Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Sandton (South Africa)'

This research was aimed at employing the broad use of petrophysical analysis and reservoir modelling techniques to explore the petroleum resources in the sandstone units of deep marine play in the Bredasdorp Basin.

The reservoir quality (RQ) of well E-BA1 was characterized using thin sections and core samples in a petrographic study. Well E-BA1 is situated in the Bredasdorp Basin, which forms part of the Outeniqua Basin situated in the Southern Afircan offshore region. Rifting as a result of the break up of Gondwanaland formed the Outeniqua Basin. The Bredasorp Basin is characterized by half-graben structures comprised of Upper Jurassic, Lower Cretaceous and Cenozoic rift to drift strata. The current research within the thesis has indicated that well E-BA1 is one of moderate to good quality having a gas-condensate component.

As part of a development programme in the Moretele II District, the Government of the Republic of Bophuthatswana, commissioned in 1983 the building of a dry system coal-fired power station. The lack of local surface water to cool the power station resulted in a decision to investigate the potential of the ground water resources. The resources will be required to supply an anticipated 30 year water demand. Because of the high capital investment and the importance of establishing an accurate assessement of the ground water potential there was a need for a comprehensive and detailed hydrogeological study. The specific aim of the investigation is to assess and quantify the long term reliability of the ground water resources. The very limited data for the area necessitated a particularly thorough and detailed investigation. This thesis describes the hydrogeological investigation carried out to define the ground water resource potential of this area. The main objectives of the study are to identify, recognize and evaluate the hydrogeological processes operating on this previously ill-defined Karoo aquifer. To achieve the research objectives the hydrogeological investigation was formulated to make use of various traditional geological, hydrogeological, geophysical and hydrochemical techniques in a logical framework. More specifically, the work involved a hydrocensus, a geophysical survey, the drilling of exploratory boreholes, aquifer tests to determine the intrinsic hydraulic parameters, water level measurements and the collection and analysis of water samples. The combined results of these various techniques provided data to quantify, evaluate and then propose management strategies for the identified resources. The study provided an understanding of the local hydrogeological conditions and has allowed for a conceptual model of the aquifer system to be derived

Masters of Science
The Bredasdorp basin is situated off the south coast of the Republic of South Africa, southeast of Cape Town and west-south-west of Port Elizabeth. It covers approximately 18,000 sq. km beneath the Indian Ocean along the southern coast of South Africa, which is in the southwest of Mosselbay. Bredasdorp basin contains South Africa’s only oil and gas production facilities and has been the main focus for oil and gas exploration in South Africa. It is one of the largest hydrocarbon producing block in South Africa, rich in gas and oil prone marine source rocks of kimmeridgian to berriasian age. The wells of interest for this study are located within block 9 which is made up of 13 wells but for this study the focus is only on 3 wells, which are well F-01,F-02 and F-03. The goal of this study is to predict as accurately as possible the areas within and around the sandstone reservoir intervals of these wells with abnormal pressure, using well logs and production test data. Abnormal pore pressure which is a major problem for drillers in the oil industry can cause serious drilling incidents and increase greatly drilling non-production time if the abnormal pressures are not predicted accurately before and while drilling. Petrophysics log analysis was done to evaluate the reservoirs. The intervals of the reservoir are the area of interest.Pore pressure gradient, fracture gradient, pore pressure and fracture pressure model were run. Pressures of about 6078.8psi were predicted around the zone of interest in well F-01, 7861 psi for well F-02 and 8330psi for well F-03. Well F-03 was the most pressured of the three wells. Abnormal pressures were identified mostly at zones above and below the area of interest and predicted pressure values were compared to actual pressure values to check for accuracy.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Habitat fragmentation through the loss and modification of natural ecosystems poses a serious threat to biodiversity globally. Mechanisms and ecological implications of fragmentation have been extensively studied, yet new and meaningful insights continue to be produced. The highly diverse and ecologically complex fynbos shrubland communities that occur in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa are amongst the most threatened by habitat fragmentation by urban, agricultural and silvicultural land uses and to the spread of invasive alien plants. Fynbos vegetation communities are fire-adapted and exploit the post-fire regeneration niche. Natural stochasticity in the fire regime means that these communities are temporally unstable; a factor that allows for the coexistence of such extreme diversity. Few studies have attempted to assess the influence of habitat fragmentation on this stochasticity, or to investigate the response of biological communities to the conditions that result. It is unknown whether this temporal instability will lead to delayed extinctions in fragmented communities, thus generating extinction debt. South Outeniqua Sandstone Fynbos occurs as a unique landscape mosaic of both insular and extensive habitats, suited to study through an island biogeography framework. Vegetation community stability was assessed through the comparison of historic and recent data sets. The responses of local vegetation and avifaunal communities to habitat fragmentation were assessed and compared on the basis of their differing motility. The unique habitat configurations also allowed for the investigation of extinction debt in the local communities and provided an opportunity to assess the influence of the surrounding matrix on species persistence and on connectivity in the artificial fragments. Data were analysed through simple regression analyses, modified Chi-squared tests and through ordination analyses. Ultimately the value of the artificial habitat fragments for the conservation of biological communities was assessed. Stability was observed in the vegetation species-area relationship for the natural islands and the mainland sites over twenty-two years. Smaller islands were found to receive fewer fires than large islands and the mainland. This consistently over-extended fire-return interval reduces the stochasticity of the local fire regime causing stable yet depauperate vegetation communities to result. Vegetation communities in the artificial fragments were found to hold area-related extinction debt, possibly due to the relatively long-term demographic turnover that typically occurs in fynbos. Avifaunal communities varied in their response to fragmentation relative to the vegetation. Birds – being motile – were found to be unaffected by isolation distance or surrounding matrix type – their response due more to changes experienced in the vegetation community than to geographic constraints. Fynbos-typical birds responded to the post-fire age of vegetation. Frugivorous birds and the matrix-habitat edge were identified as sources of alien and non-fynbos plant species that colonise the artificial fragments, potentially reducing the quality of these habitats for avifauna. Fragmented communities of South Outeniqua Sandstone Fynbos have the potential to function as biological reserves. This potential can be realised through the implementation of a fire regime that acknowledges the stochasticity required by the vegetation, the frequency required by the vegetation and the avifauna, and the practicality required by surrounding anthropogenic land-uses.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Habitat-fragmentering, deur die verlies en verandering van natuurlike ekosisteme, hou 'n ernstige bedreiging in vir biodiversiteit wêreldwyd. Meganismes en ekologiese implikasies van die fragmentering is al breedvoerig bestudeer, maar nuwe en betekenisvolle insigte word voortaan vervaardig. Die hoogs diverse en ekologies komplekse fynbos-struikveld gemeenskappe wat in die Kaapse Floristiese Streek van Suid-Afrika voorkom, word meeste bedreig deur habitat-fragmentering deur verstedeliking, landbou en houtteeltkundige grondgebruike en die verspreiding van indringerplante. Fynbos gemeenskappe is aangepas tot vuur en die uitbuiting van post- vuur herlewing nis. Natuurlike stogastisiteit in die vuur-bedeling beteken dat hierdie gemeenskappe tydelik onstabiel word, 'n faktor wat die mede-bestaan van uiterste diversiteit moontlik maak. Min studies het al die invloed van habitat-fragmentering op hierdie stogastisiteit ondersoek, of die reaksie van biologiese-gemeenskappe tot die voortspruitende omstandighede. Dit is onbekend of die tydelike onstabiliteit sal lei tot vertraagde uitsterwing in gefragmenteerde gemeenskappe, dus genereer uitsterwings-skuld. Suid Outeniqua Sandsteen Fynbos kom as 'n unieke landskap mosaïek van beide die eilande en uitgebreide habitatte voor, geskik om deur 'n eiland biogeografie raamwerk bestudeer te word. Plant-gemeenskappe se stabiliteit is bestudeer deur die vergelyking van historiese en onlangse data stelle. Die reaksies van die plaaslike plantegroei en voëllewe gemeenskappe tot hul habitat is bestudeer en vergelyk op grond van hul verskillende beweeglikheid. Die unieke habitat konfigurasies het ook toegelaat vir die ondersoek van uitsterwings-skuld in die plaaslike gemeenskappe en 'n geleentheid gebied om die invloed van die omliggende habitat-matriks op spesies volharding en op konneksie in die kunsmatige fragmente te bepaal. Die data is ontleed deur middel van eenvoudige regressie analises, aangepasde Chi -kwadraat toetse en deur koördinerings ontledings. Ten einde die waarde van die kunsmatige habitat fragmente vir die bewaring van biologiese gemeenskappe te bepaal. Stabiliteit in die plantspesies-area verhouding vir die natuurlike eilande en die vasteland van webwerwe oor twee en twintig jaar was waargeneem. Kleiner eilande het minder brande aangeneem as groot eilande en die vasteland. Hierdie herhaalde oor-uitbrei over-extended vuur-interval het die stogastisiteit verminder van die plaaslike vuur-bedeling wat stabiele tog spesie-arme plantegroei gemeenskappe veroorsaak het. Plantegroei gemeenskappe in die kunsmatige fragmente is bevind om spesie- area -verhouding uitsterwings-skuld te bevat, moontlik as gevolg van die relatiewe lang termyn demografiese omset wat tipies voorkom in fynbos. Voëllewe gemeenskappe het gewissel in hul reaksie tot die fragmentering relatief tot die plantegroei. Voëls – weens hul beweeglikheid – blyk om nie beinvloed te word deur isolasie afstand of omliggende habitat-matriks tipe nie - hul reaksie blyk meer asgevolg van veranderinge wat ervaar word in die plantegroei gemeenskap as geografiese beperkinge. Fynbos-tipiese voëls reageer op die post- vuur ouderdom van plantegroei. Vrugte-etende voëls en die habitat-matriks rand is geïdentifiseer as bronne van uitheemse en nie-fynbos plantspesies wat die kunsmatige fragmente koloniseer, wat potensieel die kwaliteit van hierdie habitatte vir voëls verminder. Gefragmenteerde gemeenskappe van Suid Outeniqua Sandsteen Fynbos het die potensiaal om as biologiese reserwes te funksioneer. Hierdie potensiaal kan verwesenlik word deur die implementering van 'n vuur-bedeling wat erkenning verleen aan die stogastiesiteit vereis deur die plantegroei, die frekwensie wat deur die plantegroei en die voëllewe vereis word , en die praktiese vereistes van die omliggende menslike grondgebruike.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc
This study is aimed at illustrating the reservoir heterogeneity in the BCII - BCI interval of the Ga-field, offshore South Africa. This was achieved by generating a conceptual static model as a predictive tool for the BCII - BCI interval. The reservoir zones between BCII - BCI were sub divided into two major zones, viz: zone A and zone B. Petrophysical analysis was conducted on the three wells Ga-A3, Ga-Q1 and Ga-Q2. The application of the sequential gaussian algorithm ensured that all of the available data was honoured to the highest extent in generating the realisations to display the heterogeneity of the BCII – BCI sandstone reservoir. Sampling values from the well logs were extrapolated into the 3D grid. Each reservoir contained a percentage of shale or clay of about 45% -50%. Small scaled reservoir heterogeneity has been construed to the influence of the sedimentary structures. Large scaled reservoir heterogeneity has been identified, due to the lateral extent of the claystones which is widely distributed throughout the study area

Magister Scientiae - MSc
The Bredasdorp basin is a sub-basin of the greater Outeniqua basin. It is located off the south coast, Southeast of Cape Town, South Africa. This basin is one of the largest hydrocarbon (mainly gas) producing basins within Southern Africa. The petrophysical characteristic of the E-block sandstone units within the Bredasdorp basin has been studied to evaluate their hydrocarbon potential. The data sets used in this research were wireline logs (Las format), core data, and geological well completion reports. The three studied wells are E-AH1, E- BW1 and E-L1. The evaluated interval ranges from 2000.33m to 3303.96m in depth with reference to Kelly bushing within the wells. The sandstone reservoirs of the Bredarsdorp basin are characterized by a range of stacked and amalgamated channels. They originated from materials eroded from pre-existing high stand shelf sandstone and transported into the central Bredarsdorp basin by turbidity current. These sandstones are generally in both synrift and drift section. The basin is thought to have developed from fan deltas and stream overwhelmed to water dominated delta. River dominated deltaic system progresses southward over the Northern edge of the central Bredasdorp basin. The Interactive Petrophysics (IP) software has been used extensively throughout the evaluation and development of interpretation model. The lithofacies of the rock units were grouped according to textural and structural features and grain sizes of well (E-AH1, E-BW1 and E-L1). Four different facies (A, B, C and D) were identified from the cored intervals of each well. Facies A was classified as a reservoir and facies B, C and D as a non-reservoir. Detailed petrophysical analyses were carried out on the selected sandstone interval of the studied wells. The cut-off parameters were applied on the seven studied sandstone interval to distinguish between pay and non-pay sand and all intervals were proved to be producing hydrocarbon. Volume of clay, porosity, water saturation and permeability were calculated within the pay sand interval. The average volume of clay ranged from 23.4% to 25.4%. The estimated average effective porosity ranged from 9.47% to 14.3%. The average water saturation ranged from 44.4% to 55.6%. Permeability ranged from 0.14mD to 79mD. The storage and flow capacity ranged from 183.2scf to 3852scf and 2.758mD-ft to 3081mD-ft respectively. The geological well completion reports classify these wells as a gas producing wells. E-L1 is estimated to have a potential recoverable gas volume of 549.06 cubic feet, E-BW1 is estimated to have 912.49 cubic feet and E-AH1 is estimated to have 279.69 cubic feet.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc
This contribution engages in the evaluation of offshore sandstone reservoirs of the Central Bredasdorp basin, Block 9, South Africa using primarily petrophysical procedures. Four wells were selected for the basis of this study (F-AH1, F-AH2, F-AH4, and F-AR2) and were drilled in two known gas fields namely F-AH and F-AR. The primary objective of this thesis was to evaluate the potential of identified Cretaceous sandstone reservoirs through the use and comparison of conventional core, special core analysis, wire-line log and production data. A total of 30 sandstone reservoirs were identified using primarily gamma-ray log baselines coupled with neutron-density crossovers. Eleven lithofacies were recognised from core samples. The pore reduction factor was calculated, and corrected for overburden conditions. Observing core porosity distribution for all wells, well F-AH4 displayed the highest recorded porosity, whereas well F-AH1 measured the lowest recorded porosity. Low porosity values have been attributed to mud and silt lamination influence as well as calcite overgrowths. The core permeability distribution over all the studied wells ranged between 0.001 mD and 2767 mD. Oil, water, and gas, were recorded within cored sections of the wells. Average oil saturations of 3 %, 1.1 %, and 0.2 % were discovered in wells F-AH1, F-AH2, and F-AH4. Wells F-AH1 to F-AR2 each had average gas saturations of 61 %, 57 %, 27 %, and 56 % respectively; average core water saturations of 36 %, 42 %, 27 %, and 44 % were recorded per well.

Petrophysical evaluation of the Albian age gas bearing sandstone reservoirs of the O-M field, Offshore South Africa has been performed. The main goal of the thesis is to evaluate the reservoir potentials of the field through the integration and comparison of results from core analysis, production data and petrography studies for the evaluation and correction of key petrophysical parameters from wireline logs which could be used to generate an effective reservoir model. A total of ten wells were evaluated and twenty eight sandstone reservoirs were encountered of which twenty four are gas bearing and four are wet within the Albian age depth interval of 2800m to 3500m. Six lithofacies (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and A6) were grouped
according to textural and structural features and grain size from the key wells (OP1, OP2 and OP3). Facies A6 was identified as non reservoir rock in terms of reservoir rock quality and facies A1 and A2 were regarded as the best reservoir rock quality. This study identifies the different
rock types that comprise reservoir and non reservoirs. Porosity and permeability are the key parameters for identifying the rock types and reservoir characterization. Pore throat radius was estimated from conventional core porosity and permeability with application of the Winland&rsquo
s method for assessment of reservoir rock quality on the bases of pore throat radius. Results from the Winland&rsquo
s method present five Petrofacies (Mega porous, Macro porous, Meso porous, Micro porous and Nanno porous). The best Petrofacies was mega porous rock type which corresponds to lithofacies A1 and A2. The nano porous rock type corresponds to lithofacies A6 and was subsequently classified as non reservoir rock. The volume of clay model from log was taken from the gamma-ray model corrected by Steiber equations which was based on the level of agreement between log data and the x-ray diffraction (XRD) clay data. The average volume of clay determined ranged from 1 &ndash
28 %. The field average grain density of 2.67 g/cc was determined from core data which is representative of the well formation, hence 2.67 g/cc was used to estimate porosity from the density log. Reservoir rock properties are generally good with reservoir average porosities between 10 &ndash
22 %, an average permeability of approximately 60mD. The laterolog resistivity values have been invasion corrected to yield estimates of the true formation resistivity. In general, resistivities of above 4.0 Ohm-m are productive reservoirs, an average water resistivity of 0.1 Ohm-m was estimated. Log calculated water saturation models were calibrated with capillary pressure and conventional core determined water saturations, and the Simandoux shaly sand model best agree with capillary and conventional core water saturations and was used to determine field water saturations. The reservoir average water saturations range between 23 &ndash
69 %. The study also revealed quartz as being the dominant mineral in addition to abundant chlorite as the major clay mineral. The fine textured and dispersed pore lining chlorite mineral affects the reservoir quality and may be the possible cause of the low resistivity recorded in the area. The reservoirs evaluated in the field are characterized as normally pressured with an average reservoir pressure of 4800 psi and temperature of 220 º
F. An interpreted field aquifer gradient of 0.44 psi/ft (1.01 g/cc) and gas gradient of 0.09 psi/ft (0.2 g/cc) were obtained from repeat formation test measurements. A total of eight gas water contacts were identified in six wells. For an interval to be regarded as having net pay potential, cut-off values were used to distinguish between pay and non-pay intervals. For an interval to be regarded as pay, it must have a porosity value of at least 10 %, volume of clay of less than 40 %, and water saturation of not more than 65 %. A total of twenty four reservoir intervals meet the cut-off criteria and was regarded as net pay intervals. The gross thickness of the reservoirs range from 2.4m to 31.7m and net pay interval from 1.03m to 25.15m respectively. In summary, this study contributes to scale transition issues in a complex gas bearing sandstone reservoirs and serves as a basis for analysis of petrophysical properties in a multi-scale system.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc
With the latest advancements in the Pletmos Basin it is imperative to understand and study how sandstone reservoirs are affected by clay minerals. Clay minerals are an influential component in sandstone reservoirs worldwide and thus have an impact on the reservoir quality and petrophysical properties. The present research was aimed at assessing the effects of clay minerals on the petrophysical properties of sandstone reservoirs from the Offshore Pletmos Basin. This was done by integrating geological (wireline logs and core analysis), geochemical (XRD and pore water chemistry) and petrographical (QEMSCAN and thin section petrography) analysis to highlight the effects of clay minerals on the intrinsic properties (porosity, permeability and fluid saturation) on reservoirs encountered within the two wells (Ga- Q1 and Ga – S1). The results highlight pervasive quartz cementation as well as the presence of clay minerals: Glauconite (Illite group), Kaolinite (Kaolinite group), Clinochlore (Chlorite group) as the dominant clay minerals and Calcite as the dominant cement in both well Ga – Q1 and well Ga – S1. The most abundant clay mineral in both wells is Glauconite. This clay mineral had a more profound effect on the petrophysical parameters compared to the other clay minerals. The clay minerals occur as pore–filling Kaolinite and pore–bridging Glauconite and pore–lining Clinochlore. As a result, the clay minerals affected the pore connectivity (permeability) more than the pore spaces (porosity). This is confirmed by the petrophysical analysis where both wells have extremely low permeability and good porosity values. The study concludes that the presence of Glauconite, Kaolinite, Clinochlore and Calcite in both wells (Ga-Q1 and Ga-S1) had an adverse effect on the permeability more compared to the porosity in sandstone reservoirs. Due to the high volume of clay and high clay mineral content in well Ga-Q1, the petrophysical parameters were more adversely affected compared to well Ga-S1. As a result, we see better petrophysical properties (porosity and permeability) in the sandstone reservoir from well Ga-S1 due to intense bioturbation. The reservoir quality of well Ga-S1 is much better compared to well Ga – Q1 because water saturation averages at 42% and gas saturation averages at 58%, has decent porosity averages at 12% but low permeability ranges of 0, 1 – 4mD.
2021-09-30

The Bredasdorp Basin is one of the largest hydrocarbon producing blocks within Southern Africa. The E-M field is situated approximate 50 km west from the FA platform and was brought into commission due to the potential hydrocarbons it may hold. If this field is brought up to full producing capability it will extend the lifespan of the refining station in Mosselbay, situated on the south coast of South Africa, by approximately 8 to 10 years. An unexpected pressure drop within the E-M field caused the suite not to perform optimally and thus further analysis was imminent to assess and alleviate the predicament. The first step within the project was to determine what might have cause the pressure drop and thus we had to go back to cores drilled by Soekor now known as Petroleum South Africa, in the early 1980&rsquo
s.

Analyses of the cores exposed a high presence of granulation seams. The granulation seams were mainly subjected within sand units within the cores. This was caused by rolling of sand grains over one another rearranging themselves due to pressure exerted through compaction and faulting, creating seal like fractures within the sand. These fractures caused these sand units to compartmentalize and prohibit flow from one on block to the next. With advance inquiry it was discovered that there was a shale unit situated within the reservoir dividing the reservoir into two main compartments. At this point it was determined to use Petrel which is windows based software for 3D visualization with a user interface based on the Windows Microsoft standards. This is easy as well as user friendly software thus the choice to go with it. The software uses shared earth modeling tool bringing about reservoir disciplines trough common data modelling. This is one of the best modelling applications in the available and it was for this reason that it was chosen to apply within the given aspects of the project A lack of data was available to model the granulation seams but with the data acquired during the core analyses it was possible to model the shale unit and factor in the influences of the granulation seams to asses the extent of compartmentalization. The core revealed a thick shale layer dividing the reservoir within two sections which was not previously noted. This shale layer act as a buffer/barrier restricting flow from the bottom to the top halve of the reservoir. This layer is thickest at the crest of the 10km²
domal closure and thins toward the confines of the E-M suite. Small incisions, visible within the 3 dimensional models could serve as a guide for possible re-entry points for future drilling. These incisions which were formed through Lowstand and Highstand systems tracts with the rise and fall of the sea level. The Bredasdorp Basin consists mainly of tilting half graben structures that formed through rifting with the break-up of Gondwanaland. The model also revealed that these faults segregate the reservoir further creating bigger compartments. The reservoir is highly compartmentalized which will explain the pressure loss within the E-M suite. The production well was drilled within one of these compartments and when the confining pressure was relieved the pressure dropped and the production decrease. As recommendation, additional wells are required to appraise the E-M structure and determine to what extent the granulation seems has affected fluid flow as well as the degree of sedimentation that could impede fluid flow. There are areas still containing untapped resources thus the recommendation for extra wells.

The Orange Basin was formed during the late Jurassic to early Cretaceous periods due to Gondwana breakup and rifting and later drifting apart of the African and South American plates. The basin consists of siliciclastic sandstone which took its sediment supply from river system with a rivalling delta to the north of the basin. Geological and petrophysical studies were carried out to evaluate the reservoir potential of the wells in the study area. This study considered five wells (A-G1, A-W1, A-K1, A-K2 and A-Y1) in the Orange Basin with attention to the Albian age sandstone. Only three of the studied wells (A-G1, A-W1 and A-K1) have core samples for analysis. The methods used for the execution of this study include the description and calibration of spot cores with conventional standard logging record responses, wireline log interpretation using sequence stratigraphy approach, detailed petrographic (SEM, HR-TEM, XRD and thin section) and geochemical (pore water geochemistry, FTIR and XRF) analyses, and petrophysical analysis to unravel the complexities with regard to facies association, depositional environment and diagenesis. Linking diagenesis to depositional facies and sequence stratigraphy has given a clearer picture to the spatial and temporal distribution of diagenetic alterations and thus of evolution of reservoir quality in the studied wells. Three depositional lithofacies were identified based on a detailed core description [fine grained sandstone (F1), very fine grained sandstone (F2) and mudstone (F3)]. Fluvio-deltaic and shallow marine environments were also interpreted from the core description based on the sedimentary structures and mineral assemblage while the log interpretation shows that the different reservoir units range between LST, TST and HST but mostly of LST. Mineralogical predictions were made possible in the wells without core samples (A-K2 and A-Y1) through the use of density-neutron cross plot, these reveal that the two wells contain some considerable amount of clay minerals like kaolinite, chlorite and illite.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc
Pletmos Basin is a Mesozoic half graben located in the southern part of South Africa and has undergone numerous tectonic changes which involve alteration of structure and reworking of sediments. Clay diagenesis has become a more prominent factor affecting the quality of the tight shaly sandstone reservoirs in the southern Pletmos Basin. The present study focused on Block 11a as a primary area of interest .The tight sandstone reservoirs encountered in the four wells, viz. Ga-Q1, Ga- Q2, Ga-Z1 and Ga- E2 were studied using four different methods to incorporate and infer the overall diagenetic effect on the reservoirs, caused by materials of argillaceous origin. The methods adopted in the present research are formation evaluation using wireline logs and calibration of core data using Interactive Petrophysics software, thin section petrography, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) along with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS). The availability of core samples were limited to wells Ga- Q1 and well Ga- Z1. Four reservoirs within the Cretaceous age were identified in each well and the best reservoirs were associated with facies B and D.
2022-04-30

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD
Investigation of the acoustic impedance variations in the upper shallow marine sandstone reservoirs was extensively studied from 10 selected wells, namely: F-O1, F-O2, E-M4, E-CN1, E-G1, E-W1, F-A10, F-A11, F-A13, and F-L1 in the Bredasdorp Basin, offshore, South Africa. The studied wells were selected randomly across the upper shallow marine interval with the purpose of conducting a regional study to assess the variations in the acoustic impedance across the reservoirs using wireline log and core data. The datasets used in this study were geophysical wireline logs, conventional core analysis, geological well completion reports, core plugs, and core samples. The physical rock properties such as lithology, fluid type, and hydrocarbon bearing zone were identified while different parameters like the volume of clay, porosity, and water saturation were quantitatively estimated. The reservoirs were penetrated at a different depth ranging from a shallow depth of 2442m at well F-L1 to a deeper depth of 4256.7m at well E-CN1. The average volume of clay, average effective porosity from wireline log, and average water saturation ranged from 8.6%- 43%, 9%- 16% and 12%- 68%, respectively. Porosity distribution was fairly equal across the field from east to west except in well F-A10, F-A13, and F-A11 where a much higher porosity was shown with F-A13 showing the highest average value of 16%. Wells E-CN1, E-W1, F-O1, F-L1 and E-G1 had lower porosity with E-CN1 showing the lowest average value of 9%. The acoustic properties of the reservoirs were determined from geophysical wireline logs in order to calculate acoustic impedance and also investigate factors controlling density and acoustic velocities of these sediments. The acoustic impedance proved to be highest on the central to the western side of the field at E-CN1 with an average value of 11832 g/cm3s whereas, well F-A13 reservoir in the eastern side of the field proved to have the lowest average acoustic impedance of 9821 g/cm3s. There was a good linear negative relationship between acoustic impedance and porosity, compressional velocity vs porosity and porosity vs bulk density. A good linear negative relationship between acoustic impedance and porosity was obtained where the reservoir was homogenous, thick sandstone. However, interbedded shale units within the reservoir appeared to hinder a reliable correlation between acoustic impedance and porosity. The cross-plots results showed that porosity was one of the major factors controlling bulk density, compressional velocity (Vp) and acoustic impedance. The Gassmann equation was used for the determination of the effects of fluid substitution on acoustic properties using rock frame properties. Three fluid substitution models (brine, oil, and gas) were determined for pure sandstones and were used to measure the behaviour of the different sandstone saturations. A significant decrease was observed in Vp when the initial water saturation was substituted with a hydrocarbon (oil or gas) in all the wells. The value of density decreased quite visibly in all the wells when the brine (100% water saturation) was substituted with gas or oil. The fluid substitution affected the rock property significantly. The Vp slightly decreases when brine was substituted with water in wells F-A13, F-A10, F-O2, F-O1 F-A11, F-L1, and E-CN1. Wells E-G1, E-W1, and E-M4 contain oil and gas and therefore showed a notable decrease from brine to oil and from oil to gas respectively. Shear velocity (Vs) remained unaffected in all the wells. The acoustic impedance logs showed a decrease when 100% water saturation was replaced with a hydrocarbon (oil or gas) in all the wells. Clay presence significantly affects the behaviour of the acoustic properties of the reservoir rocks as a function of mineral type, volume, and distribution. The presence of glauconite mineral was observed in all the wells. Thirty-two thin sections, XRD and SEM/EDS from eight out of ten wells were studied to investigate lithology, diagenesis and the effect of mineralogy on porosity and acoustic properties (Compressional velocity and bulk density) within the studied reservoir units. Cementation (calcite and quartz), dissolution, compaction, clay mineral authigenesis, and stylolitization were the most significant diagenetic processes affecting porosity, velocity, and density.Well E-CN1 reservoir quality was very poor due to the destruction of intergranular porosity by extensive quartz and illite cementation, and compaction whereas well F-A13 show a highly porous sandstone reservoir with rounded monocrystalline quartz grain and only clusters of elongate to disc-like, authigenic chlorite crystals partly filling a depression within altered detrital grains. Overall, the results show that the porosity, lithology mineralogy, compaction and pore fluid were the major factors causing the acoustic impedance variations in the upper shallow marine sandstone reservoirs.
2021-09-01

Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) is a novel technique which can be used to build up a 2D pseudo-section of resistivity distribution of a porous material. Here, it is used to visualise internal moisture regimes by measuring the resistivity distribution of transects within sandstone, inferring that high resistivity equals low moisture content and vice versa. This method was used to perform two intermediate complexity laboratory tests; the first one to determine high-resolution, multi-scale drying patterns of sandstone, the second to determine capillary ingress of moisture within a sandstone block and the influence of temperature on moisture distribution. It was found that moisture behaviour showed far more complex patterns than previously acknowledged. A new model is therefore proposed which describes the influence of increased near-surface temperatures on capillary rise. This series of tests bridge the gap between field observations and mathematical models, as well as confirm the validity of ERT as a geomorphological tool. This research was continued by investigating the role of internal moisture in sandstone weathering using the Golden Gate Highlands National Park (GGHNP), South Africa as a case study. The ERT data was correlated with Equotip (rock surface hardness) and Protimeter (rock surface saturation) measurements. Seven sites were investigated, which showed that there is a non-linear correlation between rock surface hardness and internal moisture patterns. In addition, annual change measurements confirmed that the fluctuating patterns of internal moisture can be correlated to strengthening or weakening of the rock surface. This research therefore proposes two new conceptual weathering models. The first correlates ‘optimal moisture content’ to rock surface strength. The second correlates the development of shelters and changing weathering patterns to the non-linear interaction between case hardening and internal moisture. This new approach to sandstone weathering can be incorporated into conservation methods, as rock surface loss is one of the main causes of the San Rock Art deterioration observed in the GGHNP.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc
This study is located within the Bredasdorp Basin which is on the southern continental margin, offshore South Africa. The basin is located between Infanta and Agulhas arches and is a rift basin that is southeastern trending. Sedimentology reports have shown that the basin is predominantly filled by Aptian to Maastrichtian deposits which overlays pre-existing late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous fluvial and shallow marine syn-rift deposits. Devonian Bokkeveld Group slates and or Ordovician-Silurian Table Mountain Group quartzites are shown to be the composition of basement rocks. The study area incorporates only three wells for this research; well F-AH1, F-AH2 and F-AR1. This paper was completed through analyzing and juxtaposing interpretations of results from gamma ray wireline log analysis with core analysis in which these correlations and figures were displayed using Petrel software and Coral Draw respectively. Core analysis resulted in the identification of, sixteen litho-facies for the entire study, which were recognized according to its grain size, texture, sedimentary structures, colour changes, base and top contacts, bioturbation, noticeable minerals, etc. Facies tend to alternate all the way through each well and between different wells with similar facies being present in different wells, but they are not evident in all the cores. Based on the classification of sand bodies, core analysis provides good indication that the general depositional environment of reservoirs within the studied wells are within a marginal marine depositional environment which are tidally influenced. Log signatures typical of sandstone reservoir bodies were discovered in the field where sand bodies are 20 m thick or less and were recognized in the study area. Depositional environments were characterized based on depositional environment similarities: a funnel-shaped facies representing a crevasse splay; a cylindrical-shaped facies representing slope channel-fills representing the transgressive-regressive shallow marine shelf.

Masters of Science
Petrophysical evaluation of four wells within Cretaceous gas-bearing sandstone reservoirs in blocks 4 and 5 Orange Basin, South Africa. Thierry Kamgang The present research work evaluates the petrophysical characteristics of the Cretaceous gasbearing sandstone units within Blocks 4 and 5 offshore South Africa. Data used to carry out this study include: wireline logs (LAS format), base maps, well completion reports, petrography reports, conventional core analysis report and tabulated interpretative age reports from four wells (O-A1, A-N1, P-A1 and P-F1). The zones of interest range between 1410.0m-4100.3m depending on the position of the wells. The research work is carried out in two phases: The first phase corresponds to the interpretation of reservoir lithologies based on wireline logs. This consists of evaluating the type of rocks (clean or tight sandstones) forming the reservoir intervals and their distribution in order to quantify gross zones, by relating the behavior of wireline logs signature based on horizontal routine. Extensively, a vertical routine is used to estimate their distribution by correlating the gamma-ray logs of the corresponding wells, but also to identify their depositional environments (shallow to deep marine).Sedlog software is used to digitize the results. The second phase is conducted with the help of Interactive Petrophysics (version 4) software, and results to the evaluation of eight petrophysical parameters range as follow: effective porosity (4.3% - 25.4%), bulk volume of water (2.7% – 31.8%), irreducible water saturation (0.2%-8.8%), hydrocarbon saturation (9.9% - 43.9%), predicted permeability (0.09mD – 1.60mD), volume of shale (8.4% - 33.6%), porosity (5.5% - 26.2%) and water saturation (56.1% - ii 90.1%). Three predefined petrophysical properties (volume of shale, porosity and water saturation)are used for reservoir characterization. The volume of shale is estimated in all the wells using corrected Steiber method. The porosity is determined from the density logs using the appropriate equations in wells O-A1 and P-A1, while sonic model is applied in well A-N1 and neutron-density relationship in well P-F1. Formation water resistivity (Rw) is determined through the following equation: Rw = (Rmf × Rt) / Rxo, and water saturation is calculated based on Simandoux relation. Furthermore, a predicted permeability function is obtained from the crossplot of core porosity against core permeability, and it results match best with the core permeability of well O-A1. This equation is used to predict the permeability in the other wells. The results obtained reveal that average volumes of shale decrease from the west of the field towards the east; while average porosities and water saturations increase from the south-west through the east despite the decreasing average water saturation in well P-A1. A corroboration of reference physical properties selected for reservoir characterization, with predefined cut-off values result to no net pay zones identified within the reservoir intervals studied. Consequently, it is suggested that further exploration prospects should be done between well O-A1 and A-N1.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc
The Bredasdorp Basin was formed consequent to extensional episodes during the initial stages of rifting in the Jurassic age. The basin acted as a local depocentre and was primarily infilled with late Jurassic and early Cretaceous shallow-marine and continental sediments. Two wells namely; D-D1 and E-AP1 were studied in order to evaluate the petrophysics and characterize sandstone reservoirs of the western Bredasdorp basin. This could be achieved by generating and comparing results from core analysis and wireline in order to determine if the two wells are comprised of good quality sandstone reservoirs and if the identified reservoirs produce hydrocarbons. A number of methods were employed in order to characterise and evaluate sandstone reservoir, these included; editing and normalization of raw wireline log data ,classification of lithofacies on the basis of lithology, sedimentary structures, facies distribution, grain size variation, sorting of grains, fossils and bioturbation; calibration of log and core data to determine parameters for petrophysical interpretation; volume of clay; determination of porosity, permeability and fluid saturation, cut-off determination to distinguish between pay and non-pay sands. Borehole D-D1 is located in the western part of the Bredasdorp Basin. Only two reservoirs in well D-D1 indicated to have pay parameters with an average porosity ranging from 11.3% to 16%, average saturation from 0.6% to 21.5% and an volume of clay from 26.5% to 31.5%. This well was abandoned due to poor oil shows according to the geological well completion report. On the contrary well E-AP1 situated in the northwestern section of the basin showed good quality reservoir sandstones occurring in the 19082m to 26963m intervals though predominantly water saturated. Pay parameters for all five reservoirs in this well showed zero or no average porosity, saturation and volume of clay.

Includes abstract.
Includes bibliographical references.
Fire is a critical component of the fynbos ecosystem and this study documents the macronutrient (C1, Na, So4, Mg, Ca and K) dynamics of the fynbos for one year following a major fire event on 3 June 2010. Chloride and sodium in rainwater and stream water were found to be primarily derived from a marine aerosol source.

Thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional) to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Architecture and Planning at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2017
Our CBDs are developing continuously and urban sprawl is growing at a rapid rate. Without sufficient upgrades to infrastructure and public transport networks, how long will it take before the struggle of everyday commuting becomes near impossible and transport costs become too high for most South Africans? Simply moving back to the Cities and CBDs is not an option for the majority of our population because as these areas become denser, the price of property and rentals increase. We need a solution for our current situation, to regain the control of the road networks in and around these areas. The aim of this thesis is to propose an alternative, hybridised transport system. To reduce the reliance on privately owned, single passenger motor vehicles by encouraging the use of public, semiprivate and non-motorised forms of transport in order to alleviate traffic congestion from major CBDs, aid in social cohesion and promote a healthier lifestyle by making use of bicycles. The Sandton CBD will be the area of focus affected by the study with the site located on the fringe, at the intersection of William Nicol Drive and Republic Road. The proposal introduces a system which would couple onto existing urban design framework proposals as well as transport networks such as, the Rea Vaya (BRT), Gautrain (Train and Bus networks) and the privately owned mini-bus taxi and bus industry. Adjacent to the site is the Braamfontein Spruit cycle path which will aid in the process of gathering and promoting an interest in cycling as a means of everyday transport. The building put forward in this thesis will act as a knuckle and point of convergence where people will be able to utilise different means of transport. It will also serve as a new social and active lifestyle hub comprising of a gym (connected to a research centre), social and recreational spaces, retail facilities, transport information offices, mass parking and accommodation.
GR2017

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management specialising in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation Johannesburg, 2016
The establishment and growth of informal traders in South Africa have been attributed with a considerable need and desire for these informal economies to achieve economic growth, create sustainable entrepreneurial opportunities, assist with employment opportunities, etc. A number of factors have an impact on how these informal traders can become competitive and formalised, and one of these enablers is the influence of ICT interventions by informal economies to improve business performance. The purpose of this research was to establish the perceived relationship between the influence of ICT usage by informal traders and the perceived impact on business performance. The intended objective was to assess whether the perception of ICT adoption by informal traders had a positive or negative business performance outcome. The research methodology adopted was a quantitative approach, which was guided by a positivist paradigm. The population targeted were informal traders in the Sandton region of Johannesburg, South Africa. A questionnaire was distributed to gather data. The influence of ICT and the perceived impact within informal traders in the Sandton region revealed some findings consistent with existing literature. It was the overall accepted perception that ICT adoption has a perceived positive impact on business performance, including but not limited to market share, products, and customer service, as measured in the research. A deeper analysis is required to understand why the respondents in the research overwhelmingly state that the influence of ICT adoption has a perceived positive impact on performance, market share, and product and customer service.
MT2016

This document is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree Master of Urban Design at the University of the Witwatersrand, 2016
The planned non-motorized transport (NMT) route in Sandton is part of the Corridors of Freedom project which seeks to change spatial patterns in Johannesburg. This research seeks to understand this route and how an alternative route would respond to the context and present an opportunity to create spatially equitable spaces between Alexandra and Sandton on the NMT priority space. This will be done using the mechanism of urban design tools. Urban design tools themselves face various challenges as the underlying institutional context is often not conducive to creating some of the urban design objectives of spatial equity and the prioritization of NMT. This research, through a design strategy, proposes an alternative mechanism of coding.
MT2017

Real estate is said to be the largest or second largest asset in a firm’s financial books – comparable to human resources, but is often been treated as a reactive and secondary utility. Real estate can be a significant factor of production and a strategic resource and due to its effect on an organisation’s profitability there is a growing need for a more critical site selection decision-making. Purpose – This is an exploratory study of the Sandton office market in order to ascertain which factors are most highly considered when making an office (site) selection decision. The purpose of this study is to assist in determining the direction further research into the South African corporate real estate market should take by gathering preliminary information about the preferences of Sandton corporate real estate occupiers. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was developed and distributed electronically through the Survey Monkey website. Findings – The results show that the location factor, in terms of a specific site, is not as highly rated amongst the respondents, as one would expect. The respondents to the questionnaire indicate that the landlord and/or property manager is the most important consideration – whether it is their reputation or their relationship with tenants’ is yet to be determined. Security, a reliable power supply and competitive building levies are amongst some of the most important office attributes for the respondent companies. Originality/value – Sandton’s corporate real estate stock amounts to approximately 168 million square feet, which is comparable in size to Madrid’s total office stock, and greater than cities such as Brussels, Moscow and Milan. Moreover, more than 500 companies in South Africa own corporate real estate, including international companies (Jones Lang LaSalle, 2012) – a large proportion of which is situated in Sandton. These numbers make Sandton a significant player in the international corporate real estate arena.

Thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional) to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Architecture and Planning at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2017
ABSTRACT The aim of this dissertation is to explore alternative ways of looking at architecture through the use of theory, the type of theory, alternative building programme development, representing architecture and how architecture is implemented. By doing so, an intervention is designed to expose various social truths, stimulating self reflection and adding value to the Alexandra-Sandton corridor context. This research project utilises the spirit of carnivals as subversive and radical events to change a community’s behaviour. This dissertation explores Bakhtin’s theory of the “carnivalesque”. This theory was used as the theoretical framework based on four characteristics. Throughout the research process these are used to analyse site context and create an intervention. The four carnivalesque characteristics are: - Usurping of hierarchies; - Pushing taboos; - Unusual connections; - Eccentric behaviour. The social inequalities along the Alexandra-Sandton corridor are broken down into every day activities and juxtaposed to amplify and expose hidden rules that we have come to accept in Johannesburg. The intervention acts as a commentary on the future connection of the two contrasting communities for spectacle and self reflection, transcending the everyday experience into a surreal playground through virtual reality and other means. Architecturally, Social Fiction has three main design strands 1. Theoretical exploration; 2. Architecture as emotional stimulus; 3. Virtual reality as fictional representation. Social Fiction is a project that bridges architecture, politics, socioeconomics and philosophy, using the medium of virtual reality and comic book fantasy as an open and accessible way, challenging the traditional plan, section elevation as a means of communication.
GR2017

A Research Report submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree in Master of Science in Town and Regional Planning, University of the Witwatersrand, 2016
Public open spaces such as parks provide vibrancy to the ordinary city by means of providing spaces for the community for recreational, health and leisure activities. A sustainable public open space provides an opportunity for a city to become more sustainable where a public open space is more than a space for the community. This research aims at developing a set of principles that may be adopted by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Open Space System (JMOSS) in order to create sustainable public open spaces. The objectives of the research report include unpacking various debates regarding the use, users and definition of public open spaces, identifying what the existing principles are for open spaces as used by JMOSS, identifying where the parks and vacant parcels of land are in the Sandton and surrounding area, identifying what makes a public open space coherent, contextual and co-existent, identifying the shortfalls of the public open spaces in Sandton in terms of their coherency, co-existence, contextuality and sustainability, and identifying local and international precedents of Sustainable Public Open Spaces. The nature of this research report will include qualitative research where in depth interviews, photographs, mapping and case studies will be used in order to develop the principles for sustainable public open spaces. Two main concepts will be drawn on to develop the principles for sustainable public open spaces. Firstly, the concept of sustainable public open spaces by Reiter (2004) whereby the three principles of coherence, co-existence and contextuality are used. Secondly, the concept of sustainability as discussed by Gedikli (n.d.) where sustainable urban development incorporates social justice, sustainable economies, and environmental sustainability. Therefore, the concept of sustainability is the focus of how public open spaces can become more resilient, adaptable, efficient and effective spaces within the city for the public to use, by developing a set of principles for sustainable public open spaces. This research report culminates in the development of a set of principles for sustainable public open spaces, entitled “The Three Cs for Sustainable Public Open Spaces”. These principles can be applied on a generic scale but require guidelines in the context in which they are applied. Therefore, these principles are derived alongside guidelines for the context of the public open spaces within and around the Sandton CBD.
MT2017

M.Sc. (Geography)
Landsat TM and SPOTMSS data were analysed and classified using two different procedures and the resulting maps were evaluated with respect to land use in the Sandton urban-rural fringe. The Landsat TM data consisted of 6 spectral bands (0,45-0,52, 0,52-0,60, 0,63-0,69, 0,760,90, 1,55-1,75, 2,08-2,35 IJm). The SPOT MSS data (one image taken in summer and one in winter) consisted of 3 spectral bands (0,50-0,59, 0,61-0,68, 0,79-0,89 IJm). The data from the two systems were stretched statistically so that all bands showed similar spread on both sides of the median. A ground truth map was obtained from the Sandton Town Council against which the final land use maps derived from Landsat and SPOT were compared for accuracy. The satellite data were analysed in two steps to compile the land use maps: The first step was a cluster analysis based on ISODATA of Ball and Hall (Ball, m..al, 1965). The result were 3 maps with 34, 30 and 35 spectral classes for Landsat TM and the SPOT seasonal images. The next step was a combination of cluster analysis and nearest-neighbour analysis. Examples of the land uses required for the final maps were chosen and for each a histogram of spectral classes was compiled. A nearest-neighbour analysis was done to determine how many pixels of the same class lie next to each other. All the pixels in the spectrally classified image were viewed in conjunction with the surrounding pixels; a histogram and nearest-neighbour analysis was done for each. The results were then compared to that of the land use examples and each pixel was allocated to the land use class which it most resembled. The evaluation involved a computerised comparison of the land use maps with the ground truth map obtained from the Sandton Town Council. The final results were three different land use maps, each created with one image (Landsat TM, SPOTsummer, or winter images). The land use classes identified on each map were: agricultural holdings; high density residential areas; low density residential areas; townhouses (only from the SPOTimages); a combination of commercial and industrial areas; parks; unused land; recreational areas. Comparative use of the two satellite based data acquisition systems leads the author to conclude that: Landsat TM was best for mapping agricultural holdings and high density residential areas; the SPOT summer image was best for mapping townhouses, parks, unused land and recreational areas, the SPOT winter image was best for mapping low density residential areas and commercial/industrial areas. Both systems may be regarded as data sources for urban research, for the mapping of land use in urban-rural fringes. The result of this study is the provision of an easily updated land use map of the Sandton urban-rural fringe to aid effective planning and control where future development will take place.

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Building (Property Development and Management), Johannesburg 2019
The results rendered by the research indicated that rental achieved by Green Star SA certified offices were indeed higher than the rental offices which was not Green Star SA certified, therefore the research hypothesis was supported. [Abbreviated Abstract. Open document to view full version]
XL2019

The key challenge to socio-economic transformation in South Africa is closing the gap between the poor and the rich. What is distinctive about South Africa is the uneasy coexistence of poverty and opulence. This study seeks to explore the structural, historical roots of poverty among the blacks in South Africa by deploying Fanonian Critical Decolonial theory. This is the ideal theoretical approach to unmask the structural causes of poverty and inequality in South Africa. Colonial ambitions and the global political engineering of the world by America and Europe spans more than four hundred years, and is still very much alive today in subtle forms. This study asserts that this imperial history is the cause of poverty, lack of agency, and the hellish conditions under which many black people live. The rise of industrial capitalism and attendant urbanisation is at the core of this impoverishment of the black man. It is also shown that, once impoverished, the black man’s poverty gathers its own momentum, leading to more poverty that is then handed down to succeeding generations. Contrary to Eurocentric theorising, the study shows that blacks are not ‘problem’ people but people with problems, who, instead of being condemned, should be regarded with sympathy. This research thesis focuses on Alexandra Township and Sandton as symbols of poverty and privilege, respectively. The former represents Fanon’s zone of non-being where life is lived in conditions of want and poverty, whilst the latter represents the zone of being characterised by good living and prosperity. The thesis will demonstrate the fact that these anomalous socio-economic disparities are not natural but man-made, and therefore require the action of human beings to correct them.
Development Studies
M.A. (Development Studies)

M.Sc.
This study compares the electricity consumption of two buildings, of similar architectural design, in Simba Office Park, Sandton, in Johannesburg. One of the buildings (Block AB) has not been retrofitted for energy efficiency, whilst the other building (Block C) is a retrofitted building. The hypothesis postulates that the retrofitted building would use less energy than the non-retrofitted one. The research methodology employed has been used internationally, as in the case reported by Levine et al. (1996), who did a study in the United States of America on retrofitting for achieving energy efficiency. Dong et al. (2005) investigated the energy savings due to the retrofitting of old Singaporean commercial office buildings. In this case, six buildings were compared before and after retrofitting, using utility bill and weather data. There have also been similar studies in China (Xu et al, 2006) and Budapest (Urge-Vorsatz & Novikova, 2008). The Budapest study also unpacked the cost of retrofitting. Using methods advocated by Probst (2004), Yalcintas (2008) and Yalcintas & Kaya (2009) for collecting data on floor space, building parameters and design, this study also collected electricity consumption data based on meter readings for the same blocks over the period March 2009 to April 2010. The retrofitting measures were documented and the associated costs noted. Interviews were conducted with key personnel such as the Central Energy Fund (CEF) House executives, the site electrical engineer, the developer, and Simba Office Park managers. Block AB had the least number of energy-efficient installations. Block C was found to be fully retrofitted, at a cost of more than R4 million. However, the energy management system, required to manage and monitor energy use, was only fully installed by November 2009. The results of this study are significant. It was found that energy consumption for Block C far exceeded that for Block AB. Thus, in this case, retrofitting did not reduce electricity consumption. The results demonstrate that in order to fully understand energy use, data collection and analysis must be ongoing. This verifies the findings of Ali (2008), Armstrong (2009) and Yalcintas & Kaya (2009) who found that we need to shift from managing buildings to managing energy use and assess and verify any recorded savings to ensure energy conservation. Computer-based building management systems play a major role in such management. Such a system was only partially in use in Block C for the duration of the study period. Thus, another finding was that the energy management system needs to be fully operational in real time, or else energy efficiencies cannot be achieved and data sets will be incomplete. This conclusion reflects the findings of Hirst (1980).

Petrophysical evaluation of the Albian age gas bearing sandstone reservoirs of the O-M field, Offshore South Africa has been performed. The main goal of the thesis is to evaluate the reservoir potentials of the field through the integration and comparison of results from core analysis, production data and petrography studies for the evaluation and correction of key petrophysical parameters from wireline logs which could be used to generate an effective reservoir model. A total of ten wells were evaluated and twenty eight sandstone reservoirs were encountered of which twenty four are gas bearing and four are wet within the Albian age depth interval of 2800m to 3500m. Six lithofacies (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and A6) were grouped according to textural and structural features and grain size from the key wells (OP1, OP2 and OP3). Facies A6 was identified as non reservoir rock in terms of reservoir rock quality and facies A1 and A2 were regarded as the best reservoir rock quality. This study identifies the different rock types that comprise reservoir and non reservoirs. Porosity and permeability are the key parameters for identifying the rock types and reservoir characterization.

Translocation involves the movement of organisms, by human intervention, from one area to other suitable (receptor) habitats. In a conservation context, translocation can be employed to support species preservation, population restoration and/or for ecological research. Despite decades of internationally published research, translocation remains a controversial endeavour. However, due to continual degradation and fragmentation of natural habitats in the face of human development, translocation is becoming a vital component of conservation efforts. Prior to the development of an Exxaro coal mine in Mpumalanga, a population of an endangered Highveld succulent species, Frithia humilis Burgoyne (Aizoaceae/Mesembryanthemaceae), was saved from extirpation by means of translocation. Three receptor habitats were identified within the distribution range of the species. The largest part of the donor population was transplanted to sandstone outcrops of the Ecca Group (Karoo Supergroup), resulting in four subpopulations residing on geological substrates typical of the species’ habitat. The remaining portion of the donor population was experimentally translocated to two habitats containing non-native geologies, namely sedimentary outcrops of the Wilge River Formation (Waterberg Group) and (igneous) felsite oucrops of the Rooiberg Group (Transvaal Supergroup). A control population was identified, occupying Ecca and Dwyka Group (Karoo Supergroup) sediments, as a measure to compare the response of translocated populations. A monitoring programme, utilising a plant age classification system, was initiated in February of 2010 to elucidate demographic trends and to gauge the response of translocated populations to novel environments. Plant survival, plant growth, flowering, fruiting (representing reproductive response) and seedling emergence were chosen as indicators to measure translocation success over the short term. Furthermore, quantitative and qualitative entomological investigations into the identity of possible F. humilis pollinators, as well as the presence of pollinator species at receptor habitats, were made. A repeatable methodology for post-translocation monitoring and scientifically sound baseline data for future comparative purposes were successfully established. Initial results showed that F. humilis subpopulations replanted on Ecca standstones had positive responses to translocation: Subpopulations survived and all but one increased in size. Individual plant growth increased, higher reproductive output was evident and seedling emergence was pervasive. Positive responses indicated that F. humilis populations translocated onto typical geologies had the potential to establish and persist over three years. Knowledge of this early success is of immense value to the conservation of the species, as a limited number of known natural populations remain. Coal mining, targeting coal seams underlying typical F. humilis habitats, is also likely to remain a threat. The viability of translocating F. humilis populations to non-typical geological substrates has shown limited efficacy. Poor survival along with inferior reproductive response confirmed Wilge River Formation outcrops as poor receptor sites for translocated F. humilis populations. Rooiberg felsite outcrops also proved to be dubious receptor sites, primarily since there was a downward trend in seedling emergence over time, suggesting inferior germination conditions. Nevertheless, translocation to non-native geological substrates did not have disastrous short-term consequences for these populations, since flowering, fruit production and seedling emergence continued, albeit at reduced (or continually declining) rates. Potential pollinator species of F. humilis were not revealed through quantitative surveys of insect diversity. Qualitative surveys proved more efficient and accurate at pinpointing insect pollinator species. This study provided the first evidence of Apidae, Megachilidae (Hymenoptera) and Bombyliidae (Diptera) insect species pollinating F. humilis. The generalist nature of the plant-pollinator relationship, as well as the presence of generalist pollinator species at some receptor habitats, probably contributed to the initial positive response of F. humilis flowering and fruiting after translocation. Results from this study, however promising, should be viewed as initial indications of translocation success. The literature review revealed a plethora of literature recommending post-translocation monitoring programmes for five years to several decades. This study confirmed that successful establishment of F. humilis can be determined after three years, but that long-term monitoring is required to evaluate persistence.
MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Magister Scientiae - MSc
Pressure drop within a field can be attributed to several factors. Pressure drop occurs when fractional forces cause resistance to flowing fluid through a porous medium. In this thesis, the sciences of petrophysics and rock physics were employed to develop understanding of the physical processes that occurs in reservoirs. This study focussed on the physical properties of rock and fluid in order to provide understanding of the system and the mechanism controlling its behaviour. The change in production capacity of wells E-M 1, 2, 3, 4&5 prompted further research to find out why the there will be pressure drop from the suits of wells and which well was contributing to the drop in production pressure. The E-M wells are located in the Bredasdorp Basin and the reservoirs have trapping mechanisms of stratigraphical and structural systems in a moderate to good quality turbidite channel sandstone. The basin is predominantly an elongated north-west and south-east inherited channel from the synrift sub basin and was open to relatively free marine circulation. By the southwest the basin is enclose by southern Outeniqua basin and the Indian oceans. Sedimentation into the Bredasdorp basin thus occurred predominantly down the axis of the basin with main input direction from the west. Five wells were studied E-M1, E-M2, E-M3, E-M4, and E-M5 to identify which well is susceptible to flow within this group. Setting criteria for discriminator the result generated four well as meeting the criteria except for E-M1. The failure of E-M1 reservoir well interval was in consonant with result showed by evaluation from the log, pressure and rock physics analyses for E-M1.iv Various methods in rock physics were used to identify sediments and their conditions and by applying inverse modelling (elastic impedance) the interval properties were better reflected. Also elastic impedance proved to be an economical and quicker method in describing the lithology and depositional environment in the absence of seismic trace.