Rock Testability Index for Formation Testing Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for determining the optimal depth for formation tests in geological formations are often inadequate, leading to resource wastage and sub-optimal results due to manual interpretation and lack of precision in identifying suitable locations for hydrocarbon fluid formation testing.

Innovation Solution

A computer system is used to calculate a rock testability index (RTI) by normalizing petrophysical data from multiple depths, adjusting it based on hydrocarbon productivity, and generating a visual representation to indicate the probability of success for formation tests, thereby optimizing the selection of testing depths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional manual interpretation methods are used to identify formation test locations, then expert judgment can be applied, but resource wastage occurs due to inadequate precision in identifying suitable locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision in identifying suitable locationsVSAvoidresource wastage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual expert interpretation with an automated computer-based system that processes petrophysical data to generate a Rock Testability Index. This substitution of mechanical/manual analysis with computational analysis provides precise, objective identification of suitable formation test locations without the resource wastage associated with manual methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms multiple petrophysical parameters (porosity, permeability, rock type, fluid mobility) into a single composite Rock Testability Index parameter. This parameter transformation enables precise identification of optimal test depths by combining multiple factors into one actionable metric that directly indicates suitability for formation testing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If formation tests are performed at multiple depths to ensure coverage, then comprehensive data collection is achieved, but operational costs increase due to testing at unsuitable locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of hydrocarbon data collectedVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary analysis of petrophysical data before conducting formation tests to identify depths with high Rock Testability Index values. This preliminary screening action ensures that tests are performed only at locations most likely to yield productive results, reducing unnecessary testing costs while maintaining comprehensive data collection at optimal locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses available petrophysical logging data to self-identify optimal test locations without requiring extensive additional exploration or trial testing. The Rock Testability Index automatically indicates which depths are most promising, allowing the system to serve itself in selecting test locations and reducing overall operational costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If expert interpretation is used to select test depths, then human expertise can be applied, but time is lost due to manual analysis processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterpretation qualityVSAvoidtime for depth selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual expert interpretation with automated computer processing of petrophysical data. The system rapidly calculates the Rock Testability Index for multiple depths simultaneously, providing high-quality interpretation results instantaneously without the time delays inherent in manual analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous processing and analysis of petrophysical data as it becomes available, generating Rock Testability Index values for all depths in the formation without interruption. This continuous automated analysis eliminates the intermittent, step-by-step nature of manual interpretation and provides complete depth evaluation in one operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS10890066B1Determination of a rock testability index for formation testing

Publication Date: 2021.01.12 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

Methods for determining a rock testability index (RTI) include receiving petrophysical data of a geological formation at a particular rate. The petrophysical data is measured at each depth of a plurality of depths from a surface of the Earth. For each depth of the plurality of depths, an RTI is determined for the geological formation. The RTI indicates a probability of success for performing a hydrocarbon fluid formation test at each depth. The RTI is generated by normalizing a rock type of the geological formation. The RTI is adjusted based on a correspondence of the petrophysical data to hydrocarbon productivity. A display device generates a visual representation of the RTI at the particular rate. The visual representation indicates a potential hydrocarbon productivity of the geological formation.