Core Description

10 minutes read

Learning Objectives

After completing this topic “Core Description“, you will be able to:

Summarize how a comprehensive core description contributes to, and supplements, the overall evaluation of a reservoir.
Discuss the elements required for a comprehensive core description.
State the useful data and information that each descriptive element adds to the understanding of the reservoir.

Introduction to Core Description

Whenever full diameter cores are acquired, a thorough core description (Figure 1) should be made.

**Figure 1**: Detailed core description example

In addition to the routine analysis of core plugs (porosity, permeability, grain density and fluid saturation) and special core analysis (SCAL) measurements, important data and technical interpretations can result from a thorough visual study and full description of cores (Figure 2). Careful examination and the documentation from continuous, full diameter cores provide critical data for sedimentological studies, stratigraphic correlation, depositional environment interpretation, fracture and directional permeability studies as well as LWD/wireline well log calibration.

**Figure 2**: Cores laid out for visual inspection

Such studies are important for both conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs. These observable characteristics may be subsequently computerized and analyzed statistically, such as is routinely done with fracture study data. They may also be carefully described and permanently recorded by the use of white light, ultraviolet light and color photographs (Figure 3).

core photographs — **Figure 3**: Core photographs

In laminated zones, the measured thickness of reservoir quality rock and shale zones (Figure 4) can form the basis for a net sand determination. The depositional environment can often be inferred from the occurrence of ripple marks and cross-bedding (Figure 5), and a coarsening or fining of grain size with depth (Figure 6), especially when confirmed by other data and studies.