3D Characterization of Pore Microstructure and Implications for Flow Transport Property of Tight Reservoirs

Summary Unconventional hydrocarbons have been considered as important complementary resources to conventional resources, which have been intensely investigated in recent years. Pore microstructure, especially of tight reservoirs, has significant effect on flow capacity, storage capability and recovery efficiency. A comprehensive understanding of pore microstructure is crucial for the prediction of transport property, and thus provides some basis for the evaluation of tight oil potential area. Three-dimensional features of pore network were studied by X-ray CT data analysis, where geometrical and topological parameters were calculated. On the basis of these quantitative analyses, numerical simulations were conducted for demonstrating transport capability.