3D Stratigraphic Modeling for Deviated Wellbore Interpretation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In directional drilling, accurately interpreting the structural and stratigraphic characteristics of deviated and horizontal wells in heterogeneous formations is challenging due to varying stratigraphic composition and layering, which complicates the alignment and correlation of measurement signatures, especially when wellbores pass through the same stratigraphic layer multiple times.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the calculation of true stratigraphic thickness in three dimensions (TST3D) using a reference surface, allowing for the generation of three-dimensional stratigraphic and structural models that fit the wellbore path, and iterative adjustments to improve model accuracy, including the use of deviation surveys and formation measurements to correct for faults and bedding plane orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If directional drilling is used to place wellbores in specific regions or between stratigraphic layers, then well placement flexibility is improved, but structural interpretation accuracy deteriorates in heterogeneous formations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D stratigraphic interpretation to 3D visualization and modeling. By creating three-dimensional models of stratigraphic layers and wellbore trajectories, the system enables accurate interpretation of complex deviated and horizontal wells that pass through the same layer multiple times, resolving the contradiction between well placement flexibility and interpretation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces deviation surveys and 3D modeling as intermediary tools between the wellbore and stratigraphic interpretation. These intermediaries provide additional spatial information that enables accurate correlation of measurement signatures even when wells traverse the same layer repeatedly, maintaining interpretation accuracy while preserving directional drilling flexibility.
2Productivity
If a wellbore passes through the same stratigraphic layer multiple times, then access to targeted zones is improved, but alignment and correlation of measurement signatures becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs 3D visualization to display wellbore trajectories and stratigraphic layers in three-dimensional space. This allows interpreters to distinguish between different passages through the same layer by visualizing the spatial context, wellbore orientation, and depth information, thereby enabling accurate alignment and correlation of measurement signatures despite multiple traversals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through 3D models that show the relationship between wellbore path and stratigraphic layers. By displaying correlation information and measurement signatures in the context of 3D geometry, the system enables continuous refinement and verification of alignment accuracy, making it possible to correctly identify and correlate measurements from multiple passages through the same layer.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional 2D stratigraphic interpretation methods are used, then processing simplicity is maintained, but accuracy of formation characterization deteriorates in complex subsurface formations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements 3D visualization and modeling capabilities that transform traditional 2D interpretation workflows into three-dimensional representations. This enables accurate formation characterization in complex subsurface formations by displaying stratigraphic layers, wellbore trajectories, and measurement data in their true spatial context, while maintaining user-friendly interactive interfaces for analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of generating structural models of highly deviated or horizontal wells may be generated from the measurement of true stratigraphic thickness in three dimensions (TST3D). In one aspect, methods may include generating a structural model from one or more deviation surveys of a horizontal well, one or more single channel log measurements, and a three-dimensional reference surface.