  A new and fast Matlab algorithm for predicting absolute permeability is
presented. The developed tool relies on measuring the connectivity of pores in
a given three-dimensional (3D) micro-CT rock image. An index of pore
connectivity is introduced. After a calibration step, the developed index is
used to estimate permeability in a variety of rocks with challenging pore
structures (e.g. complex carbonate formations). The developed algorithm was
tested on sandstone and carbonate rock samples. It offers large computational
and memory savings when compared with algorithms based on the Lattice Boltzmann
Method (LBM). Permeability estimates were, in general, in good agreement with
laboratory measurements and numerical simulation results. Source code for
computing the developed index along with an associated GUI panel are available
online at https://github.com/cupbkust/EPCI.git
