Laboratory Manual for Porosity Measurement

Background

The PORG-200 porosimeter is a manually-operated helium pycnometer incorporating

digital technology to yield accurate grain volume determination for a limited range of sample
sizes. The low-pressure device is an excellent choice as a training instrument. The design
incorporates safety, durability, and ease of operation into a compact unit.

Safety

• Observe all WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, and NOTES that appear in this manual.
• It is especially important to open and close valves deliberately, observing pressures,
having thought beforehand what the expected outcome will be.
• Proper personal protective equipment, e.g. safety glasses, should be utilized when
operating laboratory equipment.

Basic Theory

Porosity fraction is defined as the ratio of the pore volume to the bulk volume of the rock
sample:

Pore Volume
φ =
Bulk Volume

In lay terms, pore volume is the void space in the rock. Bulk volume is the volume that the
rock occupies, sometimes called matrix volume. Grain volume is the volume of the rock
grains or solids (not including the pore volume). Porosity is the fraction of void space in the
total rock. Thus, pore volume can be calculated from the bulk volume and grain volume
measurements:

Pore Volume = Bulk Volume - Grain Volume

Bulk volume is usually determined by callipering or by displacement. Using the supplied

Matrix Cup, the PORG-200 can be used to determine grain volume directly. Porosity can
be calculated from the equation:

Bulk Volume - Grain Volume

φ =
Bulk Volume

Grain Density can be determined using the following equation:

Grain Density = Dry Weight

Grain Volume

Principles of Grain Volume Determination

The PORG-200 uses Boyle’s Law to determine grain volume from the expansion of a
known volume of helium into a calibrated sample holder (Matrix Cup).
Boyle’s Law: p1v1 pv
= 2 2
T1 T2
where:

p1 = Initial Absolute Pressure

v1 = Initial Volume
T1 = Initial Absolute Temperature
p2 = Expanded Absolute Pressure
v2 = Expanded Volume
T2 = Expanded Absolute Temperature

Bulk Volume Determination

Bulk volume can be calculated accurately from the dimensions of a core sample if it is a true
right cylinder and there are no surface irregularities. Use a caliper to obtain several diameter
measurements and several length measurements. Use the average diameter and average
length to calculate the bulk volume of the sample.

Grain Volume Determination

Step1: To start the experiment, the first step is to measure the empty sample chamber (or
Matrix cup).

Step2: To measure the empty sample chamber, turn Valve SAMPLE VALVE to the VENT
position; open Valve GAS INLET to ON; pressurize the system to approximately 100 psi.
Adjust the pressure by rotating the handle of the REGULATOR. Close GAS INLET (OFF
position). Record the UPSTREAM PRESSURE, P1. Turn SAMPLE VALVE to EXPAND,
directing the helium into the Matrix Cup. Observe the UPSTREAM PRESSURE until a
stable reading is obtained. Record the stabilized pressure reading, P2.

Step3: After measurement of empty sample chamber, place the core plug in the Matrix Cup
and repeat step 2.

Step4: Calculate the grain volume of the rock by finding a reduction of the volume in the
sample chamber when the core plug is added.

Step5: Redo the experiments for two more samples and find your calculation errors.

Grain Density

Step1: Weigh the clean, dry core plug.

Step2: Measure grain volume of the plug as previously described.

Step3: Divide the dry weight by the grain volume to obtain the grain density.