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, basement), burial, diagenesis, exhumation, folding, fault damage, cooling, mineralogical change. Anthropogenic fracturing systems (hydraulic, thermal), applications to clay reservoirs (shale plays), cap clays and storage sites.
Integration of this knowledge to the exploration and exploitation of fractured reservoirs.
Concept and workflow for the edition of DFN (discrete fracture networks).
Intervention of Bertrand Gauthier from Total free of charge over 2 days: Static and dynamic properties of fractured oil reservoirs.

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

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Organic matter (OM) is only a small part of the sedimentation. Contrary to the other deposited particles, it can evolve rapidly during burial by interacting with the grains of the host rock and by producing fluids (gases and liquids) which will be very mobile. Because of its degradation by bacteria, its preservation depends on many parameters but especially on the fine granulometry of the grains deposited at the same time. Thus clays represent the most favorable medium for the preservation of OM but their complex mineralogy makes them a particular material which will also be transformed during burial. The products of their interactions were of course of interest to the mining and petroleum industries, since these processes are at the origin of the large series of coal and hydrocarbon production. But recently, studies are increasingly interested in 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 is mainly based on presentations by professionals (mine and quarry). Two field days illustrate certain exploration methods, notably through the study of uranium and gypsum mineralization.

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- Introduction and reminder of the objectives of a log interpretation
- Pre-processing and correction of data
- Determination of reservoirs and roofs
- Conventional deterministic approach (volume of clays, porosity, saturation)
- Processing chain "quicklook"
- Final estimate (cutoff, "net to gross")
- Implementation with the help of TDs and then the Techlog software (Schlumberger)

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- Presentation of the methods for drilling at great depths, taking into account the technological aspects of drilling as well as the control of mud and chips ("mud logging").
- Presentation of geophysical methods in drilling or "deferred logging" (electrical, nuclear, acoustic and seismic methods as well as techniques developed for temperature, pressure or permeability measurements in-situ).
- Use of these methods for petroleum and environmental applications.

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Major points covered: petrophysics, carbonate rocks, silico-clastic rocks, oil flows, diagenesis

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Emphasis will be put on alteration processes and fluid/rock interactions, but especially on structural and textural constraints allowing to propose innovative and original models of constrained deposits. We will insist in this teaching on the structural specificity of each deposit and on the dangers of the application, sometimes blind, of book models.

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This course presents the fundamental concepts for understanding the genesis and functioning of geothermal reservoirs.

First, the different types of geothermal energy, from very low energy to high energy geothermal energy for electricity production are discussed in detail and are the subject of real case studies. An overview on a global scale is proposed in order to evaluate the energy potential of geothermal resources.

The course will then focus on several points specific to geothermal energy, such as mass and heat transfer mechanisms in reservoirs. These will be discussed and illustrated on real cases through numerical modeling. The geological signature of geothermal reservoirs, such as mineral alteration, will also be studied in detail through case studies.

The problem of storage will be addressed by considering applications such as underground storage of CO2, heat or energy. The influence of the mechanical properties of the reservoir rocks, as well as the interactions between the stored fluids and the surrounding rocks, will be highlighted in order to consider the feasibility and durability of these storage devices.

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This course details the internal structure, mineralogical composition and petrophysical properties of faults as well as the geological conditions (stresses) that control their tightness and integrity in faulted reservoirs. We discuss the different types of fault seals and the tools commonly used in the reservoir industry to predict fault permeability.
Major points covered:
- Fault and top seals (juxtaposition, SGR, mechanical and diagenetical seals).
- Fault zonation,
- Deformation mechanisms,
- Deformation bands in porous sandstones,
- Permeability of fault zones.

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This course consists of two resource assessment projects based on case studies applied to mining and petroleum. The student will have access to the digital imaging platform. He will be introduced to the use of specific interpretation and evaluation software that will allow him to manipulate the data sets provided (software such as Techlog, Coralis, Petrel...). The results of the interpretation of these data will be summarized and argued in the form of two reports or presentations.

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

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