Reservoir geology and effects on exploitation of natural bitumen deposits (Nigerian deposits as a case study)

Abstract

Abstract Geological investigation have led to discovery of huge tar sand deposits within Afowo Formation of the Turonian–Maastrichtianage (95.9–66.0 Ma) in the Nigerian sector of the Eastern Dahomey Basin. This study aims at determining the feasibility of exploiting the major hydrocarbon resource steam assisted gravity drainage enhanced recovery technique. Samples from three core holes were dry sievied to determine the particle size distribution and their sections studied using a petrographic microscope. Clay mineral content was determined using X-ray diffraction scanning electron microscopy. The granulometric analysis shows the bituminous sediments to be generally fine grained and moderate to well sorted, and the grains are angular to subangular. Porosity ranges from 15.5 to 33.6 ɸ with average value of 26.4 ɸ, while permeability ranges from 270 to 4800 mD, with an average value of 4800 mD (very high) recorded for the sandstones. Petrographic study, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry showed quartz as the dominant mineral component, with subordinate feldspar and other accessory minerals. The predominance of quartz is probably due to its mechanical stability. The low frequency of feldspar is attributable to its susceptibility to chemical breakdown and alteration, respectively, during transport and after deposition, with latter accounting for the observed secondary porosity. Kaolinite is the common clay mineral present in the oil sands and may not have sufficiently reduced the reservoir quality to negatively impacting enhanced recovery operation by steam assisted gravity drainage.

Keywords

• Reservoir
• Enhanced recovery
• Gravity drainage
• Feldspar
• Clast