Core Values: the Role of Core in 21st Century Reservoir Characterisation

Core has traditionally played a key role in the characterisation of conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs, from exploration to mature production. It is the only means by which to observe and make measurements on actual reservoir rock. However, the recent oil industry downturn has driven many to question the value of taking core, due to the associated increased costs and potential risks to well operations. In tandem, advances in other reservoir visualisation techniques, such as seismic and borehole imaging, have been used to give weight to the contention that coring is an increasingly redundant means of characterising reservoirs.

Through four main themes this 3-day conference will aim to redress the balance in this debate by exploring the role core can, or should, play in the 21st century exploration to production cycle:

• Is core critical to sound commercial decision making?

• What are the challenges and benefits of integrating core-derived understanding across the geological, petrophysical and engineering spectrum?

• Integration of traditional core characterisation methods with new core, well and reservoir visualisation and mapping technologies – is the sum greater than its parts?

• How can the extensive network of global legacy core collections best be utilised to maximise their business and research worth?

Dedicated sessions will allow delegates to view core that has been central to addressing many key reservoir issues, under the direct guidance of those responsible for meeting such challenges. Speakers are thus invited to bring core to illustrate their presentation, and indicate if this is of interest when submitting an abstract.