Estimating Past Rock Mechanical Properties via Evolution Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating mechanical properties of subsurface rock formations are inadequate, as they lack a systematic and scientific approach to predict rock properties at past times, especially during transformation by compaction and diagenetic processes, which is crucial for predicting rock failures and fractures in hydrocarbon systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that generates a correlation model relating mechanical properties to porosity and composition values, allowing for the estimation of past mechanical properties by applying present-day porosity and composition data through an evolution model, which is then used in a correlation model to predict mechanical properties at specific times in the past.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If present-day rock properties are measured and used directly, then measurement simplicity is improved, but accuracy of past mechanical property estimation deteriorates due to transformation by compaction and diagenetic processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring present-day rock properties now, then using an evolution model to predict past properties before they were transformed by compaction and diagenesis. This allows the system to work backward in time from current measurements to reconstruct historical mechanical properties, resolving the contradiction between measurement simplicity and estimation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by not trying to measure past properties directly, but rather measuring present properties and using an evolution model to calculate past values by working backward in time. This inversion allows accurate estimation of past mechanical properties while maintaining the simplicity of measuring current properties.
2Measurement precision
If systematic evolution modeling is applied to estimate past properties, then accuracy of mechanical property prediction is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using an evolution model that calculates past mechanical properties based on changes in porosity, composition, and other parameters over time. The model uses correlations between present-day properties and past states, allowing systematic estimation while managing computational complexity through established geological relationships.
3Ease of manufacture
If rock mechanical properties are estimated without systematic approach, then ease of calculation is improved, but reliability of fracture prediction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using an evolution model that continuously refines estimates of past mechanical properties based on correlations between present-day rock properties and historical states. This feedback mechanism ensures that fracture predictions are based on reliable, systematically derived property estimates rather than simplified calculations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of estimating at least one mechanical property value of a rock formation in the geologic past. In one embodiment, a correlation model is generated which correlates at least one mechanical property with a porosity value and a composition value relative to a first rock type. An estimation of a past porosity value and a past composition value is then generated for the rock formation at a point of time in the past. A mechanical property value at the point of time in the past is identified in the correlation model based on the estimated past porosity and past composition values.