Correlations of Permeability and Grain Size

ABSTRACT Previous theoretical and empirical investigations of the relation between particle size and intergranular permeability have resulted in the well‐known formula for intrinsic permeability (k) where d is particle diameter, and c is a dimensionless constant. Statistical power regression analyses were per‐ formed on 19 sets of published data on size and laboratory permeability of unconsolidated sediments. The exponent of grain diameter ranged from 1.11 to 2.05, but most values were significantly less than 2.0. Results indicate that the permeability/grain size relation alternatively may be expressed, from an empirical basis, as Values of c and the exponent both generally decrease with decreased textural maturity and increased induration.