It has been widely acknowledged that core handling is critical to the preservation of core integrity.

Unfortunately adequate handling procedures are often not employed, limiting the accuracy of core data. The economic impact of erroneous analysis can be massive, especially when the consequences of inferior or inadequate data are not fully realised.

To obtain high quality core, Kirk Petrophysics™ offers an advanced method for core stabilization. This stabilization method along with expert supervision and quality control of core handling at the well site, guarantees a substantial improvement in core quality. When required, this service can be also offered in the laboratory. An independent-expert report including recommendations is submitted to ensure high quality core and thus high quality reservoir data.

All our methods and recommendations are based on extensive experience and broad knowledge of core handling and core analysis. This holds for consolidated and for friable and soft reservoir sediments both in the area of services and research.

Advantages of the Lithotarge® injection process
 

• The core is immediately accessible for geological description and determination of slabbing orientation after simple removal of the Lithotarge®
• Because of the confinement of the core by the Lithotarge®, a window can be safety cut over the entire length of the core-barrel allowing e.g. white light and ultra violet light photography
• Lithotarge is invisible on CT-scans
• Lithotarge provides an excellent cushion against external damage
• Expanding Lithotarge® squeezes out any mud from the annulus between core and inner barrel and therefore the injection process can be performed while the core is horizontally oriented
• Because of the simple process of Lithotarge® injection manipulation of the core is minimal
• The small amount of solvents, if any, used in the process are within acceptable limits regarding health and safety. This is particularly significant when compared to other stabilization methods
• Lithotarge® has a proven preservation capacity over a limited time period*

* Technical publication: SCA2007/58 - Laboratory assessment of the efficiency of core preservation techniques

Lithotarge Applications

• Full length injection
• Short length injection
• Vertical injection