Eric Goergen

Enhancing Petrographic Analysis Through Data Fusion

Despite recent advances in characterization technology, there are still limitations in accuracy and throughput potential when characterizing textural relationships and diagenetic history of thin-bedded and lithic, clay-rich, and/or feldspar-rich reservoirs. These characteristics have large impacts on accurately assessing porosity and permeability profiles for upscaling into reservoir models. Several different methods, including scanning electron microscopy (QEMSCAN), mercury injection capillary pressure, and laser grain-size analysis are routinely used to quantify grain size, porosity, and mineralogy on thin-sections; however, each of these methods is associated with drawbacks on accuracy, time or both. One of those modalities alone is not adequate to describe most rock types. However, the continuous increases in computing power and the more common availability of advanced imaging technology and processing software has provided the opportunity for more accurate and statistically robust extraction of geological parameters from rock sample material. This presentation aims to show how fusing textural and mineralogical information derived from back-scattered electron (BSE), cathodolumenesce (CL) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) improves rock characterization by obtaining measurements of grain size, shape, roundness, and composition in order to understand the diagenetic history

Utilization of an ESEM™ with an Embedded Heating Stage to Investigate Pyrolosis in Immature Oil Shale

The environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) is utilized for various geologic applications as it is well suited for dealing with the charging problems of uncoated specimens[1], the often wet nature of specimens, and the hydrocarbon contamination when interacting with geologic specimens[2]. The ESEM allows for many different dynamic experiments as well. By integrating a heating stage into the ESEM, carefully controlled heating profiles can be achieved while also allowing for direct observation of the material being heated. It is shown here that heating immature oil shale can be beneficial to understanding the process of converting hydrocarbons to gas and oil.