Petrophysical parameters estimated from visual descriptions of carbonate rocks: a field classification of carbonate pore space

Journal Article · Tue Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1983 · J. Pet. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/10073-PA· OSTI ID:5887137

Lucia, F J

The permeability, capillary properties, and m values of carbonate rocks are related to the particle size, amount of interparticle porosity, amount of separate vug porosity, and the presence or absence of touching vugs. Particle size, percent separate vug porosity, and the presence or absence of touching vugs usually can be determined visually. The amount of interparticle porosity is more difficult to determine visually and is done best by subtracting the visual estimate of separate vug porosity from the measure of total porosity obtained from wireline porosity logs or laboratory measurements. In the absence of touching vugs, the permeability, m values, and capillary properties can be estimated if the particle size, percent separate vug porosity, and total porosity are known. No acceptable method has been developed to estimate visually the permeability of touching vugs. A classification of carbonate porosity is proposed based on the data presented. This classification is intended to be used in the field or for routine laboratory description. Interparticle porosity is classified according to particle size and the dense or porous appearance of the interparticle area. Vuggy porosity is classified according to type of interconnection. Separate vugs are connected through the interparticle pore space and classified by percent porosity. Touching vugs are connected to each other and classified by presence or absence.

• Research Organization: Shell Oil Co.
• OSTI ID: 5887137
• Journal Information: J. Pet. Technol.; (United States), Vol. 35:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
03 NATURAL GAS
CARBONATE ROCKS
CLASSIFICATION
PERMEABILITY
POROSITY
RESERVOIR ROCK
CAPILLARY FLOW
MICROSTRUCTURE
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
PARTICLE SIZE
PETROGRAPHY
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
PROSPECTING
SAMPLING
WELL LOGGING
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
FLUID FLOW
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGY
MINERAL RESOURCES
RESOURCES
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
SIZE
020200* - Petroleum- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
030200 - Natural Gas- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration