3D Borehole Mesh Generation from CT Scan Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for describing wellbore failure, such as mechanical multi-arm caliper logs, provide limited radial measurements and lack comprehensive descriptions of wellbore shape, whereas borehole images contain valuable information that can inform drilling geomechanics models but are not effectively utilized for quantitative analysis.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that converts borehole images, particularly CT-scan and ultrasonic images, into three-dimensional structures for numerical modeling by performing triangulation and meshing to generate nodal coordinates, enabling accurate rock failure prediction and drilling window advisory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical multi-arm caliper logs are used to describe wellbore failure, then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision and comprehensiveness of wellbore shape description are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems (multi-arm caliper logs) with image-based optical systems (acoustic or electrical imaging tools). This substitution enables comprehensive 360-degree wellbore imaging with higher resolution, capturing detailed wellbore shape information without the mechanical constraints of physical caliper arms, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from limited radial measurements at discrete angles (1D point measurements) to continuous 360-degree circumferential imaging with 3D reconstruction capabilities. By converting 2D image data into 3D wellbore geometry representations, the system achieves comprehensive wellbore shape description that captures asymmetries and irregularities invisible to conventional caliper methods
2Loss of information
If borehole images are collected to extract comprehensive wellbore information, then the information completeness improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring and data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specialized image processing software and algorithms as intermediaries between the raw borehole images and the numerical models. These intermediary tools automatically perform triangulation, radius calculation, and 3D mesh generation, transforming complex image data into structured geometric representations that can be directly integrated into drilling geomechanics models without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital 3D copies of the wellbore geometry from 2D borehole images through triangulation and meshing processes. These digital replicas preserve all wellbore shape information while enabling easy manipulation, analysis, and integration into numerical simulations, effectively converting complex image data into usable geometric models
3Manufacturing precision
If 3D numerical model mesh is generated from borehole images through triangulation and meshing, then the manufacturing precision of the numerical model improves, but the productivity and processing time decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary image processing steps (contrast adjustment, feature detection, triangulation) before final mesh generation. By pre-processing the images to extract key geometric features and create intermediate representations, the system reduces the computational burden of subsequent meshing operations, enabling high-precision models to be generated more efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the complex meshing process into discrete computational stages: image preprocessing, feature detection, triangulation, radius calculation, and mesh generation. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently and enables parallel processing where applicable, improving overall productivity while maintaining manufacturing precision
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method, medium, and system for converting borehole images into three dimensional structures for numerical modeling and simulation applications are disclosed. In one computer-implemented method, multiple CT-scan images of a core sample of a rock are received, where the core sample includes a borehole, and the multiple CT-scan images are cross-section images of the core sample at multiple depths of the borehole. A triangulation process is performed on pixels of each CT-scan image and with respect to each of multiple circumferential position angles. Multiple radii of the borehole corresponding to the multiple circumferential position angles are determined for each CT-scan image. Multiple nodal coordinates of 3D numerical model mesh of the borehole are generated based on the multiple radii of the borehole. An advisory on drilling window limits of mud weight is provided based on the multiple nodal coordinates of the 3D numerical model mesh of the borehole.