Abstract
In previous work we have described and validated robust techniques for partitioning the
pore space of a porous material into simple regions, thereby allowing it to be represented
by a network of simple building blocks. The primary purpose of this analysis is the
generation of a pore-throat network for modelling immiscible multi-phase fluid
displacements. However, combining our partitioning algorithms with recently developed
methods for studying complex and disordered networks, and geometric studies of the
building blocks themselves, results in powerful tools for characterising rock
microstructure.
We extend this approach by applying the analysis to both the pore space and its
complement, the grain space. Partitioning the grain space has particular meaning for
clastic rocks where it is equivalent to identifying individual grains. Studying the two
interpenetrating networks that result gives us a more complete description of the material,
and in particular, gives us the chance to study causal relationships linking microstructure
to macroscopic properties.
We apply this methodology to a selection of clastic and carbonate rock images from the
library of samples imaged at the ANU X-Ray micro-CT facility. For the clastic samples,
we are able to assess whether differences in porosity and connectivity are the result of
variations in grain size, grain shape or packing efficiency. For all samples, we look at the
robustness and usefulness of several characterisation measures.
pore space of a porous material into simple regions, thereby allowing it to be represented
by a network of simple building blocks. The primary purpose of this analysis is the
generation of a pore-throat network for modelling immiscible multi-phase fluid
displacements. However, combining our partitioning algorithms with recently developed
methods for studying complex and disordered networks, and geometric studies of the
building blocks themselves, results in powerful tools for characterising rock
microstructure.
We extend this approach by applying the analysis to both the pore space and its
complement, the grain space. Partitioning the grain space has particular meaning for
clastic rocks where it is equivalent to identifying individual grains. Studying the two
interpenetrating networks that result gives us a more complete description of the material,
and in particular, gives us the chance to study causal relationships linking microstructure
to macroscopic properties.
We apply this methodology to a selection of clastic and carbonate rock images from the
library of samples imaged at the ANU X-Ray micro-CT facility. For the clastic samples,
we are able to assess whether differences in porosity and connectivity are the result of
variations in grain size, grain shape or packing efficiency. For all samples, we look at the
robustness and usefulness of several characterisation measures.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Symposium Trondheim 2006 Proceedings |
| Editors | Conference Program Committee |
| Place of Publication | Dublin Ireland |
| Publisher | Society of Core Analysts |
| Pages | 1-12 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Edition | Peer Reviewed |
| Publication status | Published - 2006 |
| Event | International Symposium of the Society of Core Analysts 2006 - Trondheim Duration: 1 Jan 2006 → … |
Conference
| Conference | International Symposium of the Society of Core Analysts 2006 |
|---|---|
| Period | 1/01/06 → … |
| Other | September 12-16 2006 |