The Comparison of Well Test and Core Permeabilities

Well testing provider a unique insight into the effective subsurface permeability of reservoirs. Modern well test interpretation using derivatives of the transient pressure response enable different flow regimes to be identified. As a cross check on the veracity of the interpretation, the permeabilities are usually compared with core plug data, when available. However, the plug data need to be upscaled (averaged) in order to be comparable with the scale of measurement of the well test. The methods of upscaling are traditionally very simplistic; the arithmetic or geometric average are respectively used by engineers, depending on their experience.