Petro-Baghdad was successfully contracted to provide comprehensive core analysis and associated services for the Halfaya Oilfield. To support a more complete geological understanding of the field’s development reservoirs and potential formations, the project utilized a total of 1,700 meters of core samples extracted from various oil-bearing reservoirs, covering a depth interval from 1,850 to 5,600 meters.
Our company delivered end-to-end core handling and analytical services for a significant portion of the project scope. This integrated service covered the entire workflow—from initial wellsite core reception and laboratory preparation through Routine Core Analysis (RCAL) and Special Core Analysis (SCAL) testing, to final preservation and compliant international shipment packaging. All phases were executed to ensure the highest technical standards and uncompromised sample integrity.
The scope of work was implemented through the following key service lines:
1. Wellsite Services & Core Reception
Petro-Baghdad managed comprehensive wellsite and warehouse operations within Iraq. This included the safe receiving, handling, systematic labeling, and preservation of full-diameter cores directly at the rig site. Cores were packaged according to stringent industry standards to maintain their structural and petrophysical integrity during transport. All operations were conducted under strict procedural controls with full documentation to guarantee a secure chain-of-custody.
2. Core Plug Preparation & Fluids for SCAL
Our team performed meticulous core preparation activities, including core slabbing, precision plug drilling, trimming, and orientation marking. For the Special Core Analysis (SCAL), special-condition brines and dead crude oils were prepared, filtered, degassed, and their density and viscosity were verified at elevated, reservoir-relevant temperatures. All samples were prepared with meticulous attention to preserving in-situ fluids and core integrity to ensure the accuracy of subsequent SCAL measurements.
3. Conventional (Routine) Core Analysis (RCAL)
Routine Core Analysis was performed to determine fundamental petrophysical properties. This included the measurement of porosity, permeability, bulk density, grain density, and fluid saturation. All analyses were conducted under standard laboratory conditions to establish reliable rock property benchmarks essential for reservoir characterization and geological modeling.
4. Special Core Analysis (SCAL)
Advanced SCAL tests were executed under simulated reservoir conditions. The extensive test portfolio included electrical properties (e.g., resistivity index, capillary pressure), relative permeability, displacement tests, wettability analysis, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and formation damage assessments. Complementary mechanical property testing and geochemical measurements were also conducted to provide detailed insights into reservoir flow behavior, fluid-rock interactions, and to enhance the accuracy of reservoir simulation models.
5. Preservation, Packing & International Shipping
Upon completion of analysis, all core samples and plugs were preserved, labeled, vacuum-sealed, and packaged using certified materials (including foil, Saran wrap, and Core-seal) to maintain fluid and structural integrity during international transit. All necessary export documentation, including hazardous materials declarations, was meticulously completed to ensure fully compliant and secure shipment in accordance with international regulations.
