Integration of Petrophysical Data Analysis and Optimization for Use in Artificial Intelligence Neural

Networks

Russell Krug*, Fort Hays State University, Hendratta Ali, Fort Hays State University

Summary provide a greater number of data points and improve the

detail, and resolution of the dataset. For pre-existing wells
Statistical analysis of geophysical well log data and in the area, reanalysis of legacy cuttings and logs can be
geochemical data were used to train neural networks to used as a training set that will later serve in the estimation
provide automated well site drill cutting analysis to provide of petrophysical, mineral and/or geochemical properties of
increased data for use in reservoir characterization. The aim reservoirs in the absence of data at a given well at another
of this project is the optimization of petrophysical and location within the field or across fields.
sedimentological data from well cuttings and logs for use in
artificial intelligence neural networks. The objectives are to
provide additional modeling parameters to aid in
comprehensive reservoir characterization of laterally
extensive units, identify key geochemical variables that
correlate with petrophysical data, and potentially aide in
improving the exploration of smaller targets in mature
fields.

Introduction

Artificial intelligence neural networks have the potential to

collect a wealth of previously unobtainable data from
newly drilled wells, to reinterpret and expand upon data
from existing wells (e.g. Zhang et al., 1999), and possibly
generate “new” kinds of data for optimal reservoir
characterization. Currently, the largest implementation of
AI in geophysics is used in seismic attribute analysis.
However, AI has potential for use in other areas of
geophysical and geological data analysis.

The main focus of this project is the identification and
optimization of data for use in neural network analysis for
the purpose of continuous cutting analysis and geochemical
log interpretation
Background
Preliminary data for this study was obtained from three
wells located within fields in the Central Kansas Uplift
(CKU) (figure 1). The wells are approximately 5 miles
apart approximately located at the western edge, center and
eastern edge of the uplift. The average depths of the wells
are 3900 ft. below ground level. Data obtained and used
from the wells include geophysical well log data (gamma
ray, neutron porosity, density porosity, bulk density, photo
electric log) and drill rock cuttings for geochemical data
(mineralogical and elemental data). For wells drilled in this
area, rock cuttings are obtained and bagged at 10 ft.
intervals and are generally visually described and
characterize by a well site geologist. Minimal automation
or computerized interpretation is currently employed. High
frequency sampling and description of cuttings would
Figure 1: Location map showing position of the three wells in
the CKU.
Data optimization is necessary to create example data sets
from known information that is used to train the neural
network. For the purpose of autonomous identification and
description, samples must be physically described and
identified to provide training sets. For numerical
estimations, the correlations between inputs, as well as the
significance of the correlations must be identified so that
proper weighting can be assigned during the construction of
the neural network.
Theory and Method
The basic operating premise behind neural networks is
generally based on our knowledge of how the human mind
operates. Information is input into the network from where
it is distributed among a set of “neurons” for analysis. The
network is “trained” by giving it a problem to solve and

© 2018 SEG 10.1190/segam2018-2997932.1

SEG International Exposition and 88th Annual Meeting Page 2157
 Data Integration and Optimization for Use in Artificial Intelligence Neural Networks

also providing it the answer to this problem. Artificial was designed to provide a continuous flow of cutting
intelligence (AI) is integrated to allow the network to samples for analysis. Cuttings are first imaged under black
autonomously, self-identify object identifiers for improved lite for show identification, and then imaged under normal
accuracy. For this project, drill cuttings data (mineral and light for physical properties identification. Each image is
elemental composition) and well log data (gamma ray, and referenced to rig time, current depth, rate of penetration,
porosity logs) were used for training. weight on bit, pump rate, and rotary speed. Other
parameters such as mud-gas analyzer data can also be
integrated if available. Lag time for cuttings will be
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% continuously updated from this information.
2210
2250 Data resolution will be limited by the variability of the
2290 cuttings travel path and time in the wellbore and not by the
2330 analysis sample rate which in its current configuration can
2380 process up to 1 image per millisecond.
2420
2460 Michaelis 2

2500 NPOR
-10 50
2540 GR DPOR RHOB
2580 0 300 -10 502 3

2620
2660
2700
2740 2700

2930
2980
3020 2800 HEEBNER [KCC]
3060
3100
3140 LKC [KCC]

3180 2900

Quartz Chlorite Illite

Calcite Dolomite Feldspar
Albite Pyrite SiO2 3000
UNIDENTIFIABLE

Figure 2: Example geochemical data obtained from drill cutting 3100

analysis from the center well “Michaelis #2” in the Central
Kansas Uplift. ARBUCKLE [KCC]

3200

Well logs, and geochemical data from rock cuttings

obtained from 16 wells in the CKU will be utilized. A
ranking system for key properties was established and
cuttings were photographed, ranked, and described to
provide a training data set for autonomous description.
Correlations of geochemical data (figure 2) and well log
data were analyzed and the statistical significance of the
correlations calculated (figure 3). Correlations found to be
significant are used as training parameters.
System Design
For continuous autonomous cutting analysis, a system
consisting of a small shaker/separator, and cleaning system
Figure 3: Example well log data obtained from the center well
“Michaelis #2” in the Central Kansas Uplift.
The open source deep learning framework Caffe
http://caffe.berkeleyvision.org/ developed by Berkeley AI
Research was chosen for use in the visual identification of
cuttings (BAIR, 2018) The network will be taught in a
semi supervised fashion with the manually recorded sample
descriptions and associated images. Running in a semi
supervised learning configuration allows the network to
autonomously learn additional identifiable objects to

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 Data Integration and Optimization for Use in Artificial Intelligence Neural Networks

supplement those specified in the training set (Zhou and
Belkin, 2014).
Rock cuttings analysis and descriptions showed good
correlation to gamma ray, bulk density and porosity well
log data. Geochemical data and computed correlation and
regression coefficients support known general trends and
can be used to define regional field trends with reference to
local stratigraphy. Variability in the neutron porosity trends
relative to mineral data is attributed to the regional controls
on porosity. Gamma variations and trend across three wells
support continuous spatial extent of rock layers. This is
significant because it allows variability to be modeled for
use in simulations. These results will be used as inputs for
the neural networks to improve field modeling.
Two network frameworks were identified for use based on
their characteristics. A ranking system was created and
implemented in the creation of a training set consisting of
16 wells within a field in the CKU. A system for sample
collection was devised to provide a consistent flow of
samples for analysis. Geophysical trends were analyzed for
use as parameters in estimations from well logs. With the
network parameters and training sets completed, this
information will now be implemented and network
accuracies assessed.
Acknowledgments
We thank the Fort Hays State University Office of
Scholarship and Sponsored Projects – Undergraduate
Research Experience grant office, Atoka Geochemical Inc.,
and software grant provider IHS for providing resources to
make this project possible.

Positive Correlation Negative Correlation

Statistically Significant Not Statistically Significant

Figure 4: Example of statistical analysis from the center well

“Michaelis #2” in Central Kansas Uplift

For mineral abundance estimations based solely on well

logs, a custom estimator utilizing the open source
TensorFlow neural network was selected due to its ability
to easily implement multiple fully connected layers (eg
Martín Abadi, et al. 2016). Geochemical data from cuttings
was correlated to well log data to provide a training data
set. Calculated correlation and significance values were
implemented as function parameters in the network.

Conclusions

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SEG International Exposition and 88th Annual Meeting Page 2159
REFERENCES
Abadi, M., P. Barham, J. Chen, Z. Chen, A. Davis, J. Dean, M. Devin, S. Ghemawat, G. Irving, and M. Isard, 2016, TensorFlow: A system for large-
scale machine learning: Paper presented at OSDI.
Zhang, Y., H. A. Salisch, and J. G. McPherson, 1999, Application of neural networks to identify lithofacies from well logs, Exploration Geophysics,
30, 45–49, https://doi.org/10.1071/EG999045.
Zhou, X., and M. Belkin, 2014, Semi-supervised learning: Academic Press Library in Signal Processing, edited, 1239–1269.

© 2018 SEG 10.1190/segam2018-2997932.1

SEG International Exposition and 88th Annual Meeting Page 2160