Digital rock analysis systems and methods with reliable multiphase permeability determination
US9285301B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 2012 |
| Grant date | Mar 15, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N15/082
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The pore structure of rocks and other materials can be determined through microscopy and subjected to digital simulation to determine the properties of multiphase fluid flows through the material. To ensure reliable results, the digital rock model is first analyzed via a series of operations that, in some embodiments, include: obtaining a three-dimensional pore/matrix model of a sample; determining a flow axis; verifying that the dimension of the model along the flow axis exceeds that of a representative elementary volume (REV); selecting a flow direction; extending model by mirroring if pore statistics at a given saturation are mismatched for different percolating phases; and increasing resolution if the smallest nonpercolating sphere dimension is below a predetermined threshold. This sequence of operations increases reliability of results when measuring relative permeability using the model and displaying relative permeability measurements to user.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.