Prediction on rock strength by mineral composition from machine learning of ECS logs

Rock strength evaluation is critical in oil and gas exploration, but traditional methods, such as empirical formulas, laboratory tests, and numerical simulations, often struggle with accuracy, generalizability, and alignment with field conditions. This study proposes the use of Random Forest and Tra...

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Main Authors: Dongwen Li, Xinlong Li, Li Liu, Wenhao He, Yongxin Li, Shuowen Li, Huaizhong Shi, Gaojian Fan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: KeAi Communications Co., Ltd. 2025-06-01
Series:Energy Geoscience
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666759225000071
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author Dongwen Li
Xinlong Li
Li Liu
Wenhao He
Yongxin Li
Shuowen Li
Huaizhong Shi
Gaojian Fan
author_facet Dongwen Li
Xinlong Li
Li Liu
Wenhao He
Yongxin Li
Shuowen Li
Huaizhong Shi
Gaojian Fan
author_sort Dongwen Li
collection DOAJ
description Rock strength evaluation is critical in oil and gas exploration, but traditional methods, such as empirical formulas, laboratory tests, and numerical simulations, often struggle with accuracy, generalizability, and alignment with field conditions. This study proposes the use of Random Forest and Transformer algorithms to predict rock strength from Elemental Capture Spectroscopy (ECS) logs. By utilizing the dry weight of minerals as input, the model predicts key mechanical properties, including Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, bulk modulus, shear modulus, and uniaxial compressive strength. The findings demonstrate that mineral compositions, such as clay, quartz-feldspar-mica, carbonate, anhydrite, and pyrite, significantly influence rock strength. Specifically, clay content impacts Young's modulus, bulk modulus, and shear modulus, while quartz-feldspar-mica affects Poisson's ratio, and anhydrite is the primary factor influencing compressive strength. Positive correlations were observed between rock strength and the dry weight of anhydrite and carbonate minerals, while negative correlations emerged with clay, pyrite, and quartz-feldspar-mica. The Random Forest model outperformed the Transformer model in terms of predictive accuracy and computational efficiency. Its training time is only one three hundredth of the latter and its prediction time is just one tenth of the later, making it highly suitable for well-logging interpretation. Although the Transformer model was less computationally efficient, it exhibited strengths in predicting subsurface strength parameters, particularly in capturing spatial variations and forecasting these parameters across different spatial locations. This study introduces a novel AI-driven approach to rock strength evaluation, bridging the gap between mineral composition and mechanical properties, with significant implications for resource extraction and reservoir management.
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publisher KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.
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series Energy Geoscience
spelling doaj-art-abe6f4a94f99423e825bd4aa01d04da02025-08-20T03:46:46ZengKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.Energy Geoscience2666-75922025-06-016210038610.1016/j.engeos.2025.100386Prediction on rock strength by mineral composition from machine learning of ECS logsDongwen Li0Xinlong Li1Li Liu2Wenhao He3Yongxin Li4Shuowen Li5Huaizhong Shi6Gaojian Fan7College of Artificial Intelligence, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing, 102249, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Optical Detection Technology for Oil and Gas, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, China; Basic Research Center for Energy Interdisciplinary, College of Science, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, ChinaBeijing Key Laboratory of Optical Detection Technology for Oil and Gas, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, China; Basic Research Center for Energy Interdisciplinary, College of Science, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, ChinaBeijing Key Laboratory of Optical Detection Technology for Oil and Gas, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, China; Basic Research Center for Energy Interdisciplinary, College of Science, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, ChinaBeijing Key Laboratory of Optical Detection Technology for Oil and Gas, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, China; Basic Research Center for Energy Interdisciplinary, College of Science, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, China; Corresponding author.Beijing Key Laboratory of Optical Detection Technology for Oil and Gas, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, China; Basic Research Center for Energy Interdisciplinary, College of Science, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, ChinaBeijing Key Laboratory of Optical Detection Technology for Oil and Gas, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, China; Basic Research Center for Energy Interdisciplinary, College of Science, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, ChinaRock strength evaluation is critical in oil and gas exploration, but traditional methods, such as empirical formulas, laboratory tests, and numerical simulations, often struggle with accuracy, generalizability, and alignment with field conditions. This study proposes the use of Random Forest and Transformer algorithms to predict rock strength from Elemental Capture Spectroscopy (ECS) logs. By utilizing the dry weight of minerals as input, the model predicts key mechanical properties, including Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, bulk modulus, shear modulus, and uniaxial compressive strength. The findings demonstrate that mineral compositions, such as clay, quartz-feldspar-mica, carbonate, anhydrite, and pyrite, significantly influence rock strength. Specifically, clay content impacts Young's modulus, bulk modulus, and shear modulus, while quartz-feldspar-mica affects Poisson's ratio, and anhydrite is the primary factor influencing compressive strength. Positive correlations were observed between rock strength and the dry weight of anhydrite and carbonate minerals, while negative correlations emerged with clay, pyrite, and quartz-feldspar-mica. The Random Forest model outperformed the Transformer model in terms of predictive accuracy and computational efficiency. Its training time is only one three hundredth of the latter and its prediction time is just one tenth of the later, making it highly suitable for well-logging interpretation. Although the Transformer model was less computationally efficient, it exhibited strengths in predicting subsurface strength parameters, particularly in capturing spatial variations and forecasting these parameters across different spatial locations. This study introduces a novel AI-driven approach to rock strength evaluation, bridging the gap between mineral composition and mechanical properties, with significant implications for resource extraction and reservoir management.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666759225000071Elemental capture spectroscopy (ECS)Rock strength predictionMineral compositionRandom forestTransformer
spellingShingle Dongwen Li
Xinlong Li
Li Liu
Wenhao He
Yongxin Li
Shuowen Li
Huaizhong Shi
Gaojian Fan
Prediction on rock strength by mineral composition from machine learning of ECS logs
Energy Geoscience
Elemental capture spectroscopy (ECS)
Rock strength prediction
Mineral composition
Random forest
Transformer
title Prediction on rock strength by mineral composition from machine learning of ECS logs
title_full Prediction on rock strength by mineral composition from machine learning of ECS logs
title_fullStr Prediction on rock strength by mineral composition from machine learning of ECS logs
title_full_unstemmed Prediction on rock strength by mineral composition from machine learning of ECS logs
title_short Prediction on rock strength by mineral composition from machine learning of ECS logs
title_sort prediction on rock strength by mineral composition from machine learning of ecs logs
topic Elemental capture spectroscopy (ECS)
Rock strength prediction
Mineral composition
Random forest
Transformer
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666759225000071
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AT wenhaohe predictiononrockstrengthbymineralcompositionfrommachinelearningofecslogs
AT yongxinli predictiononrockstrengthbymineralcompositionfrommachinelearningofecslogs
AT shuowenli predictiononrockstrengthbymineralcompositionfrommachinelearningofecslogs
AT huaizhongshi predictiononrockstrengthbymineralcompositionfrommachinelearningofecslogs
AT gaojianfan predictiononrockstrengthbymineralcompositionfrommachinelearningofecslogs