Rock Fabric Image Modeling for Faster Petrophysical Property Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for characterizing nano-microscale fabrics in shale reservoirs are time- and resource-intensive, and do not effectively model fluid flow or account for uncertainties in material properties, which hinders efficient hydrocarbon production planning.
Innovation Solution
A method involving FIB-SEM imaging combined with CT scanning and computational techniques to segment digital image volumes, associate voxels with rock fabrics, and determine material properties using nomograms to assign fractional bounceback parameters, enabling efficient characterization of rock samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical laboratory tests are used to measure petrophysical properties, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital replica (virtual model) of the rock sample by scanning its 3D geometry and importing it into simulation software. This digital copy allows for virtual physical tests to be performed on the replicated sample, eliminating the need for time-consuming physical laboratory measurements while maintaining measurement accuracy through numerical simulation methods.
2Measurement precision
If physical laboratory tests are used to measure petrophysical properties, then measurement accuracy is improved, but equipment cost and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical testing equipment with computational simulation software. Instead of using expensive laboratory devices to physically measure properties like permeability and porosity, the system uses numerical simulation methods (such as lattice Boltzmann method or finite element analysis) to calculate these properties from the 3D digital model, thereby eliminating the need for costly physical measurement equipment.
3Loss of time
If direct numerical simulation is applied to estimate physical properties, then time and cost are reduced, but accuracy and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the rock sample by scanning its 3D geometry and importing it into simulation software before conducting numerical simulations. This preliminary preparation ensures that the virtual model accurately represents the actual rock sample, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of subsequent numerical simulation results while maintaining time efficiency.
4Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to characterize nano-microscale fabrics, then detailed characterization is achieved, but time and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a detailed 3D digital replica of the rock sample that preserves nano-microscale fabric characteristics. This digital copy can be repeatedly analyzed and simulated without additional time or resource investment, allowing for detailed characterization of fabric structures while significantly improving productivity compared to traditional physical examination methods.
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 accurate and efficient characterization of nano-microscale fabrics in shale reservoirs, reducing time and resource requirements while accounting for uncertainties, thereby improving hydrocarbon production strategies.
Implementation Method 1
FIB-SEM imaging
Implementation Method 2
FIB-SEM imaging
Implementation Method 3
computer tomographic (CT) scan
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A method for analyzing a rock sample includes segmenting a digital image volume corresponding to an image of the rock sample, to associate voxels in the digital image volume with a plurality of rock fabrics of the rock sample. The method also includes performing image processing on the digital image volume to determine a material property of each of the rock fabrics and selecting, from a set of nomograms, a nomogram having an associated grid size. The selected nomogram associates the material property of each of the rock fabrics with a fractional bounceback parameter (FBP) value between a lower FBP threshold and an upper FBP threshold. The method further includes associating each voxel in the digital image volume with an FBP value based on the selected nomogram.