Reservoir Compaction

Reservoir Compaction (Permeability Change)

Production from hydrocarbon reservoirs causes decline in the pore fluid pressure and increases the stress on the formation rock itself.  Over time, and depending upon the rock strength, this increase in stress can introduce compaction.  When compaction occurs, the porosity and permeability of the formation is reduced, causing a reduction in well productivity.  Regular pressure –transient testing enables the engineer to assess if a decline in well performance is due to compaction effects vs. skin.  Additionally, regular testing quantifies the relationship between reservoir pressure and permeability reduction due to compaction at a given point in time.