CT Scan Pore Segmentation for Permeability Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating fluid transport properties of subsurface rock formations are time-consuming and require physical samples, limiting the speed and efficiency of hydrocarbon reservoir characterization.
Innovation Solution
The method involves creating three-dimensional tomographic images of drill cuttings or rock samples using CT scans, segmenting the images into pore space and rock grain pixels, and estimating physical properties like permeability through numerical simulations, such as the Lattice-Boltzmann method, allowing for real-time analysis during drilling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional thin section preparation and digitization methods are used, then detailed pore space analysis is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses CT scanning to create digital three-dimensional copies of rock formation samples, eliminating the need for physical thin section preparation. The CT scan generates a digital representation that can be analyzed immediately, providing both speed and detailed pore space characterization without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical thin section preparation process with a non-contact CT scanning system. Instead of physically cutting, mounting, and digitizing thin sections, the system uses X-ray or other radiation-based CT scanning to directly generate three-dimensional digital models of the pore space, dramatically reducing preparation time while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
2Reliability
If multiple three-dimensional representations are generated for averaging, then estimation reliability is improved, but computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary segmentation of the CT scan image into pore space and rock matrix regions before generating multiple three-dimensional representations. This pre-processing step establishes a consistent basis for all subsequent simulations, ensuring that the multiple representations are generated from the same accurate segmentation, thereby improving reliability while controlling complexity through systematic preprocessing.
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 enables rapid and accurate estimation of fluid transport properties, improving the characterization of subsurface rock formations and enhancing the economic evaluation of hydrocarbon reservoirs by utilizing CT scan images for fluid mobility, permeability, and other property calculations.
Implementation Method 1
devices for generating CT images of samples such as drill cuttings have become available. Such CT image generating devices (CT scanners) typically produce three-dimensional gray scale images of the samples analyzed in the scanner.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating a physical property of a porous material from a sample of the material includes making a three dimensional tomographic image of the sample of the material, segmenting the image into pixels each representing pore space or rock grain, and estimating at least one physical property from the segmented image.