Application Of Hydraulic Flow Units Approach In Permeability Prediction: Case Study, Abu Roash G Member, Sitra Field, Egypt

Abstract

Summary Permeability prediction is necessary to develop an effective reservoir characterization program. Permeability is controlled by the pore throat size, which in turn is a function of the pore type. The latter is determined by the depositional facies and the subsequent diagenetic processes. Statistical analyses including histogram, probability plot, and hierarchical clustering algorithm of conventional core data based on Hydraulic Flow Units approach (HFU) were used to evaluate the reservoir characteristics of the Abu Roash “G” Member. Probability plot and Hierarchical clustering analyses show 7 and 5 clusters for grouping the core data in the two studied wells, corresponding to 7 and 5 hydraulic flow units can be considered. The Hydraulic Flow Units in the Abu Roash “G” Member nearly reflect the depositional facies. Since each flow unit is characterized by unique values of porosity, permeability, and pore throat distribution, the lateral and vertical distribution of the Hydraulic Flow Units in the two analyzed wells reflect the high heterogeneity of the reservoir in the Abu Roash “G” sandstones and could be attributed to the changes in the local sedimentary structures and the diagenetic processes, which enhance or reduce the reservoir properties. High correlation coefficients between the core permeabilities and the predicted permeability values from average flow zone indicator data reflect the accuracy of the probability plot and clustering methods and the suitable number of clusters for grouping the flow zone indicator data.