Dear DPS Member, Our March DPS talk will be held on March 13th (Thursday) with a topic on
Digital Subsurface
We meet at our usual venue at Kivi Den Haag (Prinsessegracht 23, 2514 AP Den Haag) in the Calandzaal.
Pre-meeting coffee is served at 15:30h and talk commence at 16:00h.
Social hour will follow after the talk.
Attendance if free of charge.
We host two speakers sharing their expertise on the topic:
Dr. Christophe Germay ( EPSLOG SA) & Prof. Dr. Sebastian Geiger (TU Delft)
Talk 1:
Revolutionizing Core Analysis: Early-Stage Rock Facies Definition through Unsupervised Machine Learning and Comprehensive Digital Core Logging Data
Speaker: Dr. Christophe Germay, EPSLOG SA
Abstract:
In the evolving landscape of core analysis, the advent of continuous high-resolution, cross-disciplinary digital core logs accessible immediately upon barrel opening marks a significant advancement. This study introduces a novel approach leveraging unsupervised machine learning to amalgamate digital core logs into distinct rock facies. Case studies demonstrate that subsamples selected within each facies consistently exhibit constrained properties across geological, mineralogical, geomechanical, and petrophysical dimensions. This low variability underscores the effectiveness of the methodology in capturing the intrinsic characteristics of each individual lithostratigraphic unit.
The identification of facies characteristics and their spatial distributions within the stratigraphical column prior to the initiation of subsampling facilitates a more informed and selective approach to subsampling, thereby reducing redundancy and focusing analytical resources on the most informative segments of the core.
Furthermore, once a facies is adequately characterized by the relevant properties, the continuous, high resolution core logs enable a robust upscaling of these characteristics along the entire core length. This capability results in the generation of calibrated core logs that accurately reflect the variations of valuable properties. The accuracy and reliability of these calibrated logs are underscored by their robust applicability in coordination with wireline logs. Such seamless integration of core and wireline logs not only enhances the precision of subsurface models but also provides a solid foundation for advancing our understanding of subsurface heterogeneity.
In conclusion, the integration of continuous high-resolution core logging data through unsupervised machine learning models to define rock facies represents a disruptive shift in core analysis. This methodology not only optimizes the subsampling process but also ensures the generation of calibrated core logs that can be confidently used alongside wireline logs for comprehensive subsurface characterization. Our findings advocate for a more integrated, efficient, and accurate approach to core analysis, paving the way for future research and applications in the field of underground resource evaluation for various industry sectors
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Christophe Germay is an active figure in the field of core analysis, serving as both the co-founder and CEO of Epslog since its inception in 2005. His current endeavors are centered on the enhancement of technologies for the acquisition of high-quality core-based data and the refinement of core digitalization processes tailored for machine learning applications. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the University of Liège, Belgium, Dr. Germay furthered his education with a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota. During his tenure at the University of Minnesota, he was exposed to the innovative scratch test technology, a pioneering method in the field. His academic achievements culminated in a joint PhD from the University of Liège and the University of Minnesota, solidifying his expertise in the field and his commitment to advancing core analysis technology.
Talk 2:
Reservoir Modelling for the Energy Transition
Speaker: Sebastian Geiger, Professor of Sustainable Geoenergy and Energi Simulation Chair, Department of Geoscience and Engineering TU Delft.
Abstract:
The deployment of low-carbon geoenergy applications (e.g., geothermal energy or the storage of CO2, H2, and heat) needs to be scaled-up at pace to meet energy transition and decarbonisation targets in the EU and elsewhere. In contrast to hydrocarbon reservoirs, significantly less data is available for low-carbon geoenergy reservoirs. As a result, geological and petrophysical uncertainties are less well constrained but acquiring additional data is often too expensive. At the same time, low-carbon geoenergy applications require more robust modelling forecasts to ensure their safe and cost-effective operations, e.g. due to the close proximity to population centres or their tight economic margins.
This presentation will review a new approach, made available through the open-source Rapid Reservoir Modelling platform, to quickly and intuitively construct, screen, and compare-and-contrast a broad range of geological scenarios relevant low-carbon geoenergy applications. This approach not only enables us to explore geological and petrophysical uncertainties and their impact on reservoir performance and reservoir deformation more efficiently, it also allows us to identify key geological uncertainties that need to be constrained – through targeted data acquisition – to ensure safe and cost-effective operations.
Speaker Bio:
Prof Dr Sebastian Geiger, FREng, FRSE, FGS is the Professor of Sustainable Geoenergy and Energi Simulation Chair at the Department of Geoscience and Engineering at the Delft University of Technology. Before joining the Delft University of Technology in 2022, he was a Professor and Energi Simulation Chair for 16 years at Heriot-Watt University in the UK. Sebastian received a PhD degree from ETH Zurich in 2004 and worked at ETH Zurich as a postdoctoral researcher. He holds an MSc degree from Oregon State University (2000).
In 2017, Sebastian received the Alfred Wegener Award from the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE). In 2020 he was appointed as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland’s national academy of science and letters. In 2022 he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in the UK and in 2024 as a Fellow of the Geological Society of London. He has published over 200 reviewed conference papers and peer-reviewed journals and edited one book. He graduated over 35 PhD students, supervised over 100 MSc project theses, and trained over 15 postdoctoral researchers. Sebastian is the Editor-in-Chief for the journal Geoenergy and works closely with professional societies such as the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers.
Looking forward to seeing you there
DPS Board