Azimuthal Electromagnetic Borehole Characterization Using Orientation Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current borehole characterization methods using resistivity measurements face challenges in accurately determining formation and mud resistivity, often requiring multiple transmitter-receiver pairs and longer tool designs, which can hinder the look-ahead ability and increase tool length.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting azimuthal electromagnetic signals at two operating frequencies, decoupling orientation components, and using these components to determine borehole characteristics such as formation and mud resistivity, employing a single transmitter with collocated receivers to reduce tool length and enhance look-ahead capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple transmitter-receiver pairs are used to determine formation and mud resistivity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and tool length increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electromagnetic signal into multiple orientation components (xx, yy, zz, xy, yz, zx components) that can be independently analyzed. By decoupling these components from a single transmitter-receiver pair, the system achieves measurement precision comparable to multiple pairs while reducing device complexity. Each orientation component provides specific information about formation and mud resistivity, allowing accurate determination without requiring multiple physical transmitter-receiver combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a spatial dimension solution (multiple transmitter-receiver pairs) to a signal dimension solution (multiple orientation components from a single pair). By analyzing electromagnetic signals in the orientation component domain rather than requiring multiple physical configurations, the system resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple transmitter-receiver pairs are used, then measurement precision is improved, but tool length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electromagnetic signal into multiple orientation components (xx, yy, zz, xy, yz, zx components) that can be independently analyzed. By decoupling these components from a single transmitter-receiver pair, the system achieves measurement precision comparable to multiple pairs while reducing device complexity. Each orientation component provides specific information about formation and mud resistivity, allowing accurate determination without requiring multiple physical transmitter-receiver combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple transmitter-receiver pairs into a single pair by utilizing multiple orientation components of the electromagnetic signal. This consolidation achieves the same measurement objectives with a more compact tool design, directly addressing the contradiction between measurement precision and tool length.
3Measurement precision
If longer tool designs are used, then measurement precision is improved, but look-ahead ability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a spatial dimension solution (longer tool with multiple pairs) to a signal dimension solution (multiple orientation components from a single pair). By analyzing electromagnetic signals in the orientation component domain, the system achieves accurate borehole characteristic determination with a shorter tool, thereby improving look-ahead ability while maintaining measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for accurate determination of borehole characteristics with reduced tool length, improving the look-ahead ability and enabling more precise steering and operation planning in hydrocarbon well systems.
Implementation Method 1
receiving azimuthal electromagnetic signals obtained in the borehole, wherein the azimuthal electromagnetic signals are transmitted at two operating frequencies in the borehole
Implementation Method 2
A resistivity tool is one example, which transmits an electromagnetic signal into the formation and receives a formation response that can be used to determine the formation resistivity
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a method of determining one or more characteristics associated with a borehole, a computer program product that directs operations of a processor when executed to determine characteristics associated with a borehole, and a borehole characterizing system. In one example the method includes: (1) receiving azimuthal electromagnetic signals obtained in the borehole, wherein the azimuthal electromagnetic signals are transmitted at two operating frequencies in the borehole, (2) decoupling orientation components from the azimuthal electromagnetic signals of the two frequencies, (3) determining one or more borehole characteristics using one or more of the orientation components at the two operating frequencies, and (4) performing a borehole correction based on at least one of the one or more borehole characteristics.