Method for determining permeability of rock formation using computer tomograpic images thereof

A method for estimating permeability properties of a porous material from a sample thereof, comprising:

• making a three dimensional tomographic image of the sample of the material;
• segmenting the image into pixels each representing pore space or rock grain to form a segmented image;
• determining components of a permeability tensor through use of the segmented image;
• calculating principal permeability values using the components of the permeability tensor;
• calculating permeability directions using the components of the permeability tensor;
• and
• at least one of storing and displaying the permeability values and permeability directions.