Azimuthal Resistivity Logging Tool with Tilted Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resistivity logging tools face limitations in simultaneously achieving deep investigation and accurate azimuthal resistivity measurements due to size and length constraints, which restrict the types of measurements that can be logged during drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A resistivity logging tool with tilted antennas and a modular design that allows for both symmetric and asymmetric measurement configurations, enabling deep bed boundary detection and azimuthal resistivity logging with a single tool, using a combination of transmitters and receivers with varying spacings to enhance measurement depth and spatial resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the drilling assembly size and length are increased to include more logging tools, then more measurement types can be logged, but the size and length limitations of the drilling assembly are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (azimuthal resistivity measurement and bed boundary detection) into a single integrated logging tool. The tool incorporates both symmetric transmitter-receiver configurations for azimuthal resistivity and asymmetric configurations for bed boundary detection, eliminating the need for separate tools and reducing overall assembly length.
Solution Approach 2:
The logging tool is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple measurement types simultaneously. It includes transmitter-receiver configurations that can operate in both symmetric and asymmetric modes, enabling the same physical tool to provide both azimuthal resistivity data and bed boundary detection capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If symmetric transmitter-receiver configurations are used, then azimuthal resistivity measurements are obtained, but deep bed boundary detection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric transmitter-receiver configurations specifically for bed boundary detection. By positioning transmitters and receivers at unequal spacings (e.g., first transmitter at spacing d1, second transmitter at spacing d2 where d1 ≠ d2), the tool creates asymmetric electromagnetic field patterns that enhance sensitivity to deep bed boundaries while maintaining separate symmetric configurations for azimuthal resistivity measurements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate logging tools are used to achieve both azimuthal resistivity measurement and bed boundary detection, then measurement completeness is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple logging tool functions into a single integrated device. The tool incorporates both symmetric transmitter-receiver configurations for azimuthal resistivity measurement and asymmetric configurations for bed boundary detection, along with processing circuitry that simultaneously handles both measurement types, thereby reducing device complexity and assembly size.
Solution Approach 2:
The logging tool achieves universal functionality by incorporating multiple transmitter-receiver configurations that can operate in different modes. The same physical tool provides both azimuthal resistivity data through symmetric configurations and bed boundary detection through asymmetric configurations, eliminating the need for separate specialized tools.
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
The tool provides enhanced depth of investigation and accurate azimuthal resistivity measurements, enabling effective bed boundary detection and geosteering capabilities, improving the ability to steer the drilling assembly and gather formation data.
Implementation Method 1
one or more antennas for transmitting an electromagnetic signal into the formation
Implementation Method 2
one or more antennas for receiving a formation response
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for performing bed boundary detection and azimuthal resistivity logging using a logging tool with a pair of tilted receiver antennas having a midpoint on a longitudinal axis of the logging tool, a first pair of transmitter antennas symmetrically spaced from said midpoint, and a third tilted receiver antenna positioned farther from said midpoint than the transmitter antennas. Method embodiments include energizing each transmitter antenna of the first pair in a firing sequence and obtaining, responsive to the energizing, measurements with a pair of tilted receiver antennas equally spaced from said midpoint. Methods may also include obtaining, responsive to energizing of a more distant one of the first pair of transmitter antennas, measurements with a third tilted receiver antenna positioned farther from the midpoint than the transmitter antennas.