Supervisors: Professor Mike Lovell and Dr Sarah Davies (University of Leicester), Mr Roger Samworth (Weatherford)

This studentship is fully funded by Weatherford (UK) and is available to start in the Department of Geology in October 2009

Project Summary:
Quantitative analysis of electrical resistivity measurements in boreholes forms the basis of petrophysical analysis in conventional hydrocarbon reservoirs, especially estimating the quantity of reserves. Downhole electrical images are used to assess the nature, variability and distribution of subsurface formations; these images can describe and delineate sedimentary features, provide input into depositional models, describe and quantify fracture occurrence and orientation, and provide indications of local variability and heterogeneity (porosity and permeability variations)  as well as calibration to core.  In parallel to these downhole images, detailed laboratory studies of electrical properties provide improved understanding of the variability of petrophysical properties at the pore scale. 
Coal remains a major provider of energy worldwide with a resurgence in interest of both conventional coal as well as coal bed methane. Coal bed methane, often referred to as CBM, is distinct from a conventional gas reservoir as the methane is stored within the coal by a process called adsorption; the open fractures in the coal (cleats) can also contain free gas or can be saturated with water. Not all coal seams contain methane. Permeability of a coal bed is usually due to fractures, with the permeability of the coal matrix negligible. Fractures within coal are often anisotropic.
This studentship will review existing knowledge of coal and coal bed methane in terms of the published geological and petrophysical models available.  The student will work at the University of Leicester with support from Weatherford UK, based close by at East Leake. Weatherford International is one of the world’s largest diversified upstream oilfield service companies with $6.1 billion in annual revenues and 40,000 employees in over 100 countries. The student will receive training in petrophysics through both partners.
Key Objectives:
(1) a major literature search on resistivity measurements & interpretation; coal chemistry and physical properties; coal geology & reserve quantification; coal bed methane petrophysics; borehole imaging and coal reserves.  (2) petrophysical analyses of downhole logs and core data for selected logs and core from various coal and CBM localities towards better understanding of deeper-measuring resistivity logs and the relation with  invasion and to coal bulk properties and methane producibility (3) develop a petrophysical classification scheme using appropriate data sets demonstrating variability in the nature of the coal and CBM  fields, based on sedimentology, physical grain size properties/sedimentology and petrophysical parameters (4) determine the optimal strategy for the petrophysical analysis of  coal and CBM.
Training:
The student will be trained in petrophysical analysis and appropriate geological/sedimentological skills and knowledge, as well as in data analysis. Transferable skills will include project planning, data management, and report and paper writing.  The student will regularly visit and interact with staff at the sponsoring company (Weatherford).

Suggested Reading:
Bustin, R.M. & Clarkson, C.R. 1998. Geological Controls on coalbed methane reservoir capacity and gas content. Int. J. Coal Geology 38, pp 3-26. F. Hyland , 2006 Determining coal thickness from commonly available wells logs Canadian Well Logging Society (CWLS) Insite , 25; 1, March,  W. S. Donovan , 2007 Determining coal gas content using mudlogging methods  CWLS  Insite, 26; 1, March,  http://www.cwls.org/pubs.php
Eligibility and how to apply:
Funding is available for UK citizens and EU citizens.
Potential applicants:
* must hold a good degree in geosciences with an aptitude for numerical geology, geophysics or petrophysics
* must have excellent written and spoken English and be highly motivated to work within a team; and
* must not already hold a PhD degree.
Candidates should apply to the Postgraduate Admissions Office using the Postgraduate Application Form at http://www.le.ac.uk/graduateoffice/application_form.pdf
In addition to the application form, please include in your application: examples of your technical work that illustrate good writing, two letters of reference, curriculum vitae, a letter explaining your motivation to do this particular project and any other information that you may find important.
For informal enquiries please contact Mike Lovell mtl@le.ac.uk Department of Geology University of Leicester, University Road Leicester LE1 7RH.  Tel:+44 (0)116 252 3647. Fax 0116 252 3918.
Closing date is 31st July 2009.