Digital Core Models for Fracture Location Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Identifying optimal fracture treatment locations in rock formations for oil and gas production is challenging due to varying deposit sizes and frequencies across different areas, making it difficult to maximize production potential and profits.
Innovation Solution
The process involves drilling core wells, extracting core samples, and using non-destructive imaging techniques like NMR or X-ray Tomography to create digital models. These models are analyzed to determine density distributions and production potential values, which help identify the best areas for production by quantifying total volume, number, and largest diameter of deposits, allowing for customized stimulation treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If core samples are extracted from multiple locations throughout the formation, then the accuracy of production potential prediction is improved, but the cost and time required for exploration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing non-destructive imaging of core samples before extracting production potential data. The imaging process (NMR, X-ray tomography, CT, or FIB-SEM) is completed in advance to create digital models that can be analyzed to determine deposit density distributions, allowing multiple locations to be assessed efficiently without requiring physical extraction and analysis of each sample sequentially
2Stability of the object's composition
If non-destructive imaging techniques are used to analyze core samples, then the preservation of sample integrity is improved, but the complexity of the analysis process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating digital models of the core samples through non-destructive imaging techniques. Instead of physically analyzing the original core samples, the process creates digital representations (copies) that can be repeatedly examined and analyzed to determine deposit density distributions, preserving the original samples while simplifying the analysis process through digital processing
3Measurement precision
If deposit density distribution is quantified to determine production potential, then the accuracy of fracture treatment location identification is improved, but the complexity of data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the core sample into distinct deposit regions and rock matrix regions based on density thresholds. The imaging data is processed to identify and separate deposits from the surrounding rock, allowing quantification of deposit density distribution through segmented analysis of distinct regions rather than complex holistic analysis
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 more accurate prediction of production potential, minimizes costs by focusing on high-return areas, and allows for tailored fracturing strategies, optimizing oil and gas extraction.
Implementation Method 1
The core samples may then be imaged using a non-destructive two dimensional (2D) and/or three-dimensional (3D) imaging technique operable to show the internal details of the core sample, such as, for example, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
Implementation Method 2
The core samples may then be imaged using a non-destructive two dimensional (2D) and/or three-dimensional (3D) imaging technique operable to show the internal details of the core sample, such as, for example, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), X-ray Tomography
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to identifying potential fracture treatment locations in a rock formation for oil and/or gas production based on production potential. One example method includes receiving internal imaging data of a core sample of a rock formation; generating a digital core sample model of the structure of the core sample based on the internal imaging data; analyzing the core sample model to determine the density distribution of a deposit in the core sample; and determining a production potential value from the density distribution of the deposit.