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Methods of laser-based stable isotope measurement applied to diagenetic cements and hydrocarbon reservoir quality

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2018

C. I. Macaulay ,
A. E. Fallick ,
R. S. Haszeldine  and
C. M. Graham
C. I. Macaulay*
Affiliation:
Isotope Geosciences Unit, Scottish Universities Research and Reactor Centre, East Kilbride G75 0QF
A. E. Fallick
Affiliation:
Isotope Geosciences Unit, Scottish Universities Research and Reactor Centre, East Kilbride G75 0QF
R. S. Haszeldine
Affiliation:
Department of Geology & Geophysics, Grant Institute, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JW, UK
C. M. Graham
Affiliation:
Department of Geology & Geophysics, Grant Institute, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JW, UK
*
*E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

The stable isotopic compositions of diagenetic minerals can provide valuable constraints on the sources, precipitation temperatures and relative timing of cements in reservoir rocks. This type of information is essential when trying to understand and predict the distribution of cements in the subsurface, and their impact on reservoir quality. Conventional isotope methods contribute to answers to many diagenetic problems, but where core or time are scarce, or where good mineral separation is unobtainable, laser-based stable isotope methods offer several advantages. These include the ability to analyse carbonates, sulphides and anhydrite in situ with 50–100 μm resolution, simple and clear sample and analysis viewing optics, savings on sample preparation time and greatly reduced sample size requirements.

Diagenetic silicates such as quartz and clay cements cannot be analysed in situ by laser but, where in situ analysis of quartz δ18O is demanded, ion microprobe analysis can provide very high resolution (20–30 μm) capability with a precision of ±1%.

Keywords

oilfieldsdiagenesisisotopeslasersreservoir quality
Type
Research Article
Information
Clay Minerals , Volume 35 , Issue 1 , March 2000 , pp. 313 - 322
Copyright
Copyright © The Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland 2000

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Footnotes

†

Present address: Department of Geology & Geophysics, Grant Institute, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JW, UK

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