Azimuthal Sonic Tool for Real-Time Brittleness Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling technologies lack the capability to provide real-time, azimuthal formation brittleness measurements, which are crucial for optimizing borehole placement and avoiding instability issues during drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using an azimuthal sonic tool to measure compressional and shear wave velocities within the borehole, deriving the azimuthal brittleness index from these measurements, and displaying it in real-time to drillers for geosteering adjustments, utilizing a processor to generate a brittleness image log that guides the drillstring based on the brittleness information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional logging tools are used, then basic formation characteristics can be measured, but azimuthal brittleness measurements cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The sonic logging tool is divided into multiple independent transmitter-receiver pairs positioned at different azimuthal angles around the borehole. Each pair independently measures wave velocities in specific directional sectors, enabling azimuthal resolution of formation properties without requiring a completely new tool design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from conventional isotropic velocity measurements to anisotropic measurements by adding the azimuthal dimension. Multiple transmitter-receiver pairs are positioned at different angular positions around the borehole, creating a multi-dimensional measurement space that captures directional variations in formation velocity and brittleness.
2Productivity
If real-time azimuthal brittleness measurements are implemented, then drilling decisions can be optimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores velocity anisotropy parameters and brittleness indices from the multi-azimuthal velocity measurements. These pre-computed parameters are then rapidly displayed and used for real-time drilling decisions, reducing the computational burden during actual drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to drillers through visual displays showing azimuthal variations in velocity and calculated brittleness. This feedback loop enables continuous adjustment of drilling parameters and borehole trajectory based on measured formation characteristics, optimizing drilling efficiency while managing system complexity through automated processing.
3Measurement precision
If multiple transmitter-receiver pairs are used for azimuthal measurements, then measurement accuracy improves, but tool complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple transmitter-receiver pairs are merged into a single integrated logging tool assembly. The tool combines acoustic transmitters, receivers, azimuthal positioning sensors, and processing electronics into one unified device that can be deployed through the drill string, reducing operational complexity despite the increased number of measurement components.
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 solution enables drillers to make informed decisions about borehole direction, enhancing the likelihood of accessing permeable formations while minimizing the risk of borehole instability and collapse, thereby optimizing drilling operations and reducing economic and environmental losses.
Implementation Method 1
a sonic logging tool, which operates by generating sonic pulses and measuring the time it takes for such pulses to propagate along the borehole
Implementation Method 2
measuring the time it takes for such pulses to propagate along the borehole
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for gathering, deriving, and displaying the azimuthal brittleness index of a borehole. At least some embodiments include various methods for calculating and displaying borehole measurements in real-time for geosteering and drilling operations. At least one disclosed method embodiment for calculating and displaying azimuthal brittleness includes taking measurements of compressional and shear wave velocities as a function of position and orientation from inside the borehole. These velocity measurements are taken by a azimuthal sonic tool. Azimuthal brittleness is then derived based at least in part on the compressional and shear wave velocities.