Density and Porosity

Nikolai Bagdassarov

doi:10.1017/9781108380713.003

2 - Density and Porosity

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 19 November 2021

Nikolai Bagdassarov

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Nikolai Bagdassarov: Affiliation:
Goethe-Universität Frankfurt Am Main

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Summary

Two definitions of rock density are bulk density and solid matrix or skeleton density. Density depends on porosity, which is classified into open and closed porosity. Types of pores are defined by their interconnectivity, connectivity with surface, and geometry. Due to pore volume decrease with depth, sedimentary rocks possess three types of compressibility: bulk, matrix and pore volume compressibility. Density of rocks varies by density of constituting minerals and total porosity, and may be calculated as an arithmetic mean. Numerical modelling of rock densities may be done using Monte-Carlo simulations or on the basis of the software package Perple_X ’07. The capillary effect of fluid phase in pores depends on the wetting angle and specific surface energy. Drainage and imbibition are two processes that displace and saturate fluid in pores. Mercury porosimetry is a method to estimate pore volume by the intrusion of a nonwetting fluid. Gas-porosimetry relies on the known absorption of gas molecules on the pore surface, which is governed by the Gibbs equation. Kinetics of absorption/desorption processes are described by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) equation. Focus Box 2.1: Models of porosity. Focus Box 2.2: Grain and atom arrangements in 3D. Focus Box 2.3: BET isotherm.

Keywords

Volume and mass types of rock density open and closed porosity types of pores measurement methods compressibility specific surface of the porous rocks capillary effect drainage absorption and permeability adsorption on grain surface: Gibbs equation BET method saturation.

Type: Chapter
Information: Fundamentals of Rock Physics , pp. 28 - 65

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108380713.003 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2021

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