Accurately characterized shale formation to identify target zone, determine kerogen maturity, and provide true shale porosity
The LithoFlex service characterized the shale formation by identifying mineralogical as well as TOC variation at every depth along the lateral, identifying the target zone. The LithoFlex service estimated more accurate kerogen density and maturity corresponding to the condensate window and provided a matrix-adjusted density measurement to obtain the true shale porosity.
Whereas 1.2 g/cm3 is commonly used to represent the kerogen density value in shale plays where kerogen density and maturity are otherwise unknown, DRIFTS—through a unique calculation process—yielded a consistent set of higher kerogen density values between 1.41 and 1.46 g/cm3, indicating thermal maturity that corresponds to condensate, thus identifying the target zone.
The cuttings matrix density (including kerogen density) and bulk density measurements were integrated to then determine shale porosity by isolating kerogen as part of the solids matrix and not pore fluids. This led to more accurate shale porosity quantification as compared with conventional LWD methods, enhancing well placement.