Permeability mapping in naturally heterogeneous sandstone cores by magnetization prepared centric-scan sprite

Abstract

A time-efficient MRI method suitable for quantitative two-dimensional (2-D) mapping of permeability in sedimentary rock cores, and granular media samples is discussed. The images of porosity and mean axial velocity in the plane transverse to the average flow direction are essential to determine 2-D distribution of permeability in a core sample. The 2-D permeability mapping is particularly useful for discrimination of bedding and lamination layers, fractures and fault facies that occur in sedimentary rocks. The proposed method combines the 13-interval APGSTE scheme and centric-scan SPRITE. The APGSTE scheme is known to substantially reduce gradient-related errors in diffusion measurements. The SPRITE method provides quantitative information on fluid content within the core samples. The experiment time is critically reduced when only a few samples near the q-space origin are collected. The APGSTE-SPRITE method is illustrated through mapping of 2-D permeability and 3-D velocity field in naturally heterogeneous sandstone cores. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012