Well Log Fluid Identification Using Density and Acoustic Slowness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well logs primarily focus on identifying hydrocarbons and do not effectively differentiate or quantify subsurface fluids like hydrogen, helium, and carbon dioxide, limiting the assessment of these gases in geological formations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing geophysical well logs, including acoustic and density logs, to determine rock matrix type, porosity, fluid density, and acoustic slowness, enabling differentiation and quantification of subsurface fluids such as hydrogen, helium, and carbon dioxide, using computer-assisted machine learning for pattern recognition and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing well logs focus on identifying hydrocarbons, then hydrocarbon detection capability is improved, but differentiation and quantification of subsurface fluids like hydrogen, helium, and carbon dioxide deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling well logs to serve multiple purposes: traditional hydrocarbon detection plus new capabilities for identifying and quantifying subsurface fluids like hydrogen, helium, and carbon dioxide. The system processes multiple fluid types simultaneously using integrated analysis of density and acoustic properties, making the logging system universally applicable to various fluid identification needs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by measuring and analyzing multiple physical parameters (density and acoustic properties) of subsurface fluids. By examining how these parameters vary across different fluid types and comparing them against reference values, the system can differentiate between hydrocarbons, hydrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, and other fluids, thereby improving both detection precision and fluid differentiation versatility
2Ease of operation
If traditional well log analysis methods are used, then analysis simplicity is maintained, but accuracy in quantifying subsurface fluid types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational system that automatically processes well log data. This intermediary layer handles the complex calculations and comparisons between measured parameters and reference fluid properties, maintaining ease of operation by automating the analysis while significantly improving quantification accuracy through systematic multi-parameter evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional manual or simple automated analysis methods with a more advanced computational approach that substitutes complex mechanical processing with algorithmic analysis. The system uses computer-based processing to automatically interpret density and acoustic log data, replacing simpler analysis methods with intelligent algorithms that improve accuracy without increasing operational complexity for the user
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
Accurately identifies and quantifies subsurface fluids like hydrogen, helium, and carbon dioxide, facilitating exploration, storage verification, and carbon sequestration assessment by distinguishing these gases from other fluids based on their unique density and acoustic properties.
Implementation Method 1
determining an acoustic slowness of the fluid within the pore space
Implementation Method 2
determining a fluid density of a fluid within the pore space
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to methods, systems, and software for identifying and quantifying subsurface hydrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, or other fluids using multiple indicia from geophysical well logs, other wireline logging tools, or mudlogging tools.