Kirk Petrophysics Limited

Unit 1b Henley Park

Normandy
Guildford
Surrey
GU3 2DX
UK
Tel +44 (0)1483 235183
Fax +44 (0)1483 236779

CORE AND SAMPLE TRANSFER AND STORAGE

PROTOCOL

Document: KP/Proposal/08/02/2010

VERSION 2.0
8TH FEBRUARY 2010
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

OVERVIEW OF RESERVOIR GROUP CORE SERVICES

RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES FOR THE PACKING AND TRANSFER OF THE BGS DATASET
STAGE 1 – REMOVAL FROM CURRENT LOCATION AND “FITTING TOGETHER”
STAGE 2 – OPTION; CORE PHOTOGRAPHY
STAGE 3 – USE OF CORE BAGS AND VACUUM SEALING
STAGE 4 – PREPARATION FOR TRANSIT
STAGE 5 – LOAD AND TRANSFER
STAGE 6 – UNLOAD AND STORE

SUMMARY

APPENDIX A – ESTIMATED COSTS

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
There exists the possibility that as a result of the intended closure of the BGS Core Store at Gilmerton, Edinburgh
all core material will be transferred to the BGS Core Store at Keyworth, Nottingham – a distance of
approximately 290 miles.

Any movement of core material has the potential to cause physical damage to the core – whether visibly
apparent or not. However, there are various procedures and techniques that may be employed to limit damage
to an acceptable level.

The following procedures and recommendations are those routinely employed by Reservoir Group Core
Services, the collective name of Kirk Petrophysics and Storecore, specialists in the handling, storage and analysis
of core. It is critical that adequate handling procedures are employed – failure to do so limits the accuracy of
core data. The economic impact of erroneous analysis can be massive, especially when the consequences of
inferior or inadequate data are not fully realized. Kirk Petrophysics and Storecore have invested considerable
resources into developing a range of methods and products to protect core and sample integrity - from handling
at the wellsite through transport to final long term storage.

Storecore has also gained significant experience in managing large scale transfers of core material by road and
air. Nearing completion is the relocation of all stored materials from the original Storecore facility to the new
Core Services facility in Guildford – a similar operation in scope to the proposed Gilmerton transfer.

In addition Storecore takes an active role in managing core and sample condition once in storage and has
developed a range of methods to preserve the condition of sample material – from surface stabilisation
techniques to innovative core containers.

This document outlines the recommended procedures for handling, transporting and storing core material that
may be applied to the proposed transfer of the BGS data set. As appendix A a cost estimate for the provision of
these methods is provided.

CONTACTS
The principal contact in connection with this document is:
Name: Chris Holmes
E-mail: chris.holmes@storecore.co.uk
Telephone: +44 1483 235183
Mobile: +44 7919 046 083
Fax: +44 1483 236779

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OVERVIEW OF RESERVOIR GROUP CORE SERVICES

INTRODUCTION

The merger in 2008 of Kirk Petrophysics and Storecore forms the new “Core Services” division of Reservoir
Group, an emerging global leader in down-hole tools, technologies and associated sub-surface services.

KIRK PETROPHYSICS was incorporated in 1992 and since then has focused on providing reliable wellsite core
handling services and third party quality control. Unique and innovative solutions derived from a commitment
to research and development have been introduced to respond to the demands of the oil & gas industry.

STORECORE was formed in 1996 and prior to merging with Kirk Petrophysics had developed a high level of
expertise in many geological fields from core analysis to core and sample storage.

The integration of services available from Kirk Petrophysics and Storecore to form the Reservoir Group Core
Services Division allows the provision of flexible, innovative and efficient solutions from core acquisition to final
archive storage.

Reservoir
Group

Corpro InfoAsset Omega Reservoir Dowdco Extreme

Systems Data Group Core Machining
Services

Kirk Storecore
Petrophysics

Note: Elements in green identify the entities directly involved in providing the services described

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Wellsite/Rig Analysis – Hot Shot

1. Consultancy and Project Management 1. Consultancy and Project Management
2. Sample Acquisition and Preservation: 2. Porosity/Permeability
Core/SWC, Cuttings, Mud and Fluids, 3. Biostratigraphy
Plugs – Lithotarge, Lithofreeze, 4. Chemostratigraphy
Lithoseal
3. Data Acquisition: Core Gamma logging,
Photography, Routine Core Analysis,
Tracer Analysis – Xtrem UV, Lithocore,
Lithoscan, Litholight Supplementary Processing/Analysis
4. Sample Transfer and Management – 1. Programme Design and Management
Lithotrack, iAsset 2. Special Core Analysis (SCAL)
3. Geochemistry
4. Biostratigraphy
Core Processing/Analysis 5. Chemostratigraphy
1. Programme Design and Management 6. Digital Core Analysis (Fast turnaround
2. Core Gamma Logging RCA and SCAL)
3. CT Scan (Core and Plugs) 7. Interpretation and integration with
4. Core Plugging other analyses
5. Core Slabbing 8. Quality Control of third party data
6. Archive Core -Tray Resination / Perspex
Cover
7. Core Photo – White Light and UV (Inc
360° Panoramic, Macro, Xtrem UV) Sedimentology
8. Routine Core Analysis (RCA) - 1. Programme Design and Management
Porosity/Permeability/Grain Density 2. Core Logging
9. Tracer Analysis 3. Borehole Imaging
10. Quality Control of third party data 4. Interpretation and integration with
other analyses

Petrography
1. Programme Design and Management
2. Thin Section Preparation and
Description
3. X-Ray Diffraction
4. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
5. Particle Size Analysis (LPSA/Sieve
Analysis)
6. Interpretation and integration with
other analyses

Storage
1. Data Management
a. Maintenance – Ensures preservation of
value and quality of derived data
b. Data Access (iAsset) – Efficient and secure
sharing of data
c. Legislation (DECC) – Legal requirements
met
2. Sampling/Sample transfer – Management of
material - tracking
3. Viewing/Workshops – For Partners, further
analysis, correlation with other wells, planning
Supporting Analyses
1. IR Spectroscopy – Mineral mapping
2. Scratch test – UCS –rock mechanics
3. Schmidt Hammer – UCS – rock mechanics
4. 3D Goniometry – Structural analysis
5. Portable XRF – Elemental analysis
6. Mini-Probe permeametry – Quick
permeability data
7. Heavy Oil analysis – Bitumen Extraction
8. Consultancy, Interpretation and
integration with other analyses

Chart illustrating the products and services available through Core Services and how they are linked

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Head office, laboratory and storage facilities are based in Guildford, Surrey, UK. An additional storage facility
was opened in November 2008 in Aberdeen, Scotland, UK to provide an operational office to answer the
demand for UK North Sea operations. More recently a storage and laboratory facility has been established in
Madagascar to support an extensive drilling campaign. In addition supply bases have been established
worldwide; Africa, Gabon, Congo, Angola and Tunisia...

Services available can be divided into four areas:

1. Wellsite services including Coring Supervision and Core Stabilisation

2. Core Handling and Processing (pre and post-core analysis)

3. Geological services including Routine Core Analysis and SCAL

4. Storage, Sample Maintenance and Data Management

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RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES FOR THE PACKING AND TRANSFER OF THE BGS

DATASET
OVERVIEW

The core material is currently stored in the following manner:

• All core sections are generally 1m or 3’ in length and are “slabbed sections” – i.e. a core slice taken
along the long axis of the core.
• All core is “unwrapped”. Any wrapping is routinely removed on arrival at the Gilmerton site to allow
direct access to the core for sampling etc.
• A variety of cardboard boxes are used to store the core which may hold between one and three core
lengths per box.
• Boxes are stored in bays and are not palletised

The following procedures therefore have three main purposes:

1. To stabilise the core during transit – primary importance is given to restricting movement of the core
within each box to prevent core pieces becoming displaced.
2. To protect the core during transit – primary importance is given to limiting any physical damage to the
core, whether through crushing, shock loading or abrasive action of one core piece against another.
3. To protect the core during final long term storage – primary importance is given to limiting degradation
of the core by weathering

An additional option of Core Photography is included. As each section of core will need to be handled as part of
the preparation for safe transit this would represent an opportunity to conduct the photography with a lower
cost implication. Similarly a bar-coding system may be implemented during the transfer process to provide
more efficient Data Management in the long term – although this option is mentioned, implementation of such
a system is beyond the scope of this document.

Left: Unwrapped core is free to

move in the core box during
transit with the possibility of
sections becoming displaced or
damaged.

Right: Unwrapped core open to

the atmosphere decays at a
faster rate than wrapped core

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CHART ILLUSTRATING THE PROPOSED PROCEDURE FOR CORE TRANSFER

Boxed core stored in bays within

Gilmerton Core Store

Fit together core onto temporary Transfer to photography rig if new

plastic cradle – arrange sampling digital photographs required
cards so they are visible and orient
any misplaced core pieces (Existing
core photographs if available may
be used to assist) Perform high resolution White Light
photography

Slide core into foil core bag with

clear viewing panel – remove the
plastic core cradle and vacuum seal
the core bag

Return core to original core box and

stack on designated pallet

Once pallet is at recommended

capacity apply pallet wrap and
binding to secure pallet contents –
apply pallet identification number

Load pallet onto articulated lorry

using “Transfer Pallet” if required.
One pallet per consignment to be
fixed with Lithotrack monitoring
device

Transfer by road to Keyworth facility

– unload on arrival, visual check of
each pallet for damage and
download and analysis of Lithotrack
data

Re-install into storage as required

leaving the core in the core bags to
provide ongoing protection

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STAGE 1 – REMOVAL FROM CURRENT LOCATION AND “FITTING TOGETHER”

Before any core boxes are moved it would be necessary to determine the method of tracking all movements of
the core with respect to location. If a bar coding system is employed this could be a relatively straightforward
process of assigning a pallet number to each core box and re-assigning with a bay number when the core is
placed into storage at the Keyworth facility. If such a system is not employed (as is the case) the new location of
each box at each stage would need to be updated in the existing database manually or by using hard copy check
lists. The transfer would present an ideal opportunity to adopt a bar-coding system. Storecore has
implemented a bar-coding system during the recent move to the new Core Services facility. Each item (box) has
a unique barcode, as does each pallet and each storage bay. Managing the storage and tracking of material
therefore becomes a simple and efficient process. A more detailed overview of a suitable system is beyond the
scope of this document, however Storecore would be able to provide further details as required.

Once retrieved from storage each box would be taken in turn and carefully opened to reveal the core sections
which would then be “fitted together”. The term “fitting together” refers to the process of assembling and
aligning all core pieces into their original position. Core photographs may be used if available to assist with this
process which may be made more difficult for heavily sampled sections of core. During this process Storecore
would routinely conduct a condition assessment of the core. The database may then be updated with this
information enabling the scheduling of maintenance as required if not conducted immediately. It is proposed
that the core be assembled using plastic core cradles to support the core. Core cradles are essentially 1m long
sections of plastic half-pipe that allow core sections to be assembled and moved easily and safely.

STAGE 2 - CORE PHOTOGRAPHY

It has been proposed that the opportunity to re-photograph the core be taken as
part of the transfer process as each core section will need to be handled to prepare
it for transfer. Conventional core photography is not a rapid process, however Kirk
Petrophysics has developed a self contained portable photography unit designed for
use at the wellsite. Use of this system may prevent delays in the transfer process. If
the system is adopted the core while still in the core cradle would be loaded into the
photography unit immediately after fitting together. The core surface would be
gently cleaned if required before high resolution white light images are taken. It is
unlikely UV images would be of value, especially of older core as the core has been
stored effectively open to the atmosphere with the likelihood that hydrocarbons
would have evaporated.

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Example White Light core photograph

STAGE 3 – USE OF CORE BAGS AND VACUUM SEALING

As previously mentioned the key objectives in preparing the core for transport and long term storage are to
stabilise the core during transit, protect the core from abrasion damage and to limit degradation by weathering.
The Kirk Petrophysics designed foil core bag when combined with a vacuum seal provides an economical
solution to all three.

The core still on the core cradle is carefully inserted into an appropriate sized core bag (various sizes are made
to accommodate different diameters of core). The core is oriented so the slabbed face may be viewed through
the clear polythene window built into the bag. This allows the core to be viewed without removing the core

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from the bag or releasing the vacuum. If the core is to be sampled, the
bag may simply be opened and the core removed. Once sampling is
complete the core may be returned to the bag and the bag re-sealed.
Sufficient length is built into each bag to allow opening and re-sealing
several times before a new bag is required. The vacuum may be
modulated on an individual basis to provide a sufficient vacuum to
effectively hold the core together and restrict movement without
altering the fabric of poorly consolidated lithologies.

Example of core bag (prior to vacuum

sealing)

STAGE 4 – PREPARATION FOR TRANSIT

Following Stage 3 the core section is returned to its original box. If the box condition has deteriorated to a level
where protection of the core is compromised it should be replaced.

Storecore uses corrugated plastic core boxes due their increased working life and low cost but has recently
designed a new, rigid plastic core box that provides enhanced protection with a long term cost benefit. This box
is currently being used for the project in Madagascar with great success.

Once all core sections have been returned to the box, the box should be sealed with armoured tape. Tape
should be applied at the mid-point of the long axis of the box and should completely encircle the box. Similarly
tape should be applied 1/3 and 2/3 along the long axis. Often overlooked this procedure is critical in ensuring
the box when stacked on a pallet or in a bay does not collapse. Once taped each box is stacked on a pallet. It is
preferable if possible to alternate the orientation of layers of boxes to prevent unnecessary movement in
transit. The capacity of each pallet is determined by the type and size of the core box as well as the weight of
the core within each box. Cardboard core boxes are only able to withstand loading forces acting vertically.
Overloading a pallet may cause failure of boxes at the base of the pallet. Once the rigidity of boxes is
compromised, stability of the overlying boxes is reduced which in turn leads to shear forces being generated
across the pallet which can cause further box failure and core damage.

Once the pallet is at the required capacity it should

be securely and tightly bound with pallet wrapping.
This is essentially a high strength cling film that when
applied correctly serves a number of purposes. The
film effectively forms a two way barrier against dust
and moisture. It also provides a stabilising effect,
helping to restrict lateral movement of boxes during
transit. It is especially useful when preparing for
transit pallets containing numerous small boxes.
Once wrapped the pallet is further secured with high
strength pallet banding. Edge protectors may also
be used to protect boxes against damage from the
banding itself. Banding is applied and tensioned
such that the pallet is fully stabilised but not to the
point where boxes may be damaged.
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Once securely banded a unique pallet label should be applied to allow identification of pallet and therefore
contents. This would be incorporated into the data management aspect of the transfer and possibly linked to
the adoption of a bar-coding system as previously discussed.

STAGE 5 – LOAD AND TRANSFER

Once prepared as described above pallets may be considered ready for transit. Pallets may be carefully loaded
directly onto an articulated lorry, paying particular attention to limiting shock loading. It is recommended that
loading be performed using a forklift truck rather than a tailift and pallet truck as the former generates less
shock loading. (tests performed by Kirk Petrophysics has confirmed this)

An additional method of limiting damage caused by vibration during road transport is use of the Transfer Pallet.
This is a normal sized pallet fitted with shock absorbing feet that help to reduce the transmission of vibration
from the road to the core. The pallet holding the core is loaded directly onto the transfer pallet which can
remain in the articulated lorry for subsequent trips.

Storecore routinely use a Lithotrack device for monitoring core transport.

The Lithotrack device records a variety of physical parameters such as
shock loading/g, temperature etc. It is proposed one Lithotrack unit be
attached to each consignment. The Lithotrack serves three purposes. If all
personnel involved in transferring the core are informed that a Lithotrack is
monitoring the transfer it becomes a valuable deterrent for inappropriate
handling. Secondly, the data the unit provides may be valuable when
assessing potential damage to core. Finally, the unit may be used to assess
the proposed journey by way of a trial to identify maximum likely exposure
to shock loading etc. Core protection methods may then be matched to
the protection required for that particular journey. In this way Storecore
has developed the above procedures for safe transport of core by road Example outputs of Lithotrack
haulage.

STAGE 6 – UNLOAD AND STORE

Unloading is conducted in the same way as loading – with care being taken to avoid shock loading. The
Lithotrack is retrieved and the data downloaded for review. As each pallet is unloaded it is checked visually for
damage, paying particular attention to the condition of boxes at the base and corners of the pallet as these are
most susceptible to damage. Any boxes that show signs of deterioration should be identified and replaced at
the earliest opportunity.

As part of the data management process each pallet would be assigned a new location as required. It is
Storecore policy to also update the storage database with an assessment of the core/box condition if this has
changed during transfer. Final unloading of each box and storage would be conducted as required depending
on the storage system employed.

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It is recommended that core is left in the core bags to provide enhanced protection whilst in storage. As
discussed previously the clear viewing panel built into the core bags used allows core inspection prior to any
sampling. If bags are required to be opened to allow direct access to the core for sampling, the bags should be
re-sealed once the core is replaced. Any core at surface exists in a temperature and pressure regime different
to that at which lithification occurred, hence it will be unstable and liable to decay. However, the process of
decay may be slowed considerably by protecting the core from air circulation and moisture. The core bags,
especially when combined with vacuum sealing provide as near a protective environment as possible.

SUMMARY

The above procedures and techniques have been developed by Storecore and Kirk Petrophysics and are based
on many years experience of handling, protecting, storing and analysing core. The value of core may be
considered directly proportional to its condition – therefore every step should taken to ensure its condition is
maintained as far as possible. Once damage has occurred it is impossible to rectify in many cases.

Further options exist for Core Maintenance including surface cleaning and stabilisation etc. Though not
necessary for the safe transfer of core material it may be advisable to review the benefit and implementation of
these options as part of the transfer process. Further details are available on request.

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APPENDICES

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Appendix A – Estimated costs

Following is a cost estimate based on figures provided.

Costs associated with preparing core boxes and pallets for transfer:

Materials Number
Estimated cost
Estimated cost; pallet, of trips
Estimated Number Cost to for transfer
Dimensions (cm) number per wrapping required
number pallets palletise (Edinburgh to
pallets and binding to
Nottingham)
Box type materials transfer
Tray 52 x 42 x 9 16971 32 530 11269.80 4773.09 20.40 13258.59
Small card box 102 x 12 x 11 13300 48 277 5888.02 2493.75 10.66 6927.08
Large card box 102 x 16 x 13 142139 30 4738 100681.79 42641.70 182.23 118449.17
172410 5545 117839.62 49908.54 213.28 138634.84

Costs associated with core preparation:

Cost to
install into
Number of Cost to
foil bag with
core lengths vacuum
viewing
(est) seal
window (Inc
Item bag)
Scenario 1 - 2 core lengths per box 252000 2394000 598500
Scenario 2 - quoted "1 million feet of core" 333000 3163500 790875
Scenario 3 - 3 core lengths per box 378000 3591000 897750

Transfer Pallet costs:

Number Cost per

Item required pallet Total cost
Provision of "Transfer Pallet" 104 115 11960

Total Project Costs:

Total Project cost - minimum 3364164.10

Total Project cost - maximum 4860414.10
Total Project cost - based on "1 million feet of core" 4326039.10

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ASSUMPTIONS/EXCLUSIONS

1. The number of pallets for transfer is calculated using a standard Euro pallet (1.2m x 1.0m) with a
maximum recommended stack height dependent on the box type in question. For the Tray type box
this would be 8, for the small card box 6 and for the large card box 5.

2. The cost to palletise is based on removing items from their current storage bays and packing the
required number of boxes onto a Euro pallet before wrapping with high grade pallet wrap and binding
with pallet strapping to prevent movement in transit.

3. The number of trips required to complete the transfer is based on the average capacity of an articulated
lorry being 26 pallets. It should be noted pallets should not be double stacked.

4. The cost for Lithotrack analysis is based on monitoring each trip with 1 Lithotrack device and provision
of reporting.

5. Core Protection - scenario 1,2 and 3 provide costings based on the number of lengths of core stored in
each box. Scenario 2 covers the oft quoted "1 million feet of core stored at Gilmerton"

6. Provision of "Transfer pallet", total number based on 4 articulated lorries providing a shuttle service (so
4 x 26 Transfer Pallets required). The transfer pallets are fitted with shock absorbing feet to limit road
vibration transferred to the core.

7. Data Management is not included - this would involve actively managing the transfer on an item level,
whether each item is checked against the main database as it is removed from store and palletised etc.
The same process would need to be applied on arrival at Keyworth (Depending on BGS data
management procedures)

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