Abstract: Continuous Core Permeability Measurements Enhance Reservoir Characterization

LEEDS, STEPHEN H., MICHAEL J. HEYMANS, and EDWARD B. COALSON

In today's increasingly complex exploration environment it is becoming more and more difficult to accurately forecast and efficiently produce hydrocarbons. Many tools are available to assist reservoir engineers and geologists in constructing appropriate reservoir models. One such tool is the minipermeameter also known as the probe permeameter.

Using principles developed in the early 1950s and technology established through the ensuing decades, the applications of minipermeametry have attained popularity only in recent years. Equipment available today allows for precise, closely-spaced permeability measurements performed continuously over a cored reservoir unit. Resultant detailed permeability profiles or "logs" provide a more robust basis for assigning permeability values to individual reservoir flow units.

A key ingredient in successfully constructing an accurate, representative reservoir model is a permeability profile of the producing horizon. An understanding of the complex reservoir permeability heterogeneities is a vital component for optimum completion and production decisions. Minipermeameter data provide detailed information of permeability contrasts thus quantifying the effects of important sedimentary features.

Data are presented comparing steady-state minipermeameter results to conventional permeability data obtained by plug and full-diameter methods. Several Rocky Mountain reservoirs, both carbonate and siliciclastic facies, have been analyzed and results confirm the statistical validity of the minipermeameter.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90946©1997 AAPG Rocky Mountain Section Meeting, Denver, Colorado