Automated Borehole Dip Interpretation for Formation Geometry

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for interpreting formation geometry around a borehole are limited by the need for costly seismic data, expertise in local geology, and time-consuming manual processes, especially when dealing with steeply dipping layers or complex geological structures.

Innovation Solution

A method involving borehole dip data analysis using a web model workflow to generate instantaneous geological cross-sections, which includes pre-processing, applying geological models, and recognizing structural and sedimentary features, enabling accurate and automated near-well structural analysis across multiple wells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If seismic data and manual interpretation methods are used, then formation interpretation accuracy is improved, but processing time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformation interpretation accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical interpretation processes with an automated computer-based system that uses borehole dip data and geological models to generate instantaneous geological cross-sections, eliminating time-consuming manual analysis while maintaining interpretation accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates simplified digital representations (copies) of complex geological structures through automated modeling, allowing rapid analysis and interpretation without requiring expensive seismic data or extensive manual processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If seismic data and expert analysis are used, then formation interpretation accuracy is improved, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformation interpretation accuracyVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses readily available, low-cost borehole dip data from existing wells as the primary input, replacing expensive seismic surveys while achieving comparable or superior interpretation accuracy through automated modeling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically processing borehole dip data through geological models to generate interpretation results without requiring expensive external seismic data acquisition or specialized expert analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automated methods are used, then processing speed is improved, but ability to handle complex geological structures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidcomplex structure analysis capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms complex geological structure analysis into standardized computational parameters through automated modeling, allowing the system to handle diverse and complex structures by adjusting model parameters rather than requiring complex manual interpretation algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10151857B2Downhole interpretation techniques using borehole dips

Publication Date: 2018.12.11 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Embodiments of the disclosure involve a method comprising a method comprising inputting borehole dip data; determining characteristics of a plurality of dips based on the borehole dip data; applying one or more geological models to the characteristics; and generating one or more geological cross-sections based on geological modeling.