The Temperature Dependence of Permeability

Abstract

Permeability is an important reservoir parameter affecting the production of fluids from and the injection into reservoirs. This work indicates that permeability of a reservoir rock is a function of temperature. Since permeability is normally measured at room conditions, laboratory estimates could deviate greatly from actual reservoir conditions. Use of such erroneous data may cause large errors in reservoir simulation or production forecast. The absolute permeability of confined Ottawa sand to water has been measured as a function of temperature. To minimize assumptions, the density viscosity ratio of the core efflux is measure and used in the calculation of permeability. An analysis of the errors inherent in these measurements is incorporated in each calculation and this shows that the observed non-reversible permeability reduction with temperature increase is significantly greater than the experimental error.