18060387. METHODS FOR DIAGENETIC ROCK FACIES CLASSIFICATION AND NODULAR EVAPORITE DEPOSIT CHARACTERIZATION simplified abstract (Saudi Arabian Oil Company)

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METHODS FOR DIAGENETIC ROCK FACIES CLASSIFICATION AND NODULAR EVAPORITE DEPOSIT CHARACTERIZATION

Organization Name

Saudi Arabian Oil Company

Inventor(s)

Aqeel M. Khalifa of Dammam (SA)

Mandefro B. Woldeamanuel of Dhahran (SA)

METHODS FOR DIAGENETIC ROCK FACIES CLASSIFICATION AND NODULAR EVAPORITE DEPOSIT CHARACTERIZATION - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18060387 titled 'METHODS FOR DIAGENETIC ROCK FACIES CLASSIFICATION AND NODULAR EVAPORITE DEPOSIT CHARACTERIZATION

Simplified Explanation

The method described in the patent application involves imaging a portion of a subterranean formation to obtain a formation image, analyzing the image to identify nodular evaporite deposits, and determining various characteristics of these deposits. The portion of the formation is then classified into a diagenetic rock facies based on these deposit characteristics.

  • Imaging a portion of a subterranean formation
  • Analyzing the formation image to identify nodular evaporite deposits
  • Determining deposit characteristics such as cross-sectional area, volume, roundness index, vertical depth, degree of occlusion, and overlap of deposits
  • Classifying the portion of the formation into a diagenetic rock facies based on deposit characteristics and number of deposits per unit volume

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in the oil and gas industry for better understanding the composition and characteristics of subterranean formations, aiding in exploration and production activities.

Problems Solved

This technology helps in accurately identifying and characterizing nodular evaporite deposits in subterranean formations, which can be challenging using traditional methods.

Benefits

The method provides a more detailed and comprehensive analysis of nodular evaporite deposits, leading to improved decision-making in geological studies and resource extraction.

Potential Commercial Applications

Potential commercial applications of this technology include geological surveying companies, oil and gas exploration firms, and mining companies looking to optimize their operations through better understanding of subterranean formations.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be the use of imaging techniques in geological studies to analyze rock formations and mineral deposits. However, the specific focus on nodular evaporite deposits and their characteristics may be a novel aspect of this technology.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology compare to existing methods for identifying evaporite deposits in subterranean formations?

This article does not provide a direct comparison with existing methods, leaving the reader to wonder about the advantages and limitations of this new approach.

What are the potential limitations or challenges in implementing this technology in real-world geological studies?

The article does not address any potential obstacles or difficulties that may arise when applying this method in practical field settings, leaving room for speculation on its feasibility and effectiveness in different scenarios.


Original Abstract Submitted

A method may include imaging a portion of a subterranean formation to obtain a formation image. The formation image may be analyzed to identify one or more nodular evaporite deposits in the portion of the subterranean formation. One or more deposit characteristics may be determined for each of the one or more nodular evaporite deposits, the one or more deposit characteristics comprising a cross-sectional area, a volume, a roundness index, a vertical depth relative to the subterranean formation, a degree of occlusion, an overlap of deposits, or any combination thereof. The portion of the subterranean formation may be classified into a diagenetic rock facies based on the one or more deposit characteristics of each of the one or more nodular evaporite deposits per unit volume and a number of the one or more nodular evaporite deposits per the unit volume.