254 results about "Earth model" patented technology

Methods and systems are provided that may be utilized to make completion design an integral part of the well planning process by enabling the rapid evaluation of completion performance. This integration may include an earth model and may specify wellpath parameters, completion parameters, and other parameters in a simulation of operations using the earth model. The simulation generates well performance measures, which may be optimized depending on well performance technical limits. The optimization may be used to maximize an objective function. The system may include multiple users at the same or different locations (e.g. over a network) interacting through graphic user interfaces (GUI's).

A method is disclosed for generating a wellsite design, comprising: designing a workflow for an Earth Model; building an initial Earth Model based on the workflow adapted for modeling drilling and completions operations in a hydrocarbon reservoir; calibrating the initial Earth Model thereby generating a calibrated Earth Model; and generating the wellsite design using the calibrated Earth Model.

A computer implemented stochastic inversion method for estimating model parameters of an earth model. In an embodiment, the method utilizes a sampling-based stochastic technique to determine the probability density functions (PDF) of the model parameters that define a boundary-based multi-dimensional model of the subsurface. In some embodiments a sampling technique known as Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) is utilized. MCMC techniques fall into the class of “importance sampling” techniques, in which the posterior probability distribution is sampled in proportion to the model's ability to fit or match the specified acquisition geometry. In another embodiment, the inversion includes the joint inversion of multiple geophysical data sets. Embodiments of the invention also relate to a computer system configured to perform a method for estimating model parameters for accurate interpretation of the earth's subsurface.

A system is for controlling borehole operations using a computational drilling process model representing the combined effect of downhole conditions and the operation of a drillstring. The drilling process model is continually updated with downhole measurements made during a drilling operation. From the updated drilling process model, a set of optimum drilling parameters is determined and communicated to a surface equipment control system. Further, the system allows the surface equipment control system to automatically adjust current surface equipment control settings based on the updated optimum drilling parameters. Various control scripts are generated and executed to inform the surface equipment control system based on a present drilling mode.

A method of planning a drilling operation IS provided that comprises selecting a set of targeted regions based on data from a three-dimensional shared earth model and generating at least one targeted segment within each one of the set of targeted regions The method further comprises defining at least one application agent for the purpose of evaluating the at least one targeted segment within each one of the set of targeted regions based on a potential payout in terms of production of hydrocarbons The exemplary method additionally comprises identifying at least one well trajectory through the at least one targeted segment within each one of the set of targeted regions And the method comprises employing the at least one application agent to evaluate well trajectories based on the potential payout in terms of at least one of production of hydrocarbons, drilling complexity, cost or stability of well planning

The present disclosure relates to dynamically incorporating and economically validating drilling decisions. A computer system having a memory and central processing unit is provided and a knowledge store residing in the computer system is populated with data. The data may include surface drilling parameter data, bottomhole assembly data, bit records, measurement-while-chilling data, logging-while-drilling data, drilling event data, and lessons learned data. The data may be correlated data from one or more offset wells. One or more computerized static or dynamic contextual earth models are provided and used to dynamically incorporate and economically validate the drilling decisions. The one or more earth models can be updated in real-time.

An earth model is formed in real time during drilling of a well by incorporating up-to-the-minute knowledge derived from geology, seismic, drilling, and engineering data. The process of forming the model utilizes Logging-While-Drilling (LWD) or Measuring-While-Drilling (MWD) data directly from the drilling rig as the well is drilled. The LWD or MWD data is sent to visualization centers and compared with other data such as existing geological models, the proposed well plan and present interpretation of the subsurface stratigraphy. The results of the comparison enable experts to analyze anomalous results and update the geological model within minutes of penetration of a formation during drilling. Well drilling efficiency is improved, and an “on-the-spot” road map is provided for maximal reservoir contact and pinpoint accuracy.

An exploration paradigm for detecting and/or characterizing gas hydrate deposits using either electromagnetic or seismic surveys, that accounts for the possibility that gas hydrate may accumulate in vertical or subvertical dikes. Geologic factors, such as the presence of the gas hydrate stability zone, indications that a prolific source of gas exists (or existed) below the gas hydrate stability zone and indications that a high flux of gas could be transported into the gas hydrate stability zone, may be considered as part of an exploration strategy. Data may be collected using seismic techniques, such as a walk-away vertical seismic profile techniques, or electromagnetic surveys that are adapted to detecting the presence of vertical or subvertical dikes. In one example, data processing and acquisition techniques may be adapted to detect hydrate dikes, and do not assume a horizontally isotropic earth model.

A method is provided for generating an invertible 3D hydrodynamic earth model suitable for defining target characteristics of a subsurface area formed by a plurality of formations and comprising drilling positions of potential and real wells. The method comprises constructing an initial 3D earth model by combining solutions for a set of single 1D models, each of the models corresponding to a real or potential well drilling position and covering the entire respective aggregate of formations along the wellbore, with solutions for a relevant set of 2D earth models which are constructed only for single formations, and optimizing the constructed initial 3D earth model by defining an optimal set of formations and an optimal set of calibratable model parameters. A method and system are also provided for application of the earth model construction method for predicting overpressure evolution before and during drilling. As the earth model constructed in accordance with the above method provides efficient inversion of data, in particular gathered while drilling, the prediction can be updated in real-time while drilling. The invention can ensure optimization of the drilling process and improves its safety.

The invention discloses a marine environment information three-dimensional visualization method, belonging to the field of a three-dimensional visualization technology. The method comprises the following steps: step 1, establishment of a three-dimensional earth model; step 2, three-dimensional visualization realization of marine environment information data, wherein the step 1 comprises three steps of data preprocessing, data hierarchy partitioning and three-dimensional earth model generation; and the step 2 comprises three steps of marine environment information data preprocessing, drawing of three-dimensional images and displaying of the three-dimensional images. By utilizing the visualization technology, the three-dimensional visualization of the marine environment information is realized, the three-dimensional earth model is constructed, and a micro background field is provided for the vivid and visual expression of the marine environment information; and by combining the characteristics of the marine environment information and aiming at marine environment factors of different types, different three-dimensional visualization methods are designed, thus the marine environment information is expressed more vividly and realistically, working personnel can analyze more visually, and the marine environment information can be utilized better.

An improved method of estimating an earth model utilizes an acoustic Full Waveform Inversion (FWI) of seismic data in a pseudo-time coordinate system, in which the earth model m({tilde over (m)}) is parameterized with two lateral coordinates (x,y) and a vertical coordinate ({tilde over (z)}) which expresses vertical travel time of acoustic signals used to generate the seismic data.

A methodology improves the modeling of a geologic region, such as a hydrocarbon-bearing basin. The methodology comprises processing data to create a heterogeneous earth model based on a variety of data on material properties across the geologic region. The heterogeneous earth model is employed in combination with a stratigraphic model in a manner which creates a high resolution geologic-stratigraphic model. The high resolution geologic-stratigraphic model is useful for improving the analysis of hydrocarbon-bearing basins and other geologic regions.

A beam tomography computer implemented method and system for generating improved seismic images and earth models without dependence on reflector structure is disclosed. Recorded seismic data is transformed into data beams which are compared to forward modeled beams using an earth model having a velocity model to compute raypaths and a seismic image to specify the reflectors. The tomographic updates to the earth model and velocity model are based on misalignments between the data beams and the same beams forward modeled from the velocity model and the seismic image. The updated earth model and seismic image better describe the true propagation of the beams through the earth.

A method is disclosed having application notably towards ranking earth models responsive to dynamic heterogeneity. A plurality of earth models representing a subsurface reservoir are provided. Streamline analysis for each of the plurality of earth models is conducted. Flow Capacity (F) vs. Storage Capacity (Φ) curves are constructed for each of the plurality of earth models based on the streamline analysis. Dynamic heterogeneity for each of the plurality of earth models is computed from the Flow Capacity (F) vs. Storage Capacity (Φ) curves constructed for each of the plurality of earth models. The plurality of earth models are ranked responsive to dynamic heterogeneity.

The pose of a photographic image of a portion of Earth may be estimated using human assistance. A 3D graphics engine may render a virtual image of Earth from a controllable viewpoint based on 3D data that is representative of a 3D model of at least a portion of Earth. A user may locate and display a corresponding virtual image of Earth at a viewpoint that approximately corresponds to the pose of the photographic image by manipulating user controls. The photographic image and the corresponding virtual image may be overlaid on one another so that both images can be seen at the same time. The user may adjust the pose of one of the images while overlaid on the other image by manipulating user controls so that both images appear to substantially align with one another. The settings of the user controls may be converted to pose data that is representative of the pose of the photographic image within the 3D model.

The invention relates to an ultrahigh-resolution agile SAR satellite sliding spotlight mode system parameter design method, is applicable to flexible realization of the ultrahigh-resolution imaging SAR satellite sliding spotlight mode system parameter design through whole satellite attitude, and belongs to the technical field of overall design of SAR satellites. According to the method, an accurate orbit, an earth model, system restriction factors, and imaging work characteristics of the sliding spotlight mode are fully considered, an ultrahigh-resolution agile SAR satellite sliding spotlight mode system parameter design method is provided, and an economic and high-efficiency realization method is provided for the ultrahigh-resolution satellite-borne SAR imaging; and the criterion of uniform-beam footprint ground slide speed is employed, ground aiming points of all moments within the whole imaging time are designed, parameters such as the attitude requirement and PRF at an instantaneous moment are calculated, and compared with the conventional method for calculating the parameters according to the mode far away from ground virtual aiming points, the method is higher in precision and imaging efficiency.

Embodiments of the present technology integrate seismic data and geologic concepts into earth model building. More specifically, exemplary embodiments provide new ways to build an earth model based on information in the seismic data and geologic concepts to use as a context to interpret the seismic data and/or to add to the earth model in regions where the seismic data is missing (e.g., either no data or no data resolvability). In some embodiments, a deterministic framework is generated for an earth models through deterministic identification of discrete geobodies. A hybrid deterministic-geostatistical earth model is generated by filling stratigraphic gaps in a deterministic framework using geostatistical information and/or seismic inversion, in accordance with some embodiments.

A system for and method of integrated reservoir and seal prediction is useful for evaluation of effective mean stresses affecting geologic systems through their history, and subsequently to predict reservoir and seal quality, flow and seal properties and other behaviors. Porosity and permeability as well as seal properties are modeled based on the effective mean stress. Integrated earth models are built using seismic interpretations, wells and other available data. Geo-mechanical earth models are built and stresses are computed. Basin models are built using inputs from seismic interpretation tools, wells, geochemistry, and earth and mechanical earth models. Reservoir quality and seal quality prediction is performed and the building earth models, computing stresses, building basin models and quality prediction are iterated to converge to a solution that honors well, seismic, core, geochemical and any other available calibration data.

A method for generating an illumination map. The method includes receiving an earth model that represents one or more properties of the earth. The method then includes receiving a target area in the earth model and propagating one or more wavefields from the target area to a potential seismic data acquisition region in the earth model. After propagating the wavefields, the method includes decomposing the propagated wavefields into one or more subsets of the propagated wavefields and creating the illumination map based on the subsets of the propagated wavefields. The illumination map may indicate one or more contributions of one or more synthetic source and receiver pairs for illuminating the target area in the earth model. The method may then include creating a seismic survey design based on the contributions.