New paper in Geology, on clues on deformation mechanisms in the Groningen gas reservoir sandstone

Dr. Bart Verberne and co-workers at Utrecht University sought evidence for gas production-caused, permanent compaction in drill core from the Groningen gas reservoir sandstone. This research involved a multi-disciplinary approach involving lab work in the ESL and elaborate microstructural analyses in the MINT facility. Read all about their findings in their paper, or in the UU press release. 

Figure from Verberne et al., 2020, showing the microstructure of the Groningen gas reservoir sandstone.

Full paper citation: Berend A. Verberne, Suzanne J.T. Hangx, Ronald P.J. Pijnenburg, Maartje F. Hamers, Martyn R. Drury, Christopher J. Spiers; Drill core from seismically active sandstone gas reservoir yields clues to internal deformation mechanisms. Geology doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G48243.1

Facility access: Call open in February 2021

EPOS-NL arranges financial, technical and scientific support for access to external researchers who want to make use of EPOS-NL lab facilities. From mid-February to late March 2021, a call will be open for remote access to the High Pressure and Temperature lab of the ESL (UU) and the MINT imaging facility (UU and TU Delft). Remote access implies that researchers (you) can send us samples for analysis on the basis of remotely provided instructions.

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Geological model of Groningen gas reservoir now open access

DeepNL researchers recently indicated a need for geological information on the Groningen gas reservoir. In response, the field producer, the Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij (NAM) has agreed to openly distribute their Petrel geological model via EPOS-NL.The model includes 3D formation horizons and fault maps, well data (porosity/permeability/water saturation) and seismic data, all loaded in a Petrel environment. Both NAM and EPOS-NL are very interested in who will use the model, so if you plan on using it – do let us know (info@epos-nl.nl). In addition, EPOS-NL is currently building a support structure for less experienced Petrel users, led by Dr. Fred Beekman.
The model can be accessed at the Yoda data center of Utrecht University. 

3D map of faults in the Groningen gas reservoir and representative seismic data.

EPOS-NL on Landscape for Research Infrastructure

Good news!

NWO has decided to include EPOS-NL on the Landscape for large-scale research infrastructures. Research infrastructures on the Landscape are eligible to be placed on the Roadmap, which will be decided in early 2021. When on the Roadmap, EPOS-NL can apply for funding for a second phase. 

Large-scale Research Infrastructures included on the NWO Landscape