In-situ Rock Mechanical Property Prediction via Logging Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for determining mechanical properties of rocks require costly and time-intensive analysis of core samples, which is inefficient for real-time prediction and evaluation in petroleum exploration and reservoir behavior analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method using in-situ geochemical logging tools to measure relative elemental yields and mineral compositions, calculating mechanical properties such as stiffness coefficients and Young's modulus based on mineralogy information, allowing for real-time prediction of rock properties without the need for core sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If core sample analysis is used to determine rock mechanical properties, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical core sampling and laboratory analysis system with an in-situ logging tool system that uses acoustic waves and gamma rays to measure rock properties directly in the borehole. The logging tool measures acoustic velocity and mineral composition in real-time, eliminating the need to physically retrieve and transport core samples to the surface for analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves and gamma rays as intermediary measurement mechanisms. Acoustic waves propagate through the rock formation to provide velocity data, while gamma rays interact with mineral atoms to provide compositional data. These intermediaries enable indirect measurement of mechanical properties without direct physical contact or core retrieval.
2Measurement precision
If core sample analysis is used to determine rock mechanical properties, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the costly mechanical core sampling operation with an electromagnetic and acoustic measurement system. The logging tool uses non-mechanical fields (acoustic waves and gamma radiation) to probe the formation, eliminating expenses related to core barrel equipment, sample retrieval mechanisms, and laboratory processing facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The logging tool performs self-contained measurements directly in the borehole, integrating both acoustic velocity measurement and mineral composition analysis in a single downhole instrument. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate core sampling operations and subsequent laboratory analysis, consolidating multiple functions into one efficient measurement process.
3Productivity
If in-situ logging tools are used to predict rock mechanical properties, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement techniques (acoustic velocity measurement and gamma ray mineralogical analysis) into a composite measurement system. By integrating data from different physical principles, the system compensates for the limitations of individual methods and achieves accurate mechanical property predictions through data fusion and cross-validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms mineral composition data (chemical parameters) into mechanical property predictions (physical parameters) through established geochemical-geomechanical relationships. By changing the parameter domain from compositional to mechanical, the system enables real-time prediction while maintaining accuracy through validated transformation models.
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 accurately quantifies rock mechanical properties in real-time, reducing costs and improving the efficiency of formation evaluation, with results correlating well with actual data from core samples, enabling more accurate hydrocarbon reserve assessment and well completion planning.
Implementation Method 1
in-situ geochemical logging tools to measure relative elemental yields
Implementation Method 2
Mineralogy information, type of mineral present, and mass percentages of each mineral is obtained through established correlations
Data Source
AI summary
A method for predicting mechanical properties of a transverse isotropic region of a rock formation traversed by a well bore including running a logging tool in the well bore; the mass percentages of minerals present in the rock formation surrounding the well bore are measured with the logging tool. The density of the minerals present in the rock formation surrounding the well bore is determined. The porosity of the rock formation surrounding the well bore is measured. From the porosity and the measured mass percentages and density of the minerals, all the transverse isotropic elastic coefficients of the rock formation are determined in real time.