Quantitative diagenesis: Methods for studying the evolution of the physical properties of tight carbonate reservoir rocks

Conventionally, diagenesis has been studied by making qualitative morphological observations which have organised into complex classification schemes. Petrophysics, with its many quantitative measurements, now gives us the ability to quantify effects of type, degree and timing diagenetic process. The aim this paper is examine how different processes affect petrophysical properties carbonate rocks develop methodologies describe results processes. A large number measurements made on a suite 172 core plugs provide test data set. Diagenetic modification primary depositional fabric was observed in wide range measured parameters, that porosity pore connectedness exert dominant control all electrical hydraulic rock parameters. This observation used propose new theoretical framework linking effect process measureables. Cementation exponent found increase permeability size, especially recrystallized rocks, explained smaller samples having better connected network. Electrical also correlate extremely well permeability, showing these phenomena are linked closely tight reservoir rocks. method for calculating pre- post-dolomitisation dolomitisation from compositional developed tested. All related allowing cementation be obtained optical microscopy/SEM studies or NMR providing approach estimating provides powerful changes associated tracked quantitatively using we called ‘petrodiagenetic pathways’.