3519 results about "GeoSUR" patented technology

Proppants having added functional properties are provided, as are methods that use the proppants to track and trace the characteristics of a fracture in a geologic formation. Information obtained by the methods can be used to design a fracturing job, to increase conductivity in the fracture, and to enhance oil and gas recovery from the geologic formation. The functionalized proppants can be detected by a variety of methods utilizing, for example, an airborne magnetometer survey, ground penetrating radar, a high resolution accelerometer, a geophone, nuclear magnetic resonance, ultra-sound, impedance measurements, piezoelectric activity, radioactivity, and the like. Methods of mapping a subterranean formation are also provided and use the functionalized proppants to detect characteristics of the formation.

A method for determining geochemistry of at least one geological sample with laser-induced breakdown spectral measurements performed on the geological sample in a time variant manner with spectral acquisitions made after each of a plurality of measurement shots, spectral pre-processing performed as necessary, and subsequent analysis is applied to the collected data to determine at least one geochemistry parameter of the sample. The method can provide a rapid method to estimate thermal maturity of a sample, which does not require sample preparation, and which can be non-destructive with respect to portions of the sample. A system for performing the method also is provided.

An apparatus and method for obtaining facies of geological formations for identifying mineral deposits is disclosed. Logging instruments are moved in a bore hole to produce log measurements at successive levels of the bore hole. The set of measurements at each such level of the bore hole interval is associated with reference sample points within a multidimensional space. The multidimensional scatter of sample points thus obtained is analyzed to determine a set of characteristic modes. The sample points associated with characteristic modes are grouped to identify clusters. A facies is designated for each of the clusters and a graphic representation of the succession of facies as a function of the depth is thus obtained. To identify the clusters, a "neighboring index" of each log measurement point in the data set is calculated. Next, small natural groups of points are formed based on the use of the neighboring index to determine a K-Nearest-Neighbor (KNN) attraction for each point. Independently of the natural group formation, an optimal number of clusters is calculated based on a Kernel Representative Index (KRI) and based on a user-specified resolution. Lastly, based on the data calculated from the prior steps, final clusters are formed by merging the smaller clusters.

An improved induction tool for formation resistivity evaluations. The tool provides electromagnetic transmitters and sensors suitable for transmitting and receiving magnetic fields in radial directions that are orthogonal to the tool's longitudinal axis with minimal susceptibility to errors associated with parasitic eddy currents induced in the metal components surrounding the transmitter and receiver coils. Various transmitter receiver combinations are provided to select sensitivity to a desired reservoir formation properties, for example, different orientations xy, xz, yz, 20-40, 20-90, and combinations, such as, Symmetric-symmetric; Asymmetric-symmetric; and Asymmetric-asymmetric. Measurements made with a multi-component logging instrument when used in a substantially horizontal, vertical or deviated borehole in earth formations are diagnostic of the direction of resistive beds relative to the position of the borehole.

Methods and systems for efficiently acquiring towed streamer marine seismic data are described. One method and system comprises positioning a plurality of source-only tow vessels and one or more source-streamer tow vessels to acquire a wide- and / or full-azimuth seismic survey without need for the spread to repeat a path once traversed. Another method and system allows surveying a sub-sea geologic feature using a marine seismic spread, the spread smartly negotiating at least one turn during the surveying, and shooting and recording during the turn. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, allowing a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the

The present invention is a method of hydrodynamics-based gridding (Hydro-Grids) for creating geologic models of subsurface volumes, such as reservoirs. Vertical grid surfaces may be chosen in an unstructured fashion to provide lateral resolution where needed. Lateral grid surfaces are created to represent surfaces of constant geologic time based on simulation of the depositional processes that created the subsurface volume. The values of geologic properties are then specified within each cell created by the intersections of the vertical and lateral surfaces. The geologic data may include, for example, seismic data, outcrop studies, well log data, core data, numerical modeling data, and interpreted stratigraphic surfaces based on seismic data. The modeled geologic properties of the subsurface volume may include, for example, grain size distribution, connectivity, net-to-gross, porosity, permeability and pore pressure.

A method for geosteering while drilling a formation includes generating a plurality of formation models for the formation, where each of the plurality of the formation models includes a set of parameters and a resistivity tool therein and locations of the resistivity tool differ in the plurality of the formation models. The method may also include computing predicted tool responses for the resistivity tool in the plurality of formation models, acquiring resistivity measurements using the resistivity tool in the formation, and determining an optimum formation model based on a comparison between the actual tool response and the predicted tool responses. The method may also include steering a bottom home assembly based on the optimum formation model.

This invention is directed to a downhole method and apparatus for simultaneously determining the horizontal resistivity, vertical resistivity, and relative dip angle for anisotropic earth formations. The present invention accomplishes this objective by using an antenna configuration in which a transmitter antenna and a receiver antenna are oriented in non-parallel planes such that the vertical resistivity and the relative dip angle are decoupled. Preferably, either the transmitter or the receiver is mounted in a conventional orientation in a first plane that is normal to the tool axis, and the other antenna is mounted in a second plane that is not parallel to the first plane. This invention also relates to a method and apparatus for steering a downhole tool during a drilling operation in order to maintain the borehole within a desired earth formation. The steering capability is enabled by computing the difference or the ratio of the phase-based or amplitude-based responses of the receiver antennas which are mounted in planes that are not parallel to the planes of the transmitter antennas. Although this invention is primarily intended for MWD or LWD applications, this invention is also applicable to wireline and possibly other applications.

Method for prediction of mechanical properties used in the description of large-strain plastic deformation for any subsurface rock strata of interest. The method is not specific to any geographic region, geological environment or subsurface depth interval, nor is it constrained to a specific lithology or plastic mechanical property. Predictive algorithms for triaxial compressive strength and rock compressibility are derived (23) from a mechanical properties database (21), and used to predict subsurface variation in mechanical properties such as rock strength or rock compressibility, with petrophysical properties generated from, for example, geophysical wireline logs as input to the algorithms (26).

The invention relates to the field of coal mine safety technique, specifically to a down-hole coal and gas outburst hazard early warning system and early warning method. The coal and gas outburst synthesized early-warning system, uses the existing local area network to connect a synthesized early-warning data server, an early-warning data management system and the existing coal mine safety monitoring system; analyzes the coal and gas outburst early-warning data in the synthesized early-warning data server by an outburst early-warning module; and emits early-warning information based on the analyzed result. The inventive coal and gas outburst synthesized early warning system and early warning method can perform centralized management and comprehensive analysis of the geological structure, coal seam occurrence, gas occurrence, mining production, daily forecast indicators, outburst forecast, gas emission and other security information that originally scatter in various functional sections of coal mine on the geographical information system GIS platform, integrates the existing resources, improves the accuracy of early warning, so that the early warning is both real-time and forward-looking, and can effectively prevent the occurrence of coal and gas outburst in coal mine.

Methods for characterizing a geological formation, the methods include retrieving measured data provided by a measuring tool along one or more logged borehole length for a borehole, another borehole or both in order to produce a borehole imaging log. Selecting depth-defined intervals of the borehole imaging log as training images for inputting in a multi-point geostatistical model. Determining pattern based simulations for each training image using a pixel-based template of the multi-point geostatistical model so as to obtain training image patterns. Using the pattern based simulation of each training image to assign to each of the training image a corresponding training image pattern. Constructing from the training image patterns one or more fullbore image log of a borehole wall of the borehole. Repeat the second to fourth steps through the one or more logged borehole length in order to construct fullbore images from successive, adjacent training images.

Measurements made with a multicomponent logging instrument when used in a substantially horizontal borehole in earth formations are diagnostic of the direction of beds relative to the position of the borehole. When the logging instrument is conveyed on a drilling assembly, the drilling trajectory may be maintained to follow a predetermined trajectory or to maintain a desired distance from a boundary such as an oil-water contact.

Techniques and a system for performing geological interpretation operations in support of energy resources exploration and production perform well log correlation operations for generating a set of graphical data describing the predetermined geological region. The process and system interpret the geological environment of the predetermined geological region from measured surface and fault data associated with the predetermined geological region. Allowing the user to query and filter graphical data representing the predetermined geological region, the method and system present manipulable three-dimensional geological interpretations of two-dimensional geological data relating to the predetermined geological region and provide displays of base map features associated with the predetermined geological region. The method and system automatically update the manipulable three-dimensional geological interpretations of two-dimensional data relating to the predetermined geological region, as well as calculate three-dimensional well log and seismic interpretations of geological data relating to the predetermined geological region.

A method for updating a geological reservoir model by integration of dynamic data having application, for example, to petroleum reservoir development. An initial map (y) of petrophysical properties is constructed by means of a geostatistical simulator and of static data. Then an initial set of gradual pilot points (PPi) and at least one complementary set of gradual pilot points (PPc) are constructed. A combined set of gradual pilot points (PP(t)) is then constructed by combining these sets of gradual pilot points according to the gradual deformation method wherein at least one deformation parameter is a characteristic parameter of said pilot points (position and / or value). The initial map (y) is then modified, the deformation parameters are modified according to the dynamic data and the procedure is repeated until a stop criterion is reached and the geological reservoir model is updated by associating the map thus optimized with the grid of the model.

A closed-loop method for geosteering includes acquiring logging while drilling data and processing the logging while drilling data downhole while drilling to obtain a geosteering correction (a correction to the drilling direction based upon the LWD measurements). The geosteering correction is further processed downhole to obtain new steering tool settings which are then applied to the steering tool to change the direction of drilling. These steps are typically repeated numerous times without the need for uphole processing or surface intervention.

A prestack migration method allowing imaging of an underground zone, for a given velocity model of arbitrary complexity. By means of conventional wave propagation and retropropagation modelling tools, the method allows to obtain elementary migrated images associated with the values assumed by a parameter and the sum of the images obtained for the different values of the parameter (post-migration stacking), in the depth domain as well as in the time domain. This migration is obtained at an attractive price (calculation cost) because it is independent of the volume of the results calculated and of the number of seismic traces recorded. Only the volume of the zone in which the waves are propagated, the complexity of the events to be imaged and the desired accuracy have an effect on the calculation cost. Volume images are thus obtained by taking account of all the seismic traces. It is thus possible to implement a plane wave migration procedure in cases where acquisition does not allow synthesis of the subsurface response to a plane wave excitation, a response required from the outset in conventional plane wave migration algorithms. The method can be applied for imaging of geologic interfaces or heterogeneities of a part of an underground zone.

The invention provides a geological environment information-fused absolute positioning device and method for a coal cutter, which belongs to absolute positioning devices and methods for coal cutters. An explosion-proof enclosure is fixed on the body of a coal cutter. A coal cutter positioning device is arranged in and connected with the explosion-proof enclosure and comprises an aspect sensor, an inertial measurement unit, a vibration sensor, an ultra wide band (UWB) wireless positioning system sensor and a positioning data microprocessing unit, wherein the output ends of the aspect sensor, the inertial measurement unit, the vibration sensor, the UWB wireless positioning system sensor and a shaft encoder are connected with the input end of the positioning data microprocessing unit, the output end of the positioning data microprocessing unit is connected with the input end of an industrial control computer through a data output interface, and positioning labels are arranged on the coal wall of a roadway and a hydraulic support at an equal interval. The invention has the following advantages: geological environment information and the coal cutter are integrated in a same space-time system, the operation route of the coal cutter is planned, footage and mining height of the coal cutter are adjusted, situations possibly incurring danger are avoided in advance, and the other advantages of practicality, safety, reliability and convenient installation and operation are obtained.

A method that involves developing an electromagnetic property model of a near surface area and using this electromagnetic property model and electromagnetic data acquired using one or more electromagnetic transmitters located above the near surface area and one or more electromagnetic receivers located within a wellbore to determine one or more electromagnetic properties of a subsurface area. Also an electromagnetic data acquisition system that includes one or more electromagnetic transmitters capable of being operated on the earth's surface, one or more first electromagnetic receivers capable of being operated within a wellbore and capable of receiving signals from the one or more electromagnetic transmitters, and one or more second electromagnetic receivers capable of being located on the earth's surface near the one or more electromagnetic transmitters and capable of receiving signals from the one or more electromagnetic transmitters. Related embodiments are also described.

An apparatus is provided for assessing the location of a drill bit underground. The apparatus includes an acoustic sound generator that is driven by the drilling mud supplied to the drill bit. The sound generator a characteristic string of pulses, which may be termed a signature or key. The key is repeated over and over. Monitors (i.e., sensors) at the surface listen for this key. The key is distorted by the inconstant angular velocity of the drill bit. Thus the observed data do not precisely match the key. On the basis of numerical algorithms, a digitally revised reference signal or key, is identified to map the known reference key onto the best fitting observed data. The correction factors are then applied to map the modified reference key onto the data observed at other sensors of an array of sensors mounted on the surface. By determining the phase shift and travel time of the signals at the various sensors, and having determined the speed of wave propagation in the geological media, the position of the bit, or a fairly close approximation thereof, may be obtained. The correction factors applied to the reference key may also tend to permit the actual rotational speed of the drill bit to be determined.

A system and method for the geomechanical steering of the orientation of a wellbore is disclosed. In one embodiment, any available a priori data regarding the stress characteristics of a region of interest are used to develop a preliminary stress model for the region. A geosteered drilling operation is thereafter commenced, with the trajectory being steered in a direction relative to the stress model of the region. While drilling, real-time data is obtained from conventional down-hole instrumentation. The real-time data is used to refine the stress model for the region, such that the trajectory can be guided on an ongoing basis to achieve an optimal relationship with the measured stress characteristics of the region.

The invention provides a glutenite comprehensive geologic modeling method. The method comprises step1, performing analysis and arrangement on drilling well, earthquake, logging and stratigraphic correlation information to screen geologic model basic data; step2, building a stratum and tectonic framework model through single-well fine stratigraphic correlation, fine earthquake explanation and fine inter-bed and fracture system description; step3, recognizing and determining lithologic characteristics; step4, building a sedimentary facies model; step5, building an attribute model through a pore penetration model. By the aid of the method, the lithology identification accuracy is improved, and rapid division of the sedimentary facies is achieved through man-machine interaction.

Method for identifying geologic features from geophysical or attribute data using windowed principal component (22), or independent component, or diffusion mapping (61) analysis. Subtle features are made identifiable in partial or residual data volumes. The residual data volumes (24) are created by (36) eliminating data not captured by the most prominent principal components (14). The partial data volumes are created by (35) projecting the data (21) on to selected principal components (22, 61). Geologic features may also be identified from pattern analysis (77) or anomaly volumes (62, 79) generated with a variable-scale data similarity matrix (73). The method is suitable for identifying physical features indicative of hydrocarbon potential.

Method for analysis of hydrocarbon potential of subterranean regions by generating surfaces or geobodies and analyzing them for hydrocarbon indications. Reflection-based surfaces may be automatically created in a topologically consistent manner where individual surfaces do not overlap themselves and sets of multiple surfaces are consistent with stratigraphic superposition principles. Initial surfaces are picked from the seismic data (41), then broken into smaller parts (“patches”) that are predominantly topologically consistent (42), whereupon neighboring patches are merged in a topologically consistent way (43) to form a set of surfaces that are extensive and consistent (“skeleton”). Surfaces or geobodies thus extracted may be automatically analyzed and rated (214) based on a selected measure (213) such as AVO classification or one or more other direct hydrocarbon indicators (“DHI”). Topological consistency for one or more surfaces may be defined as no self overlap plus local and global consistency among multiple surfaces (52).

A block model constructing method for complex geological structures is provided. The method comprises the following steps: a) making a triangle mesh description of a layer plane or a fault plane; b) judging whether two triangles intersect, and finding out the intersection points if they intersect; c) performing a geometric consistency and topological consistency processing within every intersectant triangle; d) extracting an enclosing block to acquire an interface constituted of peripheral edges of the enclosing block, and defining a geological attribute of the enclosing block to form a three-dimensional model block. The method needs not to solve difficult equation sets with large computation, thus simplifying the constructing method.

The invention relates to a multi-scale crack model of a compact low-penetration reservoir and a modeling method of the model. The method comprises the following steps that (1) a multi-scale crack parameter is obtained; (2) a 3D basic geologic model is established; (3) in a space range determined by the 3D basic geologic model, single-scale crack 3D distribution models are established according to crack related data including the multi-scale crack parameter; and (4) a multi-scale 3D network model is established in an integrated manner by taking the single-scale crack 3D distribution models as object bodies. According to the modeling method, geologic, logging, 3D earthquake and other information are integrated, well point control and layered graded well constraint are carried out on the basis of a single-well crack evaluation result, a 3D network model and a 3D physical property model of the cracks in different scales in the compact low-penetration reservoir can be established, reliable information is provided for exploration and exploitation of crack type hydrocarbon reservoirs, and the risk cost of the exploration and exploitation of crack type hydrocarbon reservoirs is reduced.

A steering tool configured for making azimuthal and non-azimuthal formation evaluation measurements is disclosed. In one embodiment a rotary steerable tool includes at least one formation evaluation sensor deployed in the steering tool housing. The steering tool may include, for example, first and second circumferentially opposed formation evaluation sensors or first, second, and third formation evaluation sensors, each of which is radially offset and circumferentially aligned with a corresponding one of the steering tool blades. The invention further includes methods for geosteering in which a rotation rate of the steering tool housing in the borehole (and therefore the rotation rate of the formation evaluation sensors) is controlled. Steering decisions may be made utilizing the formation evaluation measurements and / or derived borehole images.

Method for transforming electromagnetic survey data acquired from a subsurface region to a subsurface resistivity model indicative of hydrocarbon accumulations or lack thereof. In one embodiment, data are selected for two or more non-zero frequencies (100), and a structural model of the region is developed based on available geological or geophysical information. An initial resistivity model of the region is developed based on the structural model (101), and the selected data are inverted to update the resistivity model (106) by iterative forward modeling (103) and minimizing an objective function (105) including a term measuring mismatch between model synthesized data and measured survey data, and another term being a diffusive regularization term that smoothes the resistivity model (104). The regularization term can involve a structure or geology constraint, such as an anisotropic resistivity symmetry axis or a structure axis, determined from the a priori information (102).

A computer-implemented method and system for simulating reservoir property trends, including petrophysical trends within facies geobodies, is provided. One embodiment includes discretizing a range of values of the reservoir property to be modeled into at least two categories and utilizing the categories to discretize the associated well data and training image into categorical well data and a categorical training image. An embodiment includes applying MPS simulation using the categorical training image on a stratigraphic grid of nodes discretizing the reservoir volume to create a categorical property model. The embodiment additionally includes applying variogram-based simulation in each sub-region of the categorical property model to create a reservoir property model that reproduces the category histogram of each associated sub-region and models the reservoir property trends.

The invention relates to a high-density rapid detection method based on z-component transmitting channel waves. The method is achieved by the following steps: (1) collecting data; (2) processing the data by firstly setting an observation system (that is, inputting shots and receiver points coordinates), collecting z-component channel waves by the observation system, and then performing channel wave data analysis, bandpass filtering and imaging in sequence; (3) interpreting the data by comprehensively judging chasms, falling columns and other geological abnormal developmental conditions in the working face based on the combination of the imaging result and the geological data disclosed by the working face laneway, and making an integrated interpretation map of the geological structure in the working face. The method greatly increases the work efficiency, allows the construction of the wide-span working face (more than 1000 m) to be completed within 8 hours, collects the Z-component channel wave signals at the same time by the measurement points which are arranged on the laneway lateral walls, increases the ray coverage density, collects the information as much as possible, and improves the detection precision.