Iterative Borehole Shape Estimation Using Ultrasonic Echo Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calculating borehole shape in subterranean formations are limited by pre-assumptions about geometry, which fail to accurately determine the shape of complex or irregular boreholes due to noise and debris distortion.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using multiple ultrasonic transducers to measure borehole geometry, employing a pre-sorting step and iterative fit-and-sort loop to detect and exclude distorted measurements, fitting an ellipse or circle to the data points based on specific criteria to achieve a robust estimation of borehole shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional ovality algorithms are used to fit measurements into an elliptical shape, then the borehole shape can be estimated with simple geometry assumptions, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates when measurements are distorted by noise or debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a pre-sorting step before the main fitting process. Distorted measurements are detected and removed in advance using criteria such as residual analysis and statistical thresholds. This preliminary cleanup ensures that only valid measurements are used in subsequent iterative fitting, preventing distorted data from compromising the final borehole shape estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through an iterative fit-and-sort loop. After initial fitting, the algorithm calculates residuals and identifies distorted measurements based on statistical criteria. These distorted measurements are then removed and the fitting process repeats with cleaned data. This feedback mechanism continuously improves measurement accuracy by eliminating outliers and refining the borehole shape model iteratively.
2Device complexity
If pre-assumptions about borehole geometry are made, then the calculation process is simplified, but the adaptability to complex or irregular borehole shapes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static geometry assumptions to a dynamic, adaptive approach. The algorithm begins with simple elliptical fitting but iteratively refines the model based on actual measurement data. The fit-and-sort loop allows the borehole shape model to adapt and evolve, accommodating irregular shapes and complex geometries that deviate from standard assumptions while maintaining computational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the fitting model parameters iteratively. The algorithm starts with elliptical parameters and progressively adjusts them based on residual analysis and distorted measurement removal. This parameter refinement process enables the model to capture complex borehole geometries by transforming simple geometric parameters into adaptive shape descriptors that reflect actual borehole conditions.
3Productivity
If all measurements are used for fitting, then the data utilization is maximized, but the reliability of the borehole shape estimation deteriorates due to distorted measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting and removing distorted measurements from the dataset. The pre-sorting and iterative fit-and-sort processes identify measurements that deviate from the expected borehole shape pattern using statistical criteria. These extracted distorted measurements are excluded from the final fitting, ensuring that only reliable data contributes to the borehole shape estimation while maintaining high data utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by using a subset of valid measurements for fitting rather than all available measurements. The iterative process selectively includes only those measurements that meet quality criteria, excluding distorted or outlier measurements. This partial usage of data ensures higher reliability of the borehole shape estimation by focusing on high-quality measurements while still utilizing the majority of valid data points.
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 approach provides a more accurate and robust estimation of borehole shape, effectively handling distorted measurements and improving drilling efficiency by enabling real-time adjustments and reducing operational failures.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a pressure pulse from the at least one transducer, the pressure pulse being reflected as an echo; recording the echo with the at least one transducer
Data Source
AI summary
A method for identifying a shape of a borehole may comprise disposing a downhole tool into the borehole, wherein the downhole tool comprises at least one transducer, transmitting a pressure pulse from the at least one transducer, wherein the pressure pulse is reflected as an echo, recording the echo with the at least one transducer, producing data points based at least in part on the echo, each data point including a radial distance value and an azimuthal value corresponding to the radial distance value, performing a pre-selection, fitting a geometric shape to a plurality of data points within the borehole, and sorting out at least one of the plurality of data points based at least in part on the shape. A system for identifying shape of a borehole may comprise at least one transducer and an information handling system.