Downhole Spectrometer for Source Rock Maturity Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing source rock properties in hydrocarbon reservoirs are inefficient due to alteration and contamination of samples during analysis, limited sampling, and the time-consuming process of obtaining mineralogical and maturity information, which hinders timely decision-making in well completion and production optimization.
Innovation Solution
A downhole spectrometer system using a pyroelectric detector and machine learning algorithms to rapidly determine source rock maturity and composition by acquiring spectral and optical measurements at selected wavelengths, enabling spatially accurate and timely characterization of source rock properties along the well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bulk measurements on homogenized, crushed/pulverized samples are used to determine source rock properties, then the analysis can be performed using standard extraction processes, but the samples are altered and contaminated during analysis, and the process is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing measurements on intact core samples before any alteration or contamination can occur. The spectroscopic and optical measurements are conducted on the source rock in its natural state within the wellbore, eliminating the need for subsequent extraction and analysis processes that would otherwise alter the sample composition and require extensive laboratory processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical extraction and laboratory analysis systems with optical and spectroscopic measurement systems. Instead of physically crushing, homogenizing, and chemically extracting samples in a laboratory, the system uses light-based spectroscopic techniques to directly measure source rock properties in situ, substituting mechanical and chemical processes with optical detection methods.
2Quantity of substance
If limited sampling at selected locations is performed, then the analysis cost is reduced, but significant information about the rocks is missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional measurement system that can perform multiple types of spectroscopic and optical measurements on the same intact core sample. The system incorporates various sensors and detectors that can simultaneously or sequentially measure different properties (mineralogy, maturity, composition) without requiring separate sampling events, thereby increasing sampling coverage while managing system complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from discrete point sampling to continuous along-wellbore measurement by deploying the measurement system along the entire wellbore trajectory. This dimensional expansion allows comprehensive characterization of source rock properties at multiple locations without requiring multiple separate sampling operations, effectively increasing the quantity of information obtained while using a standardized measurement approach.
3Measurement precision
If standard extraction and analysis processes are used, then the source rock properties can be determined, but the extracted components are altered and contaminated during analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical extraction and chemical analysis processes with non-invasive optical and spectroscopic measurement techniques. By using light-based methods to directly measure source rock properties on intact samples, the system eliminates the extraction processes that cause alteration and contamination, thereby maintaining both measurement precision and sample integrity simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or spectral fingerprint of the source rock's molecular and mineralogical composition without physically extracting or altering the sample. The spectroscopic measurements capture the unique spectral signatures of the source rock components, providing accurate maturity and organofacies information while preserving the original sample integrity for potential future 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 allows for real-time, cost-effective characterization of source rock properties, improving hydrocarbon exploration, development, and production by providing immediate data on mineralogy and maturity, enhancing the accuracy of reserve estimation and production optimization.
Implementation Method 1
A downhole spectrometer system using a pyroelectric detector and machine learning algorithms to rapidly determine source rock maturity and composition by acquiring spectral and optical measurements
Implementation Method 2
acquiring spectral and optical measurements at selected wavelengths, enabling spatially accurate and timely characterization of source rock properties
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and computer-implemented methods are provided for the sensing and prediction of properties of source rock. Disclosed here is a method of predicting the maturity of a source rock that includes obtaining a plurality of data of a sample source rock from a plurality of data acquisition devices placed in vicinity of the sample source rock and analyzing the received data using a predictive correlation to determine maturity of the sample source rock. The predictive correlation is generated by applying a machine learning model to correlate the plurality of data acquired from a plurality of representative source rocks with a plurality of properties of the plurality of representative source rocks.