Testing Gassmann fluid substitution: sonic logs versus ultrasonic core measurements

Abstract

Although Gassmann fluid substitution is standard practice for time-lapse studies, its validity in the field environment rests upon a number of underlying assumptions. The impact of violation on the predictions of Gassmann equations can only ultimately be validated by in situ testing in real geological environments. In this paper we show a workflow that we developed to test Gassmann fluid substitution by comparing saturated P-wave moduli computed from dry core measurements against those obtained from sonic and density logs. The workflow has been tested on 43 samples taken from a 45 m turbidite reservoir from the Campos Basin, offshore Brazil. The results show good statistical agreement between the P-wave elastic moduli computed from cores using the Gassmann equation with the corresponding moduli computed from log data. This confirms that all the assumptions of the Gassmann are adequate within the measurement error and natural variability of elastic properties. These results provide further justification for using the Gassmann theory to interpret time-lapse effects in this sandstone reservoir and in similar geological formations.