Permeameter

One of the most important reservoir parameters is the permeability, which defines the ability of a liquid to flow through a porous medium. In our laboratories, we have various setups available to determine the permeability at different pT conditions. The standard sample sizes are (D/L) 25 mm/50 mm and 30 mm/40 mm. Permeability is generally measured in a steady state (Darcy or Darcy-Klinkenberg), but it is also possible to determine low permeabilities using the transient pressure pulse method. Measurable permeabilities are in the range of 10⁻¹⁸ to 10⁻¹² m² (1 µD to 1 D).
For routine permeability measurements at room temperature we use the gas/water permeameter PEPE. PEPE can use both gas (argon) and deionised water as pore pressure media. When gas is used as the pore pressure medium, the volume flow is measured by sensors that cover flow rates between 1 and 10,000 ml/min. When water is used for the flow-through, additional pumps can be installed on the device to measure the pore pressure and the volume flow internally. The confining pressure is generated with gas and has a maximum value of 10 MPa.
Another permeameter is available for measurements with water at higher temperatures up to about 150 °C (BECKI). The maximum confining pressure (gas) here is about 20 MPa. The flow is again achieved with the help of pumps, while simultaneously recording the pore pressure and volume flow. We operate further complex flow-through devices (MUSPIS 1-4, SEPP/SEPP hydrate, FLECAS-HT, MTS) to investigate the long-term development of permeability under simulated in situ conditions.