Log-based petrophysical analysis of Khatatba Formation in Shoushan Basin, North Western Desert, Egypt

This paper aims to investigate the good reservoir quality and hydrocarbon potentiality of the Khatatba Formation, Qasr Field in the Shoushan Basin of the North Western Desert, Egypt by combining results from log-based petrophysical analysis, petrographic description and images from scanning electron microscope (SEM). Promising reservoir units are initially identified and evaluated through well log analysis of three wells in the field of study. Petrophysical results are then compared with petrographic and SEM images from rock samples to identify features that characterize the reservoir quality. Well log results show that Khatatba Formation in the study area has good sandstone reservoir intervals from depths ranging from 12848 ft to 13900 ft, with good effective porosity records of 13–15% and hydrocarbon saturations of greater than 83%. Petrographic analysis of these sandstone reservoir units indicate high concentrations of vacant pore spaces with good permeability that can be easily occupied by hydrocarbon. The availability of these pore spaces are attributed to pore-enhancing diagenetic features, mainly in the form of good primary porosity and dissolution. SEM images and EDX analysis confirmed the presence of hydrocarbon, therefore indicating a good hydrocarbon-storing potential for the Khatatba Formation sandstones.