The Digital Rock Physics and Core Analysis Training Course by Institute For Oil & Gas Training develops the technical capabilities required to transform conventional core measurements and advanced three-dimensional imaging into reliable digital representations of reservoir rocks. Digital Rock Physics provides oil and gas organisations with advanced methods for understanding pore structures, evaluating rock properties and improving reservoir characterisation through computational analysis.
As exploration and production activities increasingly depend on detailed subsurface understanding, conventional core analysis alone does not provide the complete information required to evaluate complex reservoir systems. Heterogeneous pore structures, variations in pore connectivity, mineral distribution and fluid flow behaviour create significant challenges for reservoir engineers, petrophysicists and geoscientists. Digital core analysis addresses these challenges by combining high-resolution imaging, image processing, digital rock reconstruction and numerical simulation to investigate rock properties at the pore scale.
The course provides a structured understanding of how physical core measurements connect with digital representations and computational models. Participants examine the principles of three-dimensional pore imaging, image segmentation, pore network modelling and numerical rock modelling. The programme also explores virtual core analysis as a practical approach to investigating reservoir properties, supporting laboratory measurements and improving the interpretation of complex geological formations.
Digital Rock Physics connects core-scale geological information with reservoir-scale engineering decisions. It provides a technical foundation for investigating porosity, permeability, pore connectivity, fluid distribution and other important petrophysical properties. By understanding how digital models represent the internal structure of reservoir rocks, technical professionals develop a more comprehensive approach to core characterisation and reservoir quality assessment.
The programme addresses the skills gap between traditional laboratory-based core analysis and modern computational workflows. It focuses on the practical interpretation of digital rock data, the selection of appropriate imaging techniques, the evaluation of digital models and the relationship between simulated results and experimentally measured properties. Participants also examine the limitations associated with image resolution, sample representativeness, segmentation accuracy and model assumptions.
For exploration and production companies, digital rock analysis supports more informed decisions throughout reservoir evaluation and development. It strengthens the interpretation of complex lithologies, provides additional insight into pore-scale transport mechanisms and supports the assessment of reservoir heterogeneity. These capabilities are particularly relevant when evaluating tight formations, unconventional reservoirs, carbonate systems and rocks with complex pore networks.
Institute For Oil & Gas Training delivers this programme for professionals involved in core analysis, petrophysics, reservoir engineering, geological evaluation and subsurface technology. The course emphasises the connection between technical understanding and operational application, enabling participants to interpret digital rock information within the wider context of exploration, production and reservoir management.
By completing the training, participants gain a systematic understanding of digital core analysis workflows and their role in modern reservoir characterisation. They develop the ability to assess digital imaging data, understand pore-scale modelling techniques and evaluate the contribution of computational analysis to conventional core laboratory investigations.
Explain the principles, applications and operational value of Digital Rock Physics in modern oil and gas exploration and production.
Understand the relationship between conventional core analysis, digital core analysis and reservoir characterisation.
Identify the principal imaging techniques used to investigate rock structures and pore-scale characteristics.
Interpret three-dimensional pore imaging data and understand its application in evaluating reservoir rock properties.
Explain digital rock reconstruction workflows and the conversion of image data into representative digital rock models.
Understand image processing and segmentation techniques used to distinguish pore spaces, minerals and other rock components.
Evaluate pore geometry, connectivity, distribution and structural heterogeneity in digital rock representations.
Understand pore network modelling principles and their application in investigating fluid transport through porous media.
Examine numerical rock modelling approaches used to estimate permeability and other petrophysical properties.
Understand virtual core analysis and its contribution to conventional laboratory testing.
Compare simulated rock properties with experimentally measured core data.
Identify the influence of image resolution, sample representativeness and segmentation quality on modelling accuracy.
Evaluate the limitations and uncertainties associated with digital rock analysis.
Interpret digital rock physics results within geological, petrophysical and reservoir engineering workflows.
Apply digital core analysis concepts to improve technical communication and support informed subsurface decisions.
The Digital Rock Physics and Core Analysis Training Course uses an applied, industry-focused delivery methodology that connects rock physics principles with digital imaging, core laboratory measurements and computational interpretation. Institute For Oil & Gas Training structures the programme around the technical workflows used in modern subsurface evaluation, ensuring that participants understand both the underlying concepts and their practical relevance to oil and gas operations.
The delivery approach combines specialist presentations, technical case studies, guided interpretation exercises, group discussions and practical modelling scenarios. Each learning activity reinforces the relationship between physical rock characteristics, digital representations and simulated petrophysical properties.
Presentations introduce the fundamental principles of Digital Rock Physics, including pore geometry, rock heterogeneity, image acquisition and numerical simulation. Specialist discussions examine the relationship between conventional core measurements and digital analysis, helping participants understand how different sources of rock data contribute to reservoir evaluation.
Guided exercises introduce the workflow for interpreting three-dimensional pore imaging data. Participants examine image characteristics, distinguish between mineral and pore phases, and understand how image segmentation influences the quality of digital rock representations. These activities demonstrate the importance of image resolution, sample preparation and processing consistency.
Industry-based case studies illustrate the application of digital core analysis in different reservoir environments. Examples address permeability prediction, pore connectivity, complex carbonate structures, tight reservoir systems and the evaluation of heterogeneous rock samples. Participants examine how digital results support geological interpretation and engineering decisions.
Modelling discussions explain how pore structures are translated into computational representations. Participants explore pore network modelling, fluid transport principles and numerical approaches used to investigate permeability and other rock properties. The exercises emphasise model assumptions, boundary conditions and the importance of comparing simulation results with laboratory measurements.
Group activities encourage participants from different technical disciplines to examine digital rock interpretation challenges from geological, petrophysical and reservoir engineering perspectives. These exercises strengthen technical communication and demonstrate how integrated subsurface teams use core information to support consistent reservoir evaluations.
Participants examine the stages involved in a digital rock physics workflow, from sample selection and imaging through image processing, model construction and validation. The approach develops a practical understanding of data quality, uncertainty, computational limitations and the appropriate application of digital results.
This methodology ensures that participants understand Digital Rock Physics as an integrated technical discipline rather than an isolated computational technique. It connects laboratory evidence, geological interpretation and numerical analysis with the practical requirements of reservoir characterisation.
Investment in Digital Rock Physics training strengthens an organisation's ability to use advanced core characterisation techniques in exploration, reservoir evaluation and production planning. By developing internal knowledge of digital imaging and numerical modelling, companies improve the integration of laboratory measurements, geological interpretation and computational analysis.
Digital core analysis provides additional information about the internal structure of reservoir rocks. Organisations benefit from a more detailed understanding of pore geometry, connectivity, mineral distribution and rock heterogeneity. These insights support more comprehensive evaluations of reservoir quality, particularly in formations where conventional measurements provide limited information about complex pore structures.
Understanding pore network modelling and numerical rock modelling strengthens the interpretation of pore-scale flow behaviour. Technical teams develop a clearer understanding of the relationship between rock structure and fluid transport. Comparing simulated properties with laboratory measurements also improves the technical evaluation of permeability estimates and other petrophysical parameters.
Digital Rock Physics complements conventional core analysis by providing additional ways to investigate rock properties. Organisations improve the integration of physical measurements, digital images and computational models. This supports more consistent technical workflows and strengthens collaboration between laboratory specialists, petrophysicists and reservoir engineers.
Carbonates, tight formations and unconventional reservoirs frequently contain complicated pore structures and significant geological heterogeneity. Digital rock reconstruction and three-dimensional pore imaging provide additional insight into these characteristics. Organisations strengthen their ability to investigate complex reservoir systems and distinguish between different pore structures and their potential influence on flow behaviour.
Digital rock models provide a basis for examining how variations in pore geometry and connectivity influence simulated rock properties. Technical teams gain additional evidence for assessing reservoir characteristics, reviewing laboratory results and supporting development studies. This improves the technical basis for subsurface decisions without replacing the need for representative physical measurements.
Virtual core analysis supports the investigation of selected rock properties through computational workflows. When appropriately validated, digital analysis provides an additional method for examining sample characteristics and testing modelling assumptions. Organisations strengthen their ability to combine laboratory testing and numerical investigations within integrated evaluation programmes.
Digital workflows require appropriate sample selection, image acquisition, processing and validation. Training develops awareness of the factors that influence digital model reliability. Organisations benefit from improved technical scrutiny of input data, more consistent interpretation practices and clearer documentation of modelling assumptions.
Digital core analysis involves several technical disciplines, including geology, petrophysics, reservoir engineering, laboratory analysis and computational modelling. A shared understanding of digital rock workflows improves communication between these teams and supports more integrated reservoir studies.
Developing internal expertise in Digital Rock Physics strengthens the organisation's ability to evaluate advanced subsurface technologies. It improves technical readiness for digital reservoir characterisation initiatives and supports the effective interpretation of computational outputs within established engineering workflows.
The Digital Rock Physics and Core Analysis Training Course strengthens the technical capabilities of professionals working with reservoir rocks, laboratory measurements and subsurface evaluation. Participants develop a clearer understanding of how digital imaging and numerical simulation contribute to modern core analysis.
Participants gain a structured understanding of Digital Rock Physics, including its principles, workflows and applications. They learn how physical rock structures are represented digitally and how these representations support the investigation of pore-scale properties.
The programme develops participants' ability to interpret digital core information and understand the significance of image quality, segmentation and pore connectivity. They become more confident in assessing the technical information generated through three-dimensional imaging.
Participants develop an understanding of pore network modelling, digital rock reconstruction and numerical rock modelling. They learn how computational representations support the investigation of fluid transport and petrophysical properties.
The training strengthens participants' ability to compare simulated results with conventional core measurements. They gain a clearer understanding of the relationship between physical laboratory evidence and virtual core analysis.
Participants develop a systematic approach to investigating discrepancies between digital models and laboratory results. They learn to consider image resolution, segmentation, sample representativeness and modelling assumptions when evaluating technical outputs.
A stronger understanding of digital rock workflows enables participants to contribute more effectively to technical discussions, reservoir studies and multidisciplinary projects. They develop the confidence to assess digital analysis results and communicate their relevance to other subsurface specialists.
The knowledge gained supports professional development in core analysis, petrophysics, reservoir engineering, formation evaluation and digital subsurface technologies. Participants strengthen their technical profiles by understanding an increasingly important area of modern reservoir characterisation.
Reservoir Engineers: Professionals responsible for reservoir evaluation, permeability assessment and understanding pore-scale fluid flow behaviour.
Petrophysicists: Specialists seeking to strengthen their understanding of digital core analysis and the interpretation of pore-scale rock properties.
Geologists and Sedimentologists: Professionals involved in geological characterisation, rock heterogeneity assessment and the interpretation of reservoir pore structures.
Core Analysis Specialists: Laboratory professionals responsible for conventional core measurements, sample evaluation and the integration of digital analysis techniques.
Core Laboratory Managers: Managers overseeing core testing operations, laboratory workflows and the quality of rock property measurements.
Formation Evaluation Engineers: Specialists integrating core measurements, petrophysical information and digital imaging into formation evaluation studies.
Petroleum Engineers: Engineers involved in understanding reservoir properties and evaluating the contribution of digital rock modelling to development studies.
Reservoir Characterisation Specialists: Professionals responsible for integrating geological, petrophysical and laboratory data into reservoir models.
Digital Subsurface Specialists: Technical professionals working with digital imaging, computational modelling and advanced subsurface interpretation.
Research and Development Professionals: Specialists evaluating digital rock technologies, numerical modelling techniques and advanced core characterisation methods.
Technical Team Leaders and Managers: Senior professionals responsible for reservoir studies, core analysis programmes and the adoption of advanced subsurface technologies.
This module establishes the technical foundations of Digital Rock Physics and its relationship with conventional core analysis. Participants examine the physical characteristics of reservoir rocks and understand how pore geometry, mineral composition, porosity and permeability influence reservoir behaviour.
The module explores the transition from laboratory-based core measurements to digital representations of rock structures. It examines the role of digital core analysis in modern reservoir characterisation and explains how physical measurements provide reference information for developing and evaluating digital models.
API Recommended Practice 40 provides guidance on procedures for the acquisition and analysis of core samples.
It addresses important aspects of conventional core analysis, including sample preparation, laboratory measurements and the determination of rock properties.
Its recommendations provide a recognised reference for understanding physical core measurements used alongside digital analysis.
It supports the interpretation of laboratory-derived porosity, permeability and other core properties.
It provides a practical foundation for comparing physical measurements with digital rock analysis results.
Explain the fundamental principles and applications of Digital Rock Physics.
Differentiate between conventional core analysis and digital core analysis.
Identify the principal physical properties used in reservoir rock characterisation.
Explain the relationship between pore structure, porosity and permeability.
Understand the importance of physical core measurements in digital model validation.
Recognise the role of digital rock characterisation in integrated reservoir evaluation.
This module examines the imaging technologies and data acquisition processes used to investigate the internal structure of reservoir rocks. Participants explore how three-dimensional pore imaging captures information about pore spaces, mineral distribution, fractures and other structural characteristics that influence reservoir properties.
The module focuses on computed tomography and micro-computed tomography techniques, image resolution, sample preparation and image quality. It also explains the importance of selecting appropriate imaging methods according to sample characteristics and the geological features under investigation. Participants examine how imaging limitations influence the interpretation and subsequent reconstruction of digital rock models.
ASTM E1441 is the Standard Guide for Computed Tomography Imaging.
It provides guidance on the principles and applications of computed tomography imaging.
It establishes a technical reference for understanding CT imaging systems and image interpretation.
Its guidance supports the evaluation of imaging quality and the appropriate use of CT data.
It provides relevant background for understanding the acquisition of three-dimensional images used in digital rock characterisation.
Explain the principles of computed tomography and micro-computed tomography.
Understand the role of three-dimensional pore imaging in digital core analysis.
Identify appropriate imaging considerations for different reservoir rock samples.
Explain the relationship between voxel size, image resolution and pore identification.
Recognise the effects of sample preparation and image quality on digital analysis.
Interpret the structural information provided by three-dimensional imaging.
Understand the importance of representative image acquisition for digital rock reconstruction.
This module examines how raw imaging data are transformed into usable digital representations of reservoir rocks. Participants explore image processing, segmentation and digital rock reconstruction techniques that distinguish pore spaces from mineral phases and other structural components.
The module highlights the importance of processing accuracy in digital core analysis. Participants examine how image noise, contrast, resolution and segmentation decisions influence the representation of internal rock structures. The module also addresses the construction of three-dimensional digital rock models and the need to preserve important geological characteristics during image processing and reconstruction.
ISO 15708-2 is the standard for Non-destructive testing — Radiation methods for computed tomography — Part 2: Principles, equipment and samples.
It addresses the principles of computed tomography using radiation-based inspection methods.
It provides technical guidance on CT equipment and the characteristics of samples used for imaging.
Its provisions support an understanding of the factors affecting image acquisition and data quality.
It provides a relevant technical reference for the imaging foundations of digital rock reconstruction.
Explain the main stages of digital rock image processing.
Understand the purpose of image enhancement and noise reduction.
Distinguish between pore phases, mineral phases and other structural components.
Explain the principles of image segmentation and their effect on digital model quality.
Understand how three-dimensional image data are converted into digital rock representations.
Identify common image processing artefacts and reconstruction limitations.
Assess the importance of preserving representative pore structures during digital reconstruction.
Prepare a conceptual workflow for converting imaging data into models suitable for numerical analysis.
This module focuses on the conversion of reconstructed digital rock structures into computational representations that support the investigation of pore-scale properties. Participants explore pore network modelling and examine how pore bodies, pore throats and connectivity influence fluid movement through porous media.
The module also introduces virtual core analysis as a complementary approach to conventional laboratory investigations. It examines how digital models support the estimation and interpretation of selected petrophysical properties, particularly permeability and pore connectivity. Participants investigate the relationship between model geometry, fluid transport assumptions and simulated results, while recognising the importance of physical measurement for validating computational outputs.
ISO 15901-1 is the standard for Pore size distribution and porosity of solid materials by mercury porosimetry and gas adsorption — Part 1: Mercury porosimetry.
It provides a recognised measurement methodology for evaluating pore size distribution and porosity using mercury intrusion porosimetry.
It establishes a reference for understanding conventional experimental characterisation of pore structures.
Its measurement principles provide useful comparative information when interpreting pore size distributions derived from digital images.
It supports the evaluation of digital pore characterisation against independent laboratory measurements.
Mercury intrusion measurements and digital imaging characterise pore systems using different principles, so their results require appropriate technical interpretation.
Explain the principles and applications of pore network modelling.
Identify the significance of pore bodies, pore throats and pore connectivity.
Understand how digital rock structures are converted into computational networks.
Explain how pore geometry influences simulated fluid transport.
Understand the principles of permeability estimation through virtual core analysis.
Compare digital pore characterisation with conventional laboratory measurements.
Recognise the influence of model assumptions and boundary conditions on simulation results.
Interpret pore network modelling outputs within reservoir characterisation workflows.
This module examines advanced numerical rock modelling approaches and their application to the investigation of reservoir properties. Participants explore how computational methods use digital rock structures to simulate physical behaviour and investigate the relationships between rock geometry, pore characteristics and petrophysical properties.
The module brings together the principal stages of the digital rock physics workflow, from imaging and reconstruction to modelling, validation and technical interpretation. It examines the comparison of numerical predictions with laboratory measurements and the importance of understanding uncertainty, model sensitivity and sample representativeness. Participants also consider how digital rock analysis supports reservoir evaluation, integrated subsurface studies and technical decision-making.
ASTM D7012 is the Standard Test Methods for Compressive Strength and Elastic Moduli of Intact Rock Core Specimens under Varying States of Stress and Temperatures.
It provides recognised laboratory test methods for evaluating the mechanical properties of intact rock specimens.
It establishes a reference for understanding experimentally measured compressive strength and elastic moduli.
These physical measurements support comparisons with appropriate numerical rock modelling outputs.
It provides a basis for examining the relationship between digital rock structure and experimentally determined mechanical properties.
Its application is particularly relevant when digital modelling extends beyond pore-scale flow analysis into mechanical characterisation.
Explain the principles of numerical rock modelling.
Understand how digital rock structures support computational simulations.
Identify numerical approaches used to investigate fluid transport and rock properties.
Interpret simulated permeability and other relevant petrophysical outputs.
Understand the importance of validating numerical predictions against laboratory measurements.
Recognise the influence of model sensitivity, image resolution and sample representativeness.
Evaluate the limitations of numerical rock modelling.
Integrate digital rock analysis findings into reservoir characterisation and engineering studies.
Communicate digital modelling results and their technical implications to multidisciplinary teams
Upon successful completion of the Digital Rock Physics and Core Analysis Training Course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training.
The certificate recognises the participant's completion of the programme and their engagement with the technical principles, digital analysis workflows and practical applications covered throughout the training.
Participants are required to attend all scheduled training sessions and fulfil the course attendance requirements to receive the certificate.
Fees include tuition, course materials and refreshments. Need different dates or a different city? Ask about your preferred date.
The course explores how digital imaging, computational modelling and conventional core analysis work together to improve reservoir rock characterisation. It covers three-dimensional pore imaging, digital rock reconstruction, image segmentation, pore network modelling, virtual core analysis and numerical rock modelling. Participants develop an understanding of how digital techniques support the evaluation of porosity, permeability, pore connectivity and other important reservoir properties.
The programme is designed for reservoir engineers, petrophysicists, geologists, core analysis specialists, laboratory professionals, formation evaluation engineers and subsurface technology specialists. It is also relevant to technical managers and senior professionals responsible for reservoir characterisation, core laboratory operations and digital subsurface initiatives.
Participants develop an understanding of digital core analysis workflows, three-dimensional pore imaging, image processing, segmentation and digital rock reconstruction. They also learn the principles of pore network modelling, virtual core analysis and numerical rock modelling. These capabilities strengthen their ability to interpret digital rock data, understand simulation results and compare computational predictions with conventional laboratory measurements.
Institute For Oil & Gas Training delivers the programme through specialist presentations, technical case studies, guided interpretation exercises, group discussions and practical modelling scenarios. The methodology connects digital imaging and numerical analysis with real-world reservoir evaluation challenges. Participants examine industry-relevant applications and develop an understanding of how digital rock physics supports multidisciplinary subsurface workflows.
The Digital Rock Physics and Core Analysis Training Course has a total duration of 15–20 hours. Participants receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training upon successfully finishing the programme. Participants are required to attend all scheduled training sessions and fulfil the course attendance requirements to receive the certificate.
Register your interest
No payment is taken here. We reply within one working day with availability and a formal quotation.
Next: 16 Nov 2026
4 dates available
New courses, dates and industry insight. No more than twice a month.
