Characterization of facies and permeability patterns in carbonate reservoirs based on outcrop analogs

The primary objective of this research is to develop methods for better describing the three-dimensional geometry of carbonate reservoir flow units as related to conventional or enhanced recovery of oil. Detailed characterization of geologic facies and rock permeability in reservoir-scale outcrops of the Permian San Andres Formation in the Guadalupe Mountains of New Mexico will provide the key data base. To this end detailed sampling on grids using a portable core-plugging device was undertaken within a previously established detailed geologic framework. Petrophysical and rock-fabric data from these sampling grids has been obtained and analysized. The next step is to relate the petrophysical data to the geologic framework, prepare a simulation grid, and perform experimental computer flow simulations. Progress during this quarter focused on (1) relationships between rock-fabric and petrophysical data and (2) development of a geostatistical model of permeability distribution in preparation for quantifying the simulation grid. 2 figs