Evaluation of the role of dolomitization and anhydrite cementation on mechanical behavior in Kangan carbonates (Case study: South Pars gas field, Persian Gulf)

Diagenetic processes in carbonate rocks can be considered as one of the most important factors influencing the inherent characteristics of this type of reservoir on a small as well as large scale. Considering the importance of knowing the mechanical characteristics of reservoir rocks in geomechanical modeling and its application in the exploitation and development of hydrocarbon fields, it is necessary to find out how lithological characteristics affect its rock mechanical behavior. In this study, the impact of two diagenetic processes (Dolomitization and Anhydrite cement) on the physical and mechanical characteristics (such as Uniaxial Compressive Strength, Young’s modulus, Cohesion, and Internal friction angle) of carbonate reservoirs of the Kangan Formation, are addressed. The evaluations have been done in two phases: i.e., lithological studies and rock mechanical tests. The results show that changes in mechanical properties are strongly influenced by diagenetic processes. The two main influential features on mechanical characteristics are dolomitization and anhydrite cementation, which strongly affect porosity, dominant pore type, and mineralogy. The results show that dolomitization in the studied samples has caused an increase in porosity and a decrease in strength and elasticity. While the presence of anhydrite has caused an improvement in the resistance characteristics with an opposite effect.