--> ABSTRACT: The Statistical Correlation of 2D Primary (Color Image Analysis) and 3D Secondary Measurements (X-Ray Computerized Tomography) -- The In Situ Characterization of Macerals with CT and Micro-CT (g-CT), by F. Verhelst, F. J. Simons, and R. Swennen; #91021 (2010)

Datapages, Inc.Print this page

The Statistical Correlation of 2D Primary (Color Image Analysis) and 3D Secondary Measurements (X-Ray Computerized Tomography) -- The In Situ Characterization of Macerals with CT and Micro-CT (g-CT)

VERHELST, FREDERIC,  FREDERIK J. SIMONS, and RUDY SWENNEN

In geosciences one is often confronted with a limited amount of detailed primary information. For a petroleum field, the number of well-data is usually fairly restrained. Using spatially more abundant related secondary information (e.g. seismic attributes), estimates of the primary properties away from the wells can be made (referred to as "lateral prediction").

The same methodology can be applied for the assessment of a volume of rock. This will be substantiated for the in situ quantitative characterization of macerals in a coal sample.

Macerals can be identified by the RGB intensities of unpolarized light reflected on their surface. Well-calibrated Color Image Analysis (CIA) systems enable rapid and detailed classification. CIA can only be performed on free surfaces, the 3D distribution of composition being unassessable.

The linear attenuation coefficient for X rays is a secondary rock property, closely related to its density and mineralogy. It can be measured easily throughout the total volume, using non-destructive CT or micro-CT systems.

In our study, maceral composition and linear attenuation coefficient were linked together statistically, sometimes allowing for the conversion of this correlation to estimates of the in situ bulk density of the macerals.

The described techniques are believed to be valuable for a wide range of surface measurements and rock types.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91021©1997 AAPG Annual Convention, Dallas, Texas.