Reservoir Characterization of Carbonate in Low Resistivity Pays Zones in the Buwaib Formation, Persian Gulf

Abstract

Carbonate reservoir characterization and estimation of fluid saturation seem more challenging in the low resistivity pay zone (LRPZ). The Lower Cretaceous Buwaib Formation is important reservoir in the Persian Gulf. The formation in the Salman Field is divided into three reservoir zones and four barriers and tight zones. These reservoir zones show low resistivity characteristics, high fluid saturation, but good oil production. In some intervals resistivity responses reach less than 1 ohm∙m. Petrophysical properties measured from laboratory and logging tools have been combined with thin section X-ray diffraction (XRD) and PNN (Pulse Neutron Neutron). Geological studies define presence of 8 facies from wackeston to packstone. In general, reservoir potential of the Buwaib Formation is under influenced by the development of lithocodium mound facies that along with moderate to high porosity intervals...