Challenges and Prospects of Digital Core-Reconstruction Research

Abstract

The simulation of various rock properties based on three-dimensional digital cores plays an increasingly important role in oil and gas exploration and development. The accuracy of 3D digital core reconstruction is important for determining rock properties. In this paper, existing 3D digital core-reconstruction methods are divided into two categories: 3D digital cores based on physical experiments and 3D digital core stochastic reconstructions based on two-dimensional (2D) slices. Additionally, 2D slice-based digital core stochastic reconstruction techniques are classified into four types: a stochastic reconstruction method based on 2D slice mathematical-feature statistical constraints, a stochastic reconstruction method based on statistical constraints that are related to 2D slice morphological characteristics, a physics process-based stochastic reconstruction method, and a hybrid stochastic reconstruction method. The progress related to these various stochastic reconstruction methods, the characteristics of constructed 3D digital cores, and the potential of these methods are analysed and discussed in detail. Finally, reasonable prospects are presented based on the current state of this research area. Currently, studies on digital core reconstruction, especially for the 3D digital core stochastic reconstruction method based on 2D slices, are still very rough, and much room for improvement remains. In particular, we emphasize the importance of evaluating functions, multiscale 3D digital cores, multicomponent 3D digital cores, and disciplinary intersection methods in the 3D construction of digital cores. These four directions should provide focus, alongside challenges, for this research area in the future. This review provides important insights into 3D digital core reconstruction.