Deviated Wellbore Log Correlation for Automated Formation Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geosteering methods for deviated well drilling are time-consuming and subjective, relying on manual well log correlation that is inefficient and limited by heterogeneity in geophysical measurements across different wellbores.
Innovation Solution
A trajectory control system that uses a processor to analyze well log data, segment based on formation properties, correlate segments for matching scores, and convert deviated logs into vertical pseudo logs to guide the drill bit accurately along targeted formations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual well log correlation is used, then geological interpretation expertise can be applied, but the process becomes time-consuming and subjective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the well log correlation process into distinct computational steps: data preprocessing, feature extraction, correlation algorithm execution, and result validation. This segmentation enables automated processing while maintaining geological interpretation quality by applying different processing techniques to different aspects of the correlation task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of well log correlation with an automated computational system using algorithms such as dynamic time warping (DTW) and cross-correlation. This substitution eliminates subjectivity and significantly reduces processing time while maintaining or improving correlation accuracy through consistent application of mathematical methods.
2Extent of automation
If algorithmic approaches like dynamic time warping are used, then automation is achieved, but the method is limited to offset well correlation and cannot handle heterogeneous geophysical measurements from different wellbores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms heterogeneous well log data from different wellbores into a standardized format by applying parameter transformations. Different geophysical measurements are normalized and scaled to common reference frames, enabling automated algorithms to process diverse data types uniformly while preserving their distinctive geological characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary processing layers between the raw heterogeneous data and the correlation algorithms. These intermediaries include data normalization functions, feature standardization routines, and coordinate transformation systems that mediate between different measurement types and enable their consistent comparison through automated methods.
3Productivity
If deviated well drilling is used, then better production performance is achieved, but the wellbore trajectory control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based trajectory control system that continuously monitors wellbore position using real-time well log data and automated correlation results. The system compares actual trajectory with the planned path, calculates deviations, and provides corrective steering recommendations to maintain optimal wellbore positioning in deviated formations, thereby simplifying complex trajectory management through closed-loop control.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for characterizing a subterranean formation that include a drill bit for drilling a deviated wellbore through the formation and that repeatedly changes direction. Also included is a directional drilling system and measurement equipment to detect a property of the formation. A trajectory control system is operable to: receive a well log; determine a property of the wellbore; segment the well log based on the property; and correlate one of the segments with the well log previous to the segment to determine a matching score for the segment. If the matching score is equal to or greater than a minimum threshold, the segment was taken in the formation and at the same stratigraphical true vertical depth (“STVD”). If the matching score is less than the minimum threshold, the segment was not taken in the formation and not at the same STVD and the STVD is estimated.