Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) aids in the evaluation of reservoir quality and potential productivity as revealed by rock texture, composition, and pore architecture at micro- and nano- scales. Features relevant to the development and preservation of hydrocarbon-filled porosity, pore connectivity, and reservoir permeability are closely examined.
Petrographic analysis using thin section (TS) samples is conducted to support the characterization of reservoir quality. Visual examination includes rock fabric, mineral composition, diagenesis, pore types, organic matter distribution, and other features relevant to the development and preservation of hydrocarbon filled porosity, pore network connectivity, and reservoir permeability.
Organic petrology measurements are conducted to supplement the geochemical characterization and to provide a description of the macerals present in the system, and for visual thermal maturation assessment (Ro).
X-ray diffraction (XRD) is an integral analytical technique for determining mineral composition and clay mineralogy in geological samples. The process involves an XRD instrument (diffractometer), which directs a focused beam of X-ray photons towards a powdered rock sample. Coherent scattering of the photons by the minerals in the sample are then compared to the scattering patterns of known mineral species or standards to determine relative abundances.
Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is an analytical technique that uses infrared light to obtain a spectrum of absorption or emission from a solid, liquid or gas. The peaks in an Infrared Spectroscopy (IR) spectrum correspond to the unique vibrational frequencies of the various chemical bonds in a sample. Thus, IR provides an identification of the chemical groups in a sample. Based on the magnitude of the spectral peaks, the amount of material present can also be determined, meaning IR is a useful tool for both qualitative and quantitative analysis.
MicroCT is a non-destructive 3D imaging technique utilizing X-rays to see within a sample slice by slice. 3D reconstruction of the acquired image allows us to see internal features within the scanned sample