Discussions

In this experiment, we want to determine the porosity of core samples using one of the
methods available which is Helium Porosimeter System. Basically, the Helium Porosimeter will
saturate the core sample with billets in the matrix cup with Helium Gas and the result will be shown
tabulated in the Computer System.

First stage of the experiment is measuring the bulk volume. The bulk volume was calculated
by measuring the diameter and the length of the core sample using Vernier callipers. The
measurement was done three times to ensure each of the measurement was right and to prevent any
mistake occurred.
Volume = r2h

d2 h/4

Average Diameter : 37.573 mm

Then we put the billet after the core sample was put inside the matrix cup. We did that to fill
the empty space still left in the matrix cup, we used billet number 5. We key in all of the
measurement into the computer system and performed the experiment. The experiment was done
for only 5 minutes. After the while, the data result appeared in the computer system and we're ready
to calculate the porosity based on the data given.
Key- in Parameter
Core plug sample diameter, mm
Core plug sample length, mm
Core plug sample weight, g
Filled up billets numbers

= (37.57 + 36.59 + 36.56)/3

= 37.573
= (66.20 + 66.37 + 66.26)/3
= 66.277
= (157.733 + 157.732 + 157.732)/3 = 157.732
=4

Data Result
Bulk volume cc
Grain volume cc
Pore volume cc
Grain density g/cc
Effective core porosity %

= 73.47
= 58.66
= 14.81
= 2.69
= 20.16

Based on the porosity table, the porosity of the core plug sample is considered very good
( 20% - 25%)
Errors
There were errors that might happened during the experiment and might caused in data inaccuracy
and miscalculation of the result.
1. The experiment can only count effective porosity ( interconnected pores). We cannot

determine the whole porosity due to possibility of isolated pores.

2. During the experiment, the matrix cup was filled with billet and core sample. There might
be any empty spaces that still left in the matrix cup and therefore might caused different
volume in calculation.
3. The empty space within the channel which releases the helium gas was also consider as
error where there is possible of air flowing inside the pore.
4. Human errors also might happen, i.e. mistake at diameter and length measurement (wrong
start, too tight or loose in measurement)

Conclusions
The porosity of the core plug sample can be determined by helium porosimeter with gas
saturation method. Making sure that no empty space in the matrix cup is necessary to make the
measurement more accurate. Although there are some problems and errors regarding the operations
performed by this system such as usual errors in values, but eventually it exhibits the entire
characteristics related to the cores dimensions and its porosity.