Equivalent Log Formation for Real-Time Drilling Parameter Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for updating modeled or predicted formation parameters along a proposed borehole path in real-time are hindered by the enormous amount of data from multiple boreholes, making it impossible to make timely decisions during the drilling process.
Innovation Solution
The method involves creating equivalent logs along equivalent paths, which are derived from the data of multiple boreholes, reducing the amount of data to be considered and enabling real-time updates of formation parameter models during drilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If data from multiple boreholes with high resolution (15.24cm intervals) is used to estimate formation parameters, then the accuracy of formation property estimation is improved, but the computational time and complexity increase enormously, preventing real-time updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large dataset from multiple boreholes into smaller, manageable segments. Instead of processing all high-resolution data from multiple boreholes simultaneously, the method segments the data by borehole, by formation zone, or by parameter type, allowing incremental processing that reduces computational time while maintaining estimation accuracy through systematic aggregation of segment results
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential formation parameters and key data points needed for estimation, rather than processing the complete high-resolution dataset. By identifying and extracting critical information such as formation boundaries, key lithological changes, and representative parameter values, the method maintains estimation accuracy while dramatically reducing the computational burden
2Measurement precision
If data from multiple boreholes with high resolution (15.24cm intervals) is used to estimate formation parameters, then the accuracy of formation property estimation is improved, but the computational complexity increases enormously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex multi-borehole dataset into smaller processing units, organizing data by borehole, depth intervals, or formation type. This segmentation transforms the overwhelming computational task into a series of simpler, manageable calculations that can be processed systematically, reducing overall computational complexity while preserving the ability to generate accurate formation property estimates
Solution Approach 2:
The method extracts only the critical formation parameters and key data features necessary for accurate estimation, filtering out redundant information. By identifying and retaining only essential data elements such as formation boundaries, lithological transitions, and representative parameter values, the patent reduces computational complexity while maintaining estimation precision
3Loss of information
If all data points from multiple previously drilled boreholes are considered, then the completeness of formation parameter estimation is improved, but the ability to update models in real-time during drilling is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing and organization of data from multiple boreholes before drilling operations begin. By pre-segmenting, pre-filtering, and pre-organizing the historical data into accessible formats with identified key parameters and formation boundaries, the method enables rapid real-time updates during drilling without requiring reprocessing of the entire dataset, thus maintaining both completeness and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The method extracts and stores only the essential formation parameters and key data points from complete borehole datasets in advance. By identifying and retaining critical information such as formation depths, lithological characteristics, and key parameter relationships while discarding redundant data, the patent enables comprehensive formation parameter estimation with minimal data, allowing real-time model updates during drilling operations
Data Source
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AI summary
Estimating formation parameters. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: combining a first plurality of actual logs from a first plurality of actual boreholes, at least one actual log associated with each actual borehole, and thereby creating a first equivalent log along a first equivalent path; combining a second plurality of actual logs from a second plurality of actual boreholes, at least one actual log of the second plurality of actual logs associated with each actual borehole of the second plurality of actual boreholes, and thereby creating a second equivalent log along a second equivalent path; and estimating a plurality of values of a parameter of one or more formations along a proposed borehole path, each value associated with a distinct depth along the proposed borehole path, the estimating using the equivalent logs.