Drill Bit Noise for Real-Time SET Velocity Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic monitoring techniques, such as conventional surface seismic reflection, are not suitable for real-time monitoring of hydraulic fracturing operations due to high costs, limited access, environmental concerns, and inability to accurately predict the movement or position of fluid fronts within geologic layers, especially in unconventional hydrocarbon-bearing rocks with low permeability.
Innovation Solution
The method employs Seismic Emission Tomography (SET) using drill bit noise to determine the velocity of seismic energy through geologic layers by recording microseismic data during drilling, processing it with an estimated velocity model, and computing differences between drill bit times and positions to image microseismic events, allowing for near-real-time monitoring of fracture networks and fluid movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional surface seismic reflection techniques are used for monitoring hydraulic fracturing, then imaging of fracture networks can be achieved, but the cost is high and real-time monitoring is not feasible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs velocity analysis and builds velocity models before the hydraulic fracturing operation begins. By pre-determining seismic wave velocities through the subsurface layers using drill bit noise during drilling, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming velocity analysis during fracturing monitoring, enabling real-time imaging without computational delays
Solution Approach 2:
The drill bit itself serves as the seismic energy source, eliminating the need for separate seismic surveys. The drill bit noise generated during drilling provides the seismic signals needed for both velocity analysis and fracture imaging, making the system self-sufficient and removing the need for expensive external seismic equipment
2Measurement precision
If conventional surface seismic reflection techniques are used, then fracture imaging can be performed, but the equipment and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drill bit serves multiple functions: it drills the wellbore and simultaneously generates seismic energy for velocity analysis and fracture imaging. The same drill bit noise that is a byproduct of drilling is utilized as the seismic source, eliminating the need for separate seismic generation equipment and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses drill bit noise as an intermediary seismic source that bridges the drilling operation and seismic monitoring. This intermediate signal allows the system to extract velocity information and fracture imaging data from the drilling process itself, simplifying the overall monitoring system architecture
3Measurement precision
If velocity analysis is performed during fracturing operation, then accurate imaging can be achieved, but computational time and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs comprehensive velocity analysis and establishes velocity models before the fracturing operation begins. By completing the computationally intensive velocity determination during drilling using drill bit noise, the system prepares ready-to-use velocity models that can be applied during fracturing monitoring without requiring real-time velocity calculations, thus achieving near-real-time processing
4Loss of time
If drill bit noise is used as seismic source during drilling, then velocity data can be obtained before fracturing, but the signal quality may be affected by drilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of drill bit noise (which was previously considered interference or waste) into a beneficial seismic signal source. The noise generated by the drill bit during normal drilling operations is captured and processed to extract velocity information, transforming a problematic byproduct into a valuable data source for velocity analysis and fracture imaging
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, cost-effective, and real-time monitoring of hydraulic fracturing operations by determining seismic velocities before the fracturing process, optimizing the imaging of fracture networks and fluid fronts, thereby improving the efficiency and precision of hydrocarbon extraction from low-permeability rocks.
Implementation Method 1
seismic energy created by a drill bit during drilling of a well bore
Implementation Method 2
sensors disposed in a geographic area surrounding the well bore and operable to sense seismic energy
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments of methods for determining the velocity of seismic energy in geologic layers using Seismic Emission Tomography (SET) imaging of drill bit noise, by recording microseismic data during a drilling operation, recording the time and the position of a drill bit in a well bore during the drilling operation, processing the microseismic data using SET software to image microseismic events proximate a known time and position of the drill bit using an estimated velocity model, computing the difference between the known time and position of the drill bit and the time and position of the microseismic event determined from the SET data, varying the estimated velocity model to minimize the difference between the known time and position of the drill bit and the time and time and position of the microseismic event determined from the SET data.