1.

0 ABSTRACT

This experiment is carried on to study one the method of determining volume and
capacity of a reservoir from an isopach map. Isopach map is a type of map that shows
variations in the thickness of subsurface bed. Planimeter is used throughout the whole
experiment. In order to measure the capacity of the reservoir, an ‘X’ mark is drew on the
contour to mark the beginning and ending of one circle. Planimeter is designed to calculate
the area of an image, given that tracing is made in one complete circle regardless that image’s
shape. For better accuracy, three readings of planimeter are recorded. After recording the
area, volume of the reservoir at a given height are calculated. The acquired results are later
discussed.

2.0 INTRODUCTION

After the discovery of a reservoir, the discovery team will try to build a superior
image of the accumulation of data. The resulted image can be in the form of isopach map.
When isopach map is accessible, the volume or capacity of the repository can be resolved
utilizing planimeter. Isopach can be described as contour that connects points of equal
thickness. Commonly, the isopachs, or contours that make up an isopach map, display the
stratigraphic thickness of a rock unit as opposed to the true vertical thickness.

The planimeter also called as ‘Platometer’, is an instrument used to measure and

determine the area of an arbitrary two-dimensional shape. In this analysis, planimeter is
utilized to decide the capacity of the reservoir. The capacity (in terms of volumetric values)
can be calculated by multiplying the area and the depth/structural elevation of the reservoir.

Volumetric estimation is otherwise called the "geologist's method" as it depends on

cores, analysis of wireline logs, and geological maps. Learning of the depositional
environment, the structural complexities, the trapping mechanism, and any fluid interaction is
required to appraise the volume of subsurface rock that contains hydrocarbons. The volume is
determined from the thickness of the stone containing oil or gas and the areal extent of the
accumulation with these reservoir rock properties and using the hydrocarbon fluid properties,
original oil-in-place or original gas-in-place volumes can be determined.
3.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this experiment is to determine the capacity of oil reservoir if structural map
for the area of the reservoir is available.

4.0 THEORY

The geometry of the reservoir is projected onto a guide called the isopach map which
comprises of a several contour lines. From this map, the discovery team can decide and
determine the volume of the reservoir. This information can be utilized to decide the
accessible amount of hydrocarbons in the reservoir. Isopach maps are generally used:

1. Used for predetermining drilling depths to specific horizons in wildcat wells;

2. Locate buried structures in regions where formations habitually become thinner over
structural crests.
3. Estimating the elevation of a datum bed below the total depth of a well that penetrated
a higher known stratigraphic horizon.
4. Calculate the volume of oil in a formation

Actually, there are two methods can be used in order to estimate volumes from an
isopach map. The first method, automatic way utilizes a software package that includes
digitizing the isopach map and applying geostatistics to determine the volumetric. The second
method can be called a manual way, using planimetry process to estimate the average area in
accordance to the depth. Planimetry measures the area of the property. Therefore, with the
area and thickness known, volume of reservoir can be calculate and total tonnage also can be
deprived. Planimetry can be done by hand using several methods but the one we are using in
this experiment is a mechanical device called a planimeter. Planimeter is a simple instrument
for the precise measurement of areas of plane figures of any shape.
After the area of each contour is computed, the volume is computed by various
techniques. Basic volume calculations can be viewed as dividing the structure into layers of a
common thickness. The different techniques define the layer geometry in different ways. The
Trapezoid Rule computes the layer volume by computing the average area of the layer from
the top and bottom layer and then multiplying the average area by the layer thickness.
(Mathematically, this is also equivalent to computing the area underneath a thickness vs. area
graph). The Trapezoid Method has historically been commonly used for computing map
volumes because of its ease in computing, understandability, and accuracy.
Because isopach maps always have smaller contour areas as the thickness increases,
the Trapezoid Method though accurate always slightly overestimates the reservoir volume.
Another common volume method is the Pyramid Rule. This volume technique computes the
areas of the frustum of a pyramid or cone.

Figure 1: Isopach map of a reservoir.

An isopach map illustrates thickness variations within a tabular unit, layer or stratum.
Isopach are contour lines of equal thickness over an area. Isopach maps are utilized in
hydrographic survey, stratigraphy, sedimentology, structural geology, petroleum geology and
volcanology. The gross rock volume or the capacity of reservoir is obtained from the area
measured from the isopach maps. For measuring a common reservoir contour which is in
normal pattern, the perimeter is trace in clockwise direction. The value obtained is the area of
the whole space that is within the contour lines. The capacity in terms of volumetric value can
be determined by multiplying the area measured by measured by planimeter with the depth
elevation of the reservoir.
V = Ah
Where:
V = Volume of reservoir (m3)
A = Area of the contours (m2)
h = Depth (m)
5.0 APPARATUS

Figure 2: Placom KP 90N Digital Planimeter.

Figure 3: Isopach map used in the experiment.

6.0 PROCEDURE
1. The power was switched on.
2. The unit was set (cm2)
3. Starting point was marked with x as reference point at each of contour line.
4. Start key was pressed and figure 0 displayed.
5. The tracer point was traced on the circumference clockwise until it meets the starting
point.
6. Pressed ‘Memo’ key, and then pressed ‘hold’ key and 3 readings was taken.
7. ‘Avg’ key was pressed to get 3 readings average and the value was recorded.
8. Step 4 until 7 was repeated for the rest of the depth.

REFERENCES
Planimeter. (n.d.). In Petropedia Definition. Retrieved from
https://www.petropedia.com/definition/8343/planimeter
Isopach Map. (n.d.) In Schlumberger Oilfield Glossary. Retrieved from
https://www.glossary.oilfield.slb.com/en/Terms/i/isopach.aspx