Abstract of the paper ``Estimates of permeability and relative permeability for sandstone using image analysis of cross sections'' with S. C. Blair

Important geometrical features of the pore space of rocks can be determined from digitized images of rock cross sections. One approach computes statistical correlation functions using modern image processing techniques. These correlation functions contain information about porosity, specific surface area, tortuosity, formation factor, and elastic constants, as well as the fluid and relative permeabilities. The physical basis of this approach is discussed and examples of the results for Berea sandstone are presented. The analysis shows that Kozeny-Carman relations and Archie's empirical laws must be modified to account for finite percolation thresholds and avoid unphysical behavior in the calculated relative permeabilities.

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