Rock Property Determination Using Digital Rock Physics

Abstract

The Digital Rock Physics (DRP) technology is based on a rigorous numerical simulation of physical experiments in a realistic pore space, at the pore-scale level. The output is usually a macroscopic property conventionally measured in the lab. For example, a single-phase viscous fluid flow simulation through a digitized pore space provides absolute permeability. A simulation of electrical current provides conductivity, and a simulation of the stress field provides the elastic moduli and strength. DRP complements lab measurements and, at the same time, enormously enhances the geoscientist’s capabilities because digital experiments can be conducted in real time and on small fragments of rock, such as drill cuttings. We report a feasibility study on DRP technology applied to drill cutting samples to obtain porosity, permeability, and the P- and S-wave velocity.