There is a statistical correlation between absolute permeability k_a and formation porosity \phi which can be approximated by various permeability-porosity models
The most generic approach to permeability modelling is based on the concepts of Flow Zone Indicator FZI, Rock Quality Index (RQI) RQI and normalised porosity \phi_r:
(1) | k = 1014.24 \cdot \phi \cdot RQI^2 |
(2) | RQI = FZI \cdot \phi_r |
(3) | k = 1014.24 \cdot FZI^2(V_{sh}, \, \phi) \cdot \frac{\phi^3}{( 1 - \phi)^2} |
In case FZI = \rm const for each lithofacies the model (3) transforms into conventional Cozeny-Karman permeability @model
In general case, the Flow Zone Indicato depends on shaliness and effective porosity FZI(V_{sh}, \, \phi), but not as strong as permeability which makes it easier to identify the correlation.
See also
Petroleum Industry / Upstream / Subsurface E&P Disciplines / Petrophysics / Absolute permeability