Abstract: Evaluating structural changes in a sample resulting from a treatment of the sample. At least one sample of the material is scanned before and after the treatment and a first and a second image of the sample are obtained. The first and the second images are registered in a full spatial resolution using at least one region of the first image and at least one region of the second image, the regions corresponding to the same part of the sample. The registered images are analyzed and the changes in each sample caused by the performed treatment are evaluated.

Abstract: A method and computer system for performing simulation of a field having a subterranean formation. The method includes obtaining measured core sample data of a core sample retrieved from the formation, the core sample data measured by injecting fluid into the core sample, obtaining a digital rock model of the core sample describing a physical pore structure in the core sample, and obtaining a fluid model describing a physical property of the fluid. A digital core analysis (DCA) of the core sample is performed to generate a DCA simulation result and the DCA is tuned using the measured core sample data to reduce a difference between the DCA simulation result and the measured core sample data. The tuning is performed by adjusting, in response to the difference exceeding a pre-determined limit, a parameter of the DCA to generate an adjusted parameter and further performing the DCA to reduce the difference.

Abstract: A method for performing simulation of a field having a subterranean formation, including: obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) porous solid image of a core sample, the core sample representing a portion of the field; generating a digital rock model from the solid image, the digital rock model describing a physical pore structure in the core sample; obtaining phase behavior data of fluids of the field; generating a digital fluid model of the fluids based on the phase behavior data, the digital fluid model describing a physical property of the fluid; performing, on a computer system and based on the digital rock model and the digital fluid model, simulations of the field by varying an input parameter for the simulations; and analyzing an output parameter generated by the simulations to determine an effect of varying the input parameter on the output parameter.

Abstract: A method and system for analysis of a digital core image obtained from a sample are disclosed. The method includes performing segmentations on the digital core image using multiple approaches to obtain multiple segmented images which are statistically analyzed to select the most suitable approach of the multiple approaches. Thereafter, a digital core model is generated using the segmented image corresponding to the most suitable approach. A simulation test may be performed on the digital core model to obtain a model test result and an oilfield operation may be performed based on the model test result. The system includes measurement and testing equipment to obtain the digital core image and a computing system including a data repository for storing a digital core image and a digital core model, and a digital core modeling tool. The digital core modeling tool performs the segmentations, statistical analysis, and generates the digital core model.

Abstract: In order to predict properties of a formation in a near-wellbore area exposed to a drilling mud rheological properties of the drilling mud, of a filtrate of the drilling mud and of a reservoir fluid are determined. Properties of an external mudcake, porosity and permeability of the core sample are determined. A mathematical model of the external mudcake is created. The drilling mud is injected through a core sample and dynamics of pressure drop across the sample and dynamics of a flow rate of a liquid leaving the sample are determined. Using an X-ray micro Computed Tomography a profile of concentration of particles of the drilling mud penetrated into the sample is determined. A mathematical model is developed for the internal mudcake to describe dynamics of changes in concentration of the particles of the drilling mud in a pore space of the core sample.

Abstract: Evaluating structural changes in a sample resulting from a treatment of the sample. At least one sample of the material is scanned before and after the treatment and a first and a second image of the sample are obtained. The first and the second images are registered in a full spatial resolution using at least one region of the first image and at least one region of the second image, the regions corresponding to the same part of the sample. The registered images are analyzed and the changes in each sample caused by the performed treatment are evaluated.

Abstract: A sample of frozen rocks is placed into contact with a frozen solution of an X-ray contrast agent at subzero temperature. Upon the end of saturation of the sample, a computed X-ray microtomography of the sample is conducted at a subzero temperature. The obtained microtomographic image is analyzed and spatial distribution and concentration of ice and/or gas hydrate inclusions, as well as open and closed porosity are determined.

Abstract: A sample of porous material is placed in a calorimeter cell and a pressure in the cell is increased starting from a pressure value of a first step by filling the cell with a wetting fluid. Measurements are taken of a heat flow to the cell and a fluid volume at each step. Then, the pressure in the cell is decreased to the pressure value of a first step with continued measurements of the heat flow to the cell. Increase and following decrease of the fluid pressure in the cell are repeated at least once. Then a temperature in the cell is decreased below a wetting fluid crystallization point. Once the fluid has been fully crystallized in sample pores, the temperature in the cell is increased above a wetting fluid melting point. Wetting limiting angle of the pores filled with fluid, and pore sizes are determined based on the results of heat flow measurements with due consideration of heat effect of fluid compression.

Abstract: A method and system for analysis of a digital core image obtained from a sample are disclosed. The method includes performing segmentations on the digital core image using multiple approaches to obtain multiple segmented images which are statistically analyzed to select the most suitable approach of the multiple approaches. Thereafter, a digital core model is generated using the segmented image corresponding to the most suitable approach. A simulation test may be performed on the digital core model to obtain a model test result and an oilfield operation may be performed based on the model test result. The system includes measurement and testing equipment to obtain the digital core image and a computing system including a data repository for storing a digital core image and a digital core model, and a digital core modeling tool. The digital core modeling tool performs the segmentations, statistical analysis, and generates the digital core model.

Abstract: A method for building a 3D model of a rock sample comprises performing X-ray micro/nanoCT scanning of a rock sample and obtaining its initial three-dimensional microstructure image in a gray scale. Then, an analysis of the obtained three-dimensional image of the rock sample is performed and a binarization method is selected in dependence of the image quality and properties of the rock sample. The selected binarization method is at least once applied to the obtained initial three-dimensional image of the sample. Obtained 3D binarized image represents a 3D model of the rock sample.

Abstract: A system and method for showing heterogeneity of a porous sample by evaluating the porous sample to generate a digital core image, performing segmentations on the digital core image using multiple approaches to obtain a segmented volume, dividing the segmented volume into one or more sub-volumes of differing size, calculating one or more petrophysical or fluid flow parameters or porosity from the one or more sub-volumes, and presenting data as a structure composed of grid blocks representing an exact representation of the one or more sub-volumes positioned according to a spatial location of the one or more sub-volumes based on selected parameters or values from the one or more petrophysical or fluid flow parameters or porosity.

Abstract: A method and computer system for performing simulation of a field having a subterranean formation. The method includes obtaining measured core sample data of a core sample retrieved from the formation, the core sample data measured by injecting fluid into the core sample, obtaining a digital rock model of the core sample describing a physical pore structure in the core sample, and obtaining a fluid model describing a physical property of the fluid. A digital core analysis (DCA) of the core sample is performed to generate a DCA simulation result and the DCA is tuned using the measured core sample data to reduce a difference between the DCA simulation result and the measured core sample data. The tuning is performed by adjusting, in response to the difference exceeding a pre-determined limit, a parameter of the DCA to generate an adjusted parameter and further performing the DCA to reduce the difference.

Abstract: A sample of an unconsolidated porous medium is frozen and at subzero temperature is placed into contact with a frozen solution of an X-ray contrast agent. Upon the end of saturation of the sample, X-ray computed microtomography of the sample is conducted at subzero temperatures and by means of analyzing the obtained computer tomograhic image, spatial distribution and concentration of ice and/or gas hydrate inclusions, open and closed porosity, pore size distribution, specific surface in the sample are determined.

Abstract: A method for building a 3D model of a rock sample comprises performing X-ray micro/nanoCT scanning of a rock sample and obtaining its initial three-dimensional microstructure image in a gray scale. Then, an analysis of the obtained three-dimensional image of the rock sample is performed and a binarization method is selected in dependence of the image quality and properties of the rock sample. The selected binarization method is at least once applied to the obtained initial three-dimensional image of the sample. Obtained 3D binarized image represents a 3D model of the rock sample.

Abstract: A sample of porous material is placed in a calorimeter cell and a pressure in the cell is increased starting from a pressure value of a first step by filling the cell with a wetting fluid. Measurements are taken of a heat flow to the cell and a fluid volume at each step. Then, the pressure in the cell is decreased to the pressure value of a first step with continued measurements of the heat flow to the cell. Increase and following decrease of the fluid pressure in the cell are repeated at least once. Then a temperature in the cell is decreased below a wetting fluid crystallization point. Once the fluid has been fully crystallized in sample pores, the temperature in the cell is increased above a wetting fluid melting point. Wetting limiting angle of the pores filled with fluid, and pore sizes are determined based on the results of heat flow measurements with due consideration of heat effect of fluid compression.

Abstract: In order to predict properties of a formation in a near-wellbore area exposed to a drilling mud rheological properties of the drilling mud, of a filtrate of the drilling mud and of a reservoir fluid are determined. Properties of an external mudcake, porosity and permeability of the core sample are determined. A mathematical model of the external mudcake is created. The drilling mud is injected through a core sample and dynamics of pressure drop across the sample and dynamics of a flow rate of a liquid leaving the sample are determined. Using an X-ray micro Computed Tomography a profile of concentration of particles of the drilling mud penetrated into the sample is determined. A mathematical model is developed for the internal mudcake to describe dynamics of changes in concentration of the particles of the drilling mud in a pore space of the core sample.

Abstract: The method for 3D mineral mapping of a rock sample comprises the steps of defining a total mineral content of a sample and calculating X-ray attenuation coefficients for the defined minerals. X-ray micro/nanoCT scanning of the sample is performed and its three-dimensional microstructure image in gray scale is obtained. Characteristic grayscale levels in the image corresponding to calculated X-ray attenuation coefficients and accordingly to the minerals are allocated and the 3D mineral map of the interior of the sample is provided.

Abstract: A sample of an unconsolidated porous medium is frozen and at subzero temperature is placed into contact with a frozen solution of an X-ray contrast agent. Upon the end of saturation of the sample, X-ray computed microtomography of the sample is conducted at subzero temperatures and by means of analyzing the obtained computer tomograhic image, spatial distribution and concentration of ice and/or gas hydrate inclusions, open and closed porosity, pore size distribution, specific surface in the sample are determined.

Abstract: A sample of frozen rocks is placed into contact with a frozen solution of an X-ray contrast agent at subzero temperature. Upon the end of saturation of the sample, a computed X-ray microtomography of the sample is conducted at a subzero temperature. The obtained microtomographic image is analyzed and spatial distribution and concentration of ice and/or gas hydrate inclusions, as well as open and closed porosity are determined.

Abstract: A water-soluble salt of a metal with a high atomic weight is selected as an X-ray contrast substance providing a selective ion-exchange reaction with a clay. The salt has a general formula R+M?, where R+ is selected from a group consisting of Ba2+; Sr2+; Tl+; Rb+ . . . , and M? is selected from a group consisting of Cln; NOn; OHn; CH3COO, SO4; . . . . The X-ray contrast substance is injected into a core sample. Upon completion of the selective ion exchange reaction a non-contrast displacing agent is injected into the sample. The sample is scanned by computer X-ray microtomography. An area of interest and a reference cross-section are selected at the obtained computer tomography image. Grayscale histograms in cross-sections of the sample are obtained. Spatial distribution and concentration of the clay is estimated by means of histograms analysis starting from the reference cross-section histogram.