Mud Gas Isotope Analyses (MGIA)

Mud Gas Isotope Analyses (MGIA) is a gas fingerprinting technique that uses stable isotopiec analyses of mud stream gases to evaluate the composition of reservoired hydrocarbons.

MGIA has become crucial to pre-sampling well evaluations and reservoir compartment studies. In exploration wells, data are used to evaluate vertical communication between zones and to plan sampling programs. Formations that are likely not in communication can be more aggressively sampled to determine the range of fluid properties that may be produced to surface.

Carbon isotope analyses are necessary for this service because gas compositions measured by stable hydrogen and conventional mud loggers may be fractionated by the process of liberating the gas from the mud system. This is especially true in oil-based mud systems where significant gas is entrained in the mud stream. The stable carbon isotopes are not substantially fractionated by mud transport and the degassing process.

GeoMark offers MGIA on a rapid turnaround basis, collecting mud gas samples on the rig during drilling. Sampling is performed by the mud logger, resulting in little or no additional costs or lost rig time. The samples are transported to shore and sent to the lab for analyses. GeoMark's Lafayette laboratory operates on a 24-hour schedule, and Gulf of Mexico samples can be analyzed in near real time.

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For more information on our Gulf Coast Laboratory and our MGIA services, contact us.