Real-Time Formation Elastic Constant Estimation from Drilling Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling technologies lack real-time capability to accurately estimate acoustic elastic constants of rock formations during drilling operations, relying on post-drilling measurements and being hindered by noise and varying formation properties.
Innovation Solution
A system that records drilling data such as depth, acceleration, and torque, and uses multiple linear regression to calibrate and optimize a linear mapping of sensor data to stress and strain, allowing for real-time estimation of acoustic elastic constants without additional sonic measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic-type MWD tools are used to measure formation properties in real-time, then real-time information about formation properties is obtained, but the measurements are hindered by noise from the drill string and variations in mud density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful noise and vibrations generated by drilling operations into useful signals for measuring formation properties. By analyzing the drill string's response to drilling-induced vibrations, the system extracts formation acoustic properties without requiring separate acoustic tools, thus turning the harmful drilling noise into a beneficial measurement signal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the drill string itself as an intermediary medium to measure formation properties. Instead of using separate acoustic tools that suffer from mud density variations and noise, the drill string's mechanical response to drilling vibrations serves as the measurement medium, eliminating the need for acoustic wave propagation through the mud column
2Measurement precision
If wireline logging is conducted to obtain formation information, then detailed formation properties are obtained, but the process cannot provide real-time information during drilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drilling operation with the measurement process by integrating formation property measurement capabilities directly into the drilling system. The drill string simultaneously performs drilling and collects formation data through vibration analysis, eliminating the need for separate wireline logging operations conducted after drilling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous measurement of formation properties throughout the drilling process. By analyzing vibrations continuously generated during drilling, the system provides uninterrupted real-time formation data without stopping drilling operations or requiring post-drilling wireline logging
3Ease of operation
If offset logs are used to infer formation information, then general guidance is obtained, but there is no guarantee that formation characteristics will be the same between offset wells and the well being drilled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the current well to measure its own formation properties directly through real-time vibration analysis during drilling. This self-measurement eliminates reliance on offset well logs, providing formation data that is specific to the current wellbore conditions and geometry
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for identifying one or more properties of a rock formation. A system may be configured to receive sensor data obtained from one or more sensors, the sensor data generated from drilling operations performed in a wellbore, generate stress metrics and strain metrics for the sensor data based on a calibrated stress and strain map, and identify one or more properties of a rock formation based on the stress metrics and the strain metrics.