Numerical simulations of linear elastic properties of carbonates rock samples using 3D computed tomography images

This paper is dealing with the prediction of elastic rock properties of a high porosity carbonate reservoir samples from the Middle East based on numerical simulations. Carbonates core plugs were acquired using an X-ray computed tomography scanner (X-Ray CT scan). We proposed first, to use an image analysis algorithm based on bi-level segmentation in order to segment the 3D images. This process provided 3D microstructures representing pore spaces and rock matrix geometries. Then, we solved the elasticity equation using the finite element method (FEM) and found estimation of rock elastic properties. Moreover, we have estimated the effect of fluid substitution on these properties by running simulations under different fluid saturation conditions: gas, oil, brine. To illustrate the methodology, we present a particular example and compare the numerical simulations of elastic properties results with laboratory measurements. Finally, we discuss limitations of the proposed numerical method and provide ideas in order to improve numerical estimations.