Three-dimensional and flow-weighted NMR imaging of pore connectivity in a limestone

Abstract NMR imaging has been used to directly examine the connectivity of pores in a limestone. Pore connectivity strongly influences the flow of fluids through porous media and is difficult to study by other means. Three-dimensional (3-D) imaging shows that nearly all the pore volume is interconnected. However, flow-weighted imaging shows that only part of this volume is effective at conducting fluid flow. Also, the flow paths through a rock with a complicated pore structure can be simple.