Downhole Fluid Typing Using Credence Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating underground formations using downhole sensors face challenges in accurately determining the presence of fluids like water, oil, and natural gas due to insufficient data quality and overlapping measurement ranges, especially in extreme environments, which hinders reliable fluid composition analysis.
Innovation Solution
The method involves assigning a relative credence indicator value to each measurement based on its value, considering factors like sensor failure, borehole conditions, and operational conditions, and combining these values to estimate the state of the formation, allowing for improved modeling without the need for retrofitting legacy tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple sensor measurements are used to evaluate downhole fluids, then the quantity of data increases, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to overlapping measurement ranges and insufficient data quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms raw sensor measurements into credence indicator values through parameter transformation. Each measurement is converted from its original physical units (density, temperature, pressure) into a standardized credence score that reflects the likelihood of specific fluid types, resolving the precision issue while maintaining data quantity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces credence indicator values as an intermediary between raw sensor measurements and fluid typing conclusions. This intermediary layer processes multiple overlapping measurements through weighted combinations and statistical analysis, transforming uncertain raw data into reliable fluid identification
2Device complexity
If traditional fluid typing methods are used, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability of fluid identification deteriorates in extreme environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal credence indicator framework that can process multiple types of sensor measurements (density, temperature, pressure, acoustic) through a common evaluation methodology. This multi-functional approach maintains relatively simple device architecture while significantly improving reliability across diverse downhole conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary processing of sensor data by assigning credence indicator values to each measurement before final fluid typing. This preliminary action of weighting and normalizing measurements ensures that the most reliable data points have greater influence on the final conclusion, improving reliability without adding complex hardware
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods for evaluating a volume of interest of an earth formation. The method may include modeling the volume as being in one of two states using a plurality of measurements corresponding to a plurality of measurement types, and may include assigning a relative credence indicator value to each measurement in dependence upon the corresponding measurement value and using the relative credence indicator value for each of the plurality of measurements to estimate the state of the volume by estimating the state of the volume using a state indicator value derived from the relative credence indicator values. The first state of the two states may correspond with presence of a condition associated with the formation, and the second state of the two states may correspond with absence of the condition. The condition may comprise presence of a fluid in the formation having a selected fluid type.