Automatic fracture–vug identification and extraction from electric imaging logging data based on path morphology

We present a path morphology method to separate total rock pore space into matrix, fractures and vugs and derive their pore structure spectrum. Thus, we can achieve fine pore evaluation in fracture–vug reservoirs based on electric imaging logging data. We automatically identify and extract fracture–vug information from the electric imaging images by adopting a path morphological operator that remains flexible enough to fit rectilinear and slightly curved structures because they are independent of the structuring element shape. The Otsu method was used to extract fracture–vug information from the background noise caused by the matrix. To accommodate the differences in scale and form of the different target regions,including fracture and vug path, operators with different lengths were selected for their recognition and extraction at the corresponding scale. Polynomial and elliptic functions are used to fit the extracted fractures and vugs, respectively, and the fracture–vug parameters are deduced from the fitted edge. Finally, test examples of numerical simulation data and several measured well data have been provided for the verification of the effectiveness and adaptability of the path morphology method in the application of electric imaging logging data processing. This also provides algorithm support for the fine evaluation of fracture–vug reservoirs.

Relationship between Natural Fracture and Structural Style and its Implication for Tight Gas Enrichment:A Case Study of Deep Ahe Formation in the Dibei–Tuzi Area,Kuqa Depression

The deep Lower Jurassic Ahe Formation(J_(1a))in the Dibei–Tuzi area of the Kuqa Depression has not been extensively explored because of the complex distribution of fractures.A study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the natural fracture distribution and structural style.The J_(1a)fractures in this area were mainly high-angle shear fractures.A backward thrust structure(BTS)is favorable for gas migration and accumulation,probably because natural fractures are more developed in the middle and upper parts of a thick competent layer.The opposing thrust structure(OTS)was strongly compressed,and the natural fractures in the middle and lower parts of the thick competent layer around the fault were more intense.The vertical fracture distribution in the thick competent layers of an imbricate-thrust structure(ITS)differs from that of BTS and OTS.The intensity of the fractures in the ITS anticline is similar to that in the BTS.Fracture density in monoclinic strata in a ITS is controlled by faulting.Overall,the structural style controls the configuration of faults and anticlines,and the stress on the competent layers,which significantly affects deep gas reservoir fractures.The enrichment of deep tight sandstone gas is likely controlled by two closely spaced faults and a fault-related anticline.

Logging identification method of depositional facies in Sinian Dengying Formation of the Sichuan Basin

The sedimentary facies/microfacies,which can be correlated with well logs,determine reservoir quality and hydrocarbon productivity in carbonate rocks.The identification and evaluation of sedimentary facies/microfacies using well logs are very important in order to effectively guide the exploration and development of oil and gas.Previous carbonate facies/microfacies identification methods based on conventional well log data often exist multiple solutions.This paper presents a new method of facies/microfacies identification based on core-conventional logs-electrical image log-geological model,and the method is applied in the fourth member of the Dengying Formation(Deng 4)in the Gaoshiti-Moxi area of the Sichuan Basin.Firstly,core data are used to calibrate different types of facies/microfacies,with the aim to systematically clarify the conventional and electrical image log responses for each type of facies/microfacies.Secondly,through the pair wise correlation analysis of conventional logs,GR,RT and CNL,are selected as sensitive curves to establish the microfacies discrimination criteria separately.Thirdly,five well logging response models and identification charts of facies/microfacies are established based on electrical image log.The sedimentary microfacies of 60 exploratory wells was analyzed individually through this method,and the microfacies maps of 4 layers of the Deng 4 Member were compiled,and the plane distribution of microfacies in the Gaoshiti-Moxi area of the Sichuan Basin was depicted.The comparative analysis of oil testing or production results of wells reveals three most favorable types of microfacies and they include algal psammitic shoal,algal agglutinate mound,and algal stromatolite mound,which provide a reliable technical support to the exploration,development and well deployment in the study area.

Self-adaptively inpainting gaps between electrical image pads according to the image fabric

Images created from measurements made by wireline microresistivity imaging tools have longitudinal gaps when the well circumference exceeds the total width of the pad-mounted electrode arrays.The gap size depends on the tool design and borehole size,and the null data in these gaps negatively aff ect the quantitative evaluation of reservoirs.Images with linear and texture features obtained from microresistivity image logs have distinct dual fabric features because of logging principles and various geological phenomena.Linear image features usually include phenomena such as fractures,bedding,and unconformities.Contrarily,texture-based image features usually indicate phenomena such as vugs and rock matrices.According to the characteristics of this fabric-based binary image structure and guided by the practice of geological interpretation,an adaptive inpainting method for the blank gaps in microresistivity image logs is proposed.For images with linear features,a sinusoidal tracking inpainting algorithm based on an evaluation of the validity and continuity of pixel sets is used.Contrarily,the most similar target transplantation algorithm is applied to texture-based images.The results obtained for measured electrical imaging data showed that the full borehole image obtained by the proposed method,whether it was a linear structural image refl ecting fracture and bedding or texture-based image refl ecting the matrix and pore of rock,had substantially good inpainting quality with enhanced visual connectivity.The proposed method was eff ective for inpainting electrical image logs with large gaps and high angle fractures with high heterogeneity.Moreover,ladder and block artifacts were rare,and the inpainting marks were not obvious.In addition,detailed full borehole images obtained by the proposed method will provide an essential basis for interpreting geological phenomena and reservoir parameters.