Python workflow for segmenting multiphase flow in porous rocks

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Spurin, Catherine, Ellman, Sharon, Sherburn, Dane, Bultreys, Tom, Tchelepi, Hamdi A.
Format: Preprint
Published: 2024
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author Spurin, Catherine
Ellman, Sharon
Sherburn, Dane
Bultreys, Tom
Tchelepi, Hamdi A.
author_facet Spurin, Catherine
Ellman, Sharon
Sherburn, Dane
Bultreys, Tom
Tchelepi, Hamdi A.
contents X-ray micro-computed tomography (X-ray micro-CT) is widely employed to investigate flow phenomena in porous media, providing a powerful alternative to core-scale experiments for estimating traditional petrophysical properties such as porosity, single-phase permeability or fluid connectivity. However, the segmentation process, critical for deriving these properties from greyscale images, varies significantly between studies due to the absence of a standardized workflow or any ground truth data. This introduces challenges in comparing results across different studies, especially for properties sensitive to segmentation. To address this, we present a fully open-source, automated workflow for the segmentation of a Bentheimer sandstone filled with nitrogen and brine. The workflow incorporates a traditional image processing pipeline, including non-local means filtering, image registration, watershed segmentation of grains, and a combination of differential imaging and thresholding for segmentation of the fluid phases. Our workflow enhances reproducibility by enabling other research groups to easily replicate and validate findings, fostering consistency in petrophysical property estimation. Moreover, its modular structure facilitates integration into modeling frameworks, allowing for forward-backward communication and parameter sensitivity analyses. We apply the workflow to exploring the sensitivity of the non-wetting phase volume, surface area, and connectivity to image processing. This adaptable tool paves the way for future advancements in X-ray micro-CT analysis of porous media.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2410_18937
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Python workflow for segmenting multiphase flow in porous rocks
Spurin, Catherine
Ellman, Sharon
Sherburn, Dane
Bultreys, Tom
Tchelepi, Hamdi A.
Geophysics
X-ray micro-computed tomography (X-ray micro-CT) is widely employed to investigate flow phenomena in porous media, providing a powerful alternative to core-scale experiments for estimating traditional petrophysical properties such as porosity, single-phase permeability or fluid connectivity. However, the segmentation process, critical for deriving these properties from greyscale images, varies significantly between studies due to the absence of a standardized workflow or any ground truth data. This introduces challenges in comparing results across different studies, especially for properties sensitive to segmentation. To address this, we present a fully open-source, automated workflow for the segmentation of a Bentheimer sandstone filled with nitrogen and brine. The workflow incorporates a traditional image processing pipeline, including non-local means filtering, image registration, watershed segmentation of grains, and a combination of differential imaging and thresholding for segmentation of the fluid phases. Our workflow enhances reproducibility by enabling other research groups to easily replicate and validate findings, fostering consistency in petrophysical property estimation. Moreover, its modular structure facilitates integration into modeling frameworks, allowing for forward-backward communication and parameter sensitivity analyses. We apply the workflow to exploring the sensitivity of the non-wetting phase volume, surface area, and connectivity to image processing. This adaptable tool paves the way for future advancements in X-ray micro-CT analysis of porous media.
title Python workflow for segmenting multiphase flow in porous rocks
topic Geophysics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2410.18937