Relating small-scale sedimentary structures and permeability in a cross-bedded aquifer

Abstract

This paper investigates the relations between small-scale sedimentary structures and permeability in the Brussels Sands formation, an early Middle-Eocene shallow marine sand deposit in Central Belgium. A field campaign is carried out consisting of field observations of the sedimentary structures and in situ measurements of air permeability. The sedimentary structures are sketched, photographed and measured. Additionaly, a total of 2750 cm-scale air permeability measurements are carried out in situ. Comparison between the sedimentary structures and permeability shows that clay-rich sedimentary features such as bottomsets and distinct mud drapes exhibit a different permeability distribution than the rest of the crossbedded sands. Another interesting result is that anisotropy in the cross-bedded sands is dominated by the foreset lamination orientation. The results thus show that the sedimentary heterogeneity results in a clear permeability heterogeneity.

Application of Multiple-Point Geostatistics on Modelling Groundwater Flow and Transport in a Cross-Bedded Aquifer

“…The results and conclusions of this field campaign are summarized in this section. More details about this field campaign can be found in Huysmans et al, 2008. A representative Brussels Sands outcrop (Bierbeek quarry near Leuven, Belgium) is mapped in detail with regard to the spatial distribution of sedimentary structures and lithologies.…”

Assessing accuracy of gas-driven permeability measurements: a comparative study of diverse Hassler-cell and probe permeameter devices

“…The TinyPerm II is the only tested instrument which was originally designed for field application, used in several field studies before (e.g. Torabi and Fossen, 2009;Huysmans et al, 2008). To detect potential discrepancies between TinyPerm outcrop and plug sample measurements, unconfined outcrop measurements were simulated on four 10 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm rock blocks, representing permeability orders of 10 0 , 10 1 , 10 2 , and 10 3 mD.…”

“…Reliable permeability values are a prerequisite for the assessment and modelling of hydrocarbon, carbon dioxide capture and storage, and geothermal reservoir rocks (Li et al, 1995;Branets et al, 2009;Dezayes et al, 2007;Grant and Bixley, 2011;Hurst, 1993;Laughlin, 1982) and their economic and sustainable production (Davies and Davies, 2001;Dutton et al, 1991). They are also crucial for hydrological studies (Huysmans et al, 2008;Todd and Mays, 2005;Al Ajmi et al, 2013) and underground waste disposal, including modelling of fluid flow and potential contaminant spread.…”

“…During the last decades, non-destructive and cost-efficient minipermeametry (or probe permeametry) has become an important analytic tool, providing fast and highly resolving permeability data for both laboratory and in situ outcrop applications (Davis et al, 1994;Sharp Jr. et al, 1994;Goggin, 1988;Dutton and Willis, 1998;Goggin, 1993;Dreyer et al, 1990;Chandler et al, 1989;Hornung and Aigner, 2002;Fossen et al, 2011;Rogiers et al, 2011;Iversen et al, 2003;Eijpe and Weber, 1971;Huysmans et al, 2008). Most probe permeameters apply a steady-state or unsteadystate gas injection (e.g.…”

“…Minipermeametry has the potential to resolve bedding-, deformation-and diagenesisdependent permeability heterogeneities in stratified sedimentary rocks at centimetre-scale (e.g. Huysmans et al, 2008). However, minipermeameter and Hassler-cell-derived permeability data are not directly comparable with one another.…”