X-ray tomography in petrophysical studies of core samples from oil and gas fields

The porosity and permeability of core rocks were studied by X-ray tomography. This method has a high potential for studying petrophysical properties of rocks, because it permits not only a general quantitative estimation of the void volume but also visualization of the rock texture, including pores, cavities, cracks, and zones of different densities in the matrix. X-ray tomography permits detailed studies of rock inhomogeneity, which are necessary for the elaboration of reliable porosity-permeability models for hydrocarbon pools. The investigations at Perm State National Research Polytechnic University have shown that X-ray tomography of core samples has a wide spectrum of applications in petroleum geology. Nikon Metrology XT H 225 X-ray computed tomography makes it possible to examine samples with a standard diameter (30 mm) and whole core samples (100 mm). The structure of voids in carbonate and terrigenous rocks was studied on samples with standard and full diameters; the results of hydrochloric acid treatment of carbonate reservoir rocks were visualized; and the mechanical properties of rock salts were studied. Three-dimensional models for the structure of voids and mineral matrix of the core samples have been constructed with the use of the Avizo Fire software.