Call for Papers - African Journal of Biological Sciences, E-ISSN: 2663-2187, ...
Call for Papers - African Journal of Biological Sciences, E-ISSN: 2663-2187, ...
 
UNIT-II FMM-Flow Through Circular Conduits
UNIT-II FMM-Flow Through Circular ConduitsUNIT-II FMM-Flow Through Circular Conduits
UNIT-II FMM-Flow Through Circular Conduits
 
(MEERA) Dapodi Call Girls Just Call 7001035870 [ Cash on Delivery ] Pune Escorts
(MEERA) Dapodi Call Girls Just Call 7001035870 [ Cash on Delivery ] Pune Escorts(MEERA) Dapodi Call Girls Just Call 7001035870 [ Cash on Delivery ] Pune Escorts
(MEERA) Dapodi Call Girls Just Call 7001035870 [ Cash on Delivery ] Pune Escorts
 
UNIT-III FMM. DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
UNIT-III FMM.        DIMENSIONAL ANALYSISUNIT-III FMM.        DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
UNIT-III FMM. DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
 
VIP Call Girls Service Hitech City Hyderabad Call +91-8250192130
VIP Call Girls Service Hitech City Hyderabad Call +91-8250192130VIP Call Girls Service Hitech City Hyderabad Call +91-8250192130
VIP Call Girls Service Hitech City Hyderabad Call +91-8250192130
 
Top Rated Pune Call Girls Budhwar Peth ⟟ 6297143586 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine Se...
Top Rated  Pune Call Girls Budhwar Peth ⟟ 6297143586 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine Se...Top Rated  Pune Call Girls Budhwar Peth ⟟ 6297143586 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine Se...
Top Rated Pune Call Girls Budhwar Peth ⟟ 6297143586 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine Se...
 
IMPLICATIONS OF THE ABOVE HOLISTIC UNDERSTANDING OF HARMONY ON PROFESSIONAL E...
IMPLICATIONS OF THE ABOVE HOLISTIC UNDERSTANDING OF HARMONY ON PROFESSIONAL E...IMPLICATIONS OF THE ABOVE HOLISTIC UNDERSTANDING OF HARMONY ON PROFESSIONAL E...
IMPLICATIONS OF THE ABOVE HOLISTIC UNDERSTANDING OF HARMONY ON PROFESSIONAL E...
 
(SHREYA) Chakan Call Girls Just Call 7001035870 [ Cash on Delivery ] Pune Esc...
(SHREYA) Chakan Call Girls Just Call 7001035870 [ Cash on Delivery ] Pune Esc...(SHREYA) Chakan Call Girls Just Call 7001035870 [ Cash on Delivery ] Pune Esc...
(SHREYA) Chakan Call Girls Just Call 7001035870 [ Cash on Delivery ] Pune Esc...
 
High Profile Call Girls Nagpur Isha Call 7001035870 Meet With Nagpur Escorts
High Profile Call Girls Nagpur Isha Call 7001035870 Meet With Nagpur EscortsHigh Profile Call Girls Nagpur Isha Call 7001035870 Meet With Nagpur Escorts
High Profile Call Girls Nagpur Isha Call 7001035870 Meet With Nagpur Escorts
 
247267395-1-Symmetric-and-distributed-shared-memory-architectures-ppt (1).ppt
247267395-1-Symmetric-and-distributed-shared-memory-architectures-ppt (1).ppt247267395-1-Symmetric-and-distributed-shared-memory-architectures-ppt (1).ppt
247267395-1-Symmetric-and-distributed-shared-memory-architectures-ppt (1).ppt
 
Introduction to Multiple Access Protocol.pptx
Introduction to Multiple Access Protocol.pptxIntroduction to Multiple Access Protocol.pptx
Introduction to Multiple Access Protocol.pptx
 
HARDNESS, FRACTURE TOUGHNESS AND STRENGTH OF CERAMICS
HARDNESS, FRACTURE TOUGHNESS AND STRENGTH OF CERAMICSHARDNESS, FRACTURE TOUGHNESS AND STRENGTH OF CERAMICS
HARDNESS, FRACTURE TOUGHNESS AND STRENGTH OF CERAMICS
 
MANUFACTURING PROCESS-II UNIT-5 NC MACHINE TOOLS
MANUFACTURING PROCESS-II UNIT-5 NC MACHINE TOOLSMANUFACTURING PROCESS-II UNIT-5 NC MACHINE TOOLS
MANUFACTURING PROCESS-II UNIT-5 NC MACHINE TOOLS
 
Software Development Life Cycle By Team Orange (Dept. of Pharmacy)
Software Development Life Cycle By  Team Orange (Dept. of Pharmacy)Software Development Life Cycle By  Team Orange (Dept. of Pharmacy)
Software Development Life Cycle By Team Orange (Dept. of Pharmacy)
 

Integrated petrophysical parameters and petrographic analysis characterizing khartam reservoirs of the permo triassic khuff formation

  • 1. K Al-Khidir et al Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 7( Version 4), July 2014, pp.195-203 www.ijera.com 195 | P a g e Integrated Petrophysical Parameters and Petrographic Analysis Characterizing Khartam Reservoirs of the Permo-Triassic Khuff Formation, Saudi Arabia K Al-Khidir(*): M Benzagouta* , A Al-Qurishi** , A Al-Laboun College of Engineering, Al Amoudi Research Chair in Petroleum, EOR, Department of Petroleum Engineering and Natural Gas, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Petroleum and Natural Gas Research Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. College of Science Department of Geology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ABSTRACT Measured porosity and permeability were integrated with thin section petrography and pertophysical attributes derived from mercury intrusion to form an essential outline for Khartam reservoirs of the Permo-Triassic Khuff Formation. Porosity-permeability distribution of thirty two outcrop core samples delineates an existence of five demonstrative pertophysical facies. Thin section petrography reveals dissolution as principal diagenetic feature controlling fluid flow in Khartam reservoirs. Based on dissolution and poro – perm distribution it was found that, better khartam reservoirs quality confined to dolostone facies type (QK1) and tidat flat oolite grainstone facies (QK27) with higher degree of dissolution owing to cement removal. Further supports to dissolution statement come from physical attributes acquired from mercury intrusion including pore size distribution tail and total cumulative intrusion volume. Correspondingly facies with higher pore size distribution tail and higher total cumulative intrusion volume restricted to dolostone facies type (QK1) and oolite grainstone facies type (QK27). Keywords: Khartam reservoirs, Khuff Formation, dissolution, cumulative intrusion volume, pore size distribution tail I. 1.Introduction The Permo-Triassic Khuff Formation exposed in central Saudi Arabia is bracketed between the Permo- Carboniferous Unayzah Formation at the base and Triassic Sudayr Formation at the top. The term Khuff limestone member informally introduced by Steineke ,1937, unpub. Rep., and was raised to formational status by Bramkamp et al. 1945, unpub. Rep.in Powers et al 1966 [1].The measured and described section of the Khuff limestone in the vicinity of Ar- Rayn was modified and published as a reference section for the amended Khuff Formation by Bramkamp et al. 1945, unpub. Rep., Powera etal 1966 [1]. Later, Holm et al. ,1948, unpub. Rep., measured and described Khuff limestone in Buraydah region and subdivided the formation into three members, defined from base to top as Lower Khuff limestone, Midhnab shale and Khartam limestone, in Al-laboun 1993[2]. The term Khuff first appeared in publication by Steineke and Bramkamp 1952b, [3]. Later, the same term appeared in the stratigraphic succession of Saudi Arabia rock units by Thralls and Hasson,1956, [4]. However, the formation was formally defined by Steineke et al. 1958, [5]. In 1966 Powers et al. [1] summarized the early work of Holm et al. 1948, unpub, rep., Gierhart and Owens ,1948, unpub, rep., Pocock and Kopp ,1949, unpub, rep., Gierhart and Ramirez 1949, unpub, rep. and Henry and Bramkamp ,1950. They published a reference section of the amended Khuff Formation discarding previous nomenclature of Holm et al. 1948. They subdivided the formation into four lithologic units, listed from bottom to top as dolomite and shale, dolomite and limestone, aphanitic limestone and aphanitic- calcarintic limestone. The basal unit was deposited nonconformably on Precambrian basement complex. The published Khuff Formation age is assigned as Permian or probably upper ,Steineke et al, 1958, [5] and/or Upper Permian ,Powers et al., 1966, [1]. This was revised by Vaslet and Fauconnier ,1982, in Al-Laboun 1993 [2].The pollens, spores, and acritarchs extracted from the Khuff Formatiom proved its age as Middle-Upper Permian age. Laboun ,1982, [6] defined a new formation named Unayzah Formation composed of the basal siliciclastics and minor carbonates and anhydrites of the Khuff Formation. Later, Delfour et al. 1983, [7] subdivided Khuff Formation of the Ad-Dawadimi quadrangle into five informal members defined from base to top as Unayzah, Huqayl, Duhaysan, Midhnab and Khartam. They re-instated Khartam and Midhnab RESEARCH ARTICLE OPEN ACCESS
  • 2. K Al-Khidir et al Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 7( Version 4), July 2014, pp.195-203 www.ijera.com 196 | P a g e members, originally introduced by Holm et al. (1948) and discarded by Powers et al. 1966, [1] The five informal members of the Khuff Formation of Delfour et al. 1983, [7] were recognized by Manivit et al. 1983, unpub. Rep. [8] in stratigraphic Drill-Hole SHD-1 (lat. 24 13 40 N., long. 45 37 30 E.) in Durma quadrangle where the upper contact between the underlying Khartam member and the overlying Sudair Shale was picked at 413 meters. Khuff formation in Ad-Dawadimi quadrangle is separated from the underlying Saq Sandstone by a regional stratigraphic unconformity. The Khuff Formation rests on the Upper and Lower members of the Saq Sandstone, in the north and south of lat. 24 47 N respectively. Vaslet et al. 2005, [9] studied the Permian- Triassic Khuff Formation of central Saudi Arabia and subdivided the Khuff into five members, listed from oldest to youngest as Ash Shiqqah Member, Huqayl Member, Duhaysan Member, Midhnab Member and Khartam Member. They divided the Late Permian Huqayl Member into a Lower and an Upper unit and identified two units within the Khartam member, a Lower dolomite and clayey limestone, and an Upper oolitic limestone. The term Khartam member was named for a 30 meter limestone section exposed at Khasim Khartam near al-Midhnab town (Holm et al.,1948, unpub. Rep.). Delfour et al (1983) ,[7] described a reference section in the ad-Dawadimi Quadrangle where 27.1 meter of the member is exposed. In central Saudi Arabia the Permo-Triassic Khartam member is well defined and well exposed. It is bracketed between the shales of Midhnab member at the base and Sudayr Formation at the top. Delfour et al 1983, [7] subdivided the Khartam Member into lithologic sequences; a lower sequence composed of bioclastic lumachelle limestone followed by blue and yellow laminated dolomitic clay and ocher bioclastic dolomite, and an upper sequence beige powdery dolomite and limestone overlain by laminated silty clay and lumachelle dolomite. The Khartam Member was originally dated as Permian (Holm et al., 1948), Late Permian (Powers, 1968; Delfour et al.,1983; Vaslet et al.,1983, Early Triassic , Manivit et al., 1984, 1985, in Al-Laboun 1933 [2]. Early Triassic age of the Khartam member was confirmed by Vaslet et al., 1985, in the al- Faydah Quadrangle [2]. However, Manivit et al. (1986) and Vaslet et al. (2004) assigned the Khartam member exposed in the Buraydah Quadrangle to be Djulfian (Late Permian)-Scythian (Early Triassic) and Changhsingian (Late Permian)-Scythian (Early Triassic), respectively [2]. Al-Khidir et al. 2011, 2013, [10] , [11], reported a caliche surface (sub-Khuff unconformity) separating cream,burrowed limestone facies of Huqayl member of the Khuff Formation from the underlying Shajara Formation Reservoirs of the permo-carboniferous Unayzah Group at Wadi Shajara, Qusayba area, al-qasim region,saudi Arabia. The aim of this work is to incorporate petrophysical and petrographic analyses to form a fundemental framework for Khartam reservoirs characterization and its quality assessment. II. Subsurface Geology Rahim et al. 2013, [12] reported that Khuff formation represents the earliest major transgressive carbonate deposited in a shallow continental shelf in eastern Saudi Arabia. These carbonates were deposited in tidal flat environments including subtidal, intertidal and supratidal (sabkha). They reported that these depositional environments include four cycles named from top to base as Khuff-A, Khuff-B, Khuff-C, and Khuff-D, each starts with a transgressive grainstone facies that makes up the Khuff reservoirs, and ends up with regressive, muddy, anhydritic facies which makes up the non- reservoir units (reservoir seals). Raed K. Al Dukhayyil and Aus A. Al Tawil 2006, [13] reported that the Triassic Khartam sequence boundary coincides with the Permo-Triassic Boundary that overlies a reddish Paleosol. They demonstrated that the 26-meter Khartam Member is time equivalent to the Triassic Khuff B and A carbonate gas reservoirs in Ghawar subsurface. The outcrops exhibit reservoir character similar to that observed in the subsurface and tied to similar rock fabric signatures. Meyer et al 2004, [14] studied facies distribution, sequence stratigraphic architecture, and reservoir development within the upper Khuff Formation by comparing geological architecture of two offshore Abu Dhabi fields. They reported different diagenetic overprint leading to different static and dynamic properties. Saleh Al-Raimi and Rami Kamal 2000, [15] developed a new layering scheme for the Khuff-B , and subdivided it into five layers , sensitive to lithofacies distribution, and easily detected on compensated formation-density/compensated neutron wireline log curves and in rock core, in addition to gamma-ray signatures. They also reported that Khuff- B oolite volumetrically comprises the bulk of the Khuff-B reservoir. III. Experimental Procedure Thirty two block samples of the Khartam member were collected every 0.5 meter from fresh road cut of the Riyadh-Qasim Highway Fig.1 (lat. 26° 12). The lower contact of Khartam member with Midhnab member and the upper contact with overlying Sudayr Formation are well exposed at this road cut. The outcrop of the Khartam Member of the
  • 3. K Al-Khidir et al Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 7( Version 4), July 2014, pp.195-203 www.ijera.com 197 | P a g e Permo-Triassic Khuff Formation shows presence of fracture surface and oolitic bed, Fig. 2 and Fig.3. Thin sections were prepared for Petrographic analysis to reveal Khartam reservoirs mineralogy, depositional environments and post depositional alterations (diagenetic phases). Several cylindrical samples were cored from each block and samples permeability (K) and porosity (Φ) were measured using gas permemeter and helium porosimeter respectively. Measured permeability and porosity (Fig. 4) were used to identify the pertophysical facies. Based on porosity-permeability distribution obtained, five samples have been selected for capillary pressure measurements utilizing Mercury Intrusion Porosimeter. The output was further used to evaluate average distribution function of Burdine et al., 1950, [16] and pore size distribution (PSD). Likewise plots of cumulative intrusion volume versus capillary pressure were utilized to confirm post depositional alterations (dissolution). IV. Results and Interpretation IV.I Porosity-Permeability Distribution The porosity-permeability distribution of the cored samples is shown in Fig. 4. Using Tieb and Donaldson 2012, [17] classification of pertophysical facies, the results delineate five facies defined as A. Good porosity, moderate permeability, B. Good porosity, moderate fair permeability, C. Poor porosity, fair permeability, D. Good porosity, fair permeability, E. Very good porosity, moderate permeability. Facies A is represented by sample QK1, a dolostone type with appreciable dissolution Fig. 4 and 5. Facies B is represented by sample QK13 is oolitic grainstone type with lower degree of dissolution Fig. 4 and Fig. 8. Further pronounced reduction in porosity and permeability is assigned to facies C represented by sample QK16 cracterized by its fine grains reproduced by compaction Fig.4 and Fig.11. Slight increase in permeability and appreciable increase in porosity attributed to oolitic dissolution characterizes facies D represented by sample QK25 Fig. 4 and Fig. 14. As we proceed from pertophysical facies D to E, a noticeable increase in porosity and substantial rise in permeability was recognized. This can be attributed to the serious dissolution and oolitic charcterstics leading to better fluid flow capacity as noticed for sample QK27 Fig.4 and Fig.17. Overall and based on the petrophysical distribution, the best attributes consign to dolostone facies (QK1) and oolite grainstone facies (QK27). IV.II Petrographic Analysis The petrographic analysis conducted aimed at defining khartam reservoir mineralogy, depositional environments, in addition to diagenetic features which play an important role in storage and fluid flow capacities. Thin sections were made for all outcrop samples, but five representative samples were selected based on their porosity-permability distribution. Fig. 5 illustrates a microphotograph of facies A represented by sample (QK1). It is described as dolostone type with a noticeable degree of dissolution represented by a light gray color and ferruginization (red color) as diagenetic phases. Fig. 8 presents a microphotograph of facies B (QK13) identified as an oolitic grainstone type representing tidal flat, high energy depositional environment. Dissolution and ferruginization are the main diagenetic features of this facies. Facies C is demonstrated in microphotograph shown in Fig. 11 for sample (QK16). It is described as fine grains limestone with localized fractured surface and a lesser degree of dissolution due to compaction. Fig. 14 shows a microphotograph of facies D recognized as porous limestone (QK25) with no pores interconnection. Fig. 17 presents a microphotograph of facies E designated as oolitic grainstone (QK27) with an extensive dissolution leading to cement removal as illustrated by the blue color. Consequently, porosity is mainly of secondary origin due to late diagenetic dissolution of the cement. Fontana et al. 2010, [18] supported the cement dissolution reporting that Khuff Formation analogues do not have significant primary porosity. Further supports to dissolution enhanced porosity come from Mazzullo and Harris ,2009, [19] who reported new porosity creation by dissolution in deep-burial, mesogenetic environment owing to the effect of fluids charged with organic acids, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide generated during organic maturation in source rocks and hydrocarbon degradation. Therefore, relating thin section petrography to porosity-permeability distribution, indicate the role dissolution on permeability enhancement and hence the better Khartam reservoirs characteristics (Qk1 and QK27). IV. III Mercury Intrusion Mercury intrusion tests were conducted on the five selected Khartam porosity-permeability facies to reveal Khartam reservoirs pore geometry and quality confirmed by cumulative intrusion volume. Fig. 6 is the pore size distribution of facies A (QK1) described as dolostone type. The Fig. identifies a unimodal pore geometry with a tail skewed towards large pore throat radii ranging from 0.01 to 68 μm. This facies is also characterized by a total cumulative intrusion volume up to 0.20 ml as shown in Fig. 7.
  • 4. K Al-Khidir et al Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 7( Version 4), July 2014, pp.195-203 www.ijera.com 198 | P a g e Fig. 9 is the pore size distribution of facies B (QK13) identified as oolitic grainstone. This Fig. identifies a bimodal pore size distribution with a tail from 0.1 to 68 μm. In addition to that is also characterized by a total intrusion volume of 0.17 ml as recognized in Fig. 10. Fig. 12 demonstrates a bimodal pore size distribution of facies C (QK16) with two distinctive peaks. The biggest peak posses pore throat radius equivalent to 0.009 μm, however the smallest one is around 0.06 μm. Reduction in total cumulative intrusion volume (0.025 ml) as displayed in Fig. 13 is due to its fine grains limestone characteristics regenerated by compaction. The bimodal pore size distribution for facies D (QK25) is presented in Fig. 15. This facies is characterized by two nearly identical summits distribution in height but with different pore throat radius. The largest pore radius is about 0.007 μm , whereas the smallest one is around 0.03 μm. Facies D is also characterized by skewence ranging from 0.1 to 68 μm. This facies posses a total cumulative intrusion volume of 0.11 ml as shown in Fig. 16. As we progress from facies D to facies E (QK27) the pore size distribution is converted from bimodal to monomodal but with an essential increase in pore size distribution extension from 0.01 to 68 μm as shown in Fig. 18. This facies is characterized by a total cumulative intrusion of 0.26 ml as identified in Fig. 19. This can be attributed to the intensive dissolution of oolitic grain stone as identified from the microphotograph ,Fig.17 of that sample. Generally, combining the mercury intrusion results with the petrographic analysis and porosity- permeability distribution indicate that, the more skewed the pore size distribution, the higher the dissolution and permeability and hence the better khartam reservoirs characteristics (QK1 and QK27). Fluid flow increase with the increase of dissolution is also confirmed by cumulative intrusion volume. That is to say, the higher the cumulative intrusion volume, the higher the dissolution, the higher the permeability, the better the Khartam reservoirs characteristics (dolostone facies and oolite grain stone facies). V. Conclusion The aim of this work is to incorporate petrophysical and petrgraphic analyses to form a fundemental framework for Khartam reservoirs characterization and its quality assessment. Porosity, permeability, pore size distribution and cumulative intrusion volume constitute the pertrophysical attributes. The porosity – permeability distribution allocates existence of five illustrative petrophysical facies. The pore size distribution of Khartam reservoirs of the Permo-Triassic Khuff Formation is characterized by mono modal to bimodal geometry with a clear tailing towards larger pore size reflecting a heterogeneous system. Better Khartam reservoirs quality assigned to mono pore type in the pathway of dolostone facies and oolite grainstone facies type. This broadcast was also supported by mercury cumulative intrusion volume which noticeably increases in the trajectory of dolostone facies and oolite grainstone facies. Thin section petrography reveals dissolution, fracturing, ferruginization and compaction as diagenetic features and tidal flat as depositional environment. Dissolution was found to be the principal diagenetic phase controlling Khartam reservoirs quality. That is to say, the higher degree of dissolution, higher permeability, longer the tail of pore size distribution , higher cumulative intrusion volume in the track of dolostone facies and oolite grainstone facies. VI. Acknowledgement Acknowledgement to Al-Amoudi Research Chair in Petroleum EOR, King Saud University, College of engineering, Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Department and King Abdel Aziz City for Science and Technology is highy considerable. References [1] R Powers, L Ramirez, C. Redmon and E. Elberg, Geology of the Arabian Peninsula, sedimentary geology of Saudi Arabia. United States Geological Survey, Professional Paper, 560-D, 1966, 147 p. [2] A Al-Laboun, Lexicon of the Paleozoic and Lower Mesozoic of Saudi Arabia ( Part-1 : Lithostratigraphic Units, Nomenclature Review ), Al-Hudhud Publishers, Box 63280 Riyadh 11516, 1993. [3] M. Steineke, and R. Bramkamp , In, W. Arkell (Ed.), Stratigraphical introduction. Jurassic Ammonites from Jebel Tuwaiq, Central Arabia, Royal Society of London Philosophical Transactions, ser. B, v. 236, 1952b, 241-313. [4] H Thralls, and R. Hasson, Geology and oil resources of eastern Saudi Arabia. 20th International Geology Congress, Mexico and Symposium sobre Yacimentos de Petrpleum and Gas, 2, 1956, 9-32. [5] M. Steineke, R. Bramkamp and N. Sander, Stratigraphic relations of Arabian Jurassic oil. In, L.G. Weeks (Ed.), Habitat of Oil. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Symposium, 1958 ,1294-1329. [6] A Al-Laboun, Subsurface stratigraphy of the Pre-Khuff formations in central and northwestern Arabia. PhD thesis, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 1982.
  • 5. K Al-Khidir et al Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 7( Version 4), July 2014, pp.195-203 www.ijera.com 199 | P a g e [7] J Delfour, R. Dhellemmes, P. ELSASS , D. Vaslet, SE. Bros, Y-M. Nindre, and O. Dottin, Geologic map of the Ad Dawadimi quadrangle, sheet 24G, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia .Saudi Arabian Deputy Ministry for Mineral Resources, Jeddah,Geoscience Map GM60, 1982. [8] J Manivit, D. Vaslet, Y.-M. Le Nindre, and F. Vaillant, Stratigraphic drill hole SHD-1 through the lower part of the Jilh Formation, Sudair Shale and Khuff Formation in the Durma quadrangle, sheet 24H, Saudi Arabian Directorate General of Mineral Resources, open file report 0F-03- 50, 1983,1-34. [9] D Vaslet, Y-M. Le Nindre, D. Vachard, J. Broutin, S. Crasquin-Soleau, M. Berthelin, J. Gaillot, M. Halawani and M. Al-Husseini, The Permian-Triassic Khuff Formation of central Saudi Arabia. GeoArabia, Gulf PetroLink, Bahrain, 10(4), 2005 77-134. [10] K Al-Khidir, A. Al-Laboun, A. Al-Qurishi and M. Benzagouta, Bimodal pore size behavior of the Shajara formation reservoirs of the Permo-Carboniferous Unayzah Group, Saudi Arabia. J Petrol Explor Prod Technol 1(1), 2011, 1-9. [11] K Al-Khidir, M. Benzagouta, A. Al-Qurishi, and A. Al-Laboun , Characterization of heterogeneity of the Shajara reservoirs of the Shajara formation of the Permo- Carboniferous Unayzah group. Arab J Geosci 6 (10), 2013, 3989–3995. [12] Z Rahim, H. Al Anazi, A. Al-Kanaan, C. Fredd and M. Nihat Gurmen, Evolving Khuff Formation gas well completions in Saudi Arabia: technology as a function of reservoir characteristics improves production. Saudi Aramco journal of technology 2013. [13] R Al Dukhayyil, and A, Al Tawil, Saudi ARAMCO, Dhahran, Reservoir Architecture of the Triassic Khartam Carbonate Sequence, Khuff Outcrop Analogue in Al- Qassim, central Saudi Arabia. GEO 2006 Middle East Conference and Exhibition; 27- 29 March, 2006; Manama, Bahrain. [14] A Meyer, R. Bochard, I. Azzam, and A. AL- Amoudi, 2004. The upper Khuff formation, sedimentology and static core rock type approach - comparison of two offshore Abu Dhabi fields. Abu Dhabi International Conference and Exhibition, 10-13 October 2004, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. [15] S Al-Raimi, and R. Kamal, A new layering scheme for the Khuff-B depositional cycle in the subsurface of eastern Saudi Arabia, 4th Middle East Geosciences Conference, GEO 2000. GeoArabia, Abstract, 5(1), 2000, p. 34. [16] N Burdine, L Gournay, and P. Reichertz, Pore size distribution of petroleum reservoir rocks. Petrolum Transactions, AIME. Vol.189.,1950. [17] D Tiab, and C. Donaldson, Petrophysics, theory and practice of measuring reservoir rock and fluid transport properties (Third Edition: Elsevier,2012). [18] S Fontana, F. Nader, S. Morad, A. Ceriani, and I. Al-Aasm, Diagensis of the Khuff Formation (Permian – Triassic, north United Arab Emirates. Arabian Journal of Geosciences. 3(4),2010, 351-368. [19] S Mazzullo, and P. Harris, An overview of dissolution porosity development in the deep-burial environment, with examples from Carbonate Reservoirs in the Permian Basin. Search and Discovery Article #60028 , 2009. Figure 1: The lower contact of the Khartam member with underlying Midhnab member in Al- Qasim region in central Saudi Arabia. Lat.26° 12. Figure 2: The Member exposed along the Riyadh al-Qasim Highway at al Khararah area, Al-Qasim region, showing presence of a fracture surface.
  • 6. K Al-Khidir et al Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 7( Version 4), July 2014, pp.195-203 www.ijera.com 200 | P a g e Figure 3: Photograph showing one of the lower oolitic beds of Khartam member exposed along the Riyadh-Al-Qasim Highway at al Khararah area, al-Qasim region in central Saudi Arabia Figure 4: Porosity-permeability distribution for Khartam outcrop samples Figure 5: Microphotograph for dolostone facies QK1 showing high degree of dissolution (light gray color). Mag. 21%, Field 11 mm, Focus +0.92 mm. Figure 6: Pore size distribution versus pore radius for sample QK1.
  • 7. K Al-Khidir et al Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 7( Version 4), July 2014, pp.195-203 www.ijera.com 201 | P a g e Figure 7: Capillary pressure (psi) versus cumulative intrusion volume (ml) for sample QK1. Figure 8: Microphotograph for sample QK13 showing dissolution, ferruginization, and presence of oolites indicating tidal flat depositional environment. Mag. 49.5%, Field 4.7 mm, Focus -0.08 mm. Figure 9: Pore size distribution versus pore radius for sample QK13. Figure 10: Capillary pressure (psi) versus cumulative intrusion volume (ml) for sample QK13.
  • 8. K Al-Khidir et al Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 7( Version 4), July 2014, pp.195-203 www.ijera.com 202 | P a g e Figure 11: Microphotograph for sample QK16 displaying fine grains matrix with a fracture surface. Mag. 59%, Field 3.9 mm, Focus +0.06 mm. Figure 12: Pore size distribution versus pore radius for sample QK16. Figure 13: Capillary pressure (psi) versus cumulative intrusion volume (ml) for sample QK16. Figure 14: Microphotograph for sample QK25 with dissolution (blue color) and ferruginization (red color). Mag.100%, Field 2.3 mm, Focus -0.03 mm. Figure 15: Pore size distribution versus pore radius for sample QK25.
  • 9. K Al-Khidir et al Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 7( Version 4), July 2014, pp.195-203 www.ijera.com 203 | P a g e Figure 16: Capillary pressure (psi) versus cumulative intrusion volume (ml) for sample QK25. Figure 17: Microphotograph for sample QK27 assigning for intensive dissolution (blue color). Mag. 3.5 %, Field 6.5 mm, Focus +0.4 mm. Figure 18: Pore size distribution versus pore radius for sample QK27. Figure 19: Capillary pressure (psi) versus cumulative intrusion volume (ml) for sample QK27.