- Permeability estimation from spectral induced
polarization (SIP) measurements is based on a
fundamental premise that the characteristic relaxation
time (t) is related to the effective hydraulic radius (reff)
controlling fluid flow. The approach requires a reliable
estimate of the diffusion coefficient of the ions in the
electrical double layer. Others have assumed a value for
the diffusion coefficient, or postulated different values for
clay versus clay-free rocks. We examine the link between
t and reff for an extensive database of sandstone samples
where mercury porosimetry data confirm that reff is
reliably determined from a modification of the Hagen-
Poiseuille equation assuming that the electrical tortuosity
is equal to the hydraulic tortuosity. Our database does not
support the existence of 1 or 2 distinct representative
diffusion coefficients but instead demonstrates strong
evidence for 6 orders of magnitude of variation in an
apparent diffusion coefficient thatPermeability estimation from spectral induced
polarization (SIP) measurements is based on a
fundamental premise that the characteristic relaxation
time (t) is related to the effective hydraulic radius (reff)
controlling fluid flow. The approach requires a reliable
estimate of the diffusion coefficient of the ions in the
electrical double layer. Others have assumed a value for
the diffusion coefficient, or postulated different values for
clay versus clay-free rocks. We examine the link between
t and reff for an extensive database of sandstone samples
where mercury porosimetry data confirm that reff is
reliably determined from a modification of the Hagen-
Poiseuille equation assuming that the electrical tortuosity
is equal to the hydraulic tortuosity. Our database does not
support the existence of 1 or 2 distinct representative
diffusion coefficients but instead demonstrates strong
evidence for 6 orders of magnitude of variation in an
apparent diffusion coefficient that is well correlated with
both reff and the specific surface area per unit pore
volume (Spor). Two scenarios can explain our findings:
(1) the length-scale defined by t is not equal to reff and is
likely much longer due to the control of pore surface
roughness; (2) the range of diffusion coefficients is large
and likely determined by the relative proportions of the
different minerals (e.g. silica, clays) making up the rock.
In either case, the estimation of reff (and hence
permeability) is inherently uncertain from SIP relaxation
time.…