Sediment Particle Shape Characterization via Borehole Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sediment particle shape analysis in boreholes are inefficient and costly due to the need for lab testing on core samples, which involves retrieval and transportation of rock samples for analysis.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for two-dimensional sediment particle shape characterization using fullbore images, where a downhole tool with sensors captures high-resolution images of the borehole wall, and a processor reconstructs the images to identify and analyze sediment particle characteristics such as long/short axis, size, roundness, sphericity, and orientation, enabling paleocurrent direction analysis without the need for core samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If lab testing on core samples is used for sediment particle shape analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses borehole images as a copy or representation of the actual sediment particles, eliminating the need to physically retrieve and transport core samples. The image processing system analyzes particle shapes directly from the borehole wall images, providing accurate measurements without the time-consuming lab testing workflow.
2Measurement precision
If lab testing on core samples is used for sediment particle shape analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces borehole images as an intermediary between the sediment particles and the analysis system. Instead of directly handling physical core samples, the system captures images of the borehole wall and processes these images to extract particle shape information, eliminating the time required for sample retrieval and transportation.
3Productivity
If fullbore image analysis is used for sediment particle shape characterization, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of core sample retrieval, transportation, and manual lab testing with an automated image processing system. The system uses computational algorithms to identify and measure particle shapes directly from borehole images, maintaining precision while dramatically improving productivity through automation.
4Measurement precision
If core sample retrieval and transportation is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential information (particle shape characteristics) directly from the borehole images without needing to physically extract and handle core samples. This eliminates the complex mechanical systems required for sample retrieval, storage, and transportation while preserving the measurement precision through direct image analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining a borehole image deriving from a downhole tool in a wellbore of a geological formation, identifying one or more patches that correspond to sediment particles on the fullbore image, computing one or more characteristics for each of the one or more patches. The one or more characteristics may include long/short axis length, size, roundness, sphericity, orientation, or some combination thereof. The method may also include displaying a visual representation for each of the one or more characteristics.