3D Mineralogy Mapping
The ability to integrate geological rock typing with petrophysical and reservoir engineering response leads to new insights into hydrocarbon recovery
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FEI is working with the Australian National University (ANU) to create a different way of visualizing reservoir rocks. It involves the integration of 2D QEMSCAN images with 3D X-ray Micro Computed Tomograms (Micro-CT or µ-CT , for short).
The results are images, computer models and 3D visualization movies which allow for the accurate mapping of mineralogy and
wettability characteristics of
reservoir rocks. This in turn allows geologists, petrophysicists, and reservoir engineers to better understand their reservoirs in terms of geophysical log response, effective
porosity versus total porosity characteristics, and suitability for CO2 storage.
The process involves imaging of mini-cores (extracted from core plugs) of reservoir rock by µ-CT; then QEMSCAN analysis of a cross-sectional surface through the core (at the same resolution as the tomogram); and finally integration of all 2D and 3D measurements through image registration and calibration techniques.
Features that can be mapped and quantified by this new integrated approach include: sample modal mineralogy and distribution; mineral-mineral textural relationships & associations; fracture distributions; porosity networks; pore geometries and topological relationships; and visualization of fluids within the rock’s pore structure.