Digital Rock Physics: Mechanical Properties of Carbonate Core Plug at Different Resolutions

Abstract:

Digital Rock Physics (DRP) is a novel technology that could be used to generate accurate, fast and cost effective special core analysis (SCAL) properties to support reservoir characterization and simulation tools.

For this work, Micro-CT images at different resolutions have been used to run simulations to determine elastic properties like bulk, shear, Young’s Modulus and Poisson’s ratio of a dry carbonate core plug from Abu Dhabi reservoirs.

Pre processing and segmentation of raw images is performed in FEI 3D visualization and analysis tool Avizo. Carbonates are characterized by a very complex pore-space structure and so a high degree of heterogeneity. Abaqus that is based on Finite Element Method is used to run 2D and 3D elastic simulations. Results will be compared by simulating the same core-plug in an alternative segmentation and FEM modeling environment used previously by Jouini & Vega et al. 2012 [1].

Acoustic wave propagation experiments at different confining pressures are performed in the laboratory Triaxial machine to determine the dynamic Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio for the same core plug. Expeirmental results are compared with numerical results.

 [1] Jouini, M.S. and Vega, S. 2012. Simulation of carbonate rocks elastic properties using 3D X-Ray computed tomography images based on Discrete Element Method and Finite Element Method. 46th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium, Chicago, Il, USA, 24-27 June 2012.