Estimation of 3D Permeability from Pore Network Models Constructed Using 2D Thin-Section Images in Sandstone Reservoirs

Using thin-section images to estimate core permeability is an economical and less time-consuming method for reservoir evaluation, which is a goal that many petroleum developers aspire to achieve. Although three-dimensional (3D) pore volumes have been successfully applied to train permeability models, it is very expensive to carry out. In this regard, deriving permeability from two-dimensional (2D) images presents a novel approach in which data are fitted directly on the basis of pore-throat characteristics extracted from more cost-effective thin sections. This work proposes a Fluid-MLP workflow for estimating 3D permeability models. We employed DIA technology combined with artificial lithology and pore classification to calculate up to 110 characteristic parameters of the pore-throat structure on the basis of 2D rock cast thin sections. The MLP network was adopted to train the permeability prediction model, utilizing these 110 parameters as input. However, the accuracy of the conventional MLP network only reached 90%. We propose data preprocessing using fluid flow simulations to improve the training accuracy of the MLP network. The fluid flow simulations involve generating a pore network model based on the 2D pore size distribution, followed by employing the lattice Boltzmann method to estimate permeability. Subsequently, six key structural parameters, including permeability calculated by LBM, pore type, lithology, two-dimensional porosity, average pore-throat ratio, and average throat diameter, were fed into the MLP network for training to form a new Fluid-MLP workflow. Comparing the results predicted using this new Fluid-MLP workflow with those of the original MLP network, we found that the Fluid-MLP network exhibited superior predictive performance.

Automated summary

Estimating core permeability using thin-section images is an economical and less time-consuming method. This study proposes a Fluid-MLP workflow that combines 2D images and fluid flow simulations to estimate 3D permeability models.