Because we can help you find more oil and gas, and avoid problems that could leave it in the ground. See list at right.

Without looking at the rocks that hold your oil and gas, how can you be sure of your interpretation, or drilling and completion methods? Contact us today for ideas about your projects.

What is your service?

We use optical and scanning-electron microscopy (SEM) to visually analyze cuttings and core, from current and historical wells. We quickly and accurately reveal critical attributes that is not readily available by other means. Attributes such as: acid and water sensitive clays, fracture evidence, permeability, oil and gas shows, conductive minerals, wettability, fluorescence, Archie’s cementation exponent “m”, and more.

What if I’m not sure if I need Optical or Scanning Electron Microscopy?

We’ll help you determine that from what problem you’re trying to solve or avoid, your time and financial budget requirements, and what samples are available.

How many samples or intervals do you need?

We don't have a minimum job size. We can perform most of our services on a few small, representative cuttings or core chips. Some customers send us the particular cutting or core chip that they want analyzed. Sometimes we choose a representative piece for you. Like the previous question, we can help determine this from your goals, budgets, and sample availability.

Why look at the rocks and not just rely on logs?

Logs vary in quality and accuracy and can be significantly affected by common minerals. See Log Responses.

A common problem is lack of differentiation between free water and bound water in conductive micro-porous minerals. Is the formation actually water wet or are you by-passing pay? We can quickly and easily help your understanding of your particular zone. Our Basil McLish example illustrates this well. We have several published papers that may help you.

Can I get rock samples from old wells for use in analog studies, reconnaissance work, and prospects?

Yes! This is very important. Cuttings are commonly collected during the drilling of a well. Many companies donate cuttings and cores to private and public libraries. We have contacts with many facilities. Some are listed on our Links page. We also get samples from well operators.

How do we know that your estimates are accurate?

We periodically perform “blind” tests by examining mechanically measured core, then comparing the visual and measured results. Sample periodic calibration charts are on our Documents & Publications page.

Don't mud loggers look at cuttings?

In general, mud loggers don’t have the time or equipment to describe the detailed rock attributes that we can give you.

What sort of report will I get?

We make our analyses and reporting fit your needs. A basic SEM analysis could include just a set of low and high-magnification photomicrographs. Most customers have us interpret and annotate the photos (SEM example report). Detailed optical reservoir rock analysis usually includes, at least, our data spreadsheet and graphical log.

A comprehensive report might also include maps, tables, charts, observations, interpretations, opinions, and optical and SEM photomicrographs. All of our reporting is available in both digital and printed formats.

What is Your Background and Experience?

We have specialized in detailed visual reservoir rock analyses since 1980. See About Us and Formations and Regions for more information.

How much will it cost?

Most of our projects come from repeat customers or referrals from them. We don’t know of any customer who was not satisfied that our work was worth what it cost them. A major oil company’s comparison of consultants credited the most production and reserves to our services.

Total project costs vary greatly due to sample type, rock type, interval size, and by how comprehensive the analyses and documentation are.Contact us today for a no-obligation estimate.