FIS Fluid Inclusion Stratigraphy Analysis | SLB

FIS

Fluid inclusion stratigraphy analysis

Coal under white light.

FIS fluid inclusion stratigraphy analysis is a patented technique involving the rapid and complete analysis of trapped organic and inorganic volatiles in fluid inclusions from cuttings, core, or outcrop samples using quadrupole mass analyzers attached to an automated high-vacuum sample introduction system.

Our automated analytical system employs a novel quadrupole mass spectrometer configuration that enables rapid chemical characterization of inclusion volatiles. This information is used to

  • predict the distribution of oil and gas within the subsurface
  • characterize specific aspects of undiscovered petroleum that affect the economics of producing the petroleum
  • provide information on when (if at all) petroleum may have moved through a given portion of the subsurface.

Large sample sets from single or multiple wells can be evaluated, enabling analysis of fluid inclusions in both archived samples (cuttings or core) and wells during drilling. FIS analysis plays a key and cost-effective role in evaluating exploration acreage and focusing exploration efforts onto the most prospective areas.

Lab worker in lab.

Analysis

  • Surface contamination removal
  • Cleaned samples crushed in vacuum and analyzed via mass spectrometry
  • C1–C13 petroleum species
  • BTEX compounds and organic acids
  • Sulfur-bearing compounds, including H2S, SO2, COS, and CS2
  • Depth plots of species and relevant gas ratios
  • Individual mass spectrum for each sample
  • Thin-section followup

Applications

  • Migration, charge, paleocharge, and fluid contacts
  • Petroleum type, quality, and multiple charges
  • Inference of nearby undrilled accumulations
  • Microseepage and deeper potential
  • Seals and compartmentalization
  • Source-rock richness and maturity
  • Fractures and sweet spots in horizontal wells
  • Identifying samples for gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GCMS) and compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA)