Dipole Compressional Data Analysis for Formation Properties

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-dimensional analyses of shear data often fail to provide accurate results for determining formation properties, especially in slow formations where shear wave signals cannot be detected, and one-dimensional compressional data interpretation is insufficient.

Innovation Solution

Analyzing dipole compressional data in multiple dimensions, utilizing a logging tool with dipole and monopole transmitters and receivers to collect and process data in multiple borehole axial planes, allowing for the determination of subterranean structure properties by capitalizing on the isotropic behavior of dipole compressional velocities and slownesses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional multi-dimensional analyses of shear data are used to determine formation properties, then the analysis comprehensiveness is improved, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates because shear wave signals cannot be detected in slow formations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis comprehensivenessVSAvoidformation property determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measured parameter from shear wave properties to dipole compressional wave properties (velocities and slownesses). This parameter substitution allows measurements to be made in slow formations where shear waves cannot be detected, while still enabling determination of formation properties including anisotropy through the isotropic behavior of dipole compressional velocities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical shear wave measurement system with an acoustic dipole compressional wave measurement system. This substitution enables the logging tool to operate effectively in slow formations by using compressional waves instead of shear waves, maintaining measurement capability where conventional methods fail

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If one-dimensional compressional data interpretation is used, then the measurement simplicity is improved, but the determination accuracy of subterranean structure properties deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata interpretation simplicityVSAvoidsubterranean structure properties determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the analysis from one-dimensional to multi-dimensional interpretation of dipole compressional data. By analyzing data in multiple borehole axial planes and utilizing the isotropic behavior of dipole compressional velocities, the method achieves accurate determination of formation properties including anisotropy, while maintaining relative interpretive simplicity through the consistent isotropic response

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enables accurate determination of subterranean structure properties, including the presence of hydrocarbons or other desirable resources, by effectively quantifying stress-induced anisotropy and intrinsic anisotropy, providing more reliable results than traditional one-dimensional compressional data interpretation.

Implementation Method 1

Mechanical disturbances can be used to establish acoustic waves in earth formations surrounding a borehole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic wave propagation: Acoustics

Implementation Method 2

a logging tool includes one or more sonic (acoustic) sources (transmitters) and multiple spaced apart receivers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDipole compressional wave generation: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

Measurements are made by the receivers as the logging tool is moved slowly in the borehole. The sonic signals from the one or more transmitters enter the formation adjacent the borehole, and the arrival times and possibly other characteristics of receiver responses are used to find formation parameters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic signal detection: Acoustics

Implementation Method 4

capitalizing on the isotropic behavior of dipole compressional velocities and slownesses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIsotropic behavior of dipole compressional velocities: Anisotropy

Data Source

PatentUS8638639B2Method of using dipole compressional data to determine properties of a subterranean structure

Publication Date: 2014.01.28 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

To determine properties of a subterranean structure, information relating to dipole compressional data is collected based on measurements by a logging tool in a borehole. The information relating to the dipole compressional data is analyzed in multiple dimensions (e.g., multiple borehole axial planes) to determine the properties of the subterranean structure through which the borehole extends.