Hydrocarbon Saturation Equation in Shaly Sands According to the S-B Conductivity Model

Abstract

Summary The Silva-Bassiouni (S-B) conductivity model is used to derive a water-saturation equation for hydrocarbon-bearing shaly sands. The performance of the equation is evaluated by comparing calculated and experimental Sw values obtained at 25°C [77°F]. The comparison proved the equation to be valid and accurate. Several saturation-exponent determination procedures are presented and evaluated. These methods require laboratory core measurements. In the absence of such data, the use of a generalized value of two is supported by statistical analysis. In its present form, the S-B model can be used in the analysis of laboratory measurements, especially in the determination of the saturation exponent, n, of shaly sands. It is believed that further extension of the S-B model will provide means of saturation determination from log data. This possibility is currently being explored.