Faculty of Chemical &

Energy Engineering

RESERVOIR ENGINEERING LAB REPORT

SESSION/SEM: 2016/17 – SEM 2

Experiment no. 3
Title PERMEABILITY MEASUREMENY
BY GAS PERMEAMETER
Section 03
Group no. 7(G)
Group members 1. RAM KUMAR RAO A/L
NAGARAJAN
2. SANJIHUEN A/L SELVAMANI
3. SARAVIN A/L SELLEYITOREEA
4. SASIKUMAR A/L BAKAVATHEI
Lecturer DR. MOHD AKHMAL MUHAMAD
SIDEK
Technician 1. MR. ROSLAN JAS
2. MR. ZULKIFLE NASIR
Date of experiment 20TH MARCH 2017

Date of submission 27TH MARCH 2017

(through email*)
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

NO CONTENT PAGE

1 SUMMARY 2

2 THEORY 2-4

3 METHODOLOGY 5

4 RESULTS 6-7

5 DISCUSSION 8-15

6 CONCLUSION

7 SUGGESTION

8 REFERENCES

9 APPENDICES

1
1.0 SUMMARY

Gas permeability is determined through this experiment for several core samples with different
rock properties measurements using the Gas Permeameter. Permeability describes the relative
ease of the fluid to move through the network of pores inside rock. The main objective of the
experiment was to measure the permeability of a rock sample using gas and understand the
Klinkenberg effect. Apparatuses like gas permeameter and venier caliper are used to determine
permeability inside the rock. Besides that, we found out that Darcy Equations related to the
measurement of the permeability. We also identify how Klinkenberg Correction is used to
overcome the slippage phenomena. In order to study the permeability of rock, 4 core samples
with different rock properties measurement are used in the experiment. There are some
problems and minor errors detected that might affect the accuracy of the result. The conclusion
that can be made from this experiment is that sample 4 has the highest permeability among all
the samples.

2.0 THEORY

2.1 Rock Permeability

Permeability is a measure of the ability of a porous media to permit fluid to pass through it. For
rocks, it describes the relative ease of the fluid to move through the network of pores inside the
rock.
If only one fluid is present inside the rock, the measured permeability is referred to as
‘Absolute Permeability’. If more than one fluid is present, the measured permeability will be
lower and the value now is referred to as ‘Effective Permeability’

2.2 Darcy Equation

The equation used to measure rock permeability is called Darcy Equation. For a linear system
with liquid as the fluid, Darcy equation can be written as:

𝑘𝐴(𝑃1−𝑃2)
Q=
𝜇𝐿

where,
k = permeability (darcies)
A= cross sectional area of the sample (𝑐𝑚2 )

2
P1-P2 = pressure difference (atm)
μ = viscosity (cp)
L= length of the core (cm)
Q= flow rate (cc per sec)

If gas was used as the fluid, the equation used to calculate flow in porous medium is as
follow:

𝑘𝐴(𝑃1−𝑃2)
Q=
𝜇𝐿

𝑘𝐴(𝑃1−𝑃2)
Qm =
𝜇𝐿

or,
𝑘𝐴(𝑃12 −𝑃22 )
Qa =
𝜇𝐿

where,
(𝑃1+𝑃2)
Qm = cc per sec at pressure Pm =
2
Qa = cc per sec at 1 atm
μ = cp
L= cm
A= 𝑐𝑚2
P= atm

2.3 Measuring rock permeability using gas

Permeability is a rock property. Its value can be determined using Darcy equation by flowing
the fluid through the rock at specified pressure. The measured permeability is equal to the
permeability measured using liquid. However, if gas is used, the measured permeability values
varied depend on the type of the gas and the pressure used.
As a result, if gas was used as the fluid, the measured permeability values need to be
corrected. The correction method is known as Klinkenberg Correction. Normally the
permeability value measured using gas is greater than the value measured using liquid. This is
because, if liquid was used, the liquid velocity at the pore wall is zero. On the other hand, if gas
was used, the velocity of gas at the wall is not zero. This phenomenon is known as gas slippage.

3
 The amount of slippage depends on flowing average gas pressure and the rock
characteristics. Mathematically the relationship between actual permeability and the measured
permeability can be shown as:

𝑏
ka = kl (1+ )
𝑃𝑚
where
ka = permeability measured using Darcy equation with gas as the flowing fluid
kl = actual permeability, when measured using liquid
b = constant, varies according to actual permeability, rock characteristics and type of gas.
(𝑃1+𝑃2)
Pm = average permeability
2

Figure 1 shows example of various relationship different gases and average pressures
for a rock sample. A lighter gas will have bigger slope, which mean greater slippage effect. All
the lines extrapolated to 1/Pm equal to zero will meet at one point. The value of the permeability
at this point is the real absolute permeability, kl.

Figure 1: Variation in gas permeability with mean pressure and type of gas

4
3.0 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES

1. The length and the diameter of the core were measured by using a pair or vernier callipers
and the cross-sectional area was calculated.
2. We placed the core into the rubber stopper and then into the core holder and tighten it to
make sure no leakage of flow.
3. The variable valve was adjusted to “large” position. Pressure regulator slowly turned on
until 0.15 atm.
4. We recorded the gas flow rate using Flowmeter apparatus by recording the volumes at
𝑉.𝑐𝑐
various times Q = . And then, we repeated the procedures by adjusting the pressure
𝑡.𝑠𝑒𝑐
regulator in order to obtain five different pressure reading and the flow rate of gas is
recorded.

Note:
 Outlet pressure P2 was 1 atmosphere (1 atm)
 Pressure gauge reading was the pressure different ( ∆P)
 Inlet pressure P1 = Gauge reading + 1 atm.
( 𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑡 + 𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑡 ) (P1 + P2 )
 Average pressure Pm = =
2 2

3.1 APPARATUS
 Gas Permeameter
 Vernier Caliper

3.2 DIAGRAM

5
4.0 EXPERIMENTAL DATA AND ANALYSIS

Sample 1
Length of the core sample, 𝐿1 : 2.861 ± 0.001𝑐𝑚
Core diameter, 𝑑1 : 2.223 ± 0.001𝑐𝑚
𝜋𝑑 2 𝜋(2.223)2
Area of the core sample, 𝐴1 : = = 3.881𝑐𝑚2
4 4

Table 1: The flow rate and permeability of sample 1

P1(atm) P2(atm) Pm (atm) 1/Pm
Q (cc/s) Permeability, k (md)
Pinlet Poutlet Paverage (1/atm)
1.500 1.000 1.250 0.800 0.167 1.724
1.600 1.000 1.300 0.769 0.250 2.067
1.700 1.000 1.350 0.741 0.367 2.505
1.800 1.000 1.400 0.714 0.400 2.304
1.900 1.000 1.450 0.690 0.450 2.224

Sample 2
Length of the core sample, 𝐿2 : 3.560 ± 0.001𝑐𝑚
Core diameter, 𝑑2 : 2.213 ± 0.001𝑐𝑚
𝜋𝑑 2 𝜋(2.213)2
Area of the core sample, 𝐴2 : = = 3.846𝑐𝑚2
4 4

Table 2: The flow rate and permeability of sample 2

P1(atm) P2(atm) Pm (atm) 1/Pm
Poutlet Q (cc/s) Permeability, k (md)
Pinlet Paverage (1/atm)
1.500 1.000 1.250 0.800 0.217 2.812
1.600 1.000 1.300 0.769 0.250 2.596
1.700 1.000 1.350 0.741 0.300 2.571
1.800 1.000 1.400 0.714 0.350 2.531
1.900 1.000 1.450 0.690 0.417 2.588

6
Sample 3
Length of the core sample, 𝐿3 : 3.463 ± 0.001𝑐𝑚
Core diameter, 𝑑3 : 2.240 ± 0.001𝑐𝑚
𝜋𝑑 2 𝜋(2.240)2
Area of the core sample, 𝐴3 : = = 3.941𝑐𝑚2
4 4

Table 3 : The flow rate and permeability of sample 3

P1(atm) P2(atm) Pm (atm) 1/Pm
Q (cc/s) Permeability, k (md)
Pinlet Poutlet Paverage (1/atm)
1.500 1.000 1.250 0.800 0.250 3.075
1.600 1.000 1.300 0.769 0.300 2.957
1.700 1.000 1.350 0.741 0.367 2.986
1.800 1.000 1.400 0.714 0.417 2.863
1.900 1.000 1.450 0.690 0.467 2.751

7
5.0 RESULT AND DISCUSSION
𝟏
5.1 Calculation showing for mean pressures and its reciprocal ( ).
𝑷𝒎
𝟏
Table 5: The table of
𝑷𝒎
Sample 1

1.500+1.000
𝑃𝑚1 = 2

= 1.250 atm
1⁄ = 1⁄
P𝑚1 1.250
= 0.800 atm-1

1.600+1.000
𝑃𝑚2 =
2

= 1.300atm
1⁄ = 1⁄
P𝑚2 1.300
= 0.769 atm-1

1.700+1.000
𝑃𝑚3 = 2

= 1.350atm
1⁄ = 1⁄
P𝑚3 1.350
= 0.741 atm-1

1.800+1.000
𝑃𝑚4 = 2

= 1.400atm
1⁄ = 1⁄
P𝑚4 1.400
= 0.714 atm-1

1.900+1.000
𝑃𝑚5 = 2

= 1.450atm
1⁄ = 1⁄
P𝑚5 1.450
= 0.690 atm-1

Sample 2 and Sample 3 is same as Sample 1.

8
5.2 Calculation showing for gas permeability using appropriate equation.
𝑄𝜇𝐿
Substitute the data’s from results obtained into equation of gas permeability, k = 𝐴 (𝑃 2 .
1 −𝑃2 2 )

Table 6: The table of k

Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3

0.167 𝑥 0.0175 𝑥2.861 0.217 𝑥 0.0175 𝑥 3.560 0.250 𝑥 0.0175 𝑥 3.463
𝑘1 = 3.881 𝑥 (1.5002 − 1.0002 ) 𝑘1 = 3.846 𝑥 (1.5002 − 1.0002 ) 𝑘1 = 3.941 𝑥 (1.5002 − 1.0002 )

𝑘1 =0.001724 d 𝑘1 =0.002812 d 𝑘1 = 0.003075 𝑑

= 1.724 md = 2.812 md = 3.075 md
0.250 𝑥 0.0175 𝑥2.861 0.250 𝑥 0.0175 𝑥 3.560 0.300 𝑥 0.0175 𝑥 3.463
𝑘1 = 𝑘2 = 𝑘2 =
3.881 𝑥 (1.6002 − 1.0002 ) 3.846 𝑥 (1.6002 − 1.0002 ) 3.941 𝑥 (1.6002 − 1.0002 )

𝑘2 =0.002067 d 𝑘2 =0.002596 d 𝑘2 =0.002957 d

= 2.06 md = 2.596 md = 2.957 md
0.367 𝑥 0.0175 𝑥 2.861 0.300 𝑥 0.0175 𝑥 3.560 0.367 𝑥 0.0175 𝑥 3.463
𝑘3 = 3.881 𝑥 (1.7002 − 1.0002 ) 𝑘3 = 3.846 𝑥 (1.7002 − 1.0002 ) 𝑘3 = 3.941 𝑥 (1.7002 − 1.0002 )

𝑘3 =0.002505 d 𝑘3 =0.002571 d 𝑘3 =0.002986 d

= 2.505 md = 2.571 md = 2.986 md
0.400 𝑥 0.0175 𝑥2.861 0.350 𝑥 0.0175 𝑥 3.560 0.417 𝑥 0.0175 𝑥 3.463
𝑘4 = 3.881 𝑥 (1.8002 − 1.0002 ) 𝑘4 = 3.846 𝑥 (1.8002 − 1.0002 ) 𝑘4 = 3.941 𝑥 (1.8002 − 1.0002 )

𝑘4 =0.002304 d 𝑘4 =0.002531 d 𝑘4 =0.002863 d

= 2.304 md = 2.531 md = 2.863 md
0.450 𝑥 0.0175 𝑥2.861 0.417 𝑥 0.0175 𝑥 3.560 0.467 𝑥 0.0175 𝑥 3.463
𝑘5 = 3.881 𝑥 (1.9002 − 1.0002 ) 𝑘5 = 3.846 𝑥 (1.9002 − 1.0002 ) 𝑘5 = 3.941 𝑥 (1.9002 − 1.0002 )

𝑘5 =0.002224 d 𝑘5 =0.002588 d 𝑘5 =0.002751 d

= 2.224 md = 2.588 md = 2.751 md

9
5.3 Graph for kgas versus 1/Pm

Sample 1

Kg vs 1/Pm
3

2.5

1.5

0.5

0
0.8 0.769 0.741

Kg vs 1/Pm Linear (Kg vs 1/Pm)

Graph 1: The graph of permeability against 1/Pm of sample 1

Sample 2

Kg vs 1/Pm
2.85
2.8
2.75
2.7
2.65
2.6
2.55
2.5
2.45
2.4
2.35
0.8 0.769 0.741 0.714 0.69

Kg vs 1/Pm Linear (Kg vs 1/Pm)

Graph 2: The graph of permeability against 1/Pm of sample 2

10
Sample 3

Kg vs 1/Pm
3.1

2.9

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.5
0.8 0.769 0.741 0.714 0.69

Kg vs 1/Pm Linear ( Kg vs 1/Pm)

Graph 3: The graph of permeability against 1/Pm of sample 3

11
5.4 Liquid permeability (𝒌𝒍 ) = absolute permeability sample.

Based on the graph plotted (5.3), the absolute permeability is the y-intercept where,
Absolute permeability for sample 1 = 18.341md
Absolute permeability for sample 2 = 1.566 md
Absolute permeability for sample 3= 2.658 md
Absolute permeability for sample 4= 58.563 md

5.5 Derivation of the dimension permeability (k)

𝑘𝐴 (𝑃1 − 𝑃2 ) 𝑄𝜇𝐿
From Darcy Equation, 𝑄 = , we rearranged the equation as 𝑘 = to get
µ𝐿 𝐴 (𝑃1 − 𝑃2 )

the dimension for permeability (k)

Where,
[ Q ] = L3 T-1
[ ] = M L-1 T-1
[L] = L
[ A ] = L2
[ P ] = M L-1 T-2

L3 M
(x x L)
𝑘 = T LT
𝑀
𝐿2 𝑥 2
𝐿𝑇
𝑘 = 𝐿2

5.6 Reason showing for measurement of permeability by using gas that will gives different
permeability value compared to using liquid.

This phenomena is caused of Klinkenberg’s effect which is also known as gas slippage.
The permeability of a rock is a constant value, unchanged by different types of fluids that have
different viscosities or other physical properties. This rule is followed by all liquids at laminar
flow rates that are nonreactive with the rock. However, when gases are used as the flowing
fluid at low pressures, calculated permeability may be greater than true permeability of the rock.
In liquid laminar flow, the layer of molecules adjacent to and contacting the solid walls of the
pores or tubes is stationary. The velocity profile of the liquid is maximum at the centre of the
12
passageway and zero at the wall. However, when using gas in the same flow system, the gas
velocity profile is not zero at the walls, but has a finite velocity in the direction of flow.
Gas molecules are in constant motion, colliding each other after traveling an average
distance equal to the mean free path. The mean free path is greater, and the distance between
molecular collisions is increased at lower pressure. Internal resistance to flow is provided by
gas molecular collisions with the walls. At any location on a wall, there will be some periods
when no gas molecule is in contact with the wall, but the congregation of gas molecules is
continuing its movement through the pore due to molecular diffusion and not pressure
differential. During these periods of no wall contact, flow is being achieved without the
normally expected friction loss at the wall. The result is that the gas molecules get through the
porous medium more easily than expected. As might be expected, gas flow at higher pressures
reduces the mean free path between molecular collisions, and the calculated permeability more
closely approximates the true absolute permeability of the rock.

5.7 Permeability of a rock sample measured using gas is given by the following equation

𝑘𝐴 (𝑃12 −𝑃22 )
𝑄𝑎 =
𝜇𝐿

Where,
𝑃1 +𝑃2
Qm = cc per sec at pressure Pm =
2
Qa = cc per sec at 1 atmosphere
Μ = cp
L = cm
A = cm2
P = atm

Drive the above equation starting with generalized Darcy equation.

General Darcy equation:
−𝐾
𝑣𝑠 = 𝑑𝑃 𝑑𝑍 ……….........................................................................................................(1)
𝜇( −𝜌𝑔 )
𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝑠

Assuming the flow from x direction:

𝑑𝑃 𝑑𝑃
= ……….......................................................................................................................(2)
𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝑥

13
and
𝑑𝑃
= 0………........................................................................................................................(3)
𝑑𝑠

Substitute equation 2 and 3 into equation 1:

−𝐾
𝑣𝑥 = 𝑑𝑃 ………................................................................................................................(4)
𝜇( )
𝑑𝑥

Multiply both side of the equation with 𝜌:

−𝜌𝐾
𝜌𝑣𝑥 = 𝑑𝑃 …….............................................................................................................…(5)
𝜇( )
𝑑𝑥

For isothermal gas flow rate:

𝑄
𝑣= ………......................................................................................................................(6)
𝐴
and
𝜌𝑄 = 𝜌𝑏 𝑄𝑏 ……...............................................................................................................…(7)
and
𝑃
𝜌 = 𝜌𝑏 ( )…….............................................................................................................…(8)
𝑃𝑏

Substitute equation 6 into equation 5:

𝜌𝑄 −𝜌𝐾
= 𝑑𝑃 ……...............................................................................................................…(9)
𝐴 𝜇( )
𝑑𝑥

Substitute equation 7 and 8 into equation 9:

𝜌𝑄 −𝜌𝐾
= 𝑑𝑃
𝐴 𝜇( )
𝑑𝑥
𝑃
𝜌𝑏 𝑄𝑏 −𝜌𝑏 ( )𝐾
𝑃𝑏
= 𝑑𝑃
𝐴 𝜇( )
𝑑𝑥

𝑄𝑏 −𝑘𝑃𝑑𝑃
=
𝐴 𝜇𝑃𝑏 𝑑𝑥

𝑄𝑏 𝜇𝑃𝑏 𝑑𝑥 = −𝑘𝐴𝑃𝑑𝑝
𝐿 𝑃
𝑄𝑏 𝜇𝑃𝑏 ∫0 𝑑𝑥 = −𝑘𝐴 ∫𝑃 2 𝑃 𝑑𝑝
1

14
 −𝑘𝐴 (𝑃2 2 −𝑃1 2 )
𝑄𝑏 𝜇𝑃𝑏 𝐿 =
2
𝑘𝐴(𝑃1 2 −𝑃2 2 )
𝑄𝑏 =
2𝜇𝑃𝑏 𝐿

𝑘𝐴 (𝑃12 −𝑃22 )
𝑄𝑎 = (shown)
𝜇𝐿

6.0 CONCLUSION
To conclude, different core samples have different absolute permeability which can be
obtained from the y-intercept of plotting a graph of permeability of gas, kgas versus 1/Pm. From
the different three core samples which are used when conducting this experiment, our
calcualtions shows that Core Sample 3 has the highest permeability compared to the other three
core samples. The permeability of Core Sample 4 58.563 md. This shows that Core Sample 3
has the highest ability to allow fluid through its pores. In this experiment, Nitrogen gas is used
to flow through the core sample’s pores. However, based on Darcy equation, the permeability
of rock is found using liquid, so some corrections need to be done to avoid Klinkeberg effect
since we used Nitrogen gas as the fluid in our experiment. In order to get an accurate value of
permeability, different values of pressure are manipulated on the rock samples in order to get
an accurate value of permeability. From the different values of permeability of rocks, a graph
of permeability of gas, kgas versus 1/Pm is plotted in order to find the absolute permeability of
the rocks. From the graph of permeability of gas, kgas versus 1/Pm, it shows that the permeability
of rocks, krock is directly proportional to 1/ Pm.

7.0 REFERENCES

1. George R. Gray & H.C.H. Darley 1979. Composition And Properties Of Oil Well
Drilling Fluids. Houston : Gulf Publishing Company.
2. James W. Amyx 1960. Petroleum Reservior Engineering. New York : McGraw-Hill
Book Company.
3. Amyx, James W. 1960. Petroleum Reservoir Engineering- Physical Properties.
McGraw Hill Book Company.
4. George F. Rogers & H.C.H. Darley 1963. Composition And Properties Of Oil Well
5. Drilling Fluid -4th Edition. Houston, Texas : Gulf Publishing Company.

15
 6. L.P. Dake 1978. Fundamentals Of Reservoir Engineering. New York : Elsevier
Scientific Publishing Company.
7. Slider, H.C 1976. Practical Petroleum Emgineering Reservoir Methhods, Petroleum
Publishing Company.
8. Sylvain J. Pirson 1977 . Oil Reservoir Engineering. NewYork : Robert E. Krieger
Publishing Company.
9. Walter F. Rogers 1963. Composition And Properties Of Oil Well Drilling Fluids - 3rd
Edition. Houston, Texas : Gulf Publishing Company.

8.0 APPENDICES

8.1 Example of calculation ( Data taken from sample 1)

Inlet pressure, P1
= Pgauge + Patmosphere
= (0.500 + 1.000) atm
= 1.500 atm

Average pressure, Pm
𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑡 + 𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑡
=
2
1.500+1.000
=
2
= 1.250 atm

𝟏 𝟏
,
𝐀𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐦

= (1.250)-1 atm-1
= 0.800 atm-1

Volume flow rate, Q

𝑐𝑐 1𝑚𝑖𝑛
= 10 𝑥
𝑚𝑖𝑛 60𝑠
𝑐𝑐
= 0.167
𝑠

16
Sample Permeability, K
𝑄𝜇𝐿
=
𝐴 (𝑃1 2 −𝑃2 2 )
0.167 𝑥 0.0175 𝑥2.861
= 3.881 𝑥 (1.5002 − 1.0002 )

=0.001724 d

17