Elsevier US Ch03-H7738 Job code: RFD 22-12-2006 3:59 p.m.

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C H A P T E R 3

PETROGRAPHICAL
CHARACTERISTICS OF
PETROLEUM-BEARING
FORMATIONS

Summary

A review of petrographical characterization of petroleum-bearing for-

mations, critical for formation damage analysis, is presented. The rock
fabric and texture concepts are introduced. The petrographical properties
are described in terms of the relevant parameters, including the spherical
pore shape approximation, cross-sectional area open for fluid flow, pore
connectivity and coordination number, pore and pore throat size distribu-
tions, and textural parameters. The dispersed clay morphology, formation
damage tendency, and reservoir characterization issues are also discussed.

3.1 INTRODUCTION
In situ fluids and particles transport processes occur in the pore space of
the subsurface formations. The subsurface formations can be classified
as follows (Collins, 1961; Kaviany, 1991):

1. Isotropic, anisotropic (directional dependency)

2. Homogeneous, heterogeneous (spatial dependency)
3. Consolidated, unconsolidated (cementation)
4. Single or multiple porosity, naturally fractured, nonfractured (pore
structure)
5. Ordered or disordered (grain packing).

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