Frame moduli of unconsolidated sands and sandstones

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · Geophysics; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1443694· OSTI ID:6782687

Spencer, Jr, J W; Cates, M E; Thompson, D D ^[1]

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1. Chevron Petroleum Technology Co., La Habra, CA (United States)

In this study, the authors investigate the elastic moduli of the empty grain framework (the frame moduli) in unconsolidated sands and consolidated sandstones. The work was done to improve the interpretation of seismic amplitude anomalies and amplitude variations with offset (AVO) associated with hydrocarbon reservoirs. They developed a laboratory apparatus to measure the frame Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus of unconsolidated sands at seismic frequencies (0.2 to 155 Hz) in samples approximately 11 cm long. They used ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements to measure the frame moduli of consolidated sandstones. They found that the correlation coefficient between the frame Poisson's ratio [sigma][sub A] and the mineral Poisson's ratio [sigma][sub M] is 0.84 in consolidated sandstones and only 0.28 in unconsolidated sands. The range of [sigma][sub A] values in unconsolidated sands is 0.115 to 0.237 (mean = 0.187, standard deviation = 0.030), and [sigma][sub A] cannot be estimated without core or log analyses. Frame moduli analyses of core samples can be used to calibrate the interpretation of seismic amplitude anomalies and AVO effects. For use in areas without core or log analyses, the authors developed an empirical relation that can be used to estimate [sigma][sub A] in unconsolidated sands and sandstones from [sigma][sub M] and the frame P-wave modulus.

• OSTI ID: 6782687
• Journal Information: Geophysics; (United States), Journal Name: Geophysics; (United States) Vol. 59:9; ISSN GPYSA7; ISSN 0016-8033
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
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& Exploration
03 NATURAL GAS
030200 -- Natural Gas-- Reserves
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& Exploration
58 GEOSCIENCES
580000 -- Geosciences
DATA ANALYSIS
ELASTICITY
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESERVOIR ROCK
RESOURCES
SEISMIC SURVEYS
SURVEYS
TENSILE PROPERTIES