3D Thermal Conductivity Mapping for Source Rock Maturity Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current basin modeling methods rely on default thermal conductivity values from tables, leading to inaccuracies in predicting basin structure and source rock maturity, which increases the risk of drilling unproductive wells and hampers efficient hydrocarbon exploration.
Innovation Solution
A computing system estimates thermal conductivity using seismic data and rock physics transforms to generate a 3D map, bypassing uncertainties in conventional methods, and relates seismic inversion elastic attributes to thermal conductivity, providing a more accurate model of basin geology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If default thermal conductivity values from tables are used for basin modeling, then the modeling process is simple and quick, but the accuracy of basin structure prediction and source rock maturity analysis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces seismic data as an intermediary to estimate thermal conductivity. Instead of directly using default tabular values, the system uses seismic attributes (acoustic impedance, velocity) as intermediate parameters that correlate with thermal conductivity through rock physics relationships. This intermediary approach maintains modeling simplicity while improving accuracy by leveraging widely available seismic data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the thermal conductivity estimation problem from using static default values to using dynamic parameters derived from seismic data. By changing from fixed tabular values to seismic-derived parameters (acoustic impedance, P-wave velocity), the system adapts thermal conductivity estimates to specific geological conditions, improving accuracy without requiring complex direct measurements.
2Reliability
If conventional P-wave velocity methods are used to estimate thermal conductivity, then the process is straightforward, but uncertainties in interval velocity calculation reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical calculation method (interval velocity from stacking velocities) with a seismic inversion approach. Instead of using straightforward but uncertain mechanical calculations, the system employs seismic inversion to directly estimate elastic attributes that are more reliably correlated with thermal conductivity, substituting a more complex but reliable computational method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a rock physics template that copies the relationship between seismic attributes and thermal conductivity from well-log data. By establishing empirical relationships from measured data and applying them through the seismic inversion model, the system reproduces accurate thermal conductivity estimates across the survey area without direct measurement at each location.
3Reliability
If default thermal conductivity values are used, then drilling risk assessment is quick, but the risk of drilling unproductive wells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary thermal conductivity estimation using seismic data before detailed basin modeling and maturity analysis. By establishing accurate thermal conductivity fields in advance through seismic attribute analysis, the system prepares reliable input parameters for subsequent maturity calculations, improving prediction reliability while streamlining the overall process timeline.
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
The 3D map of thermal conductivity enhances the efficiency of source rock maturity analysis, reducing drilling risks by identifying mature source rock areas and improving hydrocarbon exploration accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The system performs heat flow prediction by combining thermal conductivity and temperature gradient data using Fourier's Law q=−k∇T, where q is the local heat flux density in Watts per meter squared, k is the material's conductivity in Watts per meter-Kelvin, and ∇T is the temperature gradient in Kelvins per meter
Implementation Method 2
Thermal conductivity includes a parameter describing a source rock maturity. In an example, thermal conductivity is a rate at which heat is transferred by conduction through a unit cross-section area of a rock material
Data Source
AI summary
Modeling basin geology in a subsurface region includes receiving seismic data representing acoustic signals that are reflected from regions of the subsurface; receiving potential fields data comprising potential field values that are mapped to locations in the subsurface; determining a relationship between the seismic data and the potential field values for each of the locations in the subsurface; generating, based on the relationship for each location, a three-dimensional (3D) map of thermal conductivity in the subsurface region; and based on the 3D map of thermal conductivity, identifying at least one area comprising source rock having a threshold maturity, the threshold maturity indicative of potential hydrocarbons in the subsurface.