Advances in Computed Tomography for Petrophysical Applications

Abstract

Rapid, non-destructive screening using high-frequency imaging techniques over a broad size resolution range now provides a possible solution to rock and pore properties estimation. The presentation includes many typical applications of macro-CT scanning from simple visualization to more quantitative petrophysical applications. Image-segmentation, a quantitative visualization technique, provides plenty of applications including quantifying fractures, vug volumes, wormhole development, net-to-gross applications, gas-oil relative permeability visualization etc. Dual-energy x-ray scan-interpreted bulk density, photoelectric effect, effective atomic number, porosity, and lithological interpretation techniques will be explained. Some of these properties can be compared to log response to adjust core to log depths. The high-resolution lithological interpretation helps better selection of sampling points before core is out of aluminum sleeves and detailed description of reservoirs.

The use of micro-CT scanner to characterize pore size distribution, estimate permeability and high resolution SEM to characterize pore networks for physical properties prediction will also be reviewed.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90214 © 2015 Southwest Section AAPG Annual Convention, Wichita Falls, Texas, April 11-14, 2015