Virtual Core Generation via Moving Window Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current downhole measurement systems for petrophysical modeling are costly and time-consuming, often requiring expensive high-resolution logging tools that may not be suitable for all formations, and can be limited by the size of the wellbore or provide insufficient data for complete characterization.

Innovation Solution

A computing system that retrieves and processes high-resolution logs to extract lithology and mineralogy models, splits these models into lower-resolution mineral compositions, and generates a high-resolution virtual core using a moving window analysis to accommodate different resolutions, enabling more detailed formation property characterization without the need for expensive tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high-resolution logging tools are used to obtain petrophysical models, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresolution of formation characterizationVSAvoidcomplexity of downhole tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the formation core by processing log data to generate a virtual core that replicates the physical core's characteristics. This virtual core can be repeatedly analyzed without the need for expensive physical core sampling operations, effectively copying the formation properties for study and characterization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the formation characterization into multiple components by separating lithology identification from mineralogy analysis. The system extracts lithology models from imaging logs and mineralogy data from spectroscopy logs, then combines them to create the virtual core. This segmentation allows each component to be obtained from optimized, less expensive measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If core sampling is performed to obtain formation data, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of formation composition dataVSAvoidnon-productive time at well site

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary characterization of the formation using logging tools during the drilling process. By extracting lithology and mineralogy data from logs in advance, the system eliminates the need for subsequent time-consuming physical core sampling and laboratory analysis, effectively performing the characterization action before the well site becomes non-productive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical core sampling process with a computational system that processes log data to generate virtual cores. Instead of physically extracting and handling core samples through mechanical operations, the system uses digital processing to create virtual representations of the formation, eliminating the mechanical sampling time and associated non-productive periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If high-end logging tools are used to obtain formation characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresolution of petrophysical modelsVSAvoidsuitability for different formation types

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal virtual core generation system that can process various types of log data from different formations. The system extracts lithology models from imaging logs and mineralogy from spectroscopy logs, then combines them to create virtual cores suitable for multiple formation types. This multi-functional approach makes the system adaptable to diverse geological conditions without requiring formation-specific specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If limited data from high-resolution images is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of measurement systemVSAvoidinsufficiency of formation characterization data

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple types of log data together, combining lithology information from imaging logs with mineralogy data from spectroscopy logs. By integrating these different data sources, the system creates a comprehensive virtual core that contains both the structural and compositional information needed for complete formation characterization, preventing information loss while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11402539B2Virtual core generation and modeling

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

Embodiments include a method that includes extracting a low resolution formation property model and a high resolution formation property model from at least one log. The method also includes splitting the extracted low resolution formation property model into one or more property compositions. The method also includes generating a high resolution virtual core via the low resolution formation property model and at least a second high resolution formation property, the high resolution virtual core utilizing a moving window analysis to accommodate between different resolutions of the second high resolution formation property model and the low resolution property composition.