Pore size classification and prediction based on distribution of reservoir fluid volumes utilizing well logs and deep learning algorithm in a complex lithology

Pore size analysis plays a pivotal role in unraveling reservoir behavior and its intricate relationship with confined fluids. Traditional methods for predicting pore size distribution (PSD), relying on drilling cores or thin sections, face limitations associated with depth specificity. In this study, we introduce an innovative framework that leverages nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) log data, encompassing clay-bound water (CBW), bound volume irreducible (BVI), and free fluid volume (FFV), to determine three PSDs (micropores, mesopores, and macropores). Moreover, we establish a robust pore size classification (PSC) system utilizing ternary plots, derived from the PSDs.

Within the three studied wells, NMR log data is exclusive to one well (well-A), while conventional well logs are accessible for all three wells (well-A, well-B, and well-C). This distinction enables PSD predictions for the remaining two wells (B and C). To prognosticate NMR outputs (CBW, BVI, FFV) for these wells, a two-step deep learning (DL) algorithm is implemented. Initially, three feature selection algorithms (f-classif, f-regression, and mutual-info-regression) identify the conventional well logs most correlated to NMR outputs in well-A. The three feature selection algorithms utilize statistical computations. These algorithms are utilized to systematically identify and optimize pertinent input features, thereby augmenting model interpretability and predictive efficacy within intricate data-driven endeavors. So, all three feature selection algorithms introduced the number of 4 logs as the most optimal number of inputs to the DL algorithm with different combinations of logs for each of the three desired outputs. Subsequently, the CUDA Deep Neural Network Long Short-Term Memory algorithm(CUDNNLSTM), belonging to the category of DL algorithms and harnessing the computational power of GPUs, is employed for the prediction of CBW, BVI, and FFV logs. This prediction leverages the optimal logs identified in the preceding step. Estimation of NMR outputs was done first in well-A (80% of data as training and 20% as testing). The correlation coefficient (CC) between the actual and estimated data for the three outputs CBW, BVI and FFV are 95%, 94%, and 97%, respectively, as well as root mean square error (RMSE) was obtained 0.0081, 0.098, and 0.0089, respectively. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, we compared it with two traditional methods for log estimation: multiple regression and multi-resolution graph-based clustering methods. The results demonstrate the superior accuracy of our algorithm in comparison to these conventional approaches. This DL-driven approach facilitates PSD prediction grounded in fluid saturation for wells B and C.

Ternary plots are then employed for PSCs. Seven distinct PSCs within well-A employing actual NMR logs (CBW, BVI, FFV), in conjunction with an equivalent count within wells B and C utilizing three predicted logs, are harmoniously categorized leading to the identification of seven distinct pore size classification facies (PSCF). this research introduces an advanced approach to pore size classification and prediction, fusing NMR logs with deep learning techniques and extending their application to nearby wells without NMR log. The resulting PSCFs offer valuable insights into generating precise and detailed reservoir 3D models.