Digital Core Library for Subterranean Fracturing Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital imaging techniques have not been widely applied to analyze subterranean formations, hindering the optimization of oilfield techniques such as fracturing operations, which often require extensive trial and error and take years to achieve optimal results.
Innovation Solution
The method involves obtaining digital core samples of subterranean formations using imaging techniques like CT scans or confocal microscopes, simulating fracturing characteristics using numerical methods, and cataloguing these images in a formation fingerprinting database to predict and optimize fracturing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional trial and error methods are used to optimize fracturing operations, then empirical results can be achieved, but the process takes years and requires extensive testing across hundreds of wells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a digital core library and performing formation characterization before actual fracturing operations. Digital core samples are obtained, imaged, and analyzed in advance to predict fracturing characteristics, allowing optimization parameters to be determined beforehand rather than through years of trial and error testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating digital replicas (digital core samples) of physical core samples through imaging techniques like CT scans and confocal microscopy. These digital copies can be repeatedly analyzed and simulated without destroying the original samples, enabling rapid prediction and optimization of fracturing operations across multiple wells.
2Productivity
If digital imaging techniques are applied to analyze subterranean formations, then rapid prediction and characterization is achieved, but this requires new technologies and methods that are not yet widely implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by developing a multi-functional system that combines digital core imaging (CT scans, confocal microscopy), numerical simulation capabilities, and database management into an integrated platform. This universal system can handle multiple types of formations and provide various analyses (fracturing characteristics, porosity, permeability) through a single cohesive technology framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a digital core library as an intermediate step between physical core sampling and fracturing operation optimization. The digital core samples serve as mediators that bridge the gap, allowing numerical simulations to be performed on virtual representations rather than requiring direct physical experimentation in the field.
3Measurement precision
If numerical methods are used to simulate fracturing characteristics, then accurate prediction of formation behavior is achieved, but this requires sophisticated computing resources and complex algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex simulation process into distinct modules: digital core image acquisition, image processing and segmentation, numerical model creation, simulation execution, and results analysis. Each module handles a specific aspect of the fracturing characteristic prediction, making the overall complex system more manageable and implementable.
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 significantly reduces the time and cost required to optimize fracturing operations by allowing for rapid prediction and characterization of subterranean formations, potentially cutting the optimization time from years to days and hundreds of wells to a few wells.
Implementation Method 1
computer tomography (CT)
Implementation Method 2
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for acquiring, cataloguing, and analyzing digital core samples taken of subterranean formations are disclosed. One embodiment provides a method that includes obtaining an image or a series of images of at least a portion of a subterranean formation; simulating, by a computing device, a fracturing characteristic of the subterranean formation based on the image or the series of images; and cataloguing the image or the series of images in a formation fingerprinting database.