Bridging 2D and 3D:High-fidelity pore network construction for sandstone transport property predictionOA

We characterize the complex pore architecture of four diagenetically altered sandstone samples using micro-CT imaging.By quantifying the pore size and pore connection distributions,we establish that the mean coordination number follows a power-law function of pore radius.Critically,we derive empirical scaling relations between 2D and 3D pore size distributions,as well as 2D and 3D coordination number distributions,both as a function of pore size.These novel relations allow for the 3D pore size and pore connectivity to be accurately characterized from high-resolution 2D imaging(e.g.,SEM),even when the resolution or field-of-view limitations preclude detailed 3D micro-CT analysis.A new stochastic algorithm is presented in this work to generate a 3D pore network model that honors the derived connectivity function.This algorithm was validated by generating stochastic models equivalent to the four sandstone samples and successfully comparing the calculated single-phase and relative permeability results against those obtained from pore networks directly extracted from the 3D micro-CT images.This methodology offers a computationally efficient and scalable tool for predicting the macroscopic transport properties of complex reservoir rocks based on readily available 2D high rock resolution images.