Estimating Anisotropic Stresses via Wellbore Deviation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Determining stresses and mechanical properties in anisotropic formations, such as transverse isotropic formations, is challenging due to their complex nature and the requirement for various measurement data and simulation models, especially in scenarios with incomplete data.

Innovation Solution

A method that estimates anisotropic properties by determining the deviation of a wellbore and using non-sonic measurement data to select a computer-implemented model, which determines unknown elastic constants for an elastic stiffness matrix, allowing for the estimation of anisotropic stresses and mechanical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple simulation models and measurement data are used to determine stresses and mechanical properties in anisotropic formations, then the accuracy of the determination is improved, but the complexity of the process increases and the difficulty of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of stress and mechanical property determinationVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the complex problem of determining multiple stress and mechanical property parameters in anisotropic formations into a more manageable problem by changing the approach from direct measurement to calculation based on elastic constants. The system determines five elastic constants (C11, C33, C44, C66, C13) from sonic measurement data and applies simulation models to calculate the required stress and mechanical properties, thereby reducing measurement complexity while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces simulation models as intermediary tools that bridge the gap between sonic measurement data and the desired stress/mechanical property information. These models act as mediators that process the raw measurement data and transform it into meaningful geological parameters, simplifying the overall determination process while improving accuracy through multiple model comparisons

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If sonic measurement data is used to determine elastic constants in anisotropic formations, then the measurement capability is improved, but the reliability decreases when data is incomplete

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to measure elastic constantsVSAvoidreliability of determination with incomplete data

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal determination method that can handle both complete and incomplete sonic measurement data scenarios. The system is designed to work with various combinations of the five elastic constants (C11, C33, C44, C66, C13) by selecting appropriate simulation models based on the available data, making the determination process reliable regardless of data completeness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic model selection process where the system adapts its approach based on the available measurement data. Different simulation models are selected and applied depending on which elastic constants are known and which need to be determined, allowing the system to optimize its methodology for each specific data scenario and maintain reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the deviation of the wellbore is determined and computer-implemented models are selected based on non-sonic measurement data, then the adaptability to different formation conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different formation conditions and data availabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of model selection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by determining the wellbore deviation and assessing the availability of non-sonic measurement data before selecting the appropriate simulation models. This advance preparation allows the system to choose the most suitable models in advance, adapting to specific formation conditions and data availability without adding complexity during the actual determination process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the determination of wellbore deviation and available measurement data feeds into the model selection process. The system uses this feedback information to automatically select appropriate simulation models, creating an adaptive workflow that responds to actual formation conditions while managing complexity through automated decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3071787B1Workflow for determining stresses and/or mechanical properties in anisotropic formations

Publication Date: 2020.06.24 SERVICES PETROLIERS SCHLUMBERGER SA

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3

AI summary

A method, apparatus, and program product estimate anisotropic properties of an anisotropic formation based at least in part on determinations of a deviation of a wellbore associated with the anisotropic formation and an availability of non-sonic measurement data associated with the anisotropic formation. The determinations are used in the selection of at least one computer-implemented model that in turn may be applied to determine one or more unknown elastic constants for an elastic stiffness matrix.