MEMORANDUM

TO: AHMED ASSEM

FROM: DEVON HILLMAN (9)
PETE 311 503
SUBJECT: LAB 11: DETERMINATION OF PERMEABILITY USING LIQUIDS
DATE: NOVEMBER 13, 2013

In this laboratory experiment, our main objective was to learn how to measure the permeability of a core
sample by means of fluid flow.




On my honor as an Aggie, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this academic work.


[Signature of student]

Attachment(s): Lab report

Title: Lab 11: Determination of Permeability Using Liquids

For this experiment, we found the permeability of a core sample by injecting fluids at different rates to
find the pressure drop. To begin the lab measured the dimensions of the core sample. The diameter and
length were 1.5 and 6 inches, respectively. Next, we placed a core sample into the core holder, fixed the
inlets and outlets, and turned the machine on. The pump was turned on and the production and discharge
lines were checked to make sure that they were connected. Then we applied the overburden pressure of
550 psi in order to push oil around the covered core sample. The pressure gage at the outlet read 250 psi.
The flow rate was then set to 10 cc/minute and was allowed to flow through the core sample for about 10
to 15 minutes. Once the injection pressure (P
1
) stabilized, we recorded that value and repeated these steps
two more times with flow rates of 20 cc/minute and 30 cc/minute. Table 1 shows the pressure drops for
each flow rate.

Table 1: Flow rates and pressure drops
Flow rate (cc/min) Pressure Drop (psi)
2 11
5 23
10 34
20 59
30 83.5
40 108
50 134

In order to find the permeability of the core sample we used Darcys equation, Eq. 1, graphically. For the
y axis we used q/A, Eq. 2, and for the x axis we used P/L, Eq. 3.

*
q k p
A L
A
(
=
(

..
(1)
q/D
2
........... (2)
q/D
2
= (10 cm
3
/min)/(1.5)
2
= 4.444 cm
3
/min in
2

*
q k p
A L
A
(
=
(

.. (3)
*
q k p
A L
A
(
=
(

= (23.1)/(6 in) = 3.85 psi/in


Graph 1: Velocity plotted against the pressure gradient in order to get the mobility.

Once the graph has been plotted we can use the slope to find the permeability in Eq. 4.

k =122.8slope ....................................................................................................................... (4)
k = (122.8)(1.1203)(1) = 137.573 mD

Conclusion
In summary, from this lab I learned how to apply Darcys equation in order to find the permeability of a
core sample. For this core sample and fluid the permeability was found to be 137.573 mD. Error could
have occurred due to the fact that we ran out of fluid and could only complete three trials instead of four.
y = 1.1203x
R = 0.9974
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
0 5 10 15
q
/
D
^
2

(
c
c
/
m
i
n
*
i
n
^
2
)

dP/L (psi/in)
Velocity vs. Pressure Gradient