Porosity estimation from compressional wave velocity: A study based on Egyptian sandstone formations

In the evaluation of a petroleum reserve, it is necessary to determine accurately petrophysical properties such as porosity and permeability of the reservoir rocks. Ultrasonic measurement is one of the non-destructive and easily applicable geophysical methods commonly used by engineers working in various fields such as mining, geotechnical, civil engineering as well as for oil, gas and mineral exploration.This paper evaluates various well known models and formulas for porosity estimation from compressional wave velocity (P-wave velocity). Based on a comparison between the predicting quality of the models, the application of a generalized velocity–porosity relation is recommended that enables an improved porosity prediction for both dry and saturated sandstone samples. Porosity and P-wave velocity data of 106 sandstone samples were collected from three different sandstone formations in Egypt.

► Porosity estimation.
► Compressional wave velocity.
► Reservoir evaluation.