Rock Core CT Imaging for Flow Property Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for characterizing the flow-related properties of rock samples are cumbersome, requiring high temperatures, pressures, and fluid volumes, and struggle to accurately assess changes in these properties post-treatment, especially when samples are removed from their native environment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of computed tomography (CT) systems and methods to analyze rock core samples before and after treatment, using image capture and digital rock physics analysis to determine porosity, permeability, and seismic velocity, with sub-samples being extracted for higher resolution scanning if necessary, and comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment CT images to generate reports on treatment effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional injection tests are used to characterize flow-related properties, then measurement data can be obtained, but the process requires high temperatures, pressures, and fluid volumes, and is time-consuming (weeks)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical injection testing with X-ray computed tomography imaging. Instead of physically injecting fluids under high pressure and temperature conditions, the system uses X-ray imaging to directly visualize and measure pore structures, crack networks, and flow paths. This substitution eliminates the need for lengthy injection tests while providing detailed structural information about the rock sample's flow-related properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates detailed internal images and 3D models of the rock sample's pore structure and crack networks through X-ray CT scanning. These digital copies allow researchers to analyze flow paths, pore connectivity, and structural features without physically manipulating the sample or conducting time-consuming injection tests. The imaging process captures the complete internal architecture, enabling virtual analysis of flow-related properties.
2Measurement precision
If traditional injection tests are used, then flow-related properties can be measured, but the process is fraught with difficulties including risks of leakage and equipment failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical injection testing system with a non-invasive X-ray CT imaging system. The imaging system uses X-rays to penetrate and image the rock sample's internal structure without requiring fluid injection, high-pressure equipment, or complex sealing mechanisms. This eliminates the risks of leakage and equipment failure associated with traditional injection tests while providing reliable measurements of pore structure, crack networks, and flow paths.
3Measurement precision
If traditional injection tests are used, then flow-related properties can be characterized, but imprecise initial conditions are encountered since the sample state is difficult to achieve once removed from its original environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs X-ray CT scanning of the rock sample immediately after extraction from its original environment, before any significant environmental changes occur. This preliminary imaging captures the sample's initial pore structure, crack networks, and mineral composition in their native state. By obtaining baseline images before the sample adapts to laboratory conditions, researchers can accurately characterize the initial conditions and compare them with post-treatment images, ensuring precise measurement of treatment effects.
4Productivity
If digital rock analysis is used to characterize flow-related properties, then the process is fast, safe, and repeatable, but the amount of information that can be derived is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs three-dimensional X-ray CT imaging to capture the complete internal architecture of the rock sample, including pore distributions, crack networks, and mineral compositions throughout the entire volume. This 3D imaging provides comprehensive spatial information that goes beyond traditional 2D cross-sections, enabling detailed analysis of pore connectivity, flow paths, and structural relationships in three dimensions while maintaining fast and repeatable measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses high-resolution X-ray CT imaging to resolve fine-scale features such as pore throats, crack apertures, and mineral grain structures at the micro and nano scales. The imaging system captures detailed local information about pore morphology, connectivity, and composition throughout the sample volume, providing rich information content about flow-related properties while maintaining the speed and repeatability advantages of digital 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
Enables precise, efficient, and repeatable assessment of rock sample properties and treatment effects, reducing the need for extensive physical testing and improving the understanding of fluid flow characteristics in a controlled and repeatable manner.
Implementation Method 1
Before and after a rock sample or sub-sample is treated, CT scanning of the rock core sample or sub-sample is performed
Implementation Method 2
Computed tomography (CT) systems and methods that determine rock property changes resulting from a treatment
Data Source
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AI summary
The effect of a treatment on a rock sample or sub-sample extracted from the rock sample can be analyzed through computed tomography (CT). To determine the effect of a treatment of a rock sample or the sub-sample, pre-treatment and post-treatment CT images of the rock sample or the sub-sample are captured. Further, the pre-treatment CT images and post-treatment CT images of the rock sample or the sub-sample are compared based on one or more alignment markers added to the rock sample or the sub-sample. In some embodiments, pre-treatment and post-treatment CT scans of an extracted sub-sample provide higher-resolution information regarding the effect of the treatment. Further, pre-treatment and post-treatment CT scans of a rock sample with a restored sub-sample may be considered and may provide additional information regarding the effect of the treatment on the rock sample or the sub-sample.