Method and system to analyze geologic formation properties

#The present technology pertains to the evaluation of subterranean formations. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system and method for evaluating various rock properties and textures of subterranean formations surrounding a wellbore.

#Wellbores, such as those used in oil and gas extraction, are typically drilled into a geologic formation in a believed hydrocarbon bearing zone. However, the wellbore typically passes through several different formation types as it descends into the formation. Evaluation of the rock formations surrounding the wellbore allow for the most effective extraction locations to be selected. Typically, the formations surrounding the wellbore are evaluated using in a discrete manner, using a petrophysical analysis of a formation sample to identify a specific type of rock type or texture. Such formation samples can be obtained during the drilling process or through the use of wireline tools. Specifically, the geologic formation sample can be scanned and displayed as a photograph and then sections of the geologic formation sample can be classified qualitatively by visual inspection. The results obtained from the visual inspection are of a discrete value such as a single texture/rock type A, B, or C. Further usage of the discrete values cannot be used in conjunction with other available wellbore in such as rock density and electrical resistivity.

#In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the principles briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principles herein are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through die use of the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary drilling environment compatible with the systems and methods as described herein;

#FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary conveyance wellbore environment compatible with the systems and methods as described herein;

#Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the herein disclosed principles. The features and advantages of the disclosure can be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or can be learned by the practice of the principles set forth herein.

#Introduction

#Evaluation of downhole rock formations can be performed by carrying out imaging of samples obtained from a wellbore. The geologic formation sample can be obtained from within the wellbore via a downhole tool, such as a core extraction or wireline tool. Alternatively, the geologic formation sample can be obtained as the wellbore is drilled into the formation, such as a core sample or drill cuttings. In an alternative example, the geologic formation samples can be obtained after the wellbore has been drilled, such as core samples removed from the sidewall of a wellbore. The geologic formation samples can be removed from the wellbore and analyzed, using an x-ray, a computerized tomography (CT) scanner, or the like, to provide a visual representation, such as a graphical image, of the geologic formation sample material.