Relative Permeability in the Niobrara Chalk
Core analysis is challenged when physically measuring permeability, capillary pressure, “irreducible” water saturation, and relative permeability for rocks with permeability of 0.000001-0.1 millidarcies (mD). Measurements are complicated by stress-dependency, high capillary pressure, microcracks, differing PHI-K-Sw measurement methods, and controlling fluid distributions. Image-based digital rock physics provides independent complimentary measurements. The objective of this study was to develop an integrated core analysis (CA) and digital rock physics (DRP) workflow and measure these properties. Using a workflow integrating CA-DRP, we characterized the Niobrara Formation chalks and marls, Denver Basin, Colorado. CA was performed on representative chalk/marl samples and high resolution 3D microscope images were acquired using focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy. Carefully cross-validated digital rock physics and core analysis is an extremely powerful tool for microdarcy rocks, and digital rock physics provides unique data particularly in assessing permeability relationships and saturation/bound water influences. Properties computed herein have been used in reservoir- and well-scale numerical flow modeling to support exploration, completion and production management decisions.
3D Simulation of the Niobrara Chalk
Resources

Application of integrated core and 3D image rock physics to characterize Niobrara chalk properties including relative permeability with bound water effect
Unconventional Resources Technology Conference paper in collaboration with Whiting

Two-phase and three-phase relative permeability of unconventional Niobrara chalk using integrated core and 3D image rock physics
2017 Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists and Denver Well Logging Society, Geology and Petrophysics of Unconventional Mudrocks presentation slides
DigiM Story: Niobrara Chalk
DigiM video introducing the image-based rock physics workflow for the Niobrara Chalk
