Well Log Prediction of TOC in Unsampled Source Rock Intervals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for estimating net source rock thickness in petroleum exploration often underestimate unsampled well intervals due to limitations in wireline log data, leading to biased and misleading information.

Innovation Solution

A method using machine learning, specifically an artificial neural network, to predict Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and sensitive elements in unsampled well intervals by integrating first log data from sampled intervals, generating a nonlinear relationship model, and optimizing it with quality checks and learning parameters to enhance accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional wireline log methods are used to estimate net source rock thickness, then the process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient leading to underestimation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenet source rock thickness estimation accuracyVSAvoidprediction system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces machine learning models as intermediary components between wireline log data and net source rock thickness estimation. These models process multiple log parameters (gamma ray, resistivity, porosity, density) through trained algorithms to produce more accurate predictions than direct wireline measurements alone, resolving the contradiction by adding computational mediation to enhance precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple wireline log data types (gamma ray, resistivity, porosity, density) into a composite predictive framework. By integrating diverse measurement modalities through machine learning ensembles and stacking methods, the system achieves superior estimation accuracy compared to any single log type, effectively creating a composite information structure that overcomes individual measurement limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If machine learning models are used to predict TOC and sensitive elements, then the prediction accuracy is improved, but the computational complexity and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTOC and sensitive elements prediction accuracyVSAvoidmachine learning model complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the machine learning prediction system into separate specialized models for different targets: one model for TOC prediction and another for sensitive elements prediction. Each model is trained on specific relevant features and validated independently, allowing for targeted optimization and reduced computational burden compared to a single monolithic model attempting to predict all parameters simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through cross-validation and error analysis where model predictions are continuously evaluated against validation datasets. The system uses validation results to adjust model parameters and select optimal architectures, creating a feedback loop that refines model performance while monitoring computational resource usage to prevent unnecessary complexity escalation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12571307B2System and method for predicting well characteristics
Publication Date: 2026.03.10 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO
  • US12571307B2 patent drawing
  • US12571307B2 patent drawing
  • US12571307B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for predicting total organic carbon (TOC) and sensitive elements related to unsampled intervals of a well, is provided. The method includes obtaining first log data related to sampled intervals of a well, the first log data comprising a plurality of parameters corresponding to one or more of TOC data and sensitive elements data associated with the sampled intervals, generating a model representing a nonlinear relationship between the first log data and the TOC data and sensitive elements data using a machine learning engine, obtaining second log data related to unsampled intervals of the well, and determining predicted TOC and predicted sensitive elements associated with the unsampled intervals of the well using the model and the second log data.