Crosswell Logging System for Interwell Formation Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well logging technologies face challenges in accurately determining the properties of earth formations between boreholes, particularly in generating reliable crosswell data sets to create precise formation models, due to limitations in detecting and analyzing electromagnetic field interactions across extended distances and varying depths.
Innovation Solution
A crosswell logging system is developed, comprising a surface transmitter generating electromagnetic fields, multiple axis sensors in boreholes to detect induced field signals, and a processing unit that generates crosswell data sets by determining differences in amplitude and phase angle between signals from different boreholes, enabling the creation of detailed formation models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic fields are used to investigate formation properties between boreholes, then the ability to characterize interwell spaces is improved, but the accuracy of detecting field interactions across extended distances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement process by using multiple receivers at different locations (first borehole, second borehole) to detect field signals. By dividing the interwell space into multiple measurement zones and combining data from multiple receivers, the system achieves both extended coverage and maintained measurement accuracy across distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processing unit as an intermediary that receives field signals from multiple receivers and generates crosswell data sets through signal processing. This intermediary component enables the system to maintain measurement precision by processing and analyzing the electromagnetic field interactions detected across extended distances between boreholes.
2Measurement precision
If multiple axis sensors are used to detect field signals in boreholes, then the sensitivity of detecting induced fields is improved, but the complexity of the detection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple axis sensors serve multiple functions: they detect electromagnetic field signals in three dimensions, determine both amplitude and phase angle differences, and provide data for generating crosswell data sets. This multi-functionality increases sensitivity while managing system complexity by consolidating detection capabilities into unified sensor units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-axis to multiple-axis sensing, adding dimensional capability to field detection. By measuring field signals across multiple axes (x, y, z directions), the system achieves enhanced sensitivity and comprehensive characterization of electromagnetic field interactions without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If crosswell data sets are generated by determining differences between field signals from multiple boreholes, then the accuracy of formation models is improved, but the complexity of data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit performs preliminary actions by automatically determining amplitude and phase angle differences between field signals from multiple boreholes. By pre-processing the raw field data to extract these critical differences, the system simplifies subsequent formation model generation while maintaining high accuracy in the crosswell data sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where the processing unit autonomously generates crosswell data sets by comparing field signals from multiple receivers. The automated processing of amplitude and phase differences reduces manual intervention requirements while ensuring consistent and accurate formation model data generation.
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 system enhances the accuracy and sensitivity of crosswell data sets, allowing for improved characterization of oil and gas reservoirs and better mapping of fluid saturation between boreholes, leading to more precise formation models and increased sensitivity in imaging interwell spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter at the earth's surface producing an electromagnetic field, a first receiver in a first borehole detecting a first field signal induced by the electromagnetic field, a second receiver in a second borehole detecting a second field signal induced by the electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses to generate a crosswell data set are described. In certain aspects, a method includes producing a first electromagnetic field at the earth's surface with a transmitter at a first location, detecting in a first borehole a first field signal induced by the first electromagnetic field, detecting in a second borehole a second field signal induced by the first electromagnetic field, and generating a crosswell data set from the first field signal and the second field signal. A formation model may be created from the crosswell data set.