Integrating well log interpretations for lithofacies classification and permeability modeling through advanced machine learning algorithms

In this paper, an integrated procedure was adopted to obtain accurate lithofacies classification to be incorporated with well log interpretations for a precise core permeability modeling. Probabilistic neural networks (PNNs) were employed to model lithofacies sequences as a function of well logging data in order to predict discrete lithofacies distribution at missing intervals. Then, the generalized boosted regression model (GBM) was used as to build a nonlinear relationship between core permeability, well logging data, and lithofacies. The well log interpretations that were considered for lithofacies classification and permeability modeling are neutron porosity, shale volume, and water saturation as a function of depth; however, the measured discrete lithofacies types are sand, shaly sand, and shale. Accurate lithofacies classification was achieved by the PNN as the total percent correct of the predicted discrete lithofacies was 95.81%. In GBM results, root-mean-square prediction error and adjusted R-square have incredible positive values, as there was an excellent matching between the measured and predicted core permeability. Additionally, the GBM model led to overcome the multicollinearity that was available between one pair of the predictors. The efficiency of boosted regression was demonstrated by the prediction matching of core permeability in comparison with the conventional multiple linear regression (MLR). GBM led to much more accurate permeability prediction than the MLR. © 2017, The Author(s).