Carbonate Cements Research Articles

Depositional and diagenetic controllers on the sandstone reservoir quality of the late cretaceous sediments, Gulf of Suez Basin

The complex depositional, burial, and diagenetic histories of the Late Cretaceous Nezzazat Group sandstones in Northeastern Africa present the main challenges with regard to reservoir quality. The quality of commercial reservoirs is maintained despite deep burial and the associated high temperature and pressure. The study presents an optimum integration of different data sets to address reservoir quality and reservoir performance controllers. The data set includes measured porosity and permeability, petrographic point-counting data, grain-size analysis, X-ray diffraction data, scanning electron microscopy, and porosity loss by compaction. The depositional controls on the reservoir quality are the facies, whereas the higher quality is found in the channel and upper shoreface settings. The coarse-grained sandstone is associated with better reservoir quality. The large intergranular porosity is the main porosity controlling the fluid flow. The massive and laminated sandstones are the best quality facies. The labile grains (feldspars and mica) control the permeability distribution. Whereas the secondary diagenetic controllers are the carbonate cementation that inhibited the effects of compaction. The siderite cementation has resulted in a micropore dominated and highly tortuous pore system. Total porosity has largely been preserved in the siderite-cemented sample but virtually eliminated in the dolomite cemented. A low volume of illite is associated with better reservoir quality. Whereas the better reservoir quality is associated with the abundant quartz cementation that protected the primary porosity from compaction. Compaction acts as a significant porosity loss factor during diagenesis. Authigenic kaolinite does not significantly affect the reservoir quality. The reservoir sensitivity to formation damage comes from the potential for fines (kaolinite, illitic clays, siderite, and pyrite) migration within the pore system that is readily mobilized by the fluid flow.

Bioinspired Super Thermal Insulating, Strong and Low Carbon Cement Aerogel for Building Envelope.

The energy crisis has arisen as the most pressing concern and top priority for policymakers, with buildings accounting for over 40% of global energy consumption. Currently, single-function envelopes cannot satisfy energy efficiency for next-generation buildings. Designing buildings with high mechanical robustness, thermal insulation properties, and more functionalities has attracted worldwide attention. Further optimization based on bioinspired design and material efficiency improvement has been adopted as effective approaches to achieve satisfactory performance. Herein, inspired by the strong and porous cuttlefish bone, a cement aerogel through self-assembly of calcium aluminum silicate hydrate nanoparticles (C-A-S-H, a major component in cement) in a polymeric solution as a building envelop is developed. The as-synthesized cement aerogel demonstrates ultrahigh mechanical performance in terms of stiffness (315.65MPa) and toughness (14.68MJ m-3 ). Specifically, the highly porous microstructure with multiscale pores inside the cement aerogel greatly inhibits heat transfer, therefore achieving ultralow thermal conductivity (0.025W m-1 K-1 ). Additionally, the inorganic C-A-S-H nanoparticles in cement aerogel form a barrier against fire for good fire retardancy (limit oxygen index, LOI ≈ 46.26%, UL94-V0). The versatile cement aerogel featuring high mechanical robustness, remarkable thermal insulation, light weight, and fire retardancy is a promising candidate for practical building applications.

分子量を制御した熱可塑性エポキシ樹脂の熱融着による炭素繊維シートとセメントモルタルの接着

In order to develop a new concrete repair method under cold and moist conditions, melt adhesion tests of carbon fiber sheet and cement mortar using thermoplastic epoxy resin were examined. Thermoplastic epoxy resins having controlled molecular weight were prepared by the addition of bisphenol A. Melt viscosity and tensile properties of the epoxy resins decreased with decreasing molecular weight. Higher adhesive strength was observed when the lower-molecular-weight resin was used. It was shown that the low melt viscosity of the epoxy resin plays an important role on achieving strong adhesion between carbon fiber sheet and mortar.

Influence of PCE superplasticizers on the fresh properties of low carbon cements containing calcined clays: A comparative study of calcined clays from three different sources

The performance of low carbon cements prepared using calcined clay can be very inconsistent due to variations of the composition of the calcined clay samples. To gain a better understanding and further promote the practical application of this kind of “Green” cement, the influence of calcined clays from different sources on the behavior of the blended cement was investigated. First, cement blends holding 30 wt% of calcined clays sourced from Germany, India and China were prepared and admixed with PCE superplasticizers. Their properties in mortar regarding workability, time-dependent fluidity and strength development were evaluated and compared with that of OPC. Two commonly used individual PCEs, one for precast and one for ready-mix concrete, were employed. It was found that the performance of the blended cement significantly depends on the kind and property of calcined clay. High pozzolanic reactivity promotes early strength development (up to 7 days), but reduces fluidity and slump retention. To elucidate the mechanism behind this, surface charge (zeta potential) and PCE adsorption on the calcined clays were determined, and hence, a correlation between highly negatively charged calcined clay samples and high PCE adsorption was found.

Fluid flow evolution revealed by carbonate clumped isotope thermometry along the fractures in a complex salt dome setting: Study case (Jebel Madar, Oman)

A better understanding of constraining paleo fluid circulation along fractures in tectonically complex regions is essential from the scientific perspective and in exploiting sustainable geo-energies such as geothermal resources, but it remains a challenge. Jebel Madar in Oman as a salt dome is an ideal case study because of the complexity of its tectonic evolution and diagenetic process history. Here, we investigated the Cretaceous carbonate-encasing rock of salt domes and calcite-infilling fractures, making them an ideal case study for paleo fluid flow. The objectives were to test two different hypotheses: (1) to verify the previous study based on seismic data that the Hawasina Nappe had been priorly emplaced at the study location and was subsequently completely eroded, and (2) that the complex history of paleo-fluid flow existed in the fractures of the salt dome, and that this system was not yet fully constrained by previous studies, and also including accounting for the presence of any kinetic fractionation. To achieve our objectives, we applied carbonate clumped isotopes on different generations of veins as well as on the carbonate cement of the host rock itself to reconstruct paleo temperatures and the isotopic composition of the paleo-fluids. The carbonate clumped isotope temperatures indicate that calcite vein precipitation occurred between 48 and 171 °C. Assuming that our carbonate clumped isotopes data faithfully capture the recrystallization temperature of the limestone, the geothermal gradient during the Campanian can be estimated at 33.5 °C km−1, implying that the Hawasina Nappe must indeed have been present at the location. We also argue that the evolution of fluid flow in the study area comprises two distinct episodes of fluid circulation. The first episode led to the precipitation of high-temperature calcites followed by closed-system recrystallization during the local emplacement of the Hawasina Nappe. The second episode of fluid circulation occurred at lower temperatures with calcite members representing meteoric diagenetic fluids with evidence of the kinetic fractionation of the clumped isotopes signature in our samples. Our result demonstrates that the new paleotemperature data present new constraints of paleo fluid circulation along the fractures in a salt-domed setting and, importantly, confirms for the first time that the Hawasina Nappe was present at the site of Jebel Madar in the Late Cretaceous.

Formation and evolution of the strike-slip faults in the central Sichuan Basin, SW China

Based on 3D seismic and drilling data, the timing, evolution and genetic mechanism of deep strike-slip faults in the central Sichuan Basin are thoroughly examined by using the U-Pb dating of fault-filled carbonate cement and seismic-geological analysis. The strike-slip fault system was initially formed in the Late Sinian, basically finalized in the Early Cambrian with dextral transtensional structure, was overlaid with at least one stage of transpressional deformation before the Permian, then was reversed into a sinistral weak transtensional structure in the Late Permian. Only a few of these faults were selectively activated in the Indosinian and later periods. The strike-slip fault system was affected by the preexisting structures such as Nanhuanian rifting normal faults and NW-striking deep basement faults. It is an oblique accommodated intracratonic transfer fault system developed from the Late Sinian to Early Cambrian to adjust the uneven extension of the Anyue trough from north to south and matches the Anyue trough in evolution time and intensity. In the later stage, multiple inversion tectonics and selective activation occurred under different tectonic backgrounds.

Heterogeneity and differential hydrocarbon accumulation model of deep reservoirs in foreland thrust belts: A case study of deep Cretaceous Qingshuihe Formation clastic reservoirs in southern Junggar Basin, NW China

Using the data of drilling, logging, core, experiments and production, the heterogeneity and differential hydrocarbon accumulation model of deep reservoirs in Cretaceous Qingshuihe Formation (K1q) in the western section of the foreland thrust belt in southern Junggar Basin are investigated. The target reservoirs are characterized by superimposition of conglomerates, sandy conglomerates and sandstones, with high content of plastic clasts. The reservoir space is mainly composed of intergranular pores. The reservoirs are overall tight, and the sandy conglomerate has the best physical properties. The coupling of short deep burial period with low paleotemperature gradient and formation overpressure led to the relatively weak diagenetic strength of the reservoirs. Specifically, the sandy conglomerates show relatively low carbonate cementation, low compaction rate and high dissolution porosity. The special stress-strain mechanism of the anticline makes the reservoirs at the top of the anticline turning point more reformed by fractures than those at the limbs, and the formation overpressure makes the fractures in open state. Moreover, the sandy conglomerates have the highest oil saturation. Typical anticline reservoirs are developed in deep part of the thrust belt, but characterized by “big trap with small reservoir”. Significantly, the sandy conglomerates at the top of anticline turning point have better quality, lower in-situ stress and higher structural position than those at the limbs, with the internal hydrocarbons most enriched, making them high-yield oil/gas layers. The exponential decline of fractures makes hydrocarbon accumulation difficult in the reservoirs at the limbs. Nonetheless, plane hydrocarbon distribution is more extensive at the gentle limb than the steep limb.

The diagenesis and evolution of conglomeratic reservoirs in the Wutonggou Formation in the Yingyeer area

The conglomeratic reservoirs of the Permian Wutonggou Formation in the Yingyeer area of the Turpan–Hami Basin are key petroliferous horizons, with enormous potential for hydrocarbon exploration. Existing studies on the conglomeratic reservoirs in this area mainly focus on the sedimentary environment and sand body distribution, while few of them concern the diagenesis and evolution of the conglomeratic reservoirs, leading to deficient knowledge about relevant mechanisms. By comprehensively utilizing the data from ordinary and casting thin section identification, the x-ray diffraction analysis of whole rock and clay, scanning electron microscopy, and other analyses and assays, this study analyzed and investigated the petrological characteristics, diagenetic types, and characteristics, and diagenetic evolutionary stages and mechanisms of the conglomeratic reservoirs of the Permian Wutonggou Formation in the Yingyeer area. The study results are as follows. Under the influence of sedimentary provenances, tectonic evolution, and paleogeomorphology, the conglomeratic reservoirs of the Permian Wutonggou formation have low clastic grain maturity and low structural maturity, suggesting proximal provenances. The reservoirs are subjected to various diagenesis, including carbonate cementation, which fills pores and throats; compaction as a major factor leading to poor reservoir quality, and dissolution, which significantly improves the reservoir properties. The conglomeratic reservoirs in the Wutonggou formation are generally in substage A of the middle diagenetic stage. The diagenetic evolution of the reservoirs generally underwent early mechanical compaction, calcite precipitation, secondary quartz overgrowth, the injection of organic fluids, the dissolution of feldspars and lithic grains, the transformation of clay minerals, and calcite cementation in sequence. Hydrocarbon charging mainly occurred during the late Middle Jurassic and was greatly influenced by early compaction and dissolution.

Reservoir quality evaluation and prediction in ultra-deep tight sandstones in the Kuqa depression, China

Core, thin sections, cathodoluminescence (CL), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), conventional well logs and image logs are used to unravel depositional microfacies, diagenetic facies and fractures in the deeply buried (6000–8100 m) Cretaceous Bashijiqike (K1bs) and Baxigai (K1bx) Formations in Kuqa depression of the Tarim Basin. Results show that depositional microfacies in core and well log data include distributary channel, river mouth bar and distributary bay deposits of fan-braided delta fronts as well as lacustrine deposits. We establish well log predictable models of depositional microfacies using conventional and image logs. The Cretaceous sandstones experienced low to medium mechanical compaction and low intensity dissolution. Dominant diagenetic minerals are carbonate cements, clay minerals and minor amounts of quartz cements. The pore spaces are primarily intergranular pores and rare dissolution pores. We identify three diagenetic facies according to compaction state and diagenetic minerals, including carbonate cemented facies, tightly compacted facies, and facies having limited compaction and lacking cement (slightly cemented and compacted facies). We use well log characteristics to interpret diagenetic facies in areas without core data. Fractures are also elements of reservoir quality, including vertical opening-mode fractures, high to medium dip angle fractures, low angle fractures that probably include small faults and horizontal fractures. Fractures include open, partially open, and closed (sealed) fractures. We used image logs to identify fracture attributes, and calculate fracture density, porosity, aperture, and length. Depositional microfacies and diagenetic facies determine the primary intergranular pores and diagenesis subsequently modified secondary pore spaces. Natural fractures acted as both reservoir porosity (probably less than 1%) and as hydrocarbon flow channels accounting for elevated permeability. We evaluate and predict reservoir quality by superposing depositional microfacies, diagenetic facies and fracture occurrence.

Biocementation as a Pro-Ecological Method of Stabilizing Construction Subsoil

The principle of sustainable development imposes an obligation on societies to manage natural resources rationally and to care for the quality of the environment, by, among other things, reducing CO2 emissions. Alternative ways of stabilising building substrates by increasing their shear strength (cu) are increasingly being sought. This paper presents how microorganisms can influence cu and thus the load-bearing capacity of building substrates. Tests were performed in a triaxial compression apparatus in three variants. The first variant of testing was carried out on cemented soil samples, which were cemented in situ. The next two series of tests were performed on reconstructed samples, i.e., natural soil and soil inoculated with a solution of Sporosarcina pasteurii bacteria. The results obtained show that carbonate cementation increases the shear strength of the soil; in addition, this biomineralization-induced cementation gives higher cu results than natural carbonate cementation.

Physicochemical Conditions of the Devonian-Jurassic Continental Deep Biosphere Tracked by Carbonate Clumped Isotope Temperatures of Granite-Hosted Carbonate Veins

Previous studies have shown that microorganisms thrive in oligotrophic fracture systems, and metabolisms include consumption and production of methane. In the Laxemar, Götemar, and Forsmark areas of Sweden, ancient microbial activity has previously been demonstrated by large δ13CVPDB variability of carbonate vein infillings within granitic host rocks. Here, we apply carbonate clumped isotope thermometry to reconstruct the temperature of precipitation of the carbonate within these veins. The carbonate clumped isotope temperatures indicate that mineralization took place between 46°C and 108°C, in line with previously published fluid inclusion data (<50°C to 113°C). The new carbonate clumped isotope data more accurately narrows temperatures at the lower end of this range as fluid inclusions are not easily applicable below 80°C, a temperature regime of high importance for paleobiological reconstructions. Our results demonstrate that large volumes of biogenic carbonate cement were formed from low-temperature microbial processes in low-salinity water, succeeding calcite of deep brine origin. The known burial and thermal history of the region combined with our carbonate clumped isotope data place the microbial activity at the end of the Variscan orogeny and later events (e.g., Jurassic). Thus, carbonate clumped isotope thermometry reduces uncertainties in deep biosphere studies by providing more accurate temperature constraints in the low-temperature regime, the biogenic processes, and the origin of the diagenetic fluids.

Cementing CO2 into C-S-H: A step toward concrete carbon neutrality.

Addressing the existing gap between currently available mitigation strategies for greenhouse gas emissions associated with ordinary Portland cement production and the 2050 carbon neutrality goal represents a significant challenge. In order to bridge this gap, one potential option is the direct gaseous sequestration and storage of anthropogenic CO2 in concrete through forced carbonate mineralization in both the cementing minerals and their aggregates. To better clarify the potential strategic benefits of these processes, here, we apply an integrated correlative time- and space-resolved Raman microscopy and indentation approach to investigate the underlying mechanisms and chemomechanics of cement carbonation over time scales ranging from the first few hours to several days using bicarbonate-substituted alite as a model system. In these reactions, the carbonation of transient disordered calcium hydroxide particles at the hydration site leads to the formation of a series of calcium carbonate polymorphs including disordered calcium carbonate, ikaite, vaterite, and calcite, which serve as nucleation sites for the formation of a calcium carbonate/calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) composite, and the subsequent acceleration of the curing process. The results from these studies reveal that in contrast to late-stage cement carbonation processes, these early stage (precure) out-of-equilibrium carbonation reactions do not compromise the material's structural integrity, while allowing significant quantities of CO2 (up to 15 w%) to be incorporated into the cementing matrix. The out-of-equilibrium carbonation of hydrating clinker thus provides an avenue for reducing the environmental footprint of cementitious materials via the uptake and long-term storage of anthropogenic CO2.

Strength and uniformity of EICP-treated sand under multi-factor coupling effects

Enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) is an environment-friendly method for improving soil mechanical properties. The extraction and application of plant crude urease reduces the treatment cost. However, in terms of the efficiency of calcium carbonate production and cementation, crude urease is considered inferior to pure urease or urease bacteria. In this paper, urease extracted from soybean was used to explore the effects of urease activity, treatment method, number of treatments (NTs), injection rate, and curing time on the unconfined compressive strength and calcium carbonate distribution characteristics of EICP-treated sand. The results showed that, compared with the pre-mixing method and the two-phase method, the one-phase method produced higher strength and a more uniform distribution of calcium carbonate. The cementation efficiency decreased with the increase of urease activity. The high-rate injection can improve the treatment effect of high-activity urease. Under the same cementation level, high strength and calcium carbonate cementation efficiency can be achieved by one-phase-low-activity EICP treatment. Data Availability StatementAll data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the submitted article.

Mechanism of carbonate cementation and its influence on reservoir in Pinghu Formation of Xihu Sag

Mechanism of carbonate cementation and its influence on reservoir in Pinghu Formation of Xihu Sag

Diagenetic Evolution and Its Impact on Reservoir Quality of Tight Sandstones: A Case Study of the Triassic Chang-7 Member, Ordos Basin, Northwest China

The Upper Triassic Chang-7 Member of the Ordos Basin contains typical tight sandstone reservoirs. Reservoir quality is affected by diagenesis, which is a critical factor in tight oil exploration. In this study, the Chang-7 Member tight sandstones were studied by a variety of experimental methods, including thin sections, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), to determine the reservoir characteristics and diagenesis and discuss their influences on the reservoir quality. The Chang-7 Member sandstones are mainly lithic arkose and feldspathic litharenite with an average porosity and permeability of 7.17% and 0.13 mD, respectively. The pore type is mainly primary intergranular pores, and the secondary pores are feldspar dissolved pores, which are relatively developed, with pore radii of 2–20 µm. Diagenesis of Chang-7 Member tight reservoirs mainly includes compaction, quartz cementation, carbonate cementation, clay mineral cementation, and dissolution. The diagenetic stage develops into Mesodiagenesis A. The average porosity loss from compaction and cementation of sandstone in the Chang-7 Member is 15.93% and 18.67%, respectively. With the increase in burial depth, the porosity and permeability of the reservoir gradually decrease. In mesodiagenesis, the authigenic illite and carbonate cementation compacts the reservoir. The acid fluid carried by the two stages of oil and gas filling during diagenesis dissolved feldspar and carbonate cement, which plays a certain role in transforming the tight reservoir.

Structural behavior of beams cast using normal and high strength concrete containing blends of ceramic waste powder and blast furnace slag

In general, the use of ceramic waste powder (CWP) in concrete production is limited to few percentages (i.e., less than approximately 10–15% of Portland cement), given the resulting decrease in concrete strength and durability. This paper seeks to assess the relevance of blending CWP with blast furnace slag (BFS) to foster pozzolanic reactions and reinstate the drop in strength and structural performance of reinforced concrete (RC) members. Two categories of normal- and high-strength concrete (NSC and HSC) mixtures possessing 34 and 71 MPa compressive strengths are tested in this program. The RC beams measured 2-m in length and were differently configured by steel reinforcements to assess the flexural and shear strengths as well as the bond to embedded spliced rebars. Regardless of the steel configuration, results showed that the structural properties curtail when the concrete mixtures are prepared with 10% CWP replacement rate. This was attributed to a dilution effect and higher CWP porosity that detrimentally alter the concrete microstructure and strengths. The drop in flexural, shear, and bond strengths was found to be fully restored with the use of ternary binder composed of 55% cement, 35% BFS, and 10% CWP. Such results are in line with the improved concrete strength and durability, revealing the relevance of blending CWP with BFS to foster synergistic effects and reinstate the structural properties of NSC and HSC beams. Findings of this work can increase the CWP added-value for the construction industry, while reducing the cement carbon footprint.

Overprinting of δ13Corg signatures in the sedimentary record linked to hydrocarbon migration: Evidence from Paleozoic drill cores from the Ordos Basin, China

Carbon isotopic compositions of organic matter (δ13Corg) provide critical information about changes in the global carbon cycle through Earth's history. However, several biotic and abiotic processes occurring after sediment deposition may overprint the original geochemical signals, complicating their paleoenvironmental interpretation. Here, we report multiple large and rapid δ13Corg swings (ranging from −30.8‰ to −23.3‰) from three Paleozoic drill cores in the Ordos Basin, Northwest China, which may reflect different organic contributions related to lithology. As a potentially important organic matter source, migrated hydrocarbons may substantially alter the original δ13Corg and total organic carbon contents (TOC), and their oxidation may contribute to forming 13C- and 18O-depelted carbonate cements in siliciclastic-dominated strata at depth. Cross-plots of δ13Corg and TOC from samples of the three drill cores all show similar hyperbolic trends that are well simulated using Rayleigh fractionation and a two-component mixing model, thus providing potential criteria for identifying the reservoir and the related hydrocarbon source in oil exploration. Our data call for a critical reassessment of the δ13Corg records of sedimentary rocks if hydrocarbon redistribution or mixing of organic sources is suspected to have occurred during the burial history.

Comparative study on net-zero masonry walls made of clay and fly ash bricks and grouts/mortars/stuccos with the effect of super fine fly ash blended cement—low carbon cement

Abstract In the construction sector, cement plays a vital role in all the members and components in which it acts as a binder and strength-dependent material. The production of cement material emits a large quantity of CO2 gas, which has been the main cause of global warming and other environmental and health issues. To overcome this issue, low carbon or net-zero cement production and utilization is a necessity, which equally satisfies the binder ability of conventional ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The fly ash from thermal power stations that is deposited in the yard is the most frequently used replacement material for cement. Due to its excellent pozzolanic properties, this fly ash can be utilized in place of binding materials in the building industry to achieve carbon neutrality. In this investigation, fly ash is used to prepare net-zero mortars in place of a significant amount of cement. Fly ash is utilized both in its natural form and after being ground into tiny particles for increased reactivity and effectiveness. The test for compressive strength allows for a detailed examination of the mechanical properties by altering the ratio of water to cement with and without the use of super plasticizer (SP). The best mortar is fine F fly ash (FFFA), which is made using a water-to-cement ratio of 0.4 + 1% SP. To validate the outcomes of this investigation, a characterization study of the improved mortars was examined.

Influence of Silanes on Carbonation of Calcium Sulfoaluminate Cement Produced from Solid Industrial Wastes

Production of calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement from solid industrial wastes consumes enormous amounts of wastes and provides an environmentally friendly binder for the construction sector. However, carbonation of CSA cement is much faster than that of portland cement. Silane was used to reduce water absorption of portland cement concrete and thus promote its carbonation resistance. To clarify the effect of silane on carbonation resistance of CSA cement prepared from solid industrial wastes, three silanes, including glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GOPTS), vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS), and dodecyltrimethoxysilane (DTMS), were employed in this research. Their influence on early-age hydration and water absorption of CSA cement mortar was investigated. Accelerated carbonation was performed. The results show that GOPTS and VTMS retarded early-age hydration of CSA cement and slightly decreased 28-day compressive strength, whereas DTMS had less influence. All three silanes decreased water absorption of mortar. However, they bring about more pores larger than 200 nm, which would facilitate the spread of CO2 in mortar. Nevertheless, other than silane’s effect on water absorption and the pore structure of mortar, carbon chain length of silane determines the carbonation resistance of CSA cement mortar. DTMS accelerates carbonation due to its long chain, but, GOPTS and VTMS, with shorter chains, promote resistance of mortar.

Controls of normal diagenesis on poroperm parameters in red beds: examples in Miocene Muddy Creek Formation, Mesquite basin, USA and upper Devonian Old Red Sandstone, Orcadian basin, Scotland

General diagenetic patterns in Miocene Muddy Creek Formation and upper Devonian Old Red Sandstone (ORS) can be characterized as follows: i) early diagenesis characterized by the formation of early hematite, carbonate, and clay cement; ii) burial diagenesis followed by the formation of quartz and feldspar overgrowths, poikilotopic calcite and pore-filling clays; iii) late diagenesis characterized by the formation of late hematite replacing previous poikilotopic carbonate cement. Normal diagenesis has a significant impact on poroperm parameters as indicated by the destruction of pore spaces from cementation and intergranular pressure solution. Early cementation in unburied sandstones of the Muddy Creek Formation reduces sample porosities to 2÷20% of the total rock volume. Cementation destroyed the original porosity of studied sandstones through pore occlusion due to the formation of equant and meniscus calcite cement. Point-count data indicate that the intergranular cement of studied samples ranges between 22 and 44%; in contrast, the intergranular porosities range from 2÷20% of the total rock volume. These consequently indicate that the intergranular volumes that are considered to represent the original porosities of studied samples, ranged from 35÷50% of the total rock volume. Completely pore-occluding poikilotopic calcite cement in the upper Old Red Sandstone reduces poroperm values to as low as 5% porosity and 0.003 mD permeability. Late reddening is caused by replacive hematite cement in the calcite. In addition, normal diagenesis also has an impact on porosity enhancement due to dissolution in the studied red beds. This improves porosity and permeability by as much as 14% and 254 mD in the upper ORS.