Porosity Calculation for Unconventional Rock Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring porosity in unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs, such as gas shale formations, face challenges due to inaccuracies in bulk density measurements, which are difficult to obtain accurately, especially for cuttings from these formations.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates porosity by multiplying the measured pore volume by the bulk density, minimizing the impact of errors in bulk density measurements, using techniques like helium pycnometry and mercury intrusion porosimetry to determine pore volume and bulk density, and incorporating cleaning processes for cuttings to ensure accurate results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional bulk density measurement methods are used, then porosity can be calculated, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to difficulties in obtaining accurate bulk density values for cuttings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pore volume measurement as an intermediary parameter that mediates between bulk density and porosity. By measuring pore volume independently through helium pycnometry or mercury intrusion porosimetry, the method creates a reliable bridge that reduces sensitivity to bulk density measurement errors while still achieving accurate porosity calculation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from directly measuring bulk density to measuring pore volume instead. This parameter substitution transforms the measurement strategy, allowing porosity to be calculated through pore volume multiplied by bulk density, which reduces the impact of bulk density measurement inaccuracies on final porosity results
2Productivity
If bulk density is measured for cuttings, then porosity calculation is possible, but measurement difficulty increases due to the nature of unconventional rock samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pore volume measurement from the bulk density measurement process. By using helium pycnometry or mercury intrusion porosimetry to independently determine pore volume, the method separates this difficult measurement from the bulk density determination, making the overall process more manageable and accurate for unconventional rock samples
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified computational model that copies the essential relationship between pore volume, bulk density, and porosity. This model allows accurate porosity calculation without requiring direct measurement of all parameters, instead using readily available bulk density data combined with independently measured pore volume
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 provides a more accurate and reliable estimation of porosity, reducing the sensitivity to errors in bulk density measurements and improving the precision of porosity calculation, especially for unconventional rock samples like gas shales.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a bulk density of the rock sample from the unconventional hydrocarbon reservoir
Implementation Method 2
measuring a pore volume of the rock sample from the unconventional hydrocarbon reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclose methods of estimating porosity from a pore volume and bulk density. The porosity is obtained by multiplying the pore volume and bulk density. Methods disclosed in the subject disclosure are minimally affected by errors in the bulk density measurement.