摘要
Permeability that measures the ability of a rock transmit fluids is the key reservoir parameter in reservoir characterization and prediction,which is of paramount importance in exploration and development of carbonate petroleum reservoirs.This article aims to summarize the current state of the art in research on carbonate rocks’permeability.Based on the fact that pore networks of reservoir rock primarily influence the intrinsic permeability,so,firstly,it discusses quantitative characterization of pore structure in sidewall plugs and/or drill cuttings by employing 2D/3D digital image analysis(DIA)technologies.As permeability is predominantly a function of rock type,it subsequently emphasizes an alternative method to determine reservoir rock types with the combination of those forenamed 2D/3DDIA parameters.Meanwhile,new progresses on the utilization of NMR,FMI logs and 3Dseismic data to predict spatial distribution of reservoirs rocks’permeability are overviewed.Further,it is argued that a new approach integrating 2D/3DDIA technologies,new reservoir rock classification method and NMR,FMI logging and 3Dseismic interpretation should be promoted extensively and treated as a critical part in carbonate reservoir characterization and prediction.