Estimation of Sedimentary Rock Porosity Using a Digital Image Analysis

Abstract

Pore space characterisation is important in assessing the strength and hydraulic characteristics of rock. This paper proposes a new relationship to estimate the porosity of natural rocks using the data from a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a pore and crack analysis system (PCAS). The obtained results were compared with the data obtained from a series of conventional mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) experiments. Three different rocks, namely siltstone, sandstone, and coal, collected from a depth below 400 m, were investigated in this study. The results indicated that the proposed method of digital analysis could accurately identify the pore size and porosity values, which were in agreement with the experimental data. The relationship between the two-dimensional porosity estimated from the digital analysis and the three-dimensional porosity obtained from laboratory experiments was established. A few limitations on the use of the proposed method have also been identified and discussed.

Unconventional Reservoir Characterization of Patala Formation, Upper Indus Basin, Pakistan

“…Density, neutron, and other logs commonly can be used to calculate porosity, whereas shale and its organic component affect the density . Estimating total porosity in shale gas reservoirs poses a challenge due to high clay minerals and fine-grained texture . Log porosity was used to generate a distribution map and to understand the regional porosity behavior.…”

“… 48 Estimating total porosity in shale gas reservoirs poses a challenge due to high clay minerals and fine-grained texture. 49 Log porosity was used to generate a distribution map and to understand the regional porosity behavior. It can help understand the prospective of the Patala Formation compared to the surrounding fields having available logs.…”

Estimation of Digital Porosity of Electrospun Veils by Image Analysis

“…They used the ImageJ complement called DiamterJ and analyzed SEM images of fibrin meshes, reporting the diameter measurements and porosity and comparing them with manual measurements and concluded that the algorithms resulted suitable for establishing the diameter through image analysis; the measurements were adjusted to the clot biophysical characteristics and manually determined values. Tan et al [ 18 ] estimated the porosity of natural rocks by means of SEM data and a pore and crack analysis system. These authors concluded that the digital analysis was capable of identifying accurately the pore size and porosity values, which agreed with experimental data.…”