Republic of Iraq

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research ‫جمهورية العراق‬

Kerbala University ‫وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي‬
‫جامعة كربالء‬
Engineering faculty
‫كلية الهندسة‬
Petroleum Department
‫هندسة النفط‬

‫علي ناصر رحيم‬

‫المرحلة الثالثة – الدراسة‬
‫الصباحية‬

‫المشرف‬
‫ تحسين حميد خليف‬.‫د‬.‫م‬.‫ا‬
‫ حوراء عادل‬.‫أ‬

Thursday, November 11 2021

Determining Porosity Using Helium Porosimeter

Reservoir Engineering Lab.

1
 Topics

 Introduction
 Objective and Aim
 Theory
 Tools and Apparatus
 Procedure
 Calculations
 Discussion
 References

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Introduction

In this study, the effective porosity of core samples is obtained by measuring

the bulk volume and the grain volume. The grain density can be determined
by the weight of dry samples and grain volume.

Due to the cores being prepared as perfect cylinders, their bulk volume can
be calculated from their diameters and heights. The measurement of grain
volume can be achieved by using the gas expansion method. So the
equipment’s used are Vernier caliper, electronic balance, and helium
porosimeter.
The helium porosimeter uses the principle of gas expansion, as described by
Boyle’s Law, and measures the grain volume.

The gas expansion does not concern the solid volume but only the pore
volume so that the solid volume can be deducted from the pressure
measurements. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a precise calibration of
the volumes of the apparatus. Any gas can be used, but in some situations,
helium is the primary choice other than nitrogen because of some
condensation process.

Using a helium porosimeter we will take three pairs of pressure readings with
each pair associated with an initial reference volume and an expansion from
[1]
the reference volume into the core holder.

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Theory

The Helium Porosimeter uses the principle of gas expansion, as described by

Boyle’s law.
A known volume (reference cell volume) of helium gas, at a predetermined
pressure, is isothermally expanded into a sample chamber. After expansion,
the resultant equilibrium pressure is measured. This pressure depends on the
volume of the sample chamber minus the rock grain volume, and then the
[2]
porosity can be calculated.

In this lab you will determine the porosity of your rock sample using the
helium porosimeter.
This device contains two cells, the sample cell and the expansion cell.
Three valves, V1, V2 and V3 control the gas flow throughout the system:
1. V1 connects the sample cell to the helium tank,
2. V2 allows gas out of the system.
3. V3 controls the flow between the sample cell and the expansion cell.
A pressure sensor provides measurements of the gas pressure inside the
sample cell. The
pressure readings are displayed on a multimeter connected to the sensor (in
units of Volts).
To find the porosity using the Helium Porosimeter, we will apply Boyle's
law. This law states that, under conditions of fixed gas quantity and constant
temperature, the product of the
[2]
pressure and volume stay constant. Boyle's law is expressed as follows:

P1V1 = P2V2

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Objective and Aim

The goal of this test to determine the effective porosity & grain volume by
[3]
Helium Porosimeter device using Bolyes Law AND Porosity Meter.

5
Tools and Apparatus [5]

The Helium gas expansion porosimeter enables the determination of a sample’s (1” or 1.5”
diameter) grain and pore volume via an isothermal helium expansion and the application of
Boyle’s law and Charles’ law. Subsequently, porosity and grain density can be calculated. A
data acquisition system performs calibration, data logging and parameter calculation.
Optionally, a full diameter matrix cup can be provided for porosity studies on whole diameter
core samples. Each sample matrix cup is interchangeable and is supplied with stainless steel
calibration check plugs. Pore volume can be measured by placing the core sample in an optional
Hassler type core holder, connected to the porosimeter.

[4]
It consists of :

1. Porosity Meter
2. Pressure Gauge
3. Regulator: which control pressure gauge
4. Outlet Valve: which connects to the matrix in the sample
5. Digital Screen: for Readings
6. Valve 1 (V1)
7. Valve 2 (V2)
8. Valve 3 (V3)
9. Reference Pressure: pressured to be around 100 Psi
10. Helium Source: Helium tank connected to the Porosimeter
11. Core Sample
12. Steel Billets or Matrix Disks
13. Matrix Cup
14. Software Loaded Computer

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 14 9

2
1

Helium Porosimeter 8

3 4 6

13

11

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Procedure[5]
1. Measure the length and the diameter of your sample. Repeat this 5 times,
taking measurements at di erent points around your sample.
2. Determine the volume of the sample cell, Vcell, and expansion cell, Vexp, of
the porosimeter.

a. Ensure V1 is closed tightly. Open V2 and V3. Wait until the reading on
the multimeter is stable. Record the voltage corresponding to the
atmospheric pressure.
b. Ensure V2 and V3 are closed tightly. Open V1 to let gas flow into
sample cell only. When the reading on Multimeter stabilizes, close V1.
Record the reading.
c. Ensure V1 and V2 are closed tightly. Open V3 to let the gas flow into the
expansion cell. Record the reading.
d. Open V2 to release the gas from the system. Make sure V3 is open as
well. Close V3 after the gas after gas is completely released from the
system.
e. Measure the diameter of the calibration sphere using the caliper. Take 5
measurements at different points around the sphere.
f. Ensure that V1 is shut tightly and that no gas is left in the system. Open
the sample cell by unscrewing the lid and place the calibration sphere
inside. Close the lid carefully (in particular, be careful not to cross-thread
the lid).
g. Repeat the steps (b) through (d) with the calibration sphere in the cell.

3. Calculate the volume of the sample cell, Vcell, and of the expansion cell,
Vexp. Make sure you have a clean account of your calculations. Don't forget to
correct for the atmospheric pressure. If you set the problem right, you should
end up with 2 equations and 2 unknowns that are Vcell and Vexp. Make sure
that your solution is an expression of a volume by looking at the units and
verify that the order of magnitude is consistent with the size of the components
of the porosimeter (Ex; a volume of 1 km3 would be excessive)

8
Procedure[5].
4. Determine the porosity of your rock sample

a. Ensure that V1 is shut tightly and that no gas is left in the system. Open
the sample cell by unscrewing the lid and place your sample inside.
Close the lid properly.
b. Ensure V2 and V3 are closed tightly. Open V1 to let gas flow into the
sample cell only. When the reading on multimeter stabilizes, close V1.
Record the reading.
c. Ensure V1 and V2 are closed tightly. Open V3 to let the gas flow into
the expansion cell. Record the reading.
d. Open V2 to release the gas from the system. Make sure V3 is open.
Close V3 after the gas has been completely released from the system.
5. Calculate the effective volume of your sample (i.e. the volume that is not filled
with helium) using Vcell and Vexp. Now use this value to find the its porosity

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Calculations[6]

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Discussion

Q1. The porosity of reservoir rock may be determined by

using core analysis, well logging technique or well testing. The
question of which source of porosity data is more reliable?
Ans.
It is important to remember to distinguish between total porosity data
obtained from core samples, well testing and porosity data derived from well
logs , which may include effective porosities. Porosity data obtained from
core samples using direct methods are generally considered to be accurate
and reliable.

Core Analysis
Advantages Disadvantages

 Low cost of sampling

 Less time consuming
in sampling
 Scope of sampling is  Chances of bias
high  Difficulties in selecting truly
 Accuracy of data is a representative sample
high  Need for subject specific
 Organization of knowledge
convenience
 changeability of sampling
 Intensive and
exhaustive data units
 Suitable in limited  impossibility of sampling.
resources
 Better rapport

11
 Discussion

Well Logging
Advantages

 Continuous
measurements
 Easy and quick to
work with
 Short time acquisition
 Better resolution than
seismic data
 Economical
Disadvantages
 Indirect measurements
 Limited by tool
specification
 Affected by
environment
 Varying resolution

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 Discussion

Well Testing
Advantages Disadvantages
 well testing interpretation
 describe the reservoir model is too simple, and does
in terms of not consider the impact of
permeability-thickness multi-phase fluid flow or
product, skin factor, multi-well.
and reservoir pressure  the need for prohibitively
 quantify the long flow and shut-in periods
in order to obtain data worth
effectiveness of
analyzing.
stimulation treatments  distortion of pressure data
 use the results to caused by phase
forecast production redistribution and liquid re-
 confirm the entering the formation during
exploration shut-in.
hypothesis.  extended cleanup periods
during which production is
 establish a first either irregular or laden with
production forecast: nitrogen used in the
nature and rate of stimulation treatment.
produced fluids, initial  noisy or missing data caused
pressure and well and by mechanical failure.
reservoir properties.  lack of experience among
operators, analysts, and
 measure the
service company personnel.
productivity of the
 failure to agree on objectives
well or schedules for the tests.
 measure the reservoir
temperature and
pressure

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 Q2. Determine porosity of :
1. Cubic packing
2. rhombohedral
3. cubic packing with two grain sizes
4. Typical sand with irregular grain shape
Ans.
1.
𝑉𝑝 𝑉𝑏−𝑉𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 4𝜋𝑟³
φ= = =1 − =1 − = 0.4764 or 47.64%
𝑉𝑏 𝑉𝑏 𝑉𝑏 24𝑟³
2.
𝑉𝑝 𝑉𝑏−𝑉𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝜋𝑟³
φ = 𝑉𝑏 = 𝑉𝑏
=1 − 𝑉𝑏
=1 − = 0.26 or 26.0%
12√2𝑟³

Q3. What factors affect porosity?

Ans.
 packing density
 the breadth of the particle size distribution
 the shape of particles
 cementing

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 Q4. What cautions should we take care of before we do the
experiment?
Ans.
 Device must be in a lab which the temperature not changed because if the
temperature altered of a device might the volume of air in a tool changed, so
the results would be some changed.
Q5. What are the limitations of using Mercury rather than Helium ?
Ans.
 Measures largest entrance but not inner actual size
 Cannot be used for analyzing closed pores

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References

[1]. McPhee, C., Reed, J.& Zubizarrete, I., 201. Core Analysis. s.I.: Elsevier.
[2]. Park, A., 1985, Coring, Part 2 – Core barrel types and uses World Oil, v. 200.
[3]. Bradburn , F. R., Cheatham, C. A., 1988, Improved core recovery in laminated sand shale
sequences: Journal of petroleum Technology, v. 40.
[4]. American Petroleum Institute (API), 1960, RP 40 recommended practices for core analysis
procedures.
[5]. Adamson A.W.: “Physical Chemistry of Surfaces”, John Wiley & Sons, 1982.
[6]. Berg J.C.: “Wettability”, Marcel Deckker Inc., 1993.

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