In-situ thermal conductivity estimates in the Western Niger Delta sediments derived from geophysical logs.

Abstract

An estimate of thermal conductivity was carried out in 21 well-spaced petroleum wells in the western Niger Delta using sonic and continuous temperature logs. The temperature logs were measured after the wells had attained thermal equilibrium as a result of drilling activities. Regional thermal conductivity varies from 1.1Wm^{-1 0}C^-1 to 6.2 Wm^{-1 0}C^-1, with an average of 3.1Wm^{-1 0}C^-1. The North-Central part of the studied area is characterized by high thermal conductivity and this decreases towards the North-East and seawards. The values are lowest around the sea with an average of 1.43Wm^{-1 0}C^-1. Our method of direct computation is in agreement with previous works and are also comparable to those of other passive continental margins in the world.

Journal of the Nigerian Association of Mathematical Physics Vol. 9 2005: pp. 425-430