Rock Mechanical Property Quantification Using Density, Porosity, and XRD
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for obtaining static and dynamic mechanical properties of rock samples are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and expensive, leading to few core samples being measured, thus limiting the understanding of rock mechanical properties in oil and gas reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving laboratory measurements of bulk density and porosity, followed by X-ray diffraction analysis to identify mineral phases, and inputting data into a computational model to determine static and dynamic mechanical properties, enabling rapid assessment of rock samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional triaxial compression tests are used to obtain static and dynamic mechanical properties of rock samples, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to labor-intensive and time-consuming procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical triaxial compression testing system with a computational model that uses XRD analysis, bulk density measurement, and porosity measurement to predict mechanical properties. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical testing equipment and procedures while maintaining the ability to obtain mechanical property data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from direct mechanical property measurement (stress-strain curves) to indirect parameter measurement (mineral composition, bulk density, porosity) followed by computational prediction. This parameter transformation enables faster, automated assessment while preserving the essential mechanical property information needed for reservoir evaluation.
2Measurement precision
If conventional triaxial compression tests are used, then static and dynamic mechanical properties are accurately determined, but loss of time increases due to multiple time-consuming steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of bulk density and porosity, followed by XRD mineral composition analysis, before executing the computational model. These preliminary actions prepare the necessary input data in advance, enabling rapid mechanical property prediction without requiring time-consuming mechanical testing at the final stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the time-consuming mechanical testing process with a computational prediction system that processes mineral composition, density, and porosity data to rapidly determine mechanical properties, significantly reducing the time required from hours to minutes.
3Measurement precision
If conventional triaxial compression tests are used, then mechanical properties are obtained, but device complexity increases due to multiple equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical testing system (triaxial compression apparatus, loading frames, strain measurement equipment) with simpler measurement devices (XRD analyzer, density measurement device, porosity measurement device) coupled with a computational model, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a multi-functional computational model that can predict both static and dynamic mechanical properties from the same set of input parameters (mineral composition, bulk density, porosity), eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment for different property measurements.
4Measurement precision
If conventional triaxial compression tests are used, then mechanical properties are determined, but loss of substance increases due to sample preparation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential input parameters (bulk density, porosity, mineral composition) needed for the computational model, eliminating the need for extensive sample preparation, trimming, and sealing required by conventional mechanical testing. This extraction approach minimizes sample consumption while obtaining the necessary data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a computational representation (model) of the rock sample's mechanical properties based on its mineral composition and physical parameters, rather than physically testing the actual sample through destructive mechanical procedures. This copying approach preserves the original sample while obtaining the required mechanical property information.
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
Facilitates efficient and streamlined quantification of rock mechanical properties, allowing for better identification of oil and gas reservoirs, estimation of reserves, and selection of appropriate drilling tools and hydraulic fracturing operations.
Implementation Method 1
identifying mineral phases and measuring volume fractions of the mineral phases relative to total volume of the rock sample by performing X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the fine powder
Data Source
AI summary
A method for obtaining mechanical properties of a rock sample. The method includes measuring a bulk density and a total porosity of the rock sample; identifying mineral phases and measuring volume fractions of the mineral phases relative to total volume of the rock sample; inputting the bulk density, the total porosity, and the volume fractions into a computational model executing on a computing system; processing the data into the computational model; determining static and dynamic mechanical properties of the rock sample; identifying oil and gas reservoir based on the dynamic mechanical properties; estimating reserve of the oil and gas reservoir based on the dynamic mechanical properties of the rock sample; designing effective production strategies for the oil and gas reservoir based on the static mechanical properties; and selecting appropriate drilling tools and hydraulic fracturing operations for the oil and gas reservoir based on the static mechanical properties.