Libra Rocks establishes a partnership between the consortium and the University of Brasília (UnB), the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), and the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUC-RS).
Libra Rocks establishes a partnership between the consortium and the University of Brasília (UnB), the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), and the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUC-RS).
‘Libra Rocks has the potential to reduce uncertainties in the production curve, increase efficiency in reservoir management, optimise the location of new wells, and improve knowledge about the timing of CO2 entry and oil loading in the reservoir,’ said Bruno Moczydlower, executive manager of Libra.
Among innovations, the use of artificial intelligence stands out for the development of algorithms capable of automating the processing of geological data. The technology will allow the construction of detailed models of the carbonate rocks in the Libra area.
The initiative aims to study the origin, composition, structure, and transformation of the rocks to understand characteristics such as the distribution of pores (empty spaces) and permeability (the ability to allow the passage of fluids). Furthermore, it aims to increase knowledge about the geological evolution related to the opening of the South Atlantic, resulting from the separation between Brazil and Africa.
Another highlight is the ‘Digital Rock,’ which involves using ultra-high-resolution images to create 3D replicas of rock samples, expanding the ability to characterise oil reservoir rocks.
The reservoir of this field is among the most studied in Brazil due to its productive potential and technological challenges. Located at depths ranging from 5000 to 6000 m below sea level, and in water depths of 1800 to 2000 m, it stands out for its unique conditions, such as high salinity and high CO2 content, said Petrobras. Its formation is mainly composed of carbonate rocks originating approximately 125 to 113 million years ago. These rocks exhibit high porosity and good permeability, characteristics that favour the storage and flow of oil, it added.
‘These particularities reinforce the importance of deepening studies on the rock characteristics of the region to optimise production,’ said Petrobras. ‘Furthermore, the results can generate geological knowledge with the potential to be applied in other fields of the pre-salt section of the Santos and Campos basins.’
Operations in the Mero unitised field are conducted by a consortium operated by Petrobras in partnership with Shell Brasil, TotalEnergies, CNPC, CNOOC, and Pré-Sal Petróleo SA (PPSA) as the contract manager and representative of the Brazilian government in the non-contracted area.
