SPE-175795-MS

Integrated CMR, FMI and Facies Analyses to Assess Porosity Types and
Distribution of the Middle Eocene Limestones- Case Study of Gas
Reservoir, Pelagean Sea, Tunisia
S. Bey, S. Ben Alaya, and H. Fakhfakh Ben Jemia, ETAP

Copyright 2015, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE North Africa Technical Conference and Exhibition held in Cairo, Egypt, 14 16 September 2015.

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Abstract
Lower Reineche hydrocarbon-bearing limestones is subdivided into four different layers the first three
ones (LRN1, LRN2, LRN3) belong to nummulite-rich unit and represent the main reservoir however the
fourth layer (LRLs), which corresponds to an argillaceous limestones, is not considered as reservoir layer
although its fair porosities. The sedimentological study based on CL description, USB, TS, and SEM
analyses allowed the identification of eight facies. In the cored wells, the specified facies coupled to the
FMI interpretation are used in order to recognize the specific response of each facies. Then the comparison
of the FMI logs of the non-cored wells with those of the cored ones assists the prediction regarding facies
and reservoir characteristics and helps to fill interpretive gaps when comprehensive formation evaluation
data is not available. The CMR Logs show generally one modal T2 distribution illustrating the existence
of only one fluid type except the LRN2 showing bimodal T2 distribution. In addition, this T2 signal is
wide expressing a large pore size distribution (micro- to macroporosities). The sedimentological study
proved the existence of matrix microporosity, an intergranular porosity between Nummulite tests and an
intragranular porosity within Nummulites which is effective only when affected by microfractures (meso-
to macroporosities). For Lower Reineche limestones, integration of sedimentological, RCA, FMI and
CMR studies specified the different facies in addition to the porosity and permeability distribution in the
reservoir. Nummulit biofabric and early diagenesis are the main factors that control the petrophysical
characteristics of the Nummulit bearing limestones. The understanding of the heterogeneity and the
distribution of the porosity and the permeability in this area is important for the reservoir modeling and
the hydrocarbon (gas mainly) saturation.

Introduction
Since lithofacies provide the first order of control on reservoir quality, the ability to predict the distribution
of lithofacies in reservoir is essential in maximizing hydrocarbon production. Based on the knowledge that
lithofacies variability and stacking patterns (controlled by the formations deposition system) dont vary
considerably over short distances, high definition image logs (FMI), core and plugs data were used to
predict lithofacies and reservoir characteristics for the non-cored wells in East Kerkennah Islands area
2 SPE-175795-MS

(Pelagean sea) (figure 1). Identification of sedimentary features from images is important for determining
reservoir geometry and layering especially for describing cored intervals. Non-cored intervals are inferred
by analogy. Interpretation that combines images, sedimentary dip data from the FMI micro-imager and
core photographs gives greater insight into the recognition of those sedimentary features. The better
understanding of the reservoir performance requires the knowledge of the petrophysical features of this
reservoir notably the porosity and permeability distribution. For the non-cored wells, petrophysical tools
such as Nuclear Magnetic resonance (NMR/CMR) are the key to the compute and the definition of these
parameters. It is known that the Middle Eocene nummulitic limestones in the East of Kerkennah Islands
the matrix micro-porosity is one of the main porosity types that contribute to the flow. The estimation of
this micro-porosity and its relation with the permeability is important to assess the distribution of
hydrocarbons and their saturation. Different techniques, such as Combinable Magnetic Resonance (CMR),
Formation Micro-scanner Imaging (FMI), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Thin Section (TS),
photos captured from USB microscope (USB), Routine Core Analyses (RCA) and Core Logging (CL) are
used to assess the porosity types and distribution and to evaluate limitations in the porosity estimation of
the Middle Eocene nummulitic limestones.

Figure 1Kerkennah Islands location map

Reineche stratigraphy & Sediment characteristics

In Tunisia, from the south-west to the north-east the Middle Eocene is represented by the following
formations: Tanit sandstones, Djebs evaporates, Cherahil carbonates and clays, Souar shales and carbon-
ates and Halk El Manzal limestones (Compte & Dufaure 1973, Burollet 1956, (Fourni 1978). The
Cherahil formation deposited in central Tunisia and in southeastern Gulf of Gabes (Jerba paleo-high)
includes the Siouf carbonate Member (Upper Lutetian) which is made up of oysters enriched nodular
lumachellic limestone with echinoids and rare nummulites (Compte & Dufaure 1973; Fourni 1978; Ben
Ismal & Bobier, 1984). In Kerkennah high, the Souar Formation includes a limestone level called
Reineche Member corresponding to 30m of bioclasts and nummulites rich limestones. Based on stratig-
SPE-175795-MS 3

raphy, sedimentology and conventional Logs, the Reineche Member in this area has been subdivided into
three units that are from top to bottom:
The Upper Reineche (URL): corresponds to packstone with shell debris; the thickness of this carbonate
level is about 9m.
The Upper Reineche Shale (URSh): also called middle Reineche shale, is made up by shaly level with
intercalation of argillaceous thin limestone beds. This level is 10m thick.
The Lower Reineche Limestone (LRL): formed by two subunits the Lower Reineche Nummulitic
Limestone (LRN): represented by almost 10m of nummulitic packstone to grainstone. It is the main
reservoir in in the Kerkennah area. The second subunit is the Lower Reineche Argillaceous Limestone
(LRLs) represented by chalky bioclastic limestone locally argillaceous poorly porous, it has 8m of
thickness.
According to conventional Logs (GR: MSFL and CNL) the Reineche Member in the east of the
Kerkennah Islands is only made up of the Lower Reineche Limestone (LRLs & LRN), the Upper
Reineche Shale (URSh) and thin Upper Reineche Limestone (URL). In this area, the reservoir corresponds
only to the Lower Reineche Nummulitic Limestone (LRN) unit which is splitted into three sub-units
(LRN1 to LRN3)
The detailed sedimentological study of the two cored wells (Well3 & Well5) allowed the identification
of eight facies groups. This determination is based mainly on sedimentary structures, grain size and
distribution, matrix nature, fossil contents, texture (mud- or grain-supported facies) and nummulite
dimorphism. From base to top of the Lower Reineche Limestones these facies are:
Mud-dominated fabric: represented by the facies F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
Grain-dominated fabric: represented by the facies F6, F7, F8,
Workflow
The used work flow for the integration of CMR, FMI and facies analyses to assess the porosity types and
distribution of the Middle Eocene limestones approach considering even biostratigraphic and ecological
data is summarized in the figure2. This work represents a high resolution sedimentological study of the
Reineche Nummulitic Limestones in east Kerkennah Islands.

Figure 2the work flow adopted for the Lower Reineche Limestones study
4 SPE-175795-MS

Facies characterization of the Lower Reineche Limestones based on FMI

Image Logs for the Well6 & Well8
Based on FMI data interpretation report of East Kerkennah Islands area the Reineche Limestones is
characterized by: 1) No indications of tectonically deflected bedding, 2) No faults are present in the
studied intervals, 3) The number of fractures identified on the logs is relatively low.
The objective of this interpretation is to offer continuous survey of the Reineche Member in the wells
where core is not cut (Well8) or where there was no 100% of core recovery (Well6). The available FMI
image logs of the studied wells calibrated against the core allow the identification of the different
subfacies (F1 to F8) and sedimentary structures of Lower Reineche nummulitic limestone even for thin
layers. For non-cored well (Well8) the facies have been predicted using its FMI image log by analogy to
the cored one (Well8) (Figure 3). In addition, the use of the detailed facies groups determination of Well3
and Well5 was the key to the identification of the subfacies in Well6 and Well8 (Figure 9). The good
image quality of the FMI logs afford easily the recognition of thin subfacies, which are illustrated in
figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 for the two wells. Sedimentary features smaller than few centimeters can also
be identified on those FMI image. Bioturbation, HCS, stylolites, parallel and wavy laminations and
nodular bedding are among the common sedimentary features of the Lower Reineche limestones.

Figure 3Facies determination of the Souar A in Well6 & Well8

SPE-175795-MS 5

Figure 4 Facies determination of the Lower Reineche Argillaceous Limestones in Well6

Figure 5Facies determination of the Lower Reineche Argillaceous Limestones in Well8

6 SPE-175795-MS

Figure 6 Facies determination of the Lower Reineche Nummulitic Limestones in Well6

The definition of different facies on the FMI logs is based on the predefined description guided by the
contrast of the resistivity response that reflects boundaries between successive facies.
The Souar A
corresponding to an intercalation of shally bioclastic limestone within marl beds, those later show dark
brown to black thinly laminated layers while the limestone intercalations are white to light brown (Figure
3).
The Lower Reineche Argellaceous Limestone (LRLs)
starts by the LRLs layer (9.75m in Well6 and 8m in Well8) represented by a succession of F1 and F2
facies. These later are easily recognized on the FMI Logs by resistivity contrast; consequently the F1
consists of dark brown beds with fine parallel lamination, the relative dark color (brownish) of this facies
reveal its richness in shally matrix. The F2 is made up of white to light brown beds with nodular structure
in the first five meters moving to thin continuous beds in the remainder five meters (in Well6). In Well8,
SPE-175795-MS 7

Figure 7Facies determination of the Lower Reineche Nummulitic Limestones in Well8

Figure 8 Facies determination of the Upper Reineche Nummulitic Limestones in Well6 and Well8
8 SPE-175795-MS

Figure 9 Correlation of the Lower Reineche Limestones in the East Kerkennah Islands based on FMI Logs (Well6 & Well8) and high
resolution sedimentological study made on the cores of the Well3 and Well5
SPE-175795-MS 9

the F2 facies starts with isolated and bioturbated limestone nodules interpreted as equivalent of the distal
tempestites described in the cored Well3 and Well5 (Figure 4 & 5).
The Lower Reineche Nummulitic Limestone is subdivided as in the cored wells into the three LRN
layers (LRN1, LRN2 and LRN3) (Figure 6 & 7).
The LRN3 (3m in Well6 and 2m in Well8) is marked by the first occurrence of the F3 facies formed
by bioturbated limestone characterized by chaotic structure on the FMI Logs and it is alternating with fine
laminated brown F1 facies.
The LRN2 layer (4.5m in Well6 and 5m in Well8) is defined as nummulite-dominated wackestone (F4
and F5) and packstone (F6) further to nummulithoclasts marked by the presence of wavy lamination and
bioturbation. These bodies correspond to amalgamated proximal tempestites with irregular base clearly
delineated on FMI Logs.
The LRN1 layer (4.75m in Well6 and 5.4m in Well8) is defined as an imbricated nummulites-bearing
packed packstone made up of nummulites, echinoids and bryozoan. In the two FMI Logs for Well6 and
Well8; the LRN1 shows a clean white layer clearly highlighted on the Logs and it represent the F7 facies
(about 30cm in both wells) defined as randomly oriented flat nummulitic packed grainstone (responsible
of the white color on the Logs) with nummulithoclasts bryozoan and oysters. The F8 facies made up of
imbricated nummulites packed packstone containing echinoids and bryozoa, the chaotic arrangement of
this facies is the main sedimentary pattern generated by the HCS (Hummocky cross stratification). The
brown color of this facies is related to its richness on micritic matrix.
The Upper Reineche Shale
represented by a succession of thick dark brown layers with thin white ones interpreted as an intercalation
of dark marl banks and light bioclastic limestone ones (Figure 8).

Porosity Types and distribution

The Middle Eocene Reineche nummulitic limestones is the main reservoir in Kerkennah Islands, in this
area, a high resolution study of the porosity types and distribution, which is deduced from the combination
of all available data (Core data, CMR, FMI), is the key to understand the reservoir performance.
The reservoir is mainly composed of nummulites rich sediments (LRN1, LRN2 and LRN3) corre-
sponding as previously described to different facies types (from F1 to F8). For the same facies diverse
porosity types can be determined. Nevertheless, some types of porosity are more common in grain-
dominated facies than in mud-dominated ones. The LRLs layer constitutes the base of the Lower Reineche
Reservoir in the East Kerkennah Islands area and it is mainly made-up of muddy sediments with common
micro-porosity.
Primary Porosities
Intra-particle Porosities is generated by intra-nummulite voids when they are preserved. Open num-
mulite chambers are mainly restricted to the tightly packed nummulite packstones, at the very top of the
nummulitic Lower Reineche (facies F8), where the infiltration of Upper Reineche Shale (URSh)
argillaceous material protected the nummulites from all later stages of cementation and dissolution.
Actually, this intra-granular porosity is mainly developed within grain-supported facies, notably in the
facies F6 and F8, and even in some mud-supported ones such as facies F5. This porosity is essentially
within nummulite chambers (Plate1, Photos A), but it can also be within other small foraminifera tests
(Plate 6.1, Photo E) and bryozoan cells (Plate 6.1, Photo D).
This type of porosity is effective only in the outer chambers of nummulites (Plate3, Photo F). The
porosity within the inner chambers is isolated and gets effective only when it is affected by fracturing
(micro-fractures due to compaction) as documented in (Plate3, Photos F) or by borings (cliona borings,
notably within facies F5 where the intra-granular porosity of large B-form nummulites gets effective but
less important as it is filled by micritic internal sediment and/or geotropic cement.
10 SPE-175795-MS

Micro-porosity of nummulite Walls The nummulite radial hyaline walls provide very good micro-
porosity (Plate1, Photos F) which is commonly imbibed by hydrocarbons, notably within the outer
chambers of the nummulite tests. It provides significant proportion of measured porosity, which is more
common in small nummulithoclastic debris than in complete nummulite specimens which are frequently
well cemented.
Inter-particle and shelter porosities They are essentially related to grain-supported facies. They can be
partially preserved notably shelter porosity types (Plate1, Photos B); but sometimes this porosity is almost
totally plugged by calcite.

Plate 1Reineche porosity types in East Kerkennah Islands: Photo A: Good intra-granular porosity notably within A-form nummulites
nucleus - USB-Microscope photo. Photo B: Partially preserved shelter porosity between nummulite tests- USB-Microscope photo.
Photo C: Microporosity after matrix dissolution and coccoliths (yellow arrow) - SEM photo. Photo D: Matrix rich in bioclasts. Matrix
microporosity due to dissolution and giving spongy aspect - USB-Microscope photo. Photo E: Fair matrix microporosity - SEM photo.
Photo F: Close view of a nummulite radial hyaline wall exhibiting good microporosity - SEM photo.
SPE-175795-MS 11

Some samples show few cementations, they are composed mainly of nummulithoclasts and broken
nummulites and they form calcarenite and calcarudite sands (Plate1, Photos B).
Matrix primary porosity Depending on the nature of the mud, the size of the nummulithoclasts and the
bioclasts five types of matrix have been defined for the nummulites-rich facies in the Lower Reineche
limstones. The porosity types are highly related to the sorting and the size of the matrix components (Plate2).

Plate 2Nummulites-bearing facies matrix types and their porosities

12 SPE-175795-MS

Matrix Type 1: Fine grained, porous matrix made up of micrite and fine bioclasts, characterizing
essentially the facies F3 and the subfacies F3/8. This matrix exhibits fair inter-particle microporosity and
the pore size is less than 10 m.
Matrix Type 2: Fine to medium grained matrix, made up of micrite, nummulithoclasts, fine bioclasts
and fragments of nummulites. It is fair to good sorted and it is mostly determined within facies F4 and
F5, but can even be found within F6. This matrix has fair inter-particle micro-porosity and the pore size
doesnt exceed 10 m.
Matrix Type 3: Peloidal and geopetal filling micrite surmounted by patchy calcite cement. It is a
distinctive type of matrix determined within the facies F5. It has fair to good interparticle micro- and
meso-porosities and the pore size ranges between 10 m and 100 m.
Matrix Type 4: Medium grained and occasionally coarse grained, sand-sized and relatively well sorted,
nummulithoclastic matrix. It is the most porous type of matrix and it shows occasionally patchy micrite
and/or spar cement. It is recognized essentially within the facies F6 and F7, but also within F5. It has good
to excellent inter-particle micro- and meso-porosities and the pore size varies between 10 m to 100 m,
depending of the facies.
Matrix Type 5: Fine grained, dense matrix, made up essentially of packed micrite with common
silt-sized nummulithoclasts. This type of matrix is identified within the facies F8. It has inter-particle
micro-porosity and its pore size is inferior to 10 m.
Matrix nano- and micro-porosities Several intervals in the Lower Reineche cores present dusty chalky
matrix. The SEM analysis confirms the existence of coccoliths-rich samples providing good primary
nano- and micro-porosities. In fact, the coccoliths have different sizes ranging almost between 2.5 m and
5 m (Plate1, Photos C). The coccoliths are generally well preserved but matrix can also exhibit poor
microporosity due to chemical compaction (Plate1, Photo E).
The facies F1 and F2s matrix is mainly micritic, partly argillaceous and sporadically chalky and more
or less rich in bioclasts, but there are no nummulites. This matrix shows good primary micro-porosity
(Plate1, Photo D).

Secondary Porosities
Matrix secondary Micro-porosity This type of porosity is typically determined within mud-supported
facies. It is probably due to early dissolution which is tightly linked to bioturbation. Moreover, the
importance of this micro-porosity depends on the different types of matrix, particularly within the
nummulitic facies.
Inter-crystalline Porosity It is associated to loosely interlocked dolomite crystals seeming to be related
to intense bioturbation. In addition, there are common echinoid fragments; their dissolution releases Mg
which forms later dolomite rhombs. This dolomitization can be common (Plate3, Photos A) or even
important as shown by the Plate3 (Photos B) which occurs preferentially within mud-dominated facies F5.
SPE-175795-MS 13

Plate 3Reineche porosity types in East Kerkennah Islands: Photo A: Both matrix and inter-cystalline micro-porosity after frequent to
abundant dolomite rhombs. There are some coccoliths which are partly dissolved (yellow arrow) - SEM photo. Photo B: Good
inter-crystalline porosity within mud-supported facies F5, extensively dolomitized - SEM photo. Photo C: Open micro-fractures along
nummulite test and within the matrix (pink colored pore space). The brown color corresponds to oil staining - XPLGP photomicro-
graph. Photo D: Micro-fractures partially filled with calcite across nummulite test - USB-Microscope photo. Photo E: Open Microfrac-
tures along nummulite tests; the matrix is friable - USB-Microscope photo. Photo F: Open Micro-fractures filled with dead oil across
nummulite test. The matrix is friable. The inner chambers of the nummulite are plugged by calcite and the outer ones are black stained
with oil - USB-Microscope photo.

Micro-fractures and Fractures Porosities In the studied area the Reineche reservoir doesnt show
remarkable fractures in the cores. However, micro-fractures (observed in thin sections) are more common
and different types can be identified.
14 SPE-175795-MS

Micro-fractures contouring nummulite tests (Plate3, Photos E; Plate3, Photos C).

Micro-fractures crossing the matrix (Plate3, Photos F) which may be filled with oil, or as extension of
the micro-fractures contouring the nummulite tests.
Micro-fractures affecting the nummulite test, formed due to differential compaction. These fractures
make the nummulite inner chambers porosity effective and considerably enhance its permeability.
The fractures and micro-fractures may show bitumen traces (Plate3, Photos F) or may be partially or
totally filled with calcite (Plate3, Photos D).
Porosity and permeability distribution in the studied wells The Lower Reineche Member in East
Kerkennah drilled wells is subdivided into a lower argillaceous limestones (LRLs, F1 & F2 facies
essentially) and an upper nummulitic one. Based on petrophysical properties this latest layer is also
subdivided into different sublayers (LRN1, LRN2 & LRN3, going from top to bottom) which include
different alternating facies (F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F3/8 & F8/5) corresponding to wide range of porosities
and permeabilities.
Semi-quantitative analysis of open porosity in thin sections was generally evaluated at less than 10%
in the cored wells; however, the measured porosities are much higher more than 37% and it can reach
almost 44%. The estimated porosity is essentially macro-porosity observed directly on the core. The
differences between estimated (open porosity) and measured porosities (total porosity) are explained by
the existence of matrix porosity (micro- and nano-porosities) that cannot be seen by microscope.
This heterogeneous distribution of the petrophysical properties can be explained by:
The variety of macrofacies due to the matrix/grains proportions as proven by the existence of
mud-dominated facies (F3, F4 and F5) and grain-dominated ones (F6, F7 and F8), and other mud- to
grain-supported facies such as F3/8 & F8/5.
The ecological influence estimated by the proportions of A- and B-form nummulites.
The nummulites arrangement (loose, chaotic stacking, imbrication, depression fill etc.; which is
controlled by the environmental changes (mechanical processes: tempestites reworking, wave winnowing
etc and biological process: bioturbation. Generally, the imbricated nummulites rich facies has better
defined porosity-permeability relationship than nummulites-chaotic-stacking-facies. Moreover, this irreg-
ular distribution of porosity is mainly caused by the intense bioturbation and related diagenesis (mainly
dolomitization).
The diversity of microfacies and matrix types because of the variable proportions of chalk, micrite and
clays, in addition to the multiple grains association: enrichment in broken nummulites, nummulithoclasts
and bioclasts.
The conventional logs (GR and DT) give good correlation of Lower Reineche reservoir in East
Kerkennah area (notably Well3, Well5, Well6 and Well8). The figure 10 presents a multiple-well
cross-plot helium porosity versus horizontal permeability of well 3, well 5 and well 6 available
conventional core analysis in addition to sidewall core data for well 6. Both facies F5 and F6 have large
distribution and make it difficult to define appropriate facies types zoning on cross-plot (and therefore
rock types), because of the important variety of their matrix. Nevertheless, their association corresponds
to fair to good and even very good reservoir quality notably within F6.
SPE-175795-MS 15

Figure 10 Helium Porosity-Horizontal Permeability Cross-Plot for Well3, Well5 and Well6

We used this multiple-well cross-plot (figure 10) to define the appropriate facies types on the Well6
core and sidewall core photos by analogous to the petrophysical and sedimentological data distribution in
the other studied cores of Well3 and well5. The interpretations are plotted on figure 10. We used Well6
FMI log (Figure 9) to verify the fit between our interpretations and FMI log; in fact some facies have well
recognized FMI signature.
The figure 8 shows that the worst reservoir quality is determined as in all other wells within
mud-dominated facies F1 corresponding to the argillaceous limestone and within nummulitic and
bioclastic mud-dominated facies F3. Then, even if mud- to grain-supported nummulites-bearing facies F5
and F3/8 have good porosities, their permeabilities remain low.
The best reservoir quality is determined within grain-dominated facies F6 essentially but also F7 and
F8. Even if facies F6 has large porosity distribution (going from almost 20 to 37 %) and wide range of
permeabilities (going from almost 12 to 50 mD %), it remains one of the best reservoir facies types. Its
wide distribution is mainly due to its variable matrix types.

CMR plots interpretation for Well6 and Well8

In the studied area, CMR logs were run in the last two drilled wells Well6 and Well8. The Figure 11 shows
the CMR plots of the two wells, their layering and the different matrix types within each layer. CMR plots
are used to evaluate the sedimentological influence on the reservoir potential, notably porosity. Knowing
the different facies in the wells Well3, Well5 and Well6, the purpose of this interpretation is to understand
the porosity size distribution in the non-cored Well8.
16 SPE-175795-MS

Figure 11CMR interpretation of Well6 &Well8 based on facies distribution in Lower Reineche Limestones
SPE-175795-MS 17

The CMR logs in both wells are relatively similar and so the studied reservoir interval is eligible to
comparison considering sedimentological data in the cored well (Well6), which is also very similar to the
cored Well3; no shifts are considered.
Despite the good indication of CMR Log Quality Control Display (LQC_Display) and because of
unexpected decrease of calculated permeability, porosity and Free Fluid Volume (FFV), the top of lower
Reineche reservoir is marked by a gas effect which is more pronounced in Well6 than in Well8 (in LRN1
and LRN2 for the Well6 and in the top of LRN1 for the Well8). In fact, gas was recorded while drilling
the two wells; for that gas effect additional correction is highly recommended. Nevertheless, CMR log
interpretation trial can be done; going from top to bottom:
The LRN1 in Well6 and the top of LRN1 in Well8, present gas effect which implies general unreal
decrease of calculated permeability, porosity and FFV. The gas effect affects also porosity distribution and
it is more obvious in Well6 than in Well8. The LRN1 which exhibits overall heterogeneous pore size
distribution, nevertheless, part from the base of the layer in Well8 well shows homogeneous distribution
corresponding to macro-porosity provided very likely by grain-supported facies. Considering the detailed
core study of Well3 and Well5, this layer has generally grain-supported fabric and is composed of
alternating F6, F7 and F8 with local occurrences of F5 at the base depending of the wells or F8/5 at the
top of the layer. There is also accessory matrix micro-porosity, due to local relative enrichment in chalky
mud by analogy to SEM analysis for Well3 and Well5 cores.
The CMR Log shows an abrupt transition between LRN1 and URSh proving a brusque change in
lithology from limestone to shale.
The facies F7 is well defined in the FMI log of both wells as very high resistivity layer, revealing the
presence of a conductive fluid (hydrocarbon) with very good permeability considering core date. It is also
well defined on the CMR log of Well6 well by clear contradictory signature corresponding to abrupt
decrease in calculated permeability, porosity and FFV; that is probably explained by the gas effect in this
well. It has no distinctive signature in Well8 well.
The LRN2, in both wells, shows bimodal T2 distribution corresponding to an interval with relatively
heterogeneous porosities (at least two major porosity sizes): abundant macro-porosity, but also common
micro-porosity notably at the Lower part of the layer. This interval corresponds to alternating facies F4,
F5 and F6 (mud-and grain- supported) as noted in the Well3 and Well5 cores, and subordinate F3
(nummulites and oysters-bearing) and F3/8 (mostly nummulites- but also oysters-bearing) at the base of
the layer depending of the well. This interval has more Capillary Bound Fluid Porosity than LRN1,
which is due to its mixed mud-and grain-supported fabric nature.
Considering FFV, it seems that the LRN2 layer, even if it has mixed pore systems with common
micro-porosity, its reservoir production potential is better than the other layers as it has the best recorded
Free Fluid Volumes (FFV) in the two wells (Well6 and Well8). The mud-rich base provides common
Small Pore Porosity after matrix micro-porosity. Going upward, there is less and less micro-porosity
and porosity consists mainly in large porosity related to the nummulite tests, notably inter-granular
porosity within grain-supported facies.
The LRN3 layer has a typical signature which shows a gradual change from underlying LRLs layer to
LRN3 arguing a gradual poorness in clayey matrix. This fact is demonstrated by the progressive shifting
of the T2 signals toward the right side of the scale. Moreover, we notice progressive and simultaneous
increase of pore size (average T2 going from 10 to 100 ms), permeability (ranging between 0.1 and 100
mD) and FFV (reaching almost 0.12 m3/m3). Moreover, Capillary Bound Fluid Porosity relatively
decreases going upward. From a sedimentological point of view, considering the detailed core studies
(Well3, Well5) and FMI analysis (Well6 and Well8), this interval corresponds to the transition from a
lower mud-rich interval (distal environment), chalky and micritic with abundant micro-porosity to an
upper mud- to grain-dominated interval (with increasing proximal environment influence). It corresponds
to the gradual setting of the nummulitic platform resulting in increasing macro-porosity after nummulites
18 SPE-175795-MS

and bioclasts (intra- and inter-granular pore-space). This layer corresponds mostly to alternating muddy
facies F1 (rich in microfauna), F2 (oysters-bearing) and F3 (nummulites and oysters-bearing).
The LRLs layer in both wells gives no distinguishable FFV and so is not eligible to production.
Comparing to the lower argillaceous formation (Souar A), it has few Small Pore Porosity and important
Capillary Bound Fluid Porosity. The CMR Log displays a progressive transition between LRLs and
Souar A showing a gradual enrichment in carbonates. In fact, it is almost exclusively composed of mictric
and chalky matrix giving micro-porosity, in addition to some clayey content (facies F1 and F2). The
micro-pore system is heterogeneous in terms of pore size distribution (T2 between 0.3 and 60 ms) starting
by homogeneous pore size at the base of the layer that gradually moves to larger pore size distribution at
the top of the layer in Well6 and notably in Well8. The scarce occurrence of macro-porosity is probably
due to bioclasts rich intervals (Facies F2).
Conclusions
The interpretation of the FMI logs in both Well6 and Well8 confirm their comparable sedimentological
properties for each layer (facies, matrix and sedimentary features). In both wells as in the three previous
cores ones (Well 3 and Well 5) the Lower Reineche Limestone is subdivided from base to top into the
Lower Reineche Argillaceous Limestone (LRLS), the Lower Reineche Nummulitic Limestone (LRN) and
the Upper Reineche Shale (URSh). Considering the available Well6 and Well8 CMR Logs, their
calculated porosities and permeabilities (reflecting rock properties) and their fluid behavior (Free Fluid
Volume), the Lower Reineche reservoir layering in Well6 well is very comparable to those of Well8.
According to the sedimentological study made on Well3, Well5 and Well6 cores two main porosity types
are noticed: matrix micro-porosity and/or inter-nummulite-tests large porosities. In the reservoir section,
the T2 signal shows a large distribution of the pore-size (from micro- to macro-scale).
In comparison between Well6 and Well8, the pore size distribution of the first well (Well6) is larger
than in Well8, indicating the existence of medium and large pores. Well 8 have narrower pore size
distribution. This fact has been explained by the gas effect that must be corrected in Well6. The CMR
Logs of Well6 and Well8 show one modal T2 distribution illustrating the existence of only one fluid type.
In the reservoir section, only a relatively small volume of bound water is present, we have mainly gas
associated to accessory clay bound water hosted in micro-pores.

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