Simultaneous Petrophysical Analysis of Rock Formation Shale Texture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional petrophysical analysis methods fail to provide a comprehensive understanding of the geometric distribution of mineralogical components in rock formations, as they only offer information on bulk volume fractions and not the textural distribution of shale within sand, which is crucial for accurate porosity and permeability assessment.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that simultaneously solve a set of response equations for sand, shale, and fluid components, including laminated, dispersed, and structural shale, to provide both compositional and textural analysis of rock formations, overcoming the limitations of existing sequential workflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional petrophysical analysis methods are used to determine bulk volume fractions of lithological components, then compositional analysis can be performed, but textural distribution information of shale within sand is not obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines compositional analysis and textural analysis into a single simultaneous solution process. The computer system solves for both bulk volume fractions and textural distribution parameters (laminated, dispersed, and structural shale fractions) by integrating multiple response equations from different logging tools, thereby obtaining complete information without requiring separate analysis steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the analysis from a single compositional dimension (bulk volume fractions) to multiple dimensions by incorporating textural distribution parameters. The system determines not only the overall shale fraction but also its distribution across three textural categories (laminated, dispersed, structural), adding dimensional depth to the petrophysical interpretation.
2Productivity
If sequential workflows are used for compositional and textural analysis, then analysis can be performed in steps, but user productivity is reduced and consistency between analyses may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges sequential compositional and textural analysis workflows into a single simultaneous operation. The computer system solves all response equations together in one process, eliminating the need for separate analysis steps and ensuring that both compositional and textural results are consistently derived from the same input data set.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous simultaneous solving of response equations rather than discontinuous sequential processing. The system continuously integrates multiple logging responses (gamma ray, resistivity, density, neutron logs) and solves for all parameters (compositional and textural) in an uninterrupted process, maintaining consistency throughout the analysis.
3Measurement precision
If only bulk volume fractions are determined from logging data, then compositional information is obtained, but geometric distribution of mineralogical components cannot be assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shale component into three distinct textural categories: laminated shale, dispersed shale, and structural shale. By dividing the shale fraction into these sub-components, the system can detect and measure the geometric distribution of shale within sand more precisely, as each category responds differently to logging measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality analysis by assigning different properties and response characteristics to different textural categories of shale. Laminated shale, dispersed shale, and structural shale each have distinct local characteristics that affect logging responses differently, allowing the system to detect and differentiate their distributions through tailored response equations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a computer implemented method for performing simultaneous petrophysical analysis for composition and texture of a rock formation. The method includes inputting a set of response equations for sand, shale and fluid that are present in the rock formation, wherein the shale comprises laminated shale, dispersed shale and structural shale; determining simultaneously a solution of the set of response equations, the solution describing composition and texture of the rock formation; and determining from the solution volume fractions for sand, shale and fluid and a texture of the shale including fractions of laminated shale, dispersed shale and structural shale.