Hyperspectral Imaging for Subsurface Mineral Characterization: Integrated Application with FLEX Log and XRD in Devonian Ouabed reservoirs - Algeria

Abstract Clay minerals pose significant challenges in hydrocarbon reservoirs, especially during drilling and production, where clay swelling and migration, particularly from smectite, kaolinite, and illite, can lead to severe operational problems such as stuck pipe and restricted production flow. Several techniques have been used to detect and characterize clay types in subsurface formations, including logging tools and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), but these methods differ in precision, processing time, and operational complexity. In the Devonian Ouabed reservoirs in Algeria, previous studies have revealed high clay contents with variable mineralogical compositions, which have caused numerous drilling and production difficulties. To identify appropriate solutions for these clay-related issues, two core samples from Wells A and B were analyzed using the FLEX logging tool, XRD, and, for the first time in Algeria, a hyperspectral camera system for clay determination. Results show distinct mineralogical profiles among the three methods. In Well A, hyperspectral imaging measured 11% kaolinite and 7% illite, aligning with XRD data that indicated a predominantly kaolinitic composition (65%). Conversely, Well B exhibited 15% kaolinite, 9% illite, and 32% mica based on hyperspectral imaging. Overall, this comparative study shows that hyperspectral imaging delivers rapid, high-resolution clay identification and becomes highly effective when integrated with XRD and logging data.