Evaluation of Petrophysical Parameters from Micrometer Resolved CT Data

The portfolio of methods for pore level characterization of reservoir rocks has significantly advanced over the last decade with the advent of micron and submicron resolution computed tomography methods. This in combination with image processing software for integration of CT data with results from scanning electron microscopy measurements and automated mineralogy has in principle enabled full 3D mapping of pores spaces and the associated mineralogy. With such data in hand it is possible to calculate for example absolute permeabilities. We show examples of the limitations and advantages of this approach for two rock types: one which is easily characterized and one which is more difficult. We will focus on the importance of the resolution and the caveats in the subsequent computational treatment.