Geophysical Inversion for Temperature and Porosity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for estimating temperature and porosity in geological structures are inadequate, as single domain inversions do not provide quantitative estimates, leading to uncertainties in geothermal energy exploration and drilling operations.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the acquisition of multiple types of geophysical data, including electromagnetic and magnetic data, which are then inverted using forward models to estimate temperature and porosity in a geological structure, allowing for more accurate decision-making in geothermal well drilling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If single domain inversion of one geophysical parameter is used, then the method is simple, but quantitative estimates of subsurface temperature or porosity cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemethod complexityVSAvoidtemperature estimation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple geophysical parameters (electrical resistivity, density, magnetic susceptibility, seismic velocity) into a unified inversion framework. By merging these different domains of geophysical data and inverting them simultaneously, the method achieves quantitative estimates of temperature and porosity that single-domain methods cannot provide, while maintaining computational feasibility through modular implementation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If detailed sampling of the geological structure is performed, then accurate temperature and porosity values can be obtained, but the process is time consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoiddrilling preparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct physical sampling and measurement mechanisms with a computational inversion system. Instead of physically drilling multiple test wells or taking extensive core samples, the method uses surface geophysical measurements combined with mathematical inversion to estimate subsurface temperature and porosity, dramatically reducing time and cost while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces geophysical parameters as intermediary variables that can be measured from the surface and then inverted to obtain temperature and porosity. These intermediaries (electrical resistivity, density, magnetic susceptibility, seismic velocity) serve as proxies that transmit information about subsurface conditions without requiring direct physical access or sampling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple geophysical parameters are inverted, then quantitative estimates of temperature and porosity are achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveporosity estimation accuracyVSAvoidinversion system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex multi-parameter inversion problem into manageable components. Each geophysical parameter (electrical resistivity, density, magnetic susceptibility, seismic velocity) is processed through its own forward model and likelihood function, but these modular components are then integrated in a unified Bayesian framework. This segmentation allows the complex problem to be solved systematically while maintaining computational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3631529B1Method of calculating temperature and porosity of geological structure

Publication Date: 2025.05.14 EQUINOR ENERGY AS

Figure 1

AI summary

A method of calculating the temperature and/or porosity of a geological structure, wherein there is provided at least two geophysical parameters of the geological structure, the method comprising inverting the at least two geophysical parameters to estimate the temperature and/or porosity of the geological structure.