Influence of Rock Microstructure on its Electrical Properties: An Analysis Using X-ray Microcomputed Tomography

Abstract

Precise understanding of rock properties on a subsurface formation is one of the most important factors in petrophysic and hydrogeology studies. For decades, electrical resistivity has been extensively analysed, as it has essential capability to evaluate rock formation. The liquid content and water conductivity used as key parameters to measure the resistivity value of a rock formation. However, few explanation about the rock microstructure influences its resistivity level. The objective of this research is to investigate this fundamental relationship. We found that pores and grains distribution, which is micrometer sizes, are the deciding factors for fluid accommodation, as well as the results deduced from electrical measurement devices are also depend on these parameters.