Intrinsic CO Ratio Measurement Correction Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the intrinsic carbon to oxygen (CO) ratio in geological formations are inaccurate, leading to inefficient hydrocarbon identification and extraction, as well as inappropriate wellbore perforation locations and sizes, due to errors in measured CO ratios from gamma-ray peaks.
Innovation Solution
A method using a petrophysical tool with a processor and memory to apply a corrective algorithm, derived through mathematical analysis, to correct measured CO ratios and calculate the intrinsic CO ratio, allowing for precise determination of hydrocarbon presence and water ratio in geological formations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gamma-ray peak measurements are used to determine CO ratio, then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision is poor due to errors in detected CO ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating correction values based on formation density before actual measurement. The system determines the expected CO ratio from density and stores correction factors that will be applied to raw gamma-ray measurements, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations during field operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary correction algorithm that mediates between the simple gamma-ray peak measurement and the accurate intrinsic CO ratio. This correction layer accounts for interference from other elements and measurement errors, transforming the rough gamma-ray data into precise formation composition information without requiring direct complex measurement procedures.
2Reliability
If uncorrected measured CO ratios are used, then the analysis process is fast and simple, but the reliability of hydrocarbon identification is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The correction algorithm is prepared in advance with pre-calculated correction values based on formation density ranges. During field operations, the system only needs to measure density, select the appropriate pre-computed correction factor, and apply it to the gamma-ray CO ratio measurement, significantly reducing on-site processing time while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from direct gamma-ray CO ratio measurement to a corrected value based on multiple parameters including formation density, gamma-ray peaks, and pre-computed correction factors. This multi-parameter approach increases reliability while the pre-computation strategy minimizes the time penalty.
3Measurement precision
If complex correction algorithms are applied to all measurements, then measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the correction algorithm to specific formation types and density ranges. Different correction factors are pre-computed for different geological conditions (sandstone, limestone, etc. and various density ranges), and the system selects the appropriate local correction model based on the measured formation characteristics, rather than applying a single complex algorithm universally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the complexity parameter by adapting the correction algorithm's complexity to the specific measurement conditions. For standard formations, simpler pre-computed corrections are applied, while only for exceptional cases does the system engage more complex real-time calculations, thus maintaining measurement precision while minimizing overall computational burden and device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides accurate intrinsic CO ratios, enabling optimal hydrocarbon extraction and wellbore perforation planning, improving the efficiency and accuracy of hydrocarbon detection and extraction processes.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, in a geological formation and using a petrophysical tool, a carbon gamma-ray peak for the geological formation and an oxygen gamma-ray peak for the geological formation
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides methods of measuring an intrinsic CO ratio in a geological formation by disposing, proximate the formation, a petrophysical tool including at least one gamma-ray detector, reading a carbon gamma-ray peak for the geological formation and an oxygen gamma-ray peak for the geological formation, determining a measured CO ratio of the geological formation from the carbon gamma-ray peak and the oxygen gamma-ray peak, and correcting the measured CO ratio by applying a corrective algorithm specific for the petrophysical tool or the type of petrophysical tool to obtain an intrinsic CO ratio of the geological formation. The corrective algorithm is derived by a mathematical analysis of measured CO ratios of a sample with a known intrinsic CO ratio using the same petrophysical tool or a petrophysical tool representative of a same type of petrophysical tool. Additional methods and systems using this method are provided.