where cf is the rock compressibility.

This equation assumes that the fractional

change in PV is small. Physically, the rock expansivity represents the fractiona
l change in PV while, in contrast, the rock compressibility represents the rate
of change in fractional PV with pressure. While the former is more pertinent to
material-balance calculation, experimental data are often reported in terms of t
he latter. Table 1 includes rock-compressibility measurements. If cf is known as
a function of pressure, then the integral on the right side of Eq.1 can be eval
uated numerically to determine Ef(p). If cf is relatively independent of pressur
e, then Eq.1 can be simplified to
RTENOTITLE....................(2)
This method of estimating Ef is not usually preferable because cf is rarely cons
tant. Fig.1 illustrates a case and plots the rock compressibility as a function
of pressure from the data in Table 1. Several features are worth noting, and man
y of these features are characteristic of compaction drives.
?Rock compressibility ranges between 4 to 21 10 6 psi 1, which is a greater-than-nor
mal range.
?Rock compressibility clearly is not independent of pressure.
?Compressibility declines sharply as the pressure first declines below the initi
al pressure. This phenomenon is largely attributed to grain rearrangement.
?Rock compressibility increases at pressures below 4,000 psia. This phenomenon i
s attributed to pore collapse.

Fig. 1
.

Rock compressibility as a function of pressure for a Gulf Coast reservoir

Once Ef(p) is estimated, the material-balance methods in the related pages below
can be applied to estimate the OOIP and confirm the producing mechanism.
Nomenclature
cf = rock compressibility, Lt2/m, 1/psi
Ef = rock (formation) expansivity
p = pressure, m/Lt2, psi
References
1.? 1.0 1.1 Cook, C.C. and Jewell, S. 1996. Reservoir Simulation in a North Sea
Reservoir Experiencing Significant Compaction Drive. SPE Res Eng 11 (1): 48-53.
SPE-29132-PA. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/29132-PA
2.? 2.0 2.1 Sulak, R.M. 1991. Ekofisk Field: The First 20 Years. J Pet Technol 4
3 (10): 1265-1271. SPE-20773-PA. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/20773-PA
3.? 3.0 3.1 Sulak, R.M., Thomas, L.K., and Boade, R.R. 1991. 3D Reservoir Simula
tion of Ekofisk Compaction Drive (includes associated papers 24317 and 24400 ).
J Pet Technol 43 (10): 1272-1278. SPE-19802-PA. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/19802PA
4.? Fetkovich, M.J., Reese, D.E., and Whitson, C.H. 1998. Application of a Gener
al Material Balance for High-Pressure Gas Reservoirs (includes associated paper
51360). SPE J. 3 (1): 3-13. SPE-22921-PA. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/22921-PA
Noteworthy papers in OnePetro
Use this section to list papers in OnePetro that a reader who wants to learn mor

e should definitely read

External links
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troWiki and OnePetro
See also
Material balance in oil reservoirs
Solution gas drive reservoirs
Gas cap drive reservoirs
Water drive reservoirs
Oil fluid characteristics
PEH:Oil_Reservoir_Primary_Drive_Mechanisms
Category: 5.2.4 Compaction