«Proceedings of Gubkin University»

Structural analysis of pore space of gas reservoirs based on digital core methods

UDC: 553.98.04:550.8.014
DOI: -

Authors:

¹ Ishlinsky Institute for Problems in Mechanics RAS, Moscow, Russian Federation

Keywords: porosity, permeability, X-ray microtomography, digital core analysis, tortuosity, specific pore surface area, anisotropy, filtration modeling, Kozeny – Carman equation

Annotation:

The paper presents the results of a quantitative study of pore space and filtration-capacitance properties of the reservoir of a gas condensate field using digital core analysis methods. The study is based on three-dimensional micro-CT models obtained using high-resolution X-ray tomography on ProCon X-Ray CT-MINI scanner. Numerical calculations of geodesic tortuosity, permeability, specific pore surface area, and porosity type distribution are performed as part of the work. A high degree of pore space connectivity is shown, the rock structure demonstrates pronounced filtration anisotropy, despite the geometric isotropy of the pore space, which is important to take into account in modeling and operation. Experimental and theoretical estimates of permeability using different forms of the Kozeny – Carman equation are compared. It is found that all considered modifications of the equation give overestimated values, which emphasizes the limitation of their applicability without verification by numerical models. The obtained results can be used for refinement of hydrodynamic models and calculation of reservoir operating conditions in complex geomechanical conditions.

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