Diagenetic facies controls on pore structure and rock electrical parameters in tight gas sandstone

Rock electrical parameters of tight gas sandstone show large variations in the T-2 member in Dingbei Block, Ordos Basin, China. Applying the same rock electrical parameters in water saturation calculations would lead to large errors. Based on casting thin sections, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cathode luminescence, porosity and permeability, image analysis, and high-pressure mercury intrusion/withdrawal method, identification of the diagenetic facies are first conducted, and then their pore structure and their relationship with rock electrical parameters are investigated. Five diagenetic facies (A-E), which are identified based mainly on pore types and authigenic minerals, have different pore structure and rock electrical parameters. Conceptual models that incorporate the rock properties of each diagenetic facies have been built, before applying the electrical efficiency theory to explain the values of cementation exponent (m) and saturation exponent (n). A conventional network model, a shunt pore model, a netted pore model, and a dotted line model are utilized to mimic the intergranular pores, authigenic kaolinite intercrystal pores, carbonate-cement dissolution pores, and clay-matrix intercrystal pores, respectively. A decrease of the contents of large pores increases electrical efficiency and therefore reduces m. The saturation exponent, which depends on the distribution of water and gas, can be better understood by applying the different pore models. In the shunt and netted pore models, gas displacement starts from the larger pores and smaller pores provide alternative conduction pathways, hence sustaining electrical efficiency and decreasing n. Clay-matrix intercrystal pores are mainly micropores, since the brine in the rocks are isolated after gas displacement, reducing overall electrical efficiency and dramatically increasing the value of n in the diagenetic facies, which is dominated by clay-matrix intercrystal pores.