Heterogeneity evaluation of pore types based on dipole shear sonic imager logs by means of statistical parameters, the central Persian Gulf

Abstract

Heterogeneity analysis in carbonate reservoirs is of great importance for the interpretation of their characteristics. This study focuses on the evaluation of pore‐type heterogeneity by means of the sonic wave velocities in the carbonate–evaporite series of Permian–Triassic sequences in the Persian Gulf. Thin section petrography and laboratory measured the porosity and permeability of 1576 samples, as well as routine wire‐line logs, were employed. To manage heterogeneity, six electrofacies (EF) were determined based on an integrated analysis of compressional, shear and Stoneley waves as well as three routine logs (gamma, neutron and density). The frequency of pore types in each electrofacies was calculated. Then, the heterogeneity of pore‐type distribution in each electrofacies was measured by standard error and coefficient of variation. Sonic velocity has been compared with the geological properties of electrofacies. Results indicated that velocity is affected by factors other than the amount of porosity, facies or lithology. The standard error values in all electrofacies were close to zero. The coefficient of variation values ranges from 1.08 to 4.60. The lowest amount of coefficient of variation was observed in EF6 in the Khuff (K) 4 zone for moldic porosity. This value for intercrystalline porosity distribution in EF1 in the K1 zone was low, too. These results indicate the lowest standard deviation and the highest homogeneity in the distribution of intercrystalline and moldic porosities in K1 and K4. Also, comparing the mean values of sonic logs in each electrofacies with the total mean value in the whole sequence indicated that there is a relationship between sonic velocity logs and the type of porosity. High values of sonic velocity correspond to intercrystalline porosity in K1 and low values of velocity correspond to moldic porosity in K4. Results show that integrated pore‐type studies should be carried out to understand the sonic velocities in carbonate reservoir rocks.