Azimuthal Resistivity Logging for Smooth Drilling-Sliding Transitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing resistivity logging tools experience artifacts in the form of 'jumps' in resistivity signals when transitioning between drilling and sliding modes due to incomplete azimuthal measurements, which can lead to incorrect steering decisions during wellbore drilling.

Innovation Solution

Estimate the lateral component during sliding mode using previously collected data from drilling mode to adjust impedance measurements, thereby smoothing the resistivity signal and eliminating these artifacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the drill string operates in sliding mode, then the tool can navigate tight spots and directional sections, but the resistivity measurements become incomplete and discontinuous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to navigate tight spots and directional sectionsVSAvoidcompleteness and continuity of resistivity measurements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting the drill string mode (drilling vs. sliding) before processing resistivity measurements. When sliding mode is detected, the system applies corrective processing using data from drilling mode periods to compensate for the incomplete azimuthal measurements, thereby maintaining measurement continuity throughout the logging process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the operational mode of the drill string and using this information to adjust the measurement processing in real-time. The feedback loop ensures that when sliding mode is detected, appropriate corrections are applied to maintain measurement quality, and when drilling mode is detected, full azimuthal measurements are collected for future correction use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the drill string transitions between drilling and sliding modes, then operational flexibility is improved, but artifacts and discontinuities appear in the resistivity log

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibility between drilling and sliding modesVSAvoidaccuracy of resistivity log interpretation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary processing step that acts as a mediator between raw measurements and final interpretive logs. This intermediary layer detects mode transitions and applies specific corrections to eliminate artifacts, ensuring that the final resistivity log accurately represents formation properties rather than operational artifacts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts and removes the harmful artifacts caused by mode transitions from the resistivity log. By identifying discontinuities and artifacts resulting from sliding mode operations, the system extracts only the true formation signal, leaving behind a clean log suitable for accurate interpretation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If complete azimuthal measurements are collected during drilling mode, then measurement quality is improved, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of resistivity measurementsVSAvoidtime required to collect complete azimuthal measurements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by collecting complete azimuthal measurements during drilling mode when the tool is rotating, storing this data for later use. When sliding mode occurs and complete measurements cannot be collected, the pre-collected drilling mode data is applied to maintain measurement quality without requiring additional measurement time during sliding operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Provides a smoothed resistivity log with reduced discontinuities, allowing for more accurate formation evaluation and steering decisions by eliminating the need to distinguish between real formation boundaries and mode-induced artifacts.

Implementation Method 1

The nature of the electromagnetic measurement requires that the tool be equipped with a loop antenna that fits around the drill collar and emits electromagnetic waves. The waves travel through the immediate wellbore environment and are detected by a pair of receiver antennae.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12392923B2Resistivity logging in sliding mode

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for smoothing a resistivity log are disclosed. An azimuthal resistivity tool measures azimuthal impedances at multiple azimuthal angles around a wellbore axis at each depth. It is determined whether the drill string was in a drilling mode or a sliding mode at the depth. If the drill string was in the drilling mode, a co-axial component and a lateral component are determined based in part on the azimuthal impedances associated with the depth and the lateral component is stored. If the drill string was in the sliding mode, a second co-axial component is determined based in part on at least one of the plurality of azimuthal impedances and a previously stored lateral component. The resistivity log is plotted from resistivities determined from the first and second co-axial components at each depth.