Resistivity dispersion in pyrite-bearing shaly sandstones

Abstract

In pyrite-bearing shaly sandstones, the distortion in the resistivity logging response of formations in high-frequency resistivity logging because of dispersion hinders the calculation of reservoir saturation. To eliminate the effect of resistivity dispersion of pyrite and shale, and to avoid factors, such as mineral composition, content, and distribution in natural cores, we synthesized twelve samples with dispersed pyrite and shale grains at high temperature and pressure (60 MPa and 120 °C). We performed experiments at different water salinities and oil saturations, and different frequency to assess the effect of frequency on the conductivity of pyrite-bearing shaly sandstones. Both the dispersed pyrite and shale grains show dispersion, and the real part of the complex resistivity decreases with increasing frequency. Based on symmetrical effective medium conductivity theory and the experimental data, the effective medium dispersion model for the real part of the complex resistivity for pyrite-bearing shaly sandstones is established considering the effect of pyrite and shale content on resistivity dispersion. Simulations suggest that the predicted resistivity dispersion by the model in pyrite-bearing shaly sandstones for variable frequency, and pyrite and shale content agrees with the experimental results. The proposed model can successfully predict the dispersion of pyrite-bearing shaly sandstones. Finally, the resistivity dispersion correction plot for the conductivity of pyrite and shale grains of 0.062 S/m and 0.031 S/m, respectively, is established based on the frequency applied to various electric logs, and the correction method for the high-frequency resistivity log response is given to obtain the real formation resistivity.