University of Zakho

College of Engineering
Petroleum Department
4th Year

Porosity

(Reservoir Rock Properties)

Prepared By
Sarmand Sulieman Shammo

Supervised By

Mr. Alaa
Contents
Executive Summary: .......................................................................................... 1
Introduction: ...................................................................................................... 2
Theory ............................................................................................................... 3
Experimental ( Methods ) .................................................................................. 3
Results: .............................................................................................................. 5
Sample Calculation ............................................................................................ 6
Appendices: ....................................................................................................... 9
Discussion: ....................................................................................................... 11
Discussion Questions: ...................................................................................... 12
1. Determine the values of porosity and density for the all rock samples.
What type of porosity that you are measured? .............................................. 12
2. Make comparison of the bulk volume of the rocks measured from mercury
displacement method and ordinary measurement method. ............................ 12
3. Give three reasons why helium gas is used not other gases for this
experiment. ................................................................................................... 13
4. Is it possible for the helium porosimeter to be used for other than
cylindrical core samples, such as square or irregular shape core samples? .... 13
a. If not, explain your reasons. ................................................................... 13
b. If yes, which shape gives the most accurate porosity result? .................. 13
5. A core sample was taken from a well and porosity measurement was
conducted. Is true that the porosity measured in the laboratory is the same
with the porosity of the sample at the reservoir conditions? .......................... 14
6. What are the advantages of the porosity measurement in the laboratory as
compared to from the logging tools? ............................................................. 14
Conclusion: ...................................................................................................... 15
References: ...................................................................................................... 16
 Executive Summary:

This experiment was conducted to determine the porosity of reservoir rock

samples. Helium porosimeter was used in order to determine the porosity of
the samples. 6 samples were tested and their porosity was determined by
using the porosimeter. All of the samples have different density and porosity
as they are taken from different reservoir. Based on the result that we have
obtained, the porosity value for sample 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are 16.53%, 6.42%,
5.30%, 4.49%, 8.43% and 1.53% respectively. While the density of the grain
sample 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are 2.727gm/cc, 2.529gm/cc, 2.356gm/cc,
2.473gm/cc, 2.415gm/cc and 2.638gm/cc respectively. Meanwhile, the bulk
volume of the core was obtained by measuring the diameter and length of the
core itself. This is how we manage to obtained the porosity of each core
samples which is by relating the bulk, grain and pore volume of respective core
samples. Based on the result obtained, sample 1 has the highest percentage of
porosity compare to sample 6 which have the lowest porosity. Therefore, by
observation and also using theoretical equation, we are able to obtained result
needed in determining the porosity and density of the core samples.

1
 Introduction:
Porosity is the measurement of storage capacity of a reservoir. It can also be
defined as the ratio of pore volume to bulk volume. Porosity of a rock sample
can be expressed either in percentage or fraction. There are 2 types of porosity
which is absolute porosity and effective porosity. Both are different in which
Effective porosity is the ratio of interconnected void spaces to the bulk volume
while Absolute porosity is the ratio of all the pore spaces in the rock to the bulk
volume of the rock itself. Determining the porosity of a rock is essential because
by knowing the porosity, we may estimate the maximum storage capacity of
crude oil in a reservoir. Therefore, in this experiment, we use helium
porosimeter and Vanier caliper as the apparatus. Helium porosimeter measures
core grain volume, density, pore volume, porosity, and void volume of all the
core samples. The helium porosimeter uses the application of Boyle’s Law of
gas expansion principle where the sample is evacuated prior to the injection of
Helium gas. Helium gas is used as a transmitted fluid in this experiment where
some quantity of helium gas with known volume will be let to expand
isothermally to fill the cell of the unknown volume. The measurement of
equilibrated pressure determines the porosity itself. Bulk volume was measured
manually by using Vanier caliper and formula for cylinder.

The major result for this experiment is that we obtain different value of porosity
from the samples given maybe due to different in size and source. The densities
of the samples are slightly different due to the different types of rock. The
conclusion that can be made from this experiment is that the porosity of every
sample is different because the samples are taken from different reservoir.

2
 Theory

Theory For any porous material (for instance cores or cuttings), porosity is
defined by Vp Vp Vt Vp+Vs .3-1 Where the Vs is volume of solid, Vt the total
(or bulk) volume and Vp the pore volume. Porosity can be calculated using any
combination of two of these three parameters: • Volume of solid, • Volume of
pores, Bulk volume. Volume of solid Gas expansion pycnometer We will come
on this method later in the next section.

Experimental ( Methods )

This experiment was carried out using Helium porosimeter. First of all, the
core samples were weight before their length and diameter were measured using
a Vanier caliper. Then, the helium gas sources are connected to the panel with
all the valves closed except for the core holder valve and exhaust valve. The
pointer is then adjusted to 0 psi. Next, the core holder valve was closed while
the supply valve and source valve were opened. The pointer of cylinder
measuring gauge was adjusted to 100 psi with the regulator. The porosimeter
was tap slowly so the dial reading is at 100 psi. The steps were repeated several
times until a stable reading is achieved. Next, core sample was inserted into a
matrix cup, followed by disk until both of them are at the same level or slightly
lower than the height of the cup before the lid was tighten up to maximum.

The volumes were determined by the following steps:

1. Cell 1 Valve, Cell 2 Valve and the Core Holder Valve were closed.
2. Supply Valve and Source Valve were opened.
3. The regulator was adjusted until the dial reading shows exactly at 100 psi.
4. Source Valve was closed, followed by the Supply Valve and the Exhaust
Valve.
5. The Core Holder Valve was opened, and the movement of the dial in
3
 opposite direction from the clockwise was observed.
6. The porosimeter was tap when the dial stops. The reading of the outside
scale is then recorded. This is a “volume with sample”. Next, the gauge
reading was recorded.
7. The Core Holder Valve was closed so gas is released out.
8. Lastly, the Exhaust Valve was opened so the pressure in the matrix cup
becomes 0 psi.

The lid was then loosen up and the matrix cup was removed from its holder.
The core sample was removed but the disk was left inside and the lid was
retightened. For bigger “unknown volume” such as between 50cc to 450cc, the
cell 1 needed to be open and we need to repeat from determining the volume.
For much bigger “unknown volume” such as between 150cc to 880cc, cell 1 and
cell 2 needed to be open to repeat from determining the volume. Lastly, loosen
up the matrix cup lid and removed the sample before opening the core sample
holder valve and closing the gas cylinder valve to finish the experiment.

4
 Results:

Room Temperature: 27oC

Barometric Pressure: 78 mmHg

Name of Weight Length Diameter Volume with Volume

Sample (gm) (cm) (cm) Sample (cc) without
Sample (cc)
1 58.0639 5.53±0.02 2.94±0.02 20±1 40±1
2 49.7485 4.52±0.02 2.53±0.02 23±1 40±1
3 142.4690 4.80±0.02 3.81±0.02 19±1 73±1
4 89.5183 3.53±0.02 3.83±0.02 23±1 59±1
5 117.8882 5.02±0.02 3.80±0.02 23±1 76±1
Table 1: Data recorded during experiment

Name of Bulk Volume, Grain Volume, Pore Volume, Porosity

Sample Vb (cc) Vgr (cc) Vp (cc) (%)
1 37.5413 20 17.5413 2.9031
2 22.7232 17 5.7273 2.9264
3 54.7244 54 0.7244 2.6383
4 40.6689 36 4.6689 2.4866
5 56.9326 53 3.9326 2.2243
Table 2: Bulk Volume, Grain Volume, Pore Volume and Porosity Data

5
 Sample Calculation
Sample 1:

2
2.942 2
𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉𝑏 = 𝜋𝑟 ℎ = 𝜋 ( ) (5.526)
2

= 37.5413 𝒄𝒄

𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉𝑔𝑟 = 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 − 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 = 40 − 20

= 𝟐𝟎 𝒄𝒄

𝑃𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉𝑝 = 𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 − 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = 37.5413 − 20

= 𝟏𝟕. 𝟓𝟒𝟏𝟑 𝒄𝒄

𝑃𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 17.5413

𝑃𝑜𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦, ∅ = 𝑥100% 𝑥100%
𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 37.5413

= 𝟒𝟔. 𝟕𝟑%

𝑊𝑔𝑟 58.0639
𝜌𝑔𝑟 = =
𝑉𝑔𝑟 20

= 𝟐. 𝟗𝟎𝟑𝟏 𝒈𝒎/𝒄𝒄

Sample 2:

2
2.530 2
𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉𝑏 = 𝜋𝑟 ℎ = 𝜋 ( ) (4.526)
2

= 𝟐𝟐. 𝟕𝟐𝟑𝟐 𝒄𝒄

𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉𝑔𝑟 = 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 − 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 = 40 − 23

= 𝟏𝟕 𝒄𝒄

𝑃𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉𝑝 = 𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 − 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = 22.7232 − 17

= 𝟓. 𝟕𝟐𝟕𝟑 𝒄𝒄

6
 𝑃𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 5.7273
𝑃𝑜𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦, ∅ = 𝑥100% = 𝑥100%
𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 22.7273

= 𝟐𝟓. 𝟐𝟎%

𝑊𝑔𝑟 49.7485
𝜌𝑔𝑟 = =
𝑉𝑔𝑟 17

= 𝟐. 𝟗𝟐𝟔𝟒𝒈𝒎/𝒄𝒄

Sample 3:

2
3.808 2
𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉𝑏 = 𝜋𝑟 ℎ = 𝜋 ( ) (4.80)
2

= 54.7244 𝒄𝒄

𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉𝑔𝑟 = 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 − 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 = 73 − 19

= 𝟓𝟒 𝒄𝒄

𝑃𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉𝑝 = 𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 − 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = 54.7244 − 54

= 𝟎. 𝟕𝟐𝟒𝟒 𝒄𝒄

𝑃𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 0.7244

𝑃𝑜𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦, ∅ = 𝑥100% = 𝑥100%
𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 54.7244

= 𝟏. 𝟑𝟐%

𝑊𝑔𝑟 142.4690
𝜌𝑔𝑟 = =
𝑉𝑔𝑟 54

= 𝟐. 𝟔𝟑𝟖𝟑𝒈𝒎/𝒄𝒄

Sample 4:

2
3.828 2
𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉𝑏 = 𝜋𝑟 ℎ = 𝜋 ( ) (3.53)
2

= 𝟒𝟎. 𝟔𝟔𝟖𝟗 𝒄𝒄

7
𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉𝑔𝑟 = 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 − 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 = 59 − 23

= 𝟑𝟔 𝒄𝒄

𝑃𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉𝑝 = 𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 − 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = 40.6689 − 36

= 𝟒. 𝟔𝟔𝟖𝟗 𝒄𝒄

𝑃𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 4.6689

𝑃𝑜𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦, ∅ = 𝑥100% = 𝑥100%
𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 40.6689

= 𝟏𝟏. 𝟒𝟖%

𝑊𝑔𝑟 89.5183
𝜌𝑔𝑟 = =
𝑉𝑔𝑟 36

= 𝟐. 𝟒𝟖𝟔𝟔𝒈𝒎/𝒄𝒄

Sample 5:

3.802 2
𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉𝑏 = 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ = 𝜋 ( ) (5.02)
2

= 𝟓𝟔. 𝟗𝟑𝟐𝟔𝒄𝒄

𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉𝑔𝑟 = 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 − 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 = 76 − 23

= 𝟓𝟑 𝒄𝒄

𝑃𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉𝑝 = 𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 − 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = 56.9326 − 53

= 𝟑. 𝟗𝟑𝟐𝟔 𝒄𝒄

𝑃𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 3.9326

𝑃𝑜𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦, ∅ = 𝑥100% = 𝑥100%
𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 56.9326

= 𝟔. 𝟗𝟏%

𝑊𝑔𝑟 11708882
𝜌𝑔𝑟 = =
𝑉𝑔𝑟 53

= 𝟐. 𝟐𝟐𝟒𝟑𝒈𝒎/𝒄𝒄

8
 Appendices:

Figure 1: Helium porosimeter

9
10
Discussion:

The porosity value for sample 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are 46.73%, 25.20%,

1.32%, 11.48% and 6.91% respectively. While the density of the grain
sample 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are 2.9031gm/cc, 2.9264gm/cc, 2.6383gm/cc,
2.4866gm/cc and 2.2243gm/cc respectively. The differences of the density
and porosity of the samples are occurred because the core samples are taken
from reservoir in the difference places.

The porosity measurement at the surface is not accurate because the

physical condition of the core is not same as at the reservoir (in-situ). Where
the structure of the pore inside core will be destroy by the effect of
temperature and pressure. Helium gas was used in the experiment because it
is an inert gas and it would not destroy the porous. Besides that, helium gas
is lighter compared to any other gases and it’s easy to absorb into the porous.
Besides, there is no reaction between gas and porous medium.

There are many errors that occur during the experiment such as the
impurities in the matrix cup. So, it will affect the reading. Besides, there may
have a leakage at porosimeter. Next, there is zero error as well occurred on
the instrument we used. Zero error for the Vanier Caliper is +/- 0.02 while
the Helium Porosimeter that showing the result of volume with sample and
volume without sample having +/- 1.

11
 To avoid all of these errors, some precautionary steps must be taken. The
reading should be taken repeatedly for 2 to 3 time and get the average.
Furthermore, all the equipments that used in the experiment must be out of
impurities and in clean conditions. Other than that, make sure the equipment
that is use in this experiment in a good condition and without a leakage.

Discussion Questions:

1. Determine the values of porosity and density for the all rock
samples. What type of porosity that you are measured?
The values of porosity and density for all the 6 samples are calculated and
showed at the sample calculation part. The porosity value for sample 1, 2, 3, 4
and 5 are 46.73%, 25.20%, 1.32%, 11.48% and 6.91% respectively. While the
density of the grain sample 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are 2.9031gm/cc, 2.9264gm/cc,
2.6383gm/cc, 2.4866gm/cc and 2.2243gm/cc respectively. The type of porosity
measured is the effective porosity which is the ratio of interconnected pore
volume to the bulk volume.

2. Make comparison of the bulk volume of the rocks measured

from mercury displacement method and ordinary
measurement method.
Bulk volume measurement is to observe the volume of fluid displaced by the
sample although the bulk volume might be computed from measurements of the
dimensions of a uniformly shaped sample. In mercury displacement method,
mercury is used because it is strongly non wetting and therefore it does not enter
the pore space of the sample rocks. While the ordinary measure method is just

12
by using formula where we assumed that the core sample is in a perfect
cylindrical shape, 𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ. The difference is that we can get a more accurate
result from mercury displacement method than ordinary measurement method.
This is due to some core sample might not produced a perfect shape thus there
is a slight inaccurate result obtained from ordinary measurement method.

3. Give three reasons why helium gas is used not other gases for
this experiment.
Helium gas is used for this experiment is because by referring to the periodic
table, it is an inert and stable gas which it does not react with the core sample.
Helium also can be considered as an ideal gas where z = 1.0. Moreover, helium
has small molecules that enable it to go through the pore spaces in the reservoir
rocks. A next, light helium atom gives high diffusivity which helps the porous
media to be more permeable.

4. Is it possible for the helium porosimeter to be used for other

than cylindrical core samples, such as square or irregular shape
core samples?
a. If not, explain your reasons.
b. If yes, which shape gives the most accurate porosity result?

Yes, helium porosimeter can be used to measure other than cylindrical core
samples. However to get an accurate porosity result for sample, a true right
cylinder and no surface irregularities must be used. By this we can use the bulk
volume formula which is 𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ.

13
5. A core sample was taken from a well and porosity
measurement was conducted. Is true that the porosity measured
in the laboratory is the same with the porosity of the sample at the
reservoir conditions?

The porosity measured in the laboratory is not the same with the porosity of the
sample at the reservoir conditions as it has two totally different conditions,
pressure and also temperature. In the reservoir, rocks experience a higher
pressure and temperature compared to the room temperature and pressure in the
laboratory. This will affect the porosity of rocks.

6. What are the advantages of the porosity measurement in the

laboratory as compared to from the logging tools?

The advantages of the porosity measurement compared to the ones taken from
logging tools are the porosity measurement gives a lot more information such as
rock conditions, porosity, compressibility and also permeability while from the
logging tools, we get data from plotted graphs which sometimes troublesome
and inaccurate.

7. The porosity of the rock sample can also be determined by

measurement of grain volume method. This method requires the
weight and the density of the grain. Explain the calculation
procedures, and give advantages and disadvantages of this
method.

Another method to measure porosity is by using grain volume method. By using

this method, we are able to obtain the total volume and grain volume of the
sample. First of all, the sample is weighted. Then, immerse the dry sample in

14
the mercury. Mercury is strongly non wetting and therefore it does not enter the
pore space of the sample rocks. This step is to obtain the total volume. To
calculate the grain volume, weight of the sample is divided by the density of the
grain. The advantage of this method is where the experiment is easy to handle
because using only simple equipments. While the disadvantage of this method is
inaccurate result obtained due to the sample contained impurities.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, objective of this experiment is achieved where the porosity and
density of the rock samples are recorded and calculated. The porosity value for
sample 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are 46.73%, 25.20%, 1.32%, 11.48% and 6.91%
respectively. While the density of the grain sample 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are
2.9031gm/cc, 2.9264gm/cc, 2.6383gm/cc, 2.4866gm/cc and 2.2243gm/cc
respectively. The porosity and density obtained for all the samples are different.
Different samples are from different reservoir thus the result we obtained are
different with each others.

15
References:

1. Amyx, J.W, Bass, D.M and Robert L. Whiting. (1960). Petroleum Resevoir
Engineering-Physical Properties. McGraw hill Book Company: New York, USA.
2. Burcik, E.J. (1956). Properties of Petroleum Reservoir Fluids. International Human
Resources Development Corporation: Massachusetts, USA.
3. Craft, B.C and Hawkins, M.F. (1959). Applied Petroleum Reservoir Engineering.
Prentice-Hall Publishing Inc. : New Jertsey, USA.
4. Dake, L.P. (1978). Fundamentals of Reservoir Engineering. Elseveir Scientific
Publishing Company: Amsterdam, Holland.

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