Drill Core Sample Analysis via 3D Skeleton Subtraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing subterranean drill core samples are limited in capturing the distribution and individual effects of formation damage mechanisms, leading to qualitative rather than quantitative assessments of permeability impairment, which hinders accurate operational decision-making in hydrocarbon recovery.
Innovation Solution
A method involving high-resolution 3D data acquisition and segmentation techniques to create 'before' and 'after' test skeletons, allowing for the identification and quantification of formation damage mechanisms by subtracting the initial from the final state, and conducting diagnostic analysis to determine their individual and combined effects on permeability and other characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution 3D data acquisition and segmentation techniques are used to create before and after test skeletons, then measurement precision of formation damage mechanisms is improved, but device complexity and analysis time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the core sample into distinct 3D skeletons representing different formation damage mechanisms. The image processing system segments the 3D data to create separate representations of fines migration, drilling solid retention, and other damage mechanisms, allowing quantitative analysis of each mechanism's individual and combined effects on permeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D cross-sectional analysis to 3D volumetric analysis of core samples. By acquiring and analyzing 3D data sets, the system captures the spatial distribution and morphology of formation damage mechanisms throughout the entire sample volume, providing comprehensive quantitative measurement that was not possible with conventional 2D methods.
2Reliability
If multiple diagnostic analysis techniques are conducted to identify individual formation damage mechanisms, then reliability of operational decision-making is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary 3D data acquisition and skeleton creation before conducting detailed diagnostic analysis. By pre-processing the core sample data into structured 3D skeletons that highlight formation damage mechanisms, the system prepares the data in advance for rapid diagnostic evaluation, reducing the time required for subsequent analysis while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a multi-functional analysis system that can conduct various diagnostic techniques on the same 3D skeleton data. The single 3D data set and skeleton structure serve multiple analytical purposes, allowing different diagnostic methods to evaluate the same formatted data without requiring separate physical sample preparations or repeated imaging procedures.
3Ease of operation
If traditional permeability and pressure measurements are taken at face value, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability of risk assessment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces 3D image processing and skeleton analysis as an intermediary between traditional permeability measurements and formation damage assessment. Rather than directly interpreting permeability data, the system uses 3D skeletons as an intermediate representation that visualizes and quantifies the physical mechanisms causing permeability changes, providing more precise and reliable assessment while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of analysing a subterranean drilled core sample 10 is disclosed. The steps followed are: —a) providing a drill core sample 10 taken from a subterranean formation; b) producing high-resolution data of at least a section of the drill core sample 10 and creating a 3D before test skeleton of the sample 10 using that data; c) mimic wellbore operations using reservoir conditions core floods; d) producing high-resolution data of at least a section of the drill core sample 10 and creating a 3D after test skeleton of the sample using that data; e) identifying and/or segregating one or more formation damage mechanisms 12 by subtracting the 3D before test skeleton from the 3D after test skeleton to create a 3D change skeleton which shows all the formation damage mechanisms 12; and f) 1) identify one or more individual formation damage mechanisms 12, by conducting segmentation including performing one or more diagnostic analysis techniques on at least a section of the drill core sample 10 and generating individual or combinations of simulated 3D skeletons; and 2) determining the effect of said formation damage mechanism(s) 12 on a chosen characteristic of interest of said drill core sample 10.