Shell has patented a method to estimate rock permeability using digital images. By segmenting a 3D rock image, deriving correction factors, and applying them to the image permeability, accurate permeability estimates can be obtained. This innovation could revolutionize oil and gas exploration. GlobalData’s report on Shell gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Shell, was a key innovation area identified from patents. Shell's grant share as of January 2024 was 68%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Method for estimating rock permeability from digital images
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A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11879825B2) discloses a method for estimating the permeability of rock using a three-dimensional image of the rock. The method involves obtaining the image, segmenting it to differentiate between pore space and solid material, estimating image permeability, deriving a non-wetting liquid capillary pressure curve, determining permeability correction factors, and applying them to obtain a corrected permeability value. The technique utilizes x-ray computer tomography to capture the rock image and can be applied to various types of rocks found in hydrocarbon-bearing formations.
Furthermore, the patent details a backpropagation-enabled method for estimating rock permeability from a three-dimensional image. This approach involves using a trained model to segment the image, estimate permeability, derive a capillary pressure curve, determine correction factors, and calculate corrected permeability. The trained model is developed using a training set of labeled images obtained from a cloud-based tool storing 2D projection images from pore-scaling imaging technology. The method aims to provide a more accurate estimation of rock permeability by incorporating advanced image processing techniques and machine learning algorithms.
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GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
