Digital Well Core Templates for 3D Lithofacies Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The oil and gas industry faces challenges in accurately characterizing and modeling subsurface hydrocarbon reservoirs due to the limitations of traditional manual well core data, which are difficult to digitize and manipulate, preventing effective 3D geological modeling and correlation across multiple wells.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based method and system for simulating lithofacies models by digitizing well core description data, using templates for carbonate and clastic rock layers, allowing for digital manipulation and correlation across the reservoir, and integrating with wireline log data to create accurate 3D models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual well core description data are used in traditional paper or scanned image format, then the data can be obtained and stored, but the data cannot be effectively manipulated, digitized, or correlated across multiple wells for 3D geological modeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies of manual well core descriptions by having analysts input data into standardized digital templates. These digital copies replace the need for manual paper drawings and scanned images, enabling the data to be manipulated, stored, and correlated electronically across multiple wells while preserving all original information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of hand-drawing core descriptions on paper with a digital data input system. Analysts enter observations directly into computer-based templates, eliminating the need for physical drawing materials and enabling electronic manipulation and correlation of the data across the reservoir.
2Productivity
If hand-drawn core descriptions are created for each well, then visual representation of core data is achieved, but the process is tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating unique hand-drawn representations for each well, the patent uses standardized digital templates that can be repeatedly instantiated across multiple wells. This copying approach eliminates the need to redraw the same elements manually for each well, dramatically improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of core description data from static visual drawings to structured digital parameters. This transformation allows the data to be processed, manipulated, and correlated computationally, reducing the time required for data preparation while maintaining all necessary information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If core descriptions are created by different analysts with different scales and sizes, then individual well data can be documented, but correlation among different wells becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal standardized templates that work across all wells regardless of which analyst is performing the description. These templates ensure that the same data elements, categories, and formats are used consistently across the entire reservoir, enabling reliable correlation among different wells while maintaining adaptability to various geological conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enforces homogeneity in the representation of core description data by requiring all analysts to use the same standardized digital templates. This ensures that data from different wells and different analysts have consistent structure, scale, and formatting, making correlation and comparison straightforward and reliable.
4Ease of operation
If scanned graphical images of hand-drawn core descriptions are used, then the visual data can be stored and displayed, but the data cannot be manipulated or stretched as required in geological interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of creating and manipulating visual drawings with a digital data entry and processing system. Analysts input structured data into templates, and the system handles all manipulation, scaling, and correlation computationally, providing both flexibility and precision without the limitations of graphical images.
Data Source
AI summary
Well core data descriptions are received as input digital data for computer lithofacies modeling. Digital templates are established for carbonate and clastic core description based on reservoir rock formation analysis. Description criteria of the template for carbonate rock can include texture, mineral composition, grain size, and pore type. For clastic rock, the criteria in the template can include grain size, sedimentary structure, lithology, and visual porosity. The data and observations regarding these criteria are entered into a computer 3D geological modeling system directly. Wireline log data are integrated to calibrate with well core description to derive lithofacies. The lithofacies are exported in digital format to be entered into the 3D geological modeling system. A geologically realistic model of the reservoir can be established.