CT Imaging for Shaped Charge Perforation Core Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating fluid transport properties of rock formations after perforation are inaccurate and costly due to laboratory evaluation challenges, especially with unknown fractures or heterogeneities in core samples.
Innovation Solution
The method involves obtaining rock formation samples, creating a perforation tunnel, and using computer tomographic imaging to segment and analyze subvolumes, estimating physical properties, and applying numerical simulations like the Lattice-Boltzmann method to determine fluid transport properties without full laboratory evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laboratory evaluation is used to measure fluid transport properties of perforated cores, then measurement accuracy may be improved, but cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses computer tomographic imaging to create detailed digital copies of the core sample's internal structure, including pore spaces and fractures. These digital models serve as virtual replicas that can be analyzed computationally to estimate fluid transport properties, eliminating the need for complex and expensive physical laboratory evaluations while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Productivity
If traditional measurement methods are used for perforated cores, then results may be obtained, but accuracy deteriorates due to unknown fractures or heterogeneities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical laboratory measurement systems with a computational approach based on computer tomographic imaging and numerical simulation. The CT scanner captures detailed internal structures, and numerical models simulate fluid flow through the imaged pore spaces and fractures, providing accurate fluid transport property estimates without the limitations of physical measurement methods.
3Loss of information
If full laboratory evaluation is performed on core samples, then comprehensive data may be obtained, but cost and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs computer tomographic imaging of the core sample before conducting any fluid transport property analysis. This preliminary action captures complete three-dimensional information about the internal structure, including pore spaces and fractures, allowing subsequent numerical simulations to estimate fluid transport properties rapidly without requiring time-consuming laboratory evaluations.
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 allows for accurate and cost-effective estimation of fluid transport properties, quantifying the extent and radial distribution of formation alteration caused by perforation, enabling improved perforation techniques and reservoir modeling.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a sample of the rock formation; creating a three dimensional tomographic image of the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining effects of perforation on a rock formation includes obtaining a sample of the rock formation. A perforation tunnel is created in the sample of the rock formation. The core sample is either subdivided into subsamples and a three dimensional tomographic image is made of each subsample and/or a three dimensional tomographic image is made of the sample of rock formation and the image thereof is segmented into sub images of selected subvolumes of the rock formation sample. At least one physical property of the rock formation is estimated from each tomographic image.