M2 - Exploration and Reservoir Geology

Definition, typology, and in-depth analysis of naturally fractured reservoirs (NRF) in different geological contexts: different rock types (carbonates, clays, bedrock), burial, diagenesis, exhumation, folding, fault damage, cooling, mineralogical change. Anthropogenic induced fracturing systems (hydraulic, thermal), applications to shale plays, cap rocks and storage sites.
Integration of this knowledge into the exploration and exploitation of fractured reservoirs.
Concept and workflow for editing DFNs (discrete fracture networks).
Two-day presentation by Bertrand Gauthier of Total, free of charge: Static and dynamic properties of fractured oil reservoirs.

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Training in the evaluation and numerical simulation of fractured reservoirs.
Workflow for structural model construction in Petrel, from seismic logging to DFN (discrete fault/fracture network) construction, including the integration of structural well data and structural model restoration.

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Organic matter (OM) accounts for only a small proportion of sedimentation. Unlike other deposited particles, it can evolve rapidly during burial by interacting with the grains of the host rock and producing fluids (gases and liquids) that are highly mobile. Due to its degradation by bacteria, its preservation depends on many parameters, but above all on the fine grain size of the grains deposited at the same time. Thus, clays represent the most favorable environment for the preservation of OM, but their complex mineralogy makes them a special material that will also transform during burial. The products of their interactions have naturally been of interest to the mining and oil industries, since these processes are responsible for the formation of large coal deposits and the production of hydrocarbons. Recently, however, studies have increasingly focused on these two elements as tracers of the origin of sediments and as markers of burial, which is of major interest in understanding the filling of basins and their post-depositional evolution.

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Mineral deposits, exploration techniques, geostatistics, mining economics. The training focuses mainly on presentations by professionals (mining and quarrying). Two days of fieldwork illustrate certain exploration methods, notably through the study of uranium and gypsum mineralization.

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• Introduction and review of the objectives of log interpretation
• Pre-processing and data correction
• Determination of reservoirs and caps
• Conventional deterministic approach (clay volume, porosity, saturation)
• Quicklook processing chain
•    Final estimation (cutoff, "net to gross")
• Implementation using TDs and then Techlog software (Schlumberger).

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• Presentation of methods for deep drilling, taking into account both the technological aspects of drilling and mud and chip control ("mud logging").
•    Presentation of geophysical methods in drilling or "deferred logging" (electrical, nuclear, acoustic, and seismic methods, as well as techniques developed for measuring temperature, pressure, or permeability in situ).
• Use of these methods for petroleum and environmental applications.

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Key topics covered: Petrophysics, carbonate rocks, siliciclastic rocks, oil flows, diagenesis

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The focus will be on weathering processes and fluid/rock interactions, but above all on structural and textural constraints, enabling us to propose innovative and original models of constrained deposits. In this course, we will emphasize the structural specificity of each deposit and the dangers of blindly applying textbook models.

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This EU presents the fundamental concepts needed to understand the formation and functioning of geothermal reservoirs.

First, the different types of geothermal energy, from very low energy to high energy geothermal energy for electricity generation, are discussed in detail and examined through real-life case studies. A global overview is provided in order to assess the energy potential of geothermal resources.

The EU will then focus on several points specific to geothermal energy, such as mass and heat transfer mechanisms in reservoirs. These will be addressed and illustrated using real-life cases via numerical modeling. The geological signature of geothermal reservoirs, such as mineral alterations, will also be studied in detail through case studies.

The issue of storage will be addressed by considering applications such as underground storage of CO₂, heat, or energy. The influence of the mechanical properties of reservoir rocks, as well as the interactions between stored fluids and host rocks, will be highlighted in order to assess the feasibility and sustainability of these storage systems.

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Key points covered:
- Fault and top seals (juxtaposition, SGR, mechanical and diagenetic seals).
- Fault zoning,
- Deformation mechanisms,
- Deformation bands in porous sandstones,
- Permeability of fault zones.

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This course unit consists of two resource assessment projects based on case studies applied to the mining and oil industries. Students will have access to the digital imaging platform. They will be introduced to the use of specific interpretation and evaluation software that will enable them to manipulate the data sets provided (software such as Techlog, Coralis, Petrel, etc.). The results of the interpretation of this data will be summarized and presented in two reports or presentations.

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5-6 month internship in a company, design office, or laboratory.

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