The application of equivalent pore aspect ratio (EPAR) in detecting the pore types and determining rock types, Kangan and Dalan formations, Persian Gulf

Carbonate reservoirs are very complex and heterogeneous. Overcoming heterogeneity is important and necessary for accurate reservoir characterization. Dalan-Kangan formations, as the largest non-associated gas reservoir of the world, are heterogeneous and complex due to the influence of the sedimentary environment and diagenesis processes. Carbonate reservoirs are routinely studied using laboratory data. The use of well logging instead of using laboratory methods is very cost-effective in reducing time and cost. To overcome the heterogeneity by acoustic log, samples of Dalan-Kangan carbonate formations were prepared. A total of 87 limestone thin sections were evaluated by petrography, routine core analysis, and sonic velocity. Porosity, permeability, sedimentary textures, pore types, and diagenetic processes were determined precisely. From the studied well, well logging and acoustic logs were also available. After data quality control, the acoustic log was converted to velocity. Velocity-porosity model was constructed based on the differential effective medium (DEM) approach for different values of equivalent pore aspect ratio (EPAR). The results show that moldic, vuggy, interparticle, and microporosity pores have the largest aspect ratio, respectively. Due to their spherical shape and high aspect ratio at the given porosity, moldic and vuggy pores have higher velocity than flat and narrow pores. Through the geometrical shape and pore type and by using the acoustic log, the rock types were determined. These rock types clearly showed the porosity evolution, permeability changes and diagenetic processes that have been occurred in Dalan-Kangan reservoirs.