29 August 2019
Earlier this summer, thirteen students from the EAGE Student Chapter Freiberg set off for a company
visit to the ENI headquarters, Milan, Italy. The EAGE Student Fund supported this activity
with the main purpose of offering the opportunity to learn about the organisational dynamics
and research of the company. The excursion was held from 26
to 27 June 2019.
Following the trip, the chapter is keen to share their experiences.
The study trip started with a welcome speech and introduction by Riccardo
Pessina, who guided
the students to the Core Exhibition with its many different drilling cores
and associated oils.
The programme kicked off with a visit to GEOLAB, where students had the change to learn about
the application of Scanning Electron Microscopy that supports characterisation
of the pores in rocks and assess their diagenesis. This procedure is suitable for clarifying the
composition of mud and to find answers to questions related to clay minerals and oil flow.
Next, the student chapter had the opportunity to visit the Mineralogy and Chemical Analysis
(XRD & XRF) department where they learned a lot about the X -ray diffractometer
and X-ray fluorescence, which is used to define the chemical composition of samples to enhance
the mineralogical data’s quality. This, in turn, allow the quality of the reservoir to be evaluated.
Afterwards Riccardo provided to the group a presentation about the theory to analyse
the reservoir’s quality. Using the software Geocosm Touchstone the age of the rocks
can be estimated based on different petrophysical parameters. That way important
questions regarding oil content and economic efficiency can be answered.
The field trip concluded with a visit to the department of geochemistry. Where Danilo Dolci
and Isabella Flores guided the group through various laboratories and explained in detail
the main topics of research there. Mainly three analysis are of importance. Firstly, the produced
oils are analysed, which is important to determine the oil’s quality and its content. It also clarifies
questions regarding the economic efficiency of the reservoir as well as questions about
possible relations between adjacent reservoirs and between the reservoir
and the bedrock.
Secondly, the oil bedrock is analysed to estimate the diagenesis’ rate of the rocks by vitrinite
reflectance. Another way to estimate the rate of diagenesis are spores or pollen in the rock.
Thirdly, the gas is analysed, mainly its composition, its organic or inorganic origin and gas content.
The group wishes to thank the EAGE Student Fund for providing the financial support to this activity.
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