SUBSURFACE ANALYSISINTERPRET / SERVICE 13
Use image processing and selected digital-rock methods to investigate geometry and explore how resolved structures may influence physical properties.
THE QUESTION
The method must match what the images resolve. A staged study first assesses image quality and representative volumes, then identifies which characterisation or modelling questions are supportable.
IMAGE TO INTERPRETATION
Combine image enhancement, domain transfer, multi-phase segmentation and physics-based simulation in a question-led digital-rock programme. Each stage is assessed against the available images and reference measurements.
Fit-for-purpose imagery
Review CT quality and representative volumes; scope enhancement or domain transfer where appropriate.
Separate image phases
Use AI-assisted segmentation and complementary imaging to distinguish supported phases and review ambiguous boundaries.
Flow & property estimates
Investigate flow pathways and image-derived properties using defined physics and boundary conditions.
Connect to laboratory evidence
Compare predictions with independent measurements and test sensitivity before extending results.
Segmentation and simulated properties depend on image quality, unresolved porosity and model assumptions. Enhancement must be checked for its effect on connectivity and predicted properties; it cannot establish mineral identity on its own.
CTS can scope specialist image enhancement, segmentation, super-resolution and flow simulation around your dataset. Technology selection, suitability and validation requirements are defined for each programme.
Discuss AI-assisted imaging with CTS ↗Explore CT image enhancement ↗EXPLORE A DIGITAL ROCK
Move through three perpendicular views of a real, segmented micro-CT volume. The two colours distinguish the binary phases in the published dataset.
The reference volume loads automatically. Public reference imagery, not a CTS-acquired scan.
2.138 × 2.138 × 2.138 mm
Voxel spacing describes the sampling grid; it is not a measurement of the scanner’s resolving power.
Berea Sandstone — Imperial College Consortium on Pore-scale Imaging and Modelling. Original dataset · CC BY 4.0. Preview downsampled and coloured for display. No endorsement implied.
IMAGE TO INTERPRETATION
Reduce image noise, distinguish the phases and check whether the resolved features are suitable for analysis. Segmentation choices affect the geometry used in subsequent modelling.
A simulated velocity field reveals flow pathways within the segmented pore structure. Compare predicted properties with laboratory measurements before extending the interpretation.
Gildehauser sandstone reference example: 900 × 900 × 570 voxels at 4.4 µm spacing. This is a separate sample from the interactive Berea volume above.
Reference graphics: © Math2Market GmbH, supplied GeoDict overview. Flow example cites Berg et al. (2016), Advances in Water Resources. Figures cropped for layout; select either graphic for the full source figure and references.
THE DIGITAL ROCK WORKFLOW
Digital rock analysis uses three-dimensional images to investigate the relationship between rock structure and physical behaviour. The starting point is a fit-for-purpose image, with enough resolution to capture the features that control the question being asked.
Review the CT volume, select a region of interest and reduce noise or imaging artefacts. Check resolution and sample coverage against the intended analysis.
Distinguish resolved pores and mineral phases using suitable segmentation methods. Review uncertain boundaries and sensitivity to image-processing choices.
Assess connected porosity, pore-size distributions and grain geometry. Simulate single-phase flow to investigate absolute permeability and flow pathways.
Compare predictions with laboratory evidence and assess representative volumes. For heterogeneous samples, combine suitable local models with the larger core context.
A PROGRAMME MATCHED TO YOUR ROCK
Investigate connected and isolated pore space, pore-size distributions and grain structure within the resolved volume.
Review simulated flow pathways and absolute permeability. Multiphase and electrical-property studies can be scoped where image quality, fluid properties and calibration evidence support the interpretation.
Connect detailed subvolumes to larger-scale core structure. Check whether the imaged material represents the rock population before extending results.
Processed and segmented volumes, visualisations of pore structure and simulated fields, property tables and a technical interpretation. Each programme documents image resolution, boundary conditions, segmentation choices and comparisons with reference measurements.
Discuss your CT dataset ↗Resolution sets the scope
Whole-core CT provides structural context but may not resolve the pore throats needed for pore-scale flow modelling. Unresolved porosity, segmentation uncertainty and representative-volume selection must be considered. AI-enhanced images and simulated properties remain derived outputs, not new laboratory measurements.
CTS is your point of contact for planning the programme and bringing the results together. Where specialist laboratory or interpretation input is required, delivery responsibilities are identified in your proposal.
The scope distinguishes the measurement package and its included outputs from additional processing, interpretation and interactive reporting. Sample requirements and method limitations are confirmed before work begins.
A CONNECTED WORKFLOW
Interpretation boundary
Image-derived predictions are not interchangeable with laboratory measurements. Unresolved porosity, boundary conditions and calibration can affect results.