Rock Permeability Estimation from Hydraulic Injection Tests in a Sealed Borehole Interval

We propose a borehole test technique to estimate permeability of rocks in borehole. The borehole tests are hydraulic injection tests such as leak-off test and hydraulic fracturing tests, which are originally conducted for stress or casing integrity assessment and not for permeability measurement. We use one-dimensional radial diffusion equation to interpret fluid injection test results in terms of permeability. We apply this technique to a leak-off test conducted at a depth of 700 m in a wellbore, where rock formation is mudstone. The estimated permeability is at an order of $10^{-16}m^2$, which is somewhat high but within the range reported for mudstones previously. Quantitative rick assessment suggests that an accurate measurement of open hole section length is important to improve reliability of results. More data may be needed to ensure the reliability of this technique. If validated, however, this technique can provide cost-effective estimation of in situ permeability without conducting independent permeability tests in borehole.