We have a very flexible approach to projects.  Our projects range from quick, very specific looks at one or two samples, up to regional scale assessments and fully integrated studies drawing upon hundreds of samples and/or incorporating large supplementary datasets from multiple wells.  Samples may be derived from cores, sidewall cores, drill cuttings, or outcrops.

Typical Study Styles include

•  Quick-look studies:  for example, “is this sample what we’ve been told it is ?”  (No project is too small.)
• Data and description studies involving characterisation of batches of samples.  This is usually in support of other analytical programmes being persued by the client  (most typically special core analysis (sandstones) and mechanical properties testing (mudstones)).  The aim of these studies is usally to provide a background level of characterisation against which the other data can be assessed.
• Single and Multiwell Characterisation studies: these are often carried out in the context of, and integrated with, the clients sedimentology and routine core analysis data – and provide detailed characterisation of sedimentary characteristics, diagenetic overprinting, pore sysems and ultimately reservoir quality.  Where possible / appropriate, comparison is made between the “new” data and any existing data collected from older wells.
• Diagenetic studies:  these projects tend to be more focussed on specific aspects of the diagenetic overprints and may incorporate a variety of petrographic, fluid inclusion  and other methodologies.  Typical examples of diagenetically focussed studies include: investigation of the relationships between microquartz and conventional quartz overgrowth development and their impact on reservoir quality;  using fracture minerals and minerals in the wall-rock to relate diagenetic events to fluid histories and timing of hydrocarbon migration;  looking at the relationships between cementation and compaction in quartz-rich sediments.
• Fluid inclusion studies:  stand alone fluid inclusion petrogrography and microthermometric studies, which can be integrated with whatever additional data that can be shared with us.  These could relate to diagenetic, hydrocarbon migration / filling history, mineral deposit, or palaeohydrogeological studies.
• Re-appraisal of legacy data:  including data-mining, digitisation / tabulation of data from disperate, historical reports, standardisation of disperate analyses – and integration and reinterpreation alongside new data (see legacy data evaluation page).

Any of the general study types outlined above may incorporate new data acquired from a wide range of analyses and microscopy methods available to us.  All data is fully interrogated and interpreted, with reports presented as coherent narratives (and not as disjointed chapters of results presented on a technique-by-technique basis with no integration)

Sample Requirements

We can work with a wide range of sample materials including cores, sidewall cores, cuttings and outcrop samples.  For cuttings samples, we often recommend an approach involving QEMSCAN analysis.  We also  have experience working with disaggregated material (such as sea bed sediments in projects assocaited with siting of off-shore windfarms).

Sometimes, the client has a clear idea of a sampling and analytical strategy.  Other times, the client has a geological problem or question that needs to be addressed and we will propose a sampling and anlytical strategy to answer it.   For a reservoir quality study, selection of specific samples for inclusion in the study is based upon routine core analysis data, sedimentology data and wireline log data (as appropriate).  Studies can range from single samples up to 100’s of samples – with turnaround times ranging from days to months reflecting this.