Quantifying Fractal Dimension in Integrated Experimental Data of Tight Sandstones

Abstract EN

Determining the microscopic pore structures of tight sandstones is becoming one of the most challenging efforts, and the strong heterogeneity makes the accurate assessment still a problem.

In this research, we report a new criterion for pore structure typing based on the fractal geometry theory.

The fractal dimension values were first accurately calculated through intrusion and nonintrusion methods.

The results show that the pores in tight sandstones have multifractal distributions and different types of pore structure were divided based on various tests.

The relationships between petrophysical properties and a series of multifractal parameters have been analyzed in detail.

The fractal dimension values of type 1 sandstones derived from the throat curves in rate-controlled mercury intrusion methods can well characterize the porosity of the research area, while the others did not respond well.

Finally, a multifractal criterion was proposed to analyze the petrological and pore structures by combined observations and experiments.

The new criterion exhibits perfect performance in the prediction of the storage capacity.

The multifractal model proposed in this research helps to assess the pore structures of tight sandstones and helps to characterize the reservoir quality in hydrocarbon exploration and development.