(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) IIT Madras Researchers develop effective Data Analytics approach to detect petroleum in underground

(July-2023)

IIT Madras Researchers develop effective Data Analytics approach to detect petroleum in underground

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) researchers have developed a statistical approach that can characterise subsurface rock structure and detect petroleum and hydrocarbon reserves.
The method proposed was successful in providing critical information on the rock type distribution and hydrocarbon saturation zones in 'Tipam formation' located in the Upper Assam basin.
The researchers used this approach to analyse data obtained from seismic surveys and well logs from the North Assam region known for its petroleum reserve. They were able to get accurate information on the rock type distribution and the hydrocarbon saturation zones at such depth zones of 2.3km.
Characterising underground rock structures is a challenging task. Seismic survey methods and well-log data are used to understand the structure underneath the earth's surface. In a seismic survey, acoustic vibrations are sent through the ground.
As the waves hit various rock layers, they are reflected with different characteristics.
The reflected waves are recorded and the underground rock structure is imaged using the reflection data. The well logs contain details of various layers of the earth seen when digging an oil well.
Since the discovery of the Digboi oilfield in Upper Assam more than 100 years ago, the Assam-Arakan has come to be characterised as a 'category-I' basin to denote that they have significant amounts of hydrocarbon reserves.
Petroleum is found in the pore space of hydrocarbon-bearing underground rock formations. The identification of petroleum reservoirs in the oil-rich basins of Assam requires a survey of the rock structure of this region and the detection of hydrocarbon saturation zones in them.
The team used their method to detect a hydrocarbon-saturated zone in the sandstone-based reservoir at the Tipam formation in the Upper Assam basin. The researchers combined different statistical approaches to obtain the subsurface rock structure using data from seismic surveys and well logs.