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Unveiling the Diagenetic and Mineralogical Impact on the Carbonate Formation of the Indus Basin, Pakistan: Implications for Reservoir Characterization and Quality Assessment
Memon, F.H.; Tunio, A.H.; Memon, K.R.; Mahesar, A.A.; Abbas, G. Unveiling the Diagenetic and Mineralogical Impact on the Carbonate Formation of the Indus Basin, Pakistan: Implications for Reservoir Characterization and Quality Assessment. Minerals2023, 13, 1474.
Memon, F.H.; Tunio, A.H.; Memon, K.R.; Mahesar, A.A.; Abbas, G. Unveiling the Diagenetic and Mineralogical Impact on the Carbonate Formation of the Indus Basin, Pakistan: Implications for Reservoir Characterization and Quality Assessment. Minerals 2023, 13, 1474.
Memon, F.H.; Tunio, A.H.; Memon, K.R.; Mahesar, A.A.; Abbas, G. Unveiling the Diagenetic and Mineralogical Impact on the Carbonate Formation of the Indus Basin, Pakistan: Implications for Reservoir Characterization and Quality Assessment. Minerals2023, 13, 1474.
Memon, F.H.; Tunio, A.H.; Memon, K.R.; Mahesar, A.A.; Abbas, G. Unveiling the Diagenetic and Mineralogical Impact on the Carbonate Formation of the Indus Basin, Pakistan: Implications for Reservoir Characterization and Quality Assessment. Minerals 2023, 13, 1474.
Abstract
The Chiltan Formation is a potential hydrocarbon-producing reservoir in the Indus Basin, Pakistan. However, its diagenetic alterations and heterogeneous behavior lead to significant challenges in accurately characterizing the reservoir and production performance. This manuscript aims to utilize Chiltan Limestone core samples to conduct a detailed analysis of the diagenetic impacts on reservoir quality. The formation evaluation was carried out through thin section analysis, SEM-EDS and FTIR investigation, as well as plug porosity and permeability measurements under different stress conditions. In results, Petrography revealed three microfacies with distinct diagenetic features and micro-nano fossil assemblages, including intraclasts, pelloids, bioclasts, and stylolites. Diagenesis has a significant impact on petrophysical properties, leading to increased reservoir heterogeneity. The specified depositional environment exposed the alteration of the Chiltan formation during distinct diagenetic phases in marine, meteoric, and burial settings. Pore morphology and mineralogy reveals complex micro-pore structure with various carbonate mineral phases and cement types in the formation samples. The average porosity and permeability of the core samples were found to be 3.4% and 0.449 mD respectively, indicating poor reservoir quality. Stress sensitivity was determined using Klinkenberg corrected permeability, which indicated a reduction in measured and absolute permeability due to increasing confining stress, further reducing the pore throat structure of the formation. In conclusion, the Chiltan formation possesses intricate reservoir heterogeneity and varied micro-pore structure caused by diagenesis and depositional settings. The formation is classified as a low-quality reservoir due to its non-uniform pore geometry, which exhibits low petrophysical properties resulting from overburden stress. The results of this study provide solid foundation in reservoir characterization and quality assessment which has implications for exploring and exploitation of indigenous resources.
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