PEB 1061 RESERVOIR ROCK & FLUID PROPERTIES LABORATORY

(January 2023 Semester)

REPORT

Porosity Measurement using Helium Porosimeter

Prepared by Group 7

1. SURIYAN GANEESH A/L DEVINDRAN (21001204)

2. SITI AISYAH SYAREENA BINTI SYAMSULHARI (21001763)

3. TENGKU MUQRI BIN TENGKU NAZRI (21000923)

4. AQMARAZIQ HAZANY BIN YUSRI (21000353)

5. HANNAH HUMAIRA BINTI MOHD HAIRIL NIZAM (22007152)

6. ZEINY SADIQUE (22001795)

Submission Date: 3 March 2023

4
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.ABSTRACT………………………………………………………………………………2

2.INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………………3-4

3.THEORY AND LITERATURE REVIEW…………………………………………….5

4.MATERIALS, APPARATUS AND METHODOLOGY……………………………...6

4.1Materials/samples…………………………………………………………………….

4.2Appratus………………………………………………………………………………

4.3Methodology………………………………………………………………………….

5.RESULT AND DISCUSSION…………………………………………………………...7

5.1Result………………………………………………………………………………….

5.2Discussion……………………………………………………………………………..

6.CONCLUSION……………………………………………………………………………8

7.REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………………9

4
1.0 ABSTRACT

This study utilized a helium porosimeter to measure the porosity of two types of core samples
(1 and 2). Before the porosity measurement, the basic data measurements, such as diameter,
length, and weight, were obtained directly with the measuring tool in the laboratory, while
other data were calculated using previously recorded data and formulas. Sample 2 was filled
with a billet's number 4 during the experiment. The results showed that sample 1 had an
effective porosity of 19.89%, while sample 2 had a porosity of 22.68%. This indicates that
sample 1 is more porous than sample 2. Although there may be some uncertainties in the
measurement of sample 2's porosity due to the billet's number 4 not fitting entirely with the
sample during measurement, the experimental results closely match the theoretical value.

4
2.0 INTRODUCTION

Porosity refers to the proportion of the volume of pores, where liquids such as water and oil
can flow, to the total volume of a rock sample. It is expressed as a percentage and does not
have any units. There are two types of porosity - total porosity, which represents the total
amount of empty space in the rock, and effective porosity, which refers to the interconnected
empty spaces. Petroleum engineers and geologists are more interested in effective porosity as
it indicates the potential for oil or gas to move through the rock. Effective porosity is always
less than total porosity. Knowing the porosity values can help companies choose the right
materials for their needs.

𝑃𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑉𝑣𝑜𝑖𝑑 𝑉𝑏𝑢𝑙𝑘 − 𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑥

∅= = =
𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑉𝑏𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑉𝑏𝑢𝑙𝑘

Equation 1

Helium porosimeter

The Helium-Porosimeter employs the concept of Boyle-Mariotte's law, which involves

measuring the expansion of gas in the matrix cell to determine both grain and pore volumes.
However, for this law to be applicable, it is important to maintain a constant temperature.

Pfinal(Vpore+Vdead) = PinitialVinitial

Equation 2 (a)

Rearrange Equation 4 in terms of pore volume, 𝑉𝑝𝑜𝑟e

𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑉𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙
𝑉𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑒 = − 𝑉𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑑
𝑃𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙

Equation 2 (b)

The grain volume by using this equipment can be equated as

𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙
𝑉𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 = (𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑥 + 𝑉𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙) − 𝑉𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙
𝑃𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙

Equation 3

4
On the other hand, the bulk volume can be determined by using a ruler and Vernier caliper.

𝜋𝐷2
𝑉𝑏𝑢𝑙𝑘 = 𝐿
4

Equation 4

Nomenclatures used in Equation 2 to Equation 4

𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = Initial pressure (Reference pressure)

𝑃𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 = Final pressure (Expanded pressure)

V𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = Initial volume (Reference volume)

V𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 = Final volume (Expanded volume)

V𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑑 = Volume of gas surrounds the core

V𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑥 = Volume of matrix cup

4
3.0 Theory and Literature Review

The percentage of total volume made up of crevices through which liquid can flow. This type
of porosity is measured with a helium expansion porosity meter. This helium expansion
porosity meter is designed to measure porosity quickly and accurately. 2014 (Nick
Desiderio). The helium porosity meter is used to measure the density and porosity of rocks
using clean, dry cork. The particle volume is equal to Vg, the empty volume of the sample
container is Vs, and the reference He-filled volume is Vr. As the gas expands from the
reference volume to the sample container, the px pressure is measured (Bakhtiar, 2015).
Boyle's law is used to:

When the sample is immersed in mercury to determine its apparent volume, the following
occurs:

∅𝐻𝑒 = 𝑉𝑏 − 𝑉𝑔

∅𝐻𝑒= the effective porosity determined by the helium porosimeter

Vg= Grain volume

Vb=bulk volume of the specimen determined by the mercury immersion

The helium porosimeter works by Boyle's law, which explains how hot gases expand. A
sample from a chamber is isothermally expanded by helium gas to a predetermined volume at
a predetermined pressure (reference cell). Equilibrium pressure is measured after expansion is
complete. This pressure can then be calculated using the theoretical relationship between
pressure, volume and temperature derived from Boyle's Law. This pressure is a function of
the sample chamber volume minus the rock grain volume.

4
Materials

1. Helium Porosimeter

Figure 1: use to measure the porosity of the sample.

2. Core sample

Figure 2: core sample used during experiment.

3. Vacuum

Figure 3: used to seal the core sample.

4
Methodology

1. Vernier callipers are used to measure the diameter and length of core sample A in
millimetres.
2. A high-precision balance was used to calculate the mass of core sample A, in grams.
3. Experiments were set up using Applilab software.
4. The core plug sample A is carefully inserted into the cylinder with the blank at a 45-
degree angle. This is done to protect the fragile core plug pattern from damage.
5. Part 3 has been selected and the top core plug sample A is inserted into the hollow
cylinder. Indeed, to ensure that there is no volume of space between the sample core
node and the foam cylinder.
6. Core Socket A has been placed in the Core Holder. 7. The injector holder screw is
screwed in so that injector A is securely fixed in the injector holder to prevent internal
pressure from escaping to the environment.
8. The data on core diameter, core length and core weight of sample A are filled in
respectively in the columns specified in Microsoft Excel.
9. All data has been recorded and the overall mass of the One Sample plug core is
automatically calculated by the system.
10. Press the "Measure" button to start testing and system pressure
determined using a helium porosity meter.
11. Particle volume, pore volume, particle density and effective core porosity data of
core plug sample A were measured with a helium porosity meter after pressure
stabilization. 12. All data is stored in tables.
13. Steps 1-12 are repeated to determine the porosity of Core B.

4
5.0 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

5.1 RESULT

SAMPLE 1 SAMPLE 2
1 Sample Name
2 Core Plug Sample ID A B
3 Core Plug Sample Diameter, mm 38.01 37.99
4 Core Plug Sample Length, mm 71.32 76.44
5 Core Plug Sample Weight, g 176.19 182.55
6 Filled up Billet’s number 3 0
7 Bulk Volume, cc 80.39 86.65
8 Grain Volume, cc 64.83 67.00
9 Pore Volume, cc 16.10 19.65
10 Grain Density, g/cc 2.72 2.72
11 Effective Core Porosity, % 19.89 22.68

5.2 DISCUSSION

Two core samples—designated as Sample 1 and Sample 2—were used in the experiment to
determine how porous it is. A Helium Porosimeter, which employs helium as the gas, is used
to measure this. Because of its advantages, such as its ability to pass freely through narrow
pores, helium gas was utilized. This makes determining the porosity of a core plug sample
simpler. Based on the reported result, the effective porosity of core sample 1 and core sample2
is 19.89% and 22.68%, respectively. The information on the core sample Sandstone's diameter,
length, weight, number of filled billets, bulk volume, grain volume, pore volume, grain density,
and effective core porosity has been collected.

According to Table 1, Sample A's core plug samples have a diameter of 38.01 mm, while
Sample B's core plug samples have a diameter of 37.99 mm. The collected core plug samples
had lengths of 71.32mm for Sample B and 76.44mm for Sample A. Vernier calipers were used
to measure the core sample's length and diameter. The core plug samples' volumes can be
calculated using these measurements. This is the formula that is applied by using the volume
of cylinder as the shape core sample is cylindrical shape which is;

𝑉 𝜋𝐷 2
𝑏= 𝐿
4

4
Also, we used a high precision balance to weigh the plug samples and obtained 176.19 g for
Sample A and 182.55 g for Sample B. But, as the equipment wasn't previously calibrated to
zero, this measurement could have a zero error.

The software produces grain volume. The software's visuals were exact replicas of the helium
porosimeter's. It only gauges the standard tank while displaying both extended and standard
tanks. The extended tank won't be able to enter the system if the valve is closed. typical tank
the chamber was filled with the core sample and tightly closed to stop gas from the tools
escaping. Sample A and Sample B have the same grain density which is 2.72g/cc. The formula
of grain density is as below;

𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑃𝑙𝑢𝑔 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡, 𝑔

𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 =
𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑐𝑐

In the experiment, only effective porosity may be measured (interconnected pores). We are
unable to calculate the total porosity due to the possibility of isolated pores. Our experiment
could have errors because of things like the fact that the billet does not entirely cover the empty
space in the matrix cup. The matrix cup might still contain any empty spaces, which might alter
the volume calculation. The weight of the core plug sample may also not be exact due to outside
factors like air resistance. Finally, zero error was produced by incorrect calibration of the
Vernier caliper and electronic balance.

It is advised that the parallax error be reduced and that the size of the core sample be measured
at least three times before the average is determined. The matrix cup should then be entirely
filled with billet to produce findings that are more accurate. The electronic vernier caliper and
electronic beam balance need to be calibrated and set to zero before the reading of the core
sample can be taken.

4
6.0 CONCLUSION

The porosity of the experiment's core samples was determined using the Helium Porosimeter
technique. This technique allows for a quicker and more accurate determination of porosity
than the liquid saturation method. This is since helium molecules' small size allows them to
quickly access the core's linked and dead-end pores. Because it uses helium gas, this approach
can only be used to calculate effective porosity. Due to its small size, helium can only access
the sample's core through interconnected and dead-end systems. The Helium Porosimeter
method utilizes Boyle Law Mariotte's to measure the grain and pore volumes from the gas
expansion cell.

Yet, the legislation is only applicable to constant temperatures. In order to avoid errors, nothing
should be placed on top of the helium porosimeter, and it should not be touched because doing
so could alter the temperature of the tank. always record the weight and height with an average
reading to get a more precise result, increase the core size. At the end of this experiment, the
effective porosity of the core samples was calculated. The effective porosity of sample A was
19.89% while that of sample B was 22.68%.

Because all the experiment's objectives were met and its hypotheses were verified, it was
declared successful.

4
7.0 REFERENCE

• Faisal, M. (n.d.). Helium

Porosimeter. https://www.slideshare.net/MuhammadFaisal75/helium-porosimeter
• https://www.eoas.ubc.ca/courses/eosc252/lab2/lab2.pdf
• Jessore University of Science & Technology. (n.d.). Determination of porosity By
Helium porosimeter. https://www.slideshare.net/MasudAliKhan1/determination-of-
porosity-by-helium-porosimeter
• Just a moment. .
. (n.d.). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26403518_Evaluation_of_Rock_Po
rosity_Measurement_Accuracy_with_a_Helium_Porosimeter