The Effect of Micrite Content on the Geophysical Properties of Reservoir Carbonate Rocks
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajgt.v4i1.2472Keywords:
Attenuation, Elastic Wave Velocity, Electrical Resistivity, Micrite Content, Reservoir CarbonateAbstract
Carbonate rocks have a significant economic value as water and hydrocarbon reservoirs and are essential elements for concrete and buildings. This study selected a total of 36 carbonate rock samples, which were tested in the lab for electrical resistivity at 80 Hz, primary and secondary ultrasonic wave velocity, and attenuation. Therefore, to understand the role of microcrystalline calcite (micrite) on the geophysical properties, this study has proposed a new systematic method by using image analysis techniques to quantify micrite and microstructural parameters such as macro porosity, solid grains, microporous micrite (porosity within micrite), and calcite crystals (sparry calcite). The study findings suggest that porosity and permeability have U-shape trends as a function of micrite content due to leaching processes. Thus, higher micrite content causes the elastic wave velocities to increase, making the rock stiffer. When a dual porosity effect is present, the attenuation exhibits two peaks, and is at its highest with micrite content. With minimal values between 10% and 30% of micrite content due to maximal porosity, the apparent formation factor exhibits a U-shape trend with micrite content; as a result, the electrolyte conductivity is high. We concluded that knowledge of micrite content and macro-porosity is of paramount importance to interpret and model the geophysical parameters and to develop a rock physics model.
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