Method and system for estimating rock properties from rock samples using digital rock physics imaging

Abstract

A method is provided for efficiently characterizing rock traversed while drilling a borehole for hydrocarbon reservoir development. A rock sample can be obtained having a provenance of collection linked to a specific region of the borehole, which is scanned to obtain a 2D digital image that is segmented to pixels characterized as pore space and as mineral matrix and defining a boundary between them. A transform relationship, for example, a form of the Kozeny-Carman equation adapted for application to a 2D segmented image environment, can be applied to calculate the estimated value for a target rock property, which can be absolute permeability, relative permeability, formation factor, elasticity, bulk modulus, shear modulus, compressional velocity, shear velocity, electrical resistivity, or capillary pressure, and the estimated value is used to characterize the rock at that region of the borehole. This affords an opportunity to quickly and efficiently develop massive data directly characterizing extended regions of rock, whether traversed by the borehole in this or a related well. Computerized systems, computer readable media, and programs for performing the methods are also provided.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to earlier U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61 / 649,099, filed May 18, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Background technique [0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of digital petrophysics, and in particular to the use of cuttings or other porous media suitable for application to rock samples of small size, such as those returned to the surface in normal drilling operations, and which may also not be optimally met by 3D volumetric analysis. Volumetrically required applied digital rock physics techniques to evaluate rock property values ​​such as one or more of absolute permeability, relative permeability, formation factor, elasticity, and capillary pressure values. [0003] An understanding of composite properties such as absolute permeability can be critical to understanding the mobility of hydrocarbons in subsurface rocks. This involves understanding the hi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0009] A possible limitation of 3D scanning for drill cuttings is that it is not uncommon for many drill cuttings to be of a size that is not suitable for direct 3D scanning

However, applications overserved by 3D studies may be hampered by the extra steps required to synthesize 3D decomposition volumes before analysis can begin

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