The Petrophysics of Unconventional Reservoirs Training Course by Institute For Oil & Gas Training develops the technical expertise required to evaluate, characterise and optimise hydrocarbon resources in unconventional formations. As unconventional reservoir evaluation becomes increasingly important to exploration and development strategies, petrophysicists and reservoir professionals require advanced capabilities in shale gas petrophysics, tight oil characterization, organic matter analysis and the interpretation of complex pore systems.
Unconventional reservoirs present distinctive technical challenges compared with conventional sandstone and carbonate formations. Their low permeability, complex mineralogical composition, heterogeneous pore structures and variable organic content require specialised petrophysical approaches. Conventional evaluation techniques do not always provide reliable estimates of hydrocarbon storage, fluid distribution, producibility and reservoir quality in these formations. Accurate characterisation therefore depends on integrating geological information, well log measurements, laboratory core analysis and advanced interpretation techniques.
The course addresses the technical skills gap between conventional petrophysical evaluation and the specialised requirements of unconventional reservoir characterisation. It examines the physical and chemical properties that influence hydrocarbon storage and movement within shale, tight sandstone, tight carbonate and other low-permeability formations. Participants develop a structured understanding of unconventional formation properties, including total organic carbon, mineral composition, porosity, pore-size distribution, fluid saturation, permeability and geomechanical characteristics.
A central component of the programme is the relationship between organic matter and inorganic mineral structures. Organic-rich formations contain different pore types, including organic nanopores, interparticle pores, intraparticle pores and microfractures. These structures influence hydrocarbon adsorption, free-fluid storage, fluid mobility and production behaviour. Understanding their distribution and connectivity is essential for distinguishing productive intervals from formations with limited commercial potential.
The programme also examines the principles and practical applications of shale gas petrophysics. Participants explore how conventional wireline measurements, advanced logging technologies and laboratory measurements contribute to the evaluation of organic-rich formations. Particular attention is given to gamma ray, resistivity, density, neutron, sonic and nuclear magnetic resonance measurements, alongside specialised methods for evaluating organic-rich intervals and complex pore systems.
For tight oil and gas developments, the course examines the relationship between mineralogy, pore architecture, hydrocarbon saturation and reservoir deliverability. Participants investigate how tight oil characterization supports formation screening, reservoir quality assessment and the identification of intervals with favourable storage and production characteristics. The programme also addresses the limitations of conventional porosity and permeability measurements when applied to formations with extremely small pore throats and heterogeneous flow pathways.
Another important focus is the integration of laboratory and logging data. Unconventional reservoir evaluation requires a consistent interpretation of measurements obtained at different scales. Core descriptions, mineralogical analysis, total organic carbon measurements, scanning electron microscopy, mercury injection capillary pressure, gas adsorption and digital rock analysis provide complementary information. When integrated with wireline and logging-while-drilling data, these measurements support a more representative understanding of formation properties.
The course considers the operational implications of petrophysical uncertainty throughout the development lifecycle. Inaccurate formation evaluation affects reservoir models, completion design, well placement, production forecasting and investment decisions. Participants learn to identify data limitations, assess measurement quality and communicate uncertainty to multidisciplinary teams. This creates a stronger technical foundation for decisions involving exploration appraisal, development planning and production optimisation.
Delivered by Institute For Oil & Gas Training, the programme combines established petrophysical principles with specialised unconventional reservoir applications. It is designed for professionals working in exploration, reservoir engineering, formation evaluation, geoscience, drilling and production who need to strengthen their understanding of unconventional hydrocarbon systems.
By the end of the programme, participants possess a more integrated approach to evaluating unconventional formations, interpreting complex petrophysical measurements and translating technical findings into practical development recommendations. The emphasis remains on reliable data interpretation, reservoir characterisation and commercially relevant decision-making.
Explain the geological and petrophysical characteristics that distinguish unconventional reservoirs from conventional hydrocarbon formations.
Apply specialised principles of unconventional reservoir evaluation to shale gas, tight oil and other low-permeability formations.
Interpret unconventional formation properties, including mineral composition, organic content, porosity, permeability and fluid saturation.
Evaluate organic matter distribution and its influence on hydrocarbon storage and reservoir quality.
Understand the relationship between total organic carbon, thermal maturity and hydrocarbon generation potential.
Interpret gamma ray, resistivity, density, neutron and sonic measurements in unconventional formations.
Apply appropriate petrophysical approaches to shale gas petrophysics and tight oil characterization.
Assess complex pore systems and their influence on hydrocarbon storage, adsorption and fluid mobility.
Evaluate laboratory measurements used in unconventional core analysis and formation characterisation.
Integrate core analysis, mineralogical measurements and well log data into a consistent formation evaluation workflow.
Recognise the limitations of conventional porosity, permeability and water saturation models in unconventional formations.
Assess the contribution of advanced imaging and pore characterisation technologies to reservoir understanding.
Evaluate the influence of geomechanical properties on unconventional reservoir development.
Identify data quality issues and sources of uncertainty in petrophysical interpretation.
Communicate formation evaluation results effectively to multidisciplinary exploration and development teams.
Support reservoir screening, completion planning and development decisions through reliable petrophysical analysis.
Institute For Oil & Gas Training adopts an applied, industry-focused training methodology that connects petrophysical principles with the practical challenges of unconventional reservoir evaluation. The programme combines specialist technical presentations, practical interpretation exercises, industry case studies, group discussions and realistic formation evaluation scenarios to develop relevant technical knowledge and workplace capabilities.
The delivery approach reflects the multidisciplinary nature of unconventional reservoir development. Participants explore how geological observations, laboratory measurements, well logging information and reservoir engineering requirements contribute to a consistent understanding of formation properties. Emphasis is placed on interpreting technical data, recognising measurement limitations and applying appropriate evaluation methods to unconventional formations.
Specialist presentations introduce the fundamental principles of unconventional reservoir characterisation, including shale mineralogy, organic matter distribution, pore architecture, hydrocarbon storage mechanisms and petrophysical measurement techniques. Guided discussions examine the differences between conventional and unconventional evaluation workflows, helping participants understand the technical considerations involved in assessing low-permeability formations.
Participants examine representative logging datasets to understand the interpretation of gamma ray, resistivity, density, neutron and sonic measurements. The training explores how individual logging responses relate to formation composition, organic content, porosity and fluid properties. Particular attention is given to environmental corrections, data quality assessment and the limitations of conventional interpretation models in unconventional reservoirs.
Laboratory-focused case studies demonstrate how specialised measurements support unconventional formation evaluation. Participants explore total organic carbon analysis, mineralogical characterisation, gas adsorption, pore-size distribution and permeability measurements. They examine how laboratory results complement log-derived properties and support a more comprehensive understanding of unconventional reservoir characteristics.
Structured technical exercises introduce participants to the evaluation of unconventional formations using integrated geological, laboratory and logging datasets. Activities focus on identifying prospective intervals, assessing mineral composition, interpreting porosity and fluid saturation, and comparing reservoir quality indicators. Participants also examine how petrophysical uncertainty influences reservoir characterisation and development recommendations.
Collaborative exercises enable participants to examine formation evaluation challenges, compare interpretation approaches and communicate technical conclusions. These activities strengthen their ability to explain petrophysical findings to geologists, reservoir engineers, drilling specialists and asset management teams while developing a more integrated approach to subsurface problem-solving.
The programme incorporates realistic industry scenarios involving shale gas, tight oil and other low-permeability reservoirs. Participants investigate common interpretation challenges, including variable organic content, complex pore systems, mineralogical heterogeneity, uncertain water saturation and differences between laboratory and downhole measurements. These scenarios demonstrate the practical application of unconventional petrophysics in exploration, appraisal and development activities.
Through this blended methodology, Institute For Oil & Gas Training develops participants practical interpretation skills and strengthens their ability to apply unconventional petrophysical principles within organisational workflows. The approach also reinforces the importance of data reliability, technical validation and informed decision-making when evaluating complex unconventional formations.
Unconventional reservoir development involves significant technical and commercial commitments. Organisations require reliable formation evaluation to identify prospective intervals, understand reservoir heterogeneity and establish effective development strategies. The specialised knowledge developed through this course strengthens petrophysical decision-making across exploration, appraisal and production activities.
A stronger understanding of unconventional formation properties enables technical teams to distinguish prospective intervals from formations with limited hydrocarbon storage or production potential. Improved interpretation of organic content, mineralogy, porosity and fluid saturation supports more consistent reservoir screening, prospect ranking and appraisal decisions.
Integrating laboratory measurements with well log interpretation provides a clearer understanding of hydrocarbon storage mechanisms and pore architecture. Organisations benefit from more reliable reservoir property assessments and a better understanding of the limitations associated with different measurement techniques, supporting more representative reservoir characterisation.
Accurate petrophysical information supports target interval selection, well placement and completion planning. A detailed understanding of mineral composition, brittleness indicators, organic matter distribution and pore structure strengthens collaboration between petrophysicists, geologists, geomechanical specialists and drilling engineers, improving the technical basis of development decisions.
Unconventional formations contain significant geological and petrophysical variability. Structured evaluation methods help technical teams identify uncertain measurements, inconsistent datasets and inappropriate interpretation assumptions. This strengthens technical assurance, improves confidence in reservoir estimates and reduces the risk of development decisions based on unreliable subsurface information.
The programme strengthens the integration of core analysis, mineralogical testing, advanced imaging and downhole measurements. Organisations develop a more consistent approach to validating laboratory results against log-derived properties and incorporating representative measurements into static and dynamic reservoir models, improving the quality of subsurface data integration.
Accurate formation evaluation supports the prioritisation of laboratory testing, advanced logging and reservoir characterisation activities. Technical teams develop a clearer understanding of which measurements address specific subsurface uncertainties, enabling organisations to allocate analytical resources more effectively and focus technical investigations on the most relevant reservoir properties.
Petrophysical findings influence exploration, reservoir engineering, drilling, completion and production decisions. Improved technical understanding and communication enable departments to work with consistent reservoir descriptions, shared interpretation assumptions and a clearer appreciation of subsurface data limitations, strengthening integrated asset management.
Reliable formation evaluation supports the identification of geological and geomechanical conditions relevant to drilling and completion planning. A better understanding of unconventional formation properties contributes to more informed wellbore stability assessments, improved evaluation of operational constraints and stronger technical coordination throughout well development activities.
Robust unconventional reservoir characterisation improves the technical basis for comparing development opportunities. Organisations benefit from clearer reservoir quality assessments, better-supported production assumptions and more transparent communication of subsurface uncertainty, strengthening the quality of technical reviews and investment decisions.
Participants develop specialised professional capabilities that strengthen their contribution to unconventional oil and gas projects. The programme expands their understanding of the relationships between geology, organic matter, pore architecture, laboratory analysis and downhole measurements, enabling them to approach complex formation evaluation challenges with greater technical confidence.
Participants develop a deeper understanding of the principles governing unconventional reservoir behaviour. They strengthen their ability to distinguish between conventional and unconventional evaluation requirements, understand formation-specific challenges and select appropriate petrophysical approaches for shale gas, tight oil and other low-permeability formations.
The programme strengthens participants ability to interpret conventional and specialised logging measurements in organic-rich and low-permeability formations. They develop a better understanding of measurement limitations and learn to investigate how mineralogy, organic content, porosity and fluid properties influence logging responses, improving the reliability of their formation evaluation work.
Participants expand their understanding of core analysis, organic matter characterisation, pore-size distribution and mineralogical measurements. They become better equipped to evaluate laboratory reports, interpret analytical results and assess the relevance of different testing techniques to unconventional reservoir characterisation.
Practical exercises strengthen participants ability to identify inconsistent measurements, compare alternative interpretation methods and investigate sources of uncertainty. They develop a more structured approach to resolving complex formation evaluation problems and making technically supported recommendations based on available subsurface information.
Participants learn to present petrophysical findings in a clear and practical format that supports geological, engineering and operational decisions. They strengthen their ability to explain technical assumptions, communicate interpretation limitations, discuss uncertainty and contribute effectively to integrated reservoir studies and multidisciplinary project reviews.
The specialised knowledge gained through the course strengthens professional capabilities in unconventional reservoir evaluation, shale gas petrophysics and tight oil characterization. Participants expand their technical expertise and support their career development in petrophysics, reservoir engineering, formation evaluation, subsurface geoscience and unconventional resource development.
Participants develop a stronger understanding of how petrophysical findings influence reservoir screening, well placement, completion design and development planning. This enables them to contribute more effectively to technical assessments, subsurface reviews and investment-related discussions while providing recommendations grounded in reliable formation evaluation and integrated reservoir characterisation.
Petrophysicists: Strengthen specialised interpretation capabilities for shale, tight oil and other unconventional formations.
Senior Petrophysicists: Improve technical assurance, advanced data integration and unconventional evaluation workflows.
Reservoir Engineers: Develop a better understanding of pore architecture, fluid storage and petrophysical properties affecting reservoir performance.
Geologists and Petroleum Geologists: Connect mineralogical composition, organic matter and geological characteristics with reservoir quality.
Formation Evaluation Specialists: Improve the interpretation of conventional and advanced logging measurements in unconventional formations.
Geoscientists: Strengthen the integration of geological observations, laboratory measurements and subsurface datasets.
Exploration Engineers: Improve technical screening and assessment of unconventional hydrocarbon prospects.
Drilling Engineers: Understand formation properties and geomechanical indicators relevant to drilling and well placement decisions.
Completion Engineers: Improve understanding of mineralogy, formation heterogeneity and reservoir characteristics influencing completion strategies.
Core Analysis Specialists: Develop a stronger understanding of laboratory measurements and their application to unconventional reservoir characterisation.
Reservoir Characterisation Specialists: Integrate petrophysical, geological and laboratory information into representative reservoir descriptions.
Well Logging Engineers: Strengthen their understanding of log responses and interpretation challenges in unconventional formations.
Production Engineers: Understand how petrophysical properties influence hydrocarbon storage, fluid movement and production behaviour.
Subsurface Team Leaders: Improve oversight of integrated formation evaluation and technical decision-making.
Exploration and Development Managers: Strengthen their ability to assess the technical basis of unconventional reservoir development proposals.
Technical Consultants and Advisors: Expand specialist capabilities in unconventional formation evaluation and reservoir assessment.
This module establishes the geological and mineralogical foundation required for evaluating unconventional hydrocarbon formations. Participants examine the characteristics of shale, tight sandstone, tight carbonate and other low-permeability reservoirs, with particular attention to the relationship between depositional environments, mineral composition, organic richness and reservoir quality.
The module explores the influence of quartz, feldspar, carbonates, clay minerals and organic matter on unconventional formation properties. Participants investigate how mineralogical variations affect porosity, permeability, brittleness and fluid storage. The module also introduces the role of X-ray diffraction and other mineralogical techniques in identifying prospective intervals and supporting reservoir quality assessment.
Establishes methods for determining shale mineral characteristics using X-ray diffraction.
Specifies principles, equipment, materials and experimental conditions for mineral composition analysis.
Provides requirements for sample preparation and compositional assessment.
Supports the calculation of shale brittleness index using mineralogical information.
Provides a recognised technical reference for shale reservoir quality evaluation and sweet spot identification.
Differentiate between conventional and unconventional reservoir systems.
Identify the geological characteristics of shale, tight sandstone and tight carbonate formations.
Explain the influence of depositional environments on unconventional reservoir development.
Evaluate the contribution of quartz, feldspar, carbonate and clay minerals to reservoir properties.
Interpret mineralogical information obtained through X-ray diffraction.
Explain the relationship between organic richness, mineral composition and reservoir quality.
Understand the significance of brittleness indicators in unconventional formation evaluation.
Identify mineralogical characteristics associated with prospective unconventional intervals.
Relate geological heterogeneity to petrophysical interpretation challenges.
Establish a geological and mineralogical foundation for integrated reservoir characterisation.
This module examines the role of organic matter in unconventional hydrocarbon generation, storage and production. Participants explore how organic richness, thermal maturity and kerogen characteristics influence the petrophysical behaviour of shale formations. Particular emphasis is placed on total organic carbon analysis, source rock evaluation and the relationship between organic matter and hydrocarbon storage capacity.
The module develops specialised knowledge of shale gas petrophysics, including the interpretation of organic-rich intervals using conventional and advanced logging measurements. Participants investigate how organic matter influences density, resistivity, neutron and sonic responses. They also examine the distinction between free gas and adsorbed gas and how these storage mechanisms contribute to the evaluation of unconventional gas resources.
Provides a recognised framework for well integrity management throughout the well lifecycle.
Establishes principles for managing well integrity risks and associated technical responsibilities.
Supports consideration of well construction and operational conditions when interpreting downhole measurements.
Provides context for maintaining reliable well information throughout drilling and production activities.
Reinforces the importance of integrating technical evaluation with well lifecycle management.
Explain the role of organic matter in unconventional hydrocarbon systems.
Differentiate between organic richness, kerogen type and thermal maturity.
Interpret total organic carbon information in relation to shale reservoir quality.
Understand the principles of Rock-Eval pyrolysis and source rock characterisation.
Assess the relationship between organic matter and hydrocarbon generation potential.
Explain the distinction between free gas and adsorbed gas storage.
Evaluate the influence of organic matter on density and resistivity measurements.
Interpret selected well log responses in organic-rich formations.
Understand the limitations of conventional total organic carbon estimation techniques.
Integrate organic geochemical information into unconventional reservoir evaluation.
Identify the significance of organic porosity in shale gas formations.
Relate organic matter distribution to reservoir screening and development decisions.
This module focuses on the complex pore systems that characterise unconventional reservoirs. Participants examine the distribution and connectivity of organic pores, interparticle pores, intraparticle pores, microfractures and nanopores. The programme explains how pore architecture influences hydrocarbon storage, adsorption, fluid movement and the effective production potential of low-permeability formations.
Participants explore the limitations of conventional porosity and permeability measurements when applied to unconventional rocks. The module covers laboratory techniques for pore structure characterisation, including mercury intrusion porosimetry, gas adsorption, helium pycnometry, scanning electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. It also examines the relationship between pore-throat distribution, capillary behaviour and fluid accessibility.
Establishes a standard test method for determining pore volume and pore volume distribution in soil and rock using mercury intrusion porosimetry.
Addresses the measurement of pore volume in relation to apparent pore entrance diameter.
Provides a recognised laboratory procedure for investigating accessible pore structures.
Supports comparative evaluation of pore-size distribution in suitable rock specimens.
Requires consideration of measurement limitations, including the effects of high-pressure intrusion on pore geometry.
Identify the principal pore types found in unconventional formations.
Explain the relationship between pore architecture and hydrocarbon storage.
Differentiate between organic, interparticle and intraparticle porosity.
Evaluate the influence of nanopores and microfractures on fluid movement.
Explain the limitations of conventional porosity measurements in tight formations.
Understand the principles of helium pycnometry and gas adsorption.
Interpret pore-size distribution information obtained through mercury intrusion porosimetry.
Assess the contribution of scanning electron microscopy to pore structure analysis.
Explain the relationship between pore-throat size, capillary pressure and fluid accessibility.
Evaluate permeability challenges in formations with extremely low matrix permeability.
Understand the significance of pore connectivity in unconventional reservoir performance.
Integrate laboratory pore characterisation results into petrophysical interpretation.
This module develops the practical capabilities required to interpret well logging measurements in tight oil and other unconventional formations. Participants examine how gamma ray, resistivity, density, neutron, sonic and nuclear magnetic resonance logs contribute to the assessment of formation properties. The module also considers the effects of organic matter, clay content, mineralogical variability and fluid distribution on logging responses.
A major focus is tight oil characterization through the integration of petrophysical measurements and laboratory information. Participants explore formation evaluation workflows for identifying prospective intervals, estimating porosity and fluid saturation, and understanding reservoir heterogeneity. The module also considers the interpretation of geomechanical indicators and their contribution to the assessment of formation suitability for development.
Establishes standard test methods for determining compressive strength and elastic moduli of intact rock core specimens.
Provides laboratory procedures for evaluating mechanical properties of rock materials.
Supports the assessment of deformation and strength characteristics under specified testing conditions.
Provides useful mechanical property information for integrated reservoir and geomechanical studies.
Helps establish consistency when comparing laboratory rock mechanics measurements.
Interpret conventional well log measurements in unconventional formations.
Evaluate gamma ray responses in relation to shale content and mineralogical variation.
Analyse resistivity measurements and their relationship with hydrocarbon-bearing intervals.
Integrate density and neutron measurements to assess formation porosity.
Interpret sonic measurements and understand their contribution to formation characterisation.
Understand the applications of nuclear magnetic resonance logging in unconventional reservoirs.
Identify the influence of organic matter and clay minerals on log responses.
Evaluate the limitations of conventional water saturation models in tight formations.
Apply integrated petrophysical interpretation principles to tight oil characterization.
Assess reservoir heterogeneity using available logging and laboratory information.
Understand the contribution of rock mechanical properties to unconventional reservoir evaluation.
Identify prospective intervals through integrated log interpretation.
Communicate interpretation results and uncertainties to reservoir and development teams.
This module brings together the geological, mineralogical, organic geochemical, laboratory and logging principles covered throughout the programme. Participants examine how multiple sources of subsurface information contribute to a consistent unconventional reservoir evaluation workflow. The focus is on integrating core analysis, well log interpretation, pore structure characterisation and reservoir properties into practical technical assessments.
The module also explores how petrophysical results support reservoir modelling, prospect ranking, well placement and development planning. Participants examine the importance of data quality, measurement validation and uncertainty assessment when communicating unconventional reservoir properties. Practical case studies demonstrate how integrated petrophysical interpretation contributes to better-informed exploration and development decisions.
Establishes general requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of testing and calibration laboratories.
Provides a framework for laboratory quality management and technical competence.
Addresses the reliability and validity of laboratory testing and measurement results.
Supports appropriate equipment calibration, method validation and measurement traceability.
Provides a recognised reference for evaluating the quality of laboratory data used in reservoir characterisation.
Develop an integrated workflow for unconventional reservoir evaluation.
Combine geological, mineralogical, organic geochemical and petrophysical information.
Integrate laboratory core analysis with wireline and logging-while-drilling measurements.
Evaluate inconsistencies between laboratory-derived and log-derived reservoir properties.
Assess the reliability and limitations of unconventional formation datasets.
Apply data validation principles to laboratory and subsurface measurements.
Understand the contribution of petrophysical properties to static reservoir modelling.
Evaluate reservoir quality indicators for unconventional prospect ranking.
Identify and communicate key sources of uncertainty in formation evaluation.
Relate petrophysical findings to well placement and development planning.
Support multidisciplinary technical reviews with integrated reservoir characterisation.
Translate petrophysical results into commercially relevant exploration and development recommendations.
Upon successful completion of the Petrophysics of Unconventional Reservoirs Training Course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training. The certificate recognises their participation and achievement in developing specialised knowledge and practical capabilities in unconventional reservoir evaluation, shale gas petrophysics, tight oil characterization and advanced petrophysical interpretation.
Participants are required to maintain a minimum attendance of 80% of the total course duration to qualify for the Certificate of Completion.
Fees include tuition, course materials and refreshments. Need different dates or a different city? Ask about your preferred date.
The course examines the geological, mineralogical and petrophysical characteristics of unconventional hydrocarbon formations. It covers shale gas petrophysics, tight oil characterization, organic matter analysis, complex pore systems, porosity, permeability and advanced well log interpretation. Participants develop the technical capabilities required to evaluate unconventional reservoirs and support exploration and development decisions.
The programme is designed for petrophysicists, reservoir engineers, petroleum geologists, formation evaluation specialists, exploration engineers, drilling engineers, completion engineers and other subsurface professionals. It is also suitable for technical managers and specialists involved in unconventional reservoir appraisal and development.
The course examines several techniques used in unconventional formation evaluation, including:
Gamma ray, resistivity, density and neutron logging.
Sonic and nuclear magnetic resonance logging.
X-ray diffraction for mineralogical analysis.
Total organic carbon analysis and Rock-Eval pyrolysis.
Scanning electron microscopy for pore characterisation.
Mercury intrusion porosimetry.
Gas adsorption and helium pycnometry.
Laboratory porosity and permeability evaluation.
Institute For Oil & Gas Training delivers the programme through specialist presentations, practical interpretation exercises, technical case studies, group discussions and realistic industry scenarios. Participants work with representative geological, laboratory and well logging information to understand the challenges of unconventional reservoir evaluation.
Yes. Attendees receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training upon successfully finishing the course. Participants are required to meet the course attendance requirement of at least 80% to qualify for the certificate.
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Next: 23 Nov 2026
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