Abstract: An improved complex transient permeability measurement is described. The improvement allows a computer controlled measurement system to automatically adjust the time scale of the transient in order to produce reliable results. The automated method is an improvement on the previous trial and error method, allowing measurements to be more easily optimized and automated.

Abstract: A method for measuring permeability of a formation using a probe permeameter includes confining a sample of the formation in a container. The sample is covered with a screen having at least one perforation therein. The probe permeameter is applied to the at least one perforation in the screen. Permeability of the formation is measured at the at least one perforation.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a rock sample comprises analyzing a three dimensional image of the rock sample using maximal inscribed sphere analysis to determine proxies for at least one of grain size distribution, mean grain size and standard deviation of grain size. The proxy or proxies are used to determine at least one mechanical property of the rock formation.

Abstract: A method for determining mechanical properties of a material includes positioning a probe tip of selected material properties having a selected geometry and a selected accelerating mass at a selected position and a selected height above a sample of the material. The probe tip is released to accelerate toward the sample. A first parameter related to force on the probe tip with respect to time is recorded. The releasing the probe tip is repeated with at least one of a different selected probe tip material, a different tip geometry, a different height and a different accelerating mass to record a second parameter related to force. The first and second parameters are used to determine at least one of an elastic property and a strength of the material.

Abstract: A method for determining mechanical properties of a material includes positioning a probe tip of selected material properties having a selected geometry and a selected accelerating mass at a selected position and a selected height above a sample of the material. The probe tip is released to accelerate toward the sample. A first parameter related to force on the probe tip with respect to time is recorded. The releasing the probe tip is repeated with at least one of a different selected probe tip material, a different tip geometry, a different height and a different accelerating mass to record a second parameter related to force. The first and second parameters are used to determine at least one of an elastic property and a strength of the material.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modeling a pore structure of a porous material. The method includes generating an initial model of the porous material. The initial model includes an interconnected network of passages including a first geometric shape and a second geometric shape. At least one petrophysical property is calculated from the initial model. At least one geometric parameter in at least one passage of the first geometric shape is adjusted. The at least one petrophysical property is recalculated, and the adjusting and recalculating are repeated until a difference between the calculated petrophysical property and a measured petrophysical property reaches a minimum. In some embodiments, the adjusting and recalculating are repeated until an indeterminacy condition is satisfied.