A method for automatic shale porosity quantification using an Edge-Threshold Automatic Processing (ETAP) technique

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is one of the most prevalent methods used to image and quantify pore size distribution shale rock, critical in understanding unconventional petroleum systems production. Generally, digital greyscale SEM images are currently processed for quantification either by a manual drawing method, threshold automatic edge detection or watershed methods, all which have some limitations that impact quality extraction results. A new, Edge-Threshold Automatic Processing (ETAP) method reported here enable robust data images. Image pre-treatment makes regions brighter than kerogen set peak value greyscale. The subsequently obtained using an method. discriminant function has been designed determine best obtain image. Finally, combination both gives final Our new overcomes kerogen, mineral, roughness artificial debris caused samples, potentially introduce errors alternative methods. We compare our systematic processing results through ETAP provide reliable results, gets highest 0.7466 Qt, compared with application on samples Longmaxi Formation Qiongzhusi Formatiosn Sichuan basin shows from more organic pores Formation, however larger inorganic develop shale. This indicates better reservoir properties preservation conditions.