Method for enhanced display of earth models according to resistivity inversion

Abstract

A system for creating an enhanced parametric map of an earth formation. A sensor obtains parameter data from the earth formation. A processor obtains an initial parameter map along at least a portion of a borehole through an earth formation. The initial parameter map includes a distribution of values of a parameter of the earth formation. A profile of the parameter is selected from the initial parameter map. A region is selected within the selected contour, and a location of a region boundary of the selected region is identified. A location of a region boundary of an adjacent region in an adjacent contour is identified and used to replace the selected region boundary. A location of a replacement region boundary is determined using locations of region boundaries of adjacent regions in the adjacent contours. An enhanced parameter map with replacement region boundaries is displayed.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This application claims the benefit of an earlier filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 590,081, filed on October 13, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] In the resource recovery and fluid storage industries, various properties of the Earth's strata, including resistivity, are tested or otherwise studied. Sensors in boreholes are used to obtain resistivity measurements, and inversion is performed on these measurements to create resistivity maps. These maps can be used for geological guidance to reach or avoid specific target areas within the Earth's subsurface strata. Noise in the measurements can affect the resolution of resistivity maps. Therefore, it is necessary to create enhanced maps in which resistivity and distance values ​​are smoothed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This paper discloses a method for creating an enhanced parametric map of Earth's strata. An initial parametric map is obtained along at least a portion of a borehole penetrating the Earth's strata, the initial parametric map including the distribution of values ​​for Earth's strata parameters. A contour of parameters is selected from the initial parametric map, wherein the selected contour associates at least a portion of the values ​​with distance information from the borehole. A region is selected within the selected contour, the selected region having a selected region boundary. The location of the selected region boundary is identified. The locations of the region boundaries of adjacent regions in adjacent contours are determined. The selected region boundary is replaced with a replacement region boundary, wherein the location of the replacement region boundary is determined by using the locations of the region boundaries of adjacent regions in adjacent contours. The enhanced parametric map with the replacement region boundary is displayed.

[0004] This paper also discloses a system for creating an enhanced parametric map of Earth's strata. The system includes a sensor for obtaining parametric data from Earth's strata, and a processor. The processor is configured to: obtain an initial parametric map along at least a portion of a borehole penetrating Earth's strata, the initial parametric map including a distribution of values ​​of parameters of Earth's strata; select a selected contour of parameters from the initial parametric map, wherein the selected contour associates at least a portion of the values ​​with distance information from the borehole; select a region within the selected contour, the selected region having a selected region boundary; identify the location of the selected region boundary; determine the location of the region boundary of adjacent regions in adjacent contours; replace the selected region boundary with a replacement region boundary, wherein the location of the replacement region boundary is determined by using the location of the region boundary of adjacent regions in adjacent contours; and display the enhanced parametric map with the replacement region boundary. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The following description should not be considered as limiting in any way. Referring to the accompanying drawings, similar element numbers are similar:

[0006] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a drilling system is shown, which includes a drill string having drilling components delivered in a borehole penetrating the Earth's formation.

[0007] Figure 2 An example of a resistivity map derived from the inversion of resistivity data obtained in the borehole, depicted in close-up view;

[0008] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for enhancing resistivity maps in an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0009] Figure 4 This is a marked resistivity map illustrating a method for smoothing the boundaries of a resistive region;

[0010] Figure 5 It is a smoothed map that includes the boundaries of the replacement regions generated by the smoothing process;

[0011] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method for smoothing region boundaries in an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0012] Figure 7 This is a smoothed resistivity map illustrating a method of replacing the resistivity of a selected resistive region with a new resistivity in an exemplary embodiment; and

[0013] Figure 8 A flowchart is shown for a method to update the resistivity of a selected resistive region. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Specific embodiments of one or more implementations of the devices and methods disclosed herein are presented by way of example rather than limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a drilling system 10 is shown, comprising a drill string 20 having a drilling assembly 90 (also referred to as a bottom hole assembly (BHA)) delivered in a borehole 26 penetrating the earth's formation 60. The drilling system 10 includes a conventional derrick 11 erected on a base plate 12 supporting a rotary table 14 rotated at a desired speed by a prime mover (such as an electric motor (not shown)). The drill string 20 includes a drill pipe, such as a drill string 22, extending downwards from the rotary table 14 into the borehole 26. A drill bit 50, attached to the end of the drilling assembly 90, breaks down the geological formation as it rotates to drill out of the borehole 26. The drill string 20 is connected to a winch 30 via a kelly joint 21, a rotary joint 28, and a rope 29 passing through pulleys. During drilling operations, the winch 30 is operated to control the pressure on the drill bit (PBT), which affects the drilling rate. The operation of winch 30 is well known in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0016] Borehole 26 can be an skewed borehole and may also have horizontal sections. In a horizontal borehole, at least a portion of the borehole extends in the horizontal direction. In a borehole, the measured depth (MD) is the distance along the length of the borehole from the ground position (e.g., the base plate 12 of derrick 11). The distance along a vertical line toward the Earth's surface is called the total vertical depth (TVD).

[0017] During drilling operations, drilling fluid 32 (also referred to as “mud”) from the source or mud pit 31 is circulated under pressure through the drill string 20 by a mud pump 34. The drilling fluid 31 enters the drill string 20 via a wave eliminator 36, a fluid line 38, and a kerb joint 21. The drilling fluid 31 is discharged at the bottom of the borehole 51 through an opening in the drill bit 50. The drilling fluid 31 circulates upwards along the wellbore through an annular gap 27 between the drill string 20 and the borehole 26, and returns to the mud pit 32 via a return line 35. A sensor S1 in the fluid line 38 provides information about the fluid velocity. Surface torque sensors S2 and S3, associated with the drill string 20, provide information about the torque and rotational speed of the drill string, respectively. Additionally, one or more sensors (not shown) associated with line 29 are used to provide information about the hook load on the drill string 20 and other desired parameters related to drilling of the borehole 26.

[0018] In some applications, the drill bit 50 is rotated solely by rotating the drill string 22. However, in other applications, a drilling motor (e.g., a mud motor 55) located within the drilling assembly 90 is used to rotate the drill bit 50 and / or to superimpose or supplement the rotation of the drill string 20. In either case, for a given geological formation 60 and drilling assembly, the rate of return (ROP) of the drill bit 50 into the borehole 26 depends largely on the pressure on the drill bit and the drill bit rotation speed. Figure 1In one aspect of the implementation, a mud motor 55 is coupled to a drill bit 50 via a drive shaft (not shown) disposed in a bearing assembly 57. The mud motor 55 rotates the drill bit 50 when drilling fluid 31 is pressurized and passes through it. The bearing assembly 57 supports the radial and axial forces on the drill bit 50, the downward thrust of the drilling motor, and the reactive upward load from the applied drilling pressure. A stabilizer 58, coupled to the bearing assembly 57 and other suitable locations, acts as a centralizer at the bottom of the mud motor assembly and other such suitable locations.

[0019] Drilling assembly 90 also includes other sensors and devices or tools for providing measurements of various formation assessment parameters related to the Earth's formation 60 surrounding borehole 26, and for drilling borehole 26 along a desired path. Such devices may include equipment for measuring formation resistivity near and / or in front of drill bit 50, a gamma-ray device 76 for measuring formation gamma-ray intensity, and equipment for determining the inclination, azimuth, and location of the drill string (e.g., inclinometer 74). Formation resistivity tool 64, manufactured according to embodiments described herein, may be coupled at any suitable location (including above lower initiator assembly 62) for estimating or determining the resistivity of the Earth's formation 60 near or in front of drill bit 50 or at other suitable locations. In one embodiment, formation resistivity tool 64 may include one or more electrodes. In another embodiment, formation resistivity tool 64 may include multiple antennas, including, for example, transmitters 66a or 66b or receivers 68a or 68b. Figure 1 In this diagram, transmitters 66a and 66b and receivers 68a and 68b are illustrated as part of the same module. However, it should be understood that in some cases, the transmitters and receivers may need to be separated by a distance spanning more than one module.

[0020] An inclinometer 74 (such as an accelerometer) and a gamma-ray device 76 may be appropriately positioned to determine the inclination of the BHA and the formation gamma-ray intensity, respectively. Any suitable inclinometer and gamma-ray device may be used. Additionally, an azimuth device (not shown) such as a magnetometer or gyroscope may be used to determine the drill string azimuth. Such devices are known in the art and therefore will not be described in detail herein. In the exemplary configuration described above, the mud motor 55 transmits power via a hollow axial drill bit 50, which also allows drilling fluid to be transferred from the mud motor 55 to the drill bit 50. In an alternative embodiment of the drill string 20, the mud motor 55 may be coupled below the formation resistivity tool 64 or coupled to any other suitable location.

[0021] Other logging-while-drilling (LWD) equipment (generally referred to herein by the numeral 77), such as equipment for measuring formation porosity, permeability, density, rock properties, fluid properties, etc., may be placed in appropriate locations within the drilling assembly 90 to provide information useful for assessing the subsurface geological formations along the borehole 26. Such devices may include, but are not limited to, acoustic tools, nuclear tools, nuclear magnetic resonance tools, and formation testing and sampling tools.

[0022] The surface control unit 40 receives signals from downhole sensors and equipment via sensors 43 located in the fluid line 38, as well as from sensors S1, S2, S3, the hook load sensor, and any other sensors used in the system, and processes these signals according to programmed instructions provided to the surface control unit 40. The surface control unit 40 displays desired drilling parameters and other information used by operators at the drilling rig site to control drilling operations on a display / monitor 42. The surface control unit 40 includes a computer, memory for storing data, computer programs, models and algorithms accessible to the computer's processor, a recorder (such as any non-volatile mass storage device, such as magnetic tape, hard disk drive, USB stick, solid-state drive, or any suitable memory device known as prior art), a unit for recording data, and other peripheral devices. The surface control unit 40 may also include a simulation model used by the computer to process data according to programmed instructions. The surface control unit 40 responds to user commands input via a suitable device, such as a keyboard, computer mouse, joystick, or any suitable manual input device known as prior art. In various embodiments, the surface control unit 40 is adapted to control various operations of the drill string 20, which may include adjusting drilling parameters such as pressure on the drill bit, revolutions per minute, etc. The surface control unit 40 may also enhance formation assessment parameter maps created from formation assessment parameter data obtained by one or more LWD devices 77, such as resistivity maps created from formation resistivity data obtained by resistivity tool 64, for presentation at a display / monitor 42, as disclosed herein.

[0023] The aforementioned equipment transmits data to a downhole telemetry system 72, which in turn transmits the received data upwards along the wellbore to a surface control unit 40. The downhole telemetry system 72 also receives signals and data from the surface control unit 40 and transmits such received signals and data to appropriate downhole equipment. In one aspect, a mud pulse telemetry system can be used to transmit data between downhole sensors and equipment and surface equipment during drilling operations. A sensor 43, placed in the fluid line 38, detects mud pulses in response to data transmitted by the downhole telemetry system 72. The sensor 43 generates an electrical signal in response to changes in mud pressure and transmits such signal via a conductor 45 to the surface control unit 40. In other aspects, any other suitable telemetry system can be used for bidirectional data communication between surface equipment and drilling assembly 90, including but not limited to acoustic telemetry systems, electromagnetic telemetry systems, wired telemetry systems utilizing repeaters in the drill string or borehole 26, and wired conduits. Wired conduits can be constructed by connecting drill pipe sections, each section including a data communication link extending along the pipe. Data connections between tubing segments can be achieved by any suitable method, including but not limited to electrical or optical connections and inductive methods. When using coiled tubing as drill string 22, the data communication link can extend along the side of the coiled tubing.

[0024] Figure 1 An implementation scheme for the drill string is shown. However, it should be understood that the drill string can be replaced by any type of working string, such as a fluid storage string, completion string, production string, etc.

[0025] Figure 2 A close-up view depicting the work done in the borehole (e.g., Figure 1 An example of an initial resistivity map 200 generated from the inversion of resistivity data obtained from borehole 26. Initial resistivity map 200 shows the resistivity of the Earth's strata 60 surrounding borehole 26, illustrated by line 280. An initial resistivity map 200 for a horizontal borehole is shown. Location information associated with the extension along the borehole trajectory (e.g., measured depth (MD) or horizontal extension if borehole 26 is oriented horizontally) is shown along the horizontal axis, and distance information from borehole 26 or line 280 is shown along the vertical axis. The distance information from borehole 26 or line 280 can be a distance in meters or feet, or a suitable scale for calculating distances. For example, in a horizontal borehole, the distance information from borehole 26 could be the total vertical depth (TVD). The location and distance information together define... Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The position on any composite resistivity map in the resistivity map. The initial resistivity map 200 includes multiple one-dimensional profiles obtained at different measurement depths within the borehole. For example... Figure 2As shown, the profiles are adjacent to each other along the axis or line 280 of the borehole 26. Each profile extends in a direction perpendicular to line 280.

[0026] The profile correlates resistivity values ​​with distances from borehole 26 or line 280. The profile includes one or more resistive regions, which may correspond to different strata of the Earth's stratigraphy 60. For the purposes of this disclosure, the resistive regions are defined by one or more region boundaries and optionally by at least one resistivity value. For illustrative purposes, a selected profile 202 is shown, and resistive regions 204, 206, 208, 210, and 212 are identified within the selected profile 202. The resistive regions within the profile are separated by region boundaries. For illustrative purposes, the top region boundary 214 and the bottom region boundary 216 of resistive region 208 are shown.

[0027] The resistivity of resistive regions is indicated in the initial resistivity map 200 using associated colors. Each resistive region also has an associated inversion confidence level (not shown), which indicates the confidence level of the resistivity value of the resistive region. The inversion confidence level indicates the confidence level of the inversion quality. As disclosed herein, the associated inversion confidence level can be applied in calculations used to determine the enhanced resistivity map.

[0028] Figure 3 A flowchart 300 of a method for enhancing resistivity mapping according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. In block 302, an initial resistivity map is obtained. The initial resistivity map can be obtained from a borehole (such as...) Figure 1 The resistivity map is obtained by inversion of measurements taken using the resistivity tool in borehole 26 (or by simulation). The initial resistivity map comprises multiple one-dimensional profiles, each perpendicular to... Figure 2 Line 280 extends and includes one or more resistive regions.

[0029] In box 304, select the maximum detection depth (DoD). The detection depth depends on tool 64 and / or measurement parameters (such as, but not limited to, measurement frequency, the distance between the transmitter and receiver on the tool) and the environment around tool 64. The detection depth is determined in a direction perpendicular to tool 64, which is related to... Figure 2 The lines 280 of the initial resistivity map are collinear. For example, the detection depth for a specific environment and tool can be determined through numerical simulation and / or laboratory investigation. For each profile, data or resistivity regions located at distances greater than DoD are removed from the initial resistivity map. For resistivity regions where the first portion is within DoD and the second portion is outside DoD, both the first and second portions, including the portion within DoD, are removed. Alternatively, only the second portion is removed, resulting in a shortened region with a top region boundary at a distance from line 280 corresponding to DoD.

[0030] In box 306, the region boundaries of resistive regions within each contour are smoothed using the methods disclosed herein. Moving window 220 can be used to select each resistive region for smoothing via an initial resistivity map. Moving window 220 has a length Xm parallel to line 280 and a height Ym perpendicular to line 280, and can start at the lower left of the initial resistivity map and move from left to right to select contours, then from bottom to top to select resistive regions within the selected contours. Although moving window 220 in... Figure 2 The rectangle is shown as relatively small compared to the width of one or more adjacent contours, but other shapes and sizes can be advantageously utilized. For example, the size of the moving window can be set to include several adjacent contours (e.g., five or more, or even ten or more), and its size can be set to include only a portion of the selected contour and / or adjacent contours, or to include one or more complete contours of the selected contour and / or adjacent contours. For the selected resistive region in the selected contour, the region boundary is compared with the adjacent region boundaries of the adjacent contours, and adjusted (e.g., replaced by a different region boundary, such as a region boundary having a distance to line 280 corresponding to the average, minimum, or maximum value of all region boundaries within the moving window) or maintained as disclosed herein.

[0031] In box 308, resistivity outliers are removed. For a selected resistive region within a selected profile, the resistivity is compared to the resistivity of the nearest region boundary of an adjacent profile, and the resistivity is adjusted or maintained as disclosed herein.

[0032] In box 310, create an enhanced resistivity map. Creating an enhanced resistivity map involves adding resistivity points to the calibrated resistance region. The resistivity points are placed at the measurement depth of the resistance region or profile and perpendicular to line 280, extending from the bottom boundary of the resistance region to the top boundary, and represent the resistivity of that region. Additional points can be added to the map to constrain the display alignment with the DoD. A grid can be formed from the points, and the enhanced display can be formed from the grid.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a marked resistivity map 400 illustrating a method for smoothing the boundaries of resistive regions. The marked resistivity map 400 is built upon... Figure 2The initial resistivity map 200 is shown. The resistivity map 400 is marked with a selected contour 202 and a selected resistive region 208 within the selected contour 202. The top region boundary 214 of the selected resistive region 208 is shown. A neighborhood 402 is defined relative to the selected contour 202, including adjacent contours (404a-404j) to the left and right of the selected contour 202 (adjacent contours 404a-404e and adjacent contours 404f-404j, respectively). The range of the neighborhood 402 may include any number of adjacent contours. For illustrative purposes, Figure 4 The range includes the five adjacent contours (404a-404e) to the left of the selected contour 202 and the five adjacent contours (404f-404j) to the right of the selected contour 202.

[0034] To smooth the selected resistive region 208, adjacent contours (404a-404j) are identified, and within each adjacent contour (404a-404j), adjacent resistive regions (406a-406j) are identified. Adjacent regions (406a-406j) are regions that are approximately equidistant from the selected resistive region 208 to line 280. Each adjacent region (406a-406j) has one or more associated region boundaries. For illustrative purposes, the nearest region boundary 408 is shown to the left of the selected resistive region 208, and the nearest region boundary 410 is shown to the right of the selected resistive region 208. For each adjacent region (406a-406j), the region boundary closest to the top region boundary 214 (with the smallest difference in distance to line 280) is identified and selected.

[0035] In one embodiment, adjacent resistive regions (such as adjacent region 406e) are identified. A first distance to line 280 is determined between the top region boundary 420 of adjacent resistive region 406e and the top region boundary 214 of the selected resistive region 208. A second distance to line 280 is determined between the bottom region boundary 422 of adjacent resistive region 406e and the top region boundary 214 of the selected resistive region 208. At least one of the top region boundary 420 and the bottom region boundary 422 of adjacent resistive region 406e, which has a smaller distance to line 280, is selected as the nearest region boundary 408, 410 of the selected resistive region 208 within adjacent resistive regions 406e. In another embodiment, each region boundary of adjacent contours (such as 406a-406j) is identified. For each region boundary of adjacent contours (such as 406a-406j), the distance from the top boundary 214 of the selected resistive region 208 of the selected contour 202 to line 280 is determined, as well as the distance from each identified region boundary of the adjacent contour 406e to line 280. The region boundary with the smallest distance to line 280 among the adjacent contours 406a-406j is selected as the nearest region boundary 408, 410 of the selected resistive region 208 in the adjacent contour 406e.

[0036] Figure 5 It is a smoothed map 500 that includes the replacement region boundary 502 generated by the smoothing process. The smoothed map 500 is based on... Figure 2 The initial resistivity plot 200 is used. In the smoothing plot 500, the selected region boundaries (e.g., the top region boundary 214) are updated using replacement region boundaries 502. In various embodiments, updating the selected region boundaries includes: updating the original location of the selected region boundaries (i.e., updating the distance to line 280 of the selected region boundaries), or replacing the selected region boundaries with replacement region boundaries 502. The selected region boundaries are updated when the average value of adjacent region boundaries meets a criterion, as follows regarding... Figure 6 The subject of discussion.

[0037] Figure 6A flowchart 600 of a method for smoothing region boundaries according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. In block 602, a contour, such as selected contour 202, is selected. A resistive region, such as selected resistive region 208, is selected within the selected contour 202, and the region boundary of the selected resistive region 208 is selected. For illustrative purposes, the selected region boundary is the top region boundary 214 of the selected resistive region 208 in the selected contour 202. In block 604, the nearest region boundary in adjacent contours is identified. The nearest region boundary in a contour is the region boundary whose distance to line 280 is closest to the distance of the selected region boundary (e.g., the top region boundary 214) to line 280. In block 606, the nearest region boundary of each adjacent contour is placed in a sample set. In block 608, the nearest region boundary is removed from the sample set when the resistive region associated with the nearest region boundary is too thin or has an inversion confidence score less than the inversion confidence threshold. In block 610, the mean location and standard deviation are determined. The mean position is the average distance to line 280, and the standard deviation is the standard deviation of the distances from the nearest region boundary in the sample set to line 280.

[0038] In box 612, the average distance to line 280 is compared with the distance from the selected region boundary to line 280. If the difference between the average distance to line 280 and the distance from the selected region boundary to line 280 is less than a distance confidence threshold (or a distance confidence threshold to line 280), the method proceeds to box 614. In box 614, the selected distance to line 280 is replaced by the average distance from two or more adjacent resistive regions in the adjacent contour to line 280, thereby effectively replacing the selected region boundary (e.g., top region boundary 214) with a smoothed region boundary (i.e., replacement region boundary 502).

[0039] Returning to box 612, if the difference between the average distance to line 280 and the distance from the selected region boundary to line 280 is greater than or equal to the selected distance confidence threshold (or the distance confidence threshold to line 280), the method proceeds to box 616. In box 616, the selected region boundary is maintained.

[0040] The selected confidence threshold for the distance to line 280 can be any quantity. In one implementation, the selected confidence threshold for the distance to line 280 is two standard deviations. A difference smaller than the confidence threshold for the distance to line 280 may indicate the presence of small noise in the data and thus contribute to smoothing (box 614). A difference larger than the confidence threshold for the distance to line 280 is more likely to indicate actual differences between Earth's strata, thus prompting the preservation of the current regional boundaries (box 616).

[0041] Figure 7This is a smoothed resistivity map 700 illustrating a method for replacing the resistivity of a selected resistive region 208 with a new resistivity in an exemplary embodiment. The new resistivity of the selected resistive region is selected from the resistivity of adjacent resistive regions. The distance to line 280 is determined with respect to the midpoint of the selected resistive region 208. The distance from the midpoint to line 280 is half the sum of the distances from the top region boundary to line 280 and the distances from the bottom region boundary to line 280. For each adjacent contour, the resistivity is sampled at the midpoint of the adjacent contour at a distance to line 280. The resistivity at the midpoints of adjacent regions 406a-406e is denoted as R0. a -R e The resistivity at the midpoint of the adjacent regions 406f-406j is denoted as R. f -R j These resistivities are placed into a sample set. The sample set is modified to remove resistivities that are too thin or have an inversion confidence level below the inversion confidence threshold from adjacent regions. The average resistivity and standard deviation of the resistivity are determined for the remaining resistivities in the sample set. When the standard deviation meets the criteria, the average resistivity is used to replace the resistivity of the selected resistive region 208.

[0042] Figure 8 A flowchart 800 illustrates a method for updating the resistivity of a selected resistive region. In box 802, a contour (e.g., selected contour 202) is selected, and a resistive region (e.g., selected resistive region 208) is selected within the selected contour. In box 804, the distance from the midpoint of the selected resistive region 208 to line 280 is determined. The distance from the midpoint to line 280 is half the sum of the distances from the top region boundary to line 280 and the distances from the bottom region boundary to line 280. In box 806, adjacent contours are identified. For each adjacent contour, the resistivity is sampled at the midpoint of the adjacent contour, where the midpoint is determined using the distance-to-line-280 method discussed in box 804. The sampled resistivity is placed in a sample set. In box 808, the sample set is modified to remove any resistivity associated with adjacent regions that are too thin or have too low inversion confidence. In box 810, the average resistivity value and the standard deviation of the resistivity are calculated from the remaining resistivity in the sample set.

[0043] In box 812, the average resistivity is compared with the resistivity of the selected resistive region 208. If the difference between the average resistivity and the resistivity of the selected resistive region 208 is less than the selected resistivity confidence threshold, the method proceeds to box 814. In box 814, the selected resistivity is replaced by the average resistivity. Returning to box 812, if the difference between the average resistivity and the resistivity of the selected region boundary is greater than or equal to the selected resistivity confidence threshold, the method proceeds to box 816. In box 816, the resistivity of the selected resistive region 208 is maintained.

[0044] The selected resistivity confidence threshold can be any quantity. In one embodiment, the selected resistivity confidence threshold is two standard deviations, as determined by calculations based on resistivity. A difference smaller than the resistivity confidence threshold may indicate the presence of small noise in the data. Therefore, replacing the resistivity value eliminates this noise and smooths the resistivity. A difference larger than the resistivity confidence threshold is more likely to indicate actual differences between Earth's strata. Therefore, the original resistivity is preserved.

[0045] The following are some of the aforementioned publicly disclosed implementation schemes:

[0046] Implementation Scheme 1. A method for creating an enhanced parametric map of an Earth stratum. The method includes: obtaining an initial parametric map along at least a portion of a borehole passing through the Earth stratum, the initial parametric map including a distribution of values ​​of parameters of the Earth stratum; selecting a selected contour of the parameters from the initial parametric map, wherein the selected contour associates at least a portion of the values ​​with distance information from the borehole; selecting a region within the selected contour, the selected region having a selected region boundary; identifying the location of the selected region boundary; determining the location of the region boundary of an adjacent region in an adjacent contour; replacing the selected region boundary with a replacement region boundary, wherein the location of the replacement region boundary is determined by using the location of the region boundary of the adjacent region in the adjacent contour; and displaying the enhanced parametric map having the replacement region boundary.

[0047] Implementation Scheme 2. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, the method further comprising: identifying an initial value of the parameter from a selected region; determining a replacement value of the parameter by using adjacent values ​​of the parameter from adjacent regions in the adjacent contours; replacing the initial value of the parameter from the selected region with the replacement value of the parameter; and displaying the enhanced parameter map having the replacement value of the parameter.

[0048] Implementation Scheme 3. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein replacing the initial value of the parameter from the selected region further comprises: replacing the initial value of the parameter from the selected region with the replacement value of the parameter only when the difference of at least one of the following is within a distance confidence threshold: (i) the initial value of the parameter from the selected region and the replacement value of the parameter; and (ii) the initial value of the parameter from the selected region and the adjacent value of the parameter from the adjacent region in the adjacent contour.

[0049] Implementation Scheme 4. The method according to any of the foregoing implementation schemes, the method further comprising: using a moving window to select the region, the moving window moving through the initial parameter map.

[0050] Implementation Scheme 5. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein replacing the selected region boundary further comprises: replacing the selected region boundary with the replacement region boundary only when the difference of at least one of the following is within a distance confidence threshold: (i) the location of the selected region boundary and the location of the region boundary of the adjacent region in the adjacent contour; and (ii) the location of the selected region boundary and the location of the replacement region boundary.

[0051] Implementation Scheme 6. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the adjacent region is a first adjacent region and the adjacent contour is a first adjacent contour, the method further comprising: determining the position of the region boundary of the second adjacent region in the second adjacent contour, wherein the position of the replacement region boundary is determined by using the position of the region boundary of the second adjacent region in the second adjacent contour.

[0052] Implementation Scheme 7. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the selected profile and the adjacent profile are separated by at least one separation profile of the parameter, wherein the separation profile associates at least one separation profile portion of the value with separation profile distance information from the borehole.

[0053] Implementation Scheme 8. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the value of the parameter is measured by a measuring tool in the borehole, the method further comprising: defining a detection depth of the measuring tool, and removing at least one value of the parameter in the initial parameter diagram based on a comparison of the distance information of at least one removal value of the parameter with the detection depth.

[0054] Implementation Scheme 9. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the adjacent contours are calculated by numerical simulation, and the method further comprises at least one of the following operations: (i) selecting the adjacent contours based on the confidence parameter of the numerical simulation; and (ii) selecting the adjacent regions based on the thickness of the adjacent regions.

[0055] Implementation Scheme 10. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, the method further comprising: using the displayed enhancement parameter map to guide the drilling assembly through the borehole.

[0056] Implementation Scheme 11. A system for creating an enhanced parametric map of an Earth stratum. The system includes a sensor for obtaining parameter data from the Earth stratum, and a processor. The processor is configured to: obtain an initial parametric map along at least a portion of a borehole passing through the Earth stratum, the initial parametric map including a distribution of values ​​of parameters of the Earth stratum; select a selected contour of the parameters from the initial parametric map, wherein the selected contour associates at least a portion of the values ​​with distance information from the borehole; select a region within the selected contour, the selected region having a selected region boundary; identify the location of the selected region boundary; determine the location of the region boundary of an adjacent region in adjacent contours; replace the selected region boundary with a replacement region boundary, wherein the location of the replacement region boundary is determined by using the location of the region boundary of the adjacent region in the adjacent contours; and display the enhanced parametric map having the replacement region boundary.

[0057] Implementation Scheme 12. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the processor is further configured to: identify an initial value of the parameter from a selected region, determine a replacement value of the parameter by using adjacent values ​​of the parameter from adjacent regions in the adjacent contours, replace the initial value of the parameter from the selected region with the replacement value of the parameter, and display the enhanced parameter map having the replacement value of the parameter.

[0058] Implementation Scheme 13. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the processor is further configured to replace the initial value of the parameter from the selected region by: replacing the initial value of the parameter from the selected region with the replacement value of the parameter only when the difference of at least one of the following is within a distance confidence threshold: (i) the initial value of the parameter from the selected region and the replacement value of the parameter; and (i) the initial value of the parameter from the selected region and the adjacent value of the parameter from the adjacent region in the adjacent contour.

[0059] Implementation Scheme 14. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the processor is further configured to: use a moving window to select the region, the moving window moving through the initial parameter map.

[0060] Implementation Scheme 15. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the processor is further configured to replace the selected region boundary with the replacement region boundary only if the difference of at least one of the following is within a distance confidence threshold: (i) the location of the selected region boundary and the location of the region boundary of the adjacent region in the adjacent contour; and (ii) the location of the selected region boundary and the location of the replacement region boundary.

[0061] Implementation Scheme 16. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the adjacent region is a first adjacent region and the adjacent contour is a first adjacent contour, and the processor is further configured to determine the position of the region boundary of the second adjacent region in the second adjacent contour, wherein the position of the replacement region boundary is determined by using the position of the region boundary of the second adjacent region in the second adjacent contour.

[0062] Implementation Scheme 17. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the selected profile and the adjacent profile are separated by at least one separation profile of the parameter, wherein the separation profile associates at least one separation profile portion of the value with separation profile distance information from the borehole.

[0063] Implementation Scheme 18. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the value of the parameter is measured by a measuring tool in the borehole, and the processor is further configured to define a detection depth of the measuring tool, and to remove at least one value of the parameter in the initial parameter graph based on a comparison of the distance information of at least one removal value of the parameter with the detection depth.

[0064] Implementation Scheme 19. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the adjacent contours are calculated by numerical simulation, and the processor is further configured to perform at least one of the following operations: (i) selecting the adjacent contours based on a confidence parameter of the numerical simulation; and (ii) selecting the adjacent regions based on the thickness of the adjacent regions.

[0065] Implementation Scheme 20. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the processor is further configured to use the displayed enhanced parameter map to guide the drilling assembly through the borehole.

[0066] In the context of describing the invention (particularly in the context of the appended claims), the terms “an” and “the”, and similar designations, should be interpreted to cover both singular and plural forms, unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context. Furthermore, it should be noted that the terms “first,” “second,” etc., used herein do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are used to distinguish one element from another. The terms “about,” “substantially,” and “generally” are intended to include a degree of error associated with a specific number of measurements based on the equipment available at the time of filing. For example, “about” and / or “substantially” and / or “generally” can include a range of ±8% for a given value.

[0067] The teachings of this disclosure can be applied to a variety of well operations. These operations may involve treating the earth's formation, fluids residing in the formation, boreholes, and / or equipment within the borehole, such as production tubing, with one or more treatment agents. Treatment agents can be in the form of liquids, gases, solids, semi-solids, and mixtures thereof. Exemplary treatment agents include, but are not limited to, fracturing fluids, acids, steam, water, brine, corrosion inhibitors, cementing agents, permeability modifiers, drilling mud, emulsifiers, demulsifiers, tracers, flow improvers, etc. Exemplary well operations include, but are not limited to, hydraulic fracturing, production enhancement, tracer injection, cleaning, acidizing, steam injection, water injection, cementing, etc.

[0068] While the invention has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements therein without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although the invention has been described with reference to resistivity (resistivity maps, resistivity measurements, resistivity sensors, etc.), those skilled in the art will understand that the same teachings may be applied to other formation assessment parameters (e.g., parameters measured by other LWD devices). Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of the invention without departing from the basic scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention, but rather to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. Additionally, exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the drawings and detailed descriptions, and although specific terminology has been used, it is used in a general and descriptive sense only, and not for limiting purposes, unless otherwise specified; therefore, the scope of the invention is not limited thereto.

Claims

1. A method for creating an enhanced parameter map (200) of Earth's strata (60), characterized in that: An initial parameter map (200) is obtained along at least a portion of a borehole (26) that passes through the Earth's strata (60), the initial parameter map (200) being characterized by the distribution of values ​​of parameters of the Earth's strata (60); Selected profile (202) of the parameter is selected from the initial parameter map (200), wherein the selected profile (202) associates at least a portion of the value with distance information from the borehole (26); Select a region (208) within the selected contour (202), and the selected region has the selected region boundary (214). Identify the location of the selected region boundary (214); Determine the location of the region boundary of adjacent regions (406a-406j) within adjacent contours (404a-404j); Replace the selected region boundary (214) with a replacement region boundary, wherein the position of the replacement region boundary is determined by using the position of the region boundary of the adjacent region in the adjacent contours (404a, 404f); and The enhanced parameter diagram (200) with the boundary of the replacement region is displayed.

2. The method according to claim 1, further characterized in that: Identify the initial value of the parameter from the selected region (208); The replacement value of the parameter is determined by using the adjacent values ​​of the parameter from the adjacent regions (406a-406j) in the adjacent contours (404a-404j). Replace the initial value of the parameter from the selected region (208) with the replacement value of the parameter; as well as The enhanced parameter graph (200) shows the replacement values ​​of the parameters.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein replacing the selected region boundary (214) further comprises: The selected region boundary (214) is replaced by the replacement region boundary only if the difference of at least one of the following is within the distance confidence threshold: (i) the location of the selected region boundary (214) and the location of the region boundary of the adjacent region in the adjacent contours (404a-404j); and (ii) the location of the selected region boundary (214) and the location of the replacement region boundary.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the adjacent regions (406a-406j) are first adjacent regions, and the adjacent contours (404a-404j) are first adjacent contours, the method is further characterized in that: the position of the region boundary of the second adjacent region in the second adjacent contour is determined, wherein the position of the replacement region boundary is determined by using the position of the region boundary of the second adjacent region in the second adjacent contour.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected profile (202) and the adjacent profiles (404a-404j) are separated by at least one separation profile of the parameter, wherein the separation profile associates at least one separation profile portion of the value with separation profile distance information from the borehole (26).

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the value of the parameter is measured by a measuring tool in the borehole (26), the method further comprising defining a detection depth of the measuring tool, and removing at least one value of the parameter in the initial parameter diagram (200) based on a comparison of the distance information of at least one removal value of the parameter with the detection depth.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the adjacent contours (404a-404j) are calculated by numerical simulation, and the method is further characterized by at least one of the following operations: (i) selecting the adjacent contours (404a-404j) based on the confidence parameter of the numerical simulation; and (ii) selecting the adjacent regions based on the thickness of the adjacent regions (406a-406j).

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Use the enhanced parameter diagram (200) shown to guide the drilling assembly (20) through the borehole (26).

9. A system for creating an enhanced parametric map (200) of Earth's strata (60), characterized in that: Sensor (43), the sensor being used to obtain parameter data from the Earth's strata (60); Processor (40), the processor being configured to: An initial parameter map (200) is obtained along at least a portion of a borehole (26) that passes through the Earth's strata (60), the initial parameter map (200) being characterized by the distribution of values ​​of parameters of the Earth's strata (60); Selected profile (202) of the parameter is selected from the initial parameter map (200), wherein the selected profile (202) associates at least a portion of the value with distance information from the borehole (26); Select a region (208) within the selected contour (202), and the selected region has the selected region boundary (214). Identify the location of the selected region boundary (214); Determine the location of the region boundary of adjacent regions (406a-406j) within adjacent contours (404a-404j); The selected region boundary (214) is replaced with a replacement region boundary, wherein the position of the replacement region boundary is determined by using the position of the region boundary of the adjacent region (406a-406j) in the adjacent contours (404a-404j); and The enhanced parameter diagram (200) with the boundary of the replacement region is displayed.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the processor (40) is further configured to: Identify the initial value of the parameter from the selected region (214); The replacement value of the parameter is determined by using the adjacent values ​​of the parameter from the adjacent regions (406a-406j) in the adjacent contours (404a-404j). Replace the initial value of the parameter from the selected region (214) with the replacement value of the parameter; and The enhanced parameter graph (200) shows the replacement values ​​of the parameters.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the processor (40) is further configured to replace the selected region boundary (214) by means of the replacement region boundary only if the difference of at least one of the following is within a distance confidence threshold: (i) the position of the selected region boundary (214) and the position of the region boundary of the adjacent region in the adjacent contours (404a-404j); and (ii) the position of the selected region boundary (214) and the position of the replacement region boundary.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the adjacent region is a first adjacent region and the adjacent contour (404a, 404f) is a first adjacent contour, and the processor is further configured to determine the location of the region boundary of the second adjacent region in the second adjacent contour, wherein the location of the replacement region boundary is determined by using the location of the region boundary of the second adjacent region in the second adjacent contour.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the selected profile (202) and the adjacent profiles (404a-404j) are separated by at least one separating profile of the parameter, wherein the separating profile associates at least one separating profile portion of the value with separating profile distance information from the borehole (26).

14. The system of claim 9, wherein the value of the parameter is measured by a measuring tool in the borehole (26), and the processor (40) is further configured to define a detection depth of the measuring tool and remove at least one value of the parameter in the initial parameter diagram (200) based on a comparison of the distance information of at least one removed value of the parameter with the detection depth.

15. The system of claim 9, wherein the adjacent contours (404a-404j) are calculated by numerical simulation, and the processor is further configured to perform at least one of the following operations: (i) selecting the adjacent contours (404a-404j) based on a confidence parameter of the numerical simulation; and (ii) selecting the adjacent regions based on the thickness of the adjacent regions (406a-406j).

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