Case Study: Relationship between Correlation Radius and Permeability, Volve Field, North Sea

A productive layer is a stratigraphic interval that is prone to contain hydrocarbons with physical parameters favorable for production or extraction. Using the pair correlation function (PCF), a method of Effective Medium Theory (EMT), nine sets of amplitude and correlation radii were determined. These values were then analyzed with permeability (mD) at a given depth in measured depth (ft) to determine relationships between correlation radius and permeability over the productive layer. Previous work completed determined low correlation radius relates to a high amplitude in which a productive interval can be predicted. As permeability is essential for a successful reservoir, high permeability values are expected in such productive intervals. By understanding the relationship between permeability and correlation radius over a productive interval, the determination of defining a productive reservoir interval is increased with knowledge from well log data. Results of this study support the hypothesis that relative high permeability values are synonymous with relative low correlation radii and allow for another analog in which the productive interval can be determined. The goal of this study is connected to the potential to show the link between measured characteristics (amplitudes and radii of various correlation functions) and unmeasured characteristics (permeability).