Borehole Connectivity Fracture Model Using Acoustic and Fluid Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well logging methods face challenges in accurately evaluating formation fractures and optimizing completion treatments due to limitations in data resolution and uncertainty in porosity and permeability estimation, particularly in hydrocarbon wells, where fractures' connectivity and stress conditions are critical for effective hydrocarbon production.
Innovation Solution
The method involves integrating borehole imaging, Deep Shear Wave Imaging (DSWI) data, and quantitative borehole fluid analysis to generate a borehole connectivity fracture model, which identifies and characterizes fractures in both near-field and far-field regions, correlating their connectivity and stress conditions to inform optimal completion treatments such as hydraulic fracturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional well logging methods are used, then the logging process is simple and fast, but the accuracy of fracture characterization and connectivity assessment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple logging methods (acoustic imaging, borehole fluid analysis, and conventional logging) into an integrated system. The acoustic imaging tool captures far-field fracture information while borehole fluid analysis provides near-field connectivity data, and their integration through a unified processing system enables comprehensive fracture characterization that resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The logging system is divided into distinct functional modules: acoustic imaging subsystem for far-field fracture detection, borehole fluid analysis subsystem for near-field connectivity assessment, and data integration subsystem for synthesizing results. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in specific measurement tasks, improving overall measurement precision while managing system complexity through modular architecture.
2Reliability
If multiple data sources are integrated to improve fracture model accuracy, then the reliability of fracture connectivity assessment is improved, but the complexity of data processing and model generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that acts as a mediator between multiple data sources (acoustic imaging data, borehole fluid analysis data) and the final fracture model. This intermediary system standardizes data formats, applies consistent processing algorithms, and integrates results through defined protocols, thereby improving reliability while managing processing complexity through systematic mediation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms multiple types of raw data (acoustic signals, fluid composition data) into standardized fracture parameters (connectivity indices, fracture orientation, aperture estimates). By changing parameters from diverse measurement domains into a unified fracture characterization framework, the system improves reliability of assessment while reducing processing complexity through parameter standardization.
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 enhances the accuracy of fracture characterization and connectivity assessment, enabling more effective completion treatments that improve hydrocarbon production by optimizing fracture connectivity and stimulation strategies, particularly in horizontal drilling scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining acoustic information representative of acoustic reflections from a far-field region of the formation
Implementation Method 2
obtaining a borehole image over at least one interval of borehole depth from well logging measurements with a downhole imaging instrument
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, devices, and products for well logging. Methods include conveying a logging tool in the borehole on a carrier; obtaining a borehole image over at least one interval of borehole depth from well logging measurements with a downhole imaging instrument; obtaining acoustic information representative of acoustic reflections from a far-field region of the formation; obtaining quantitative borehole fluid information indicative of properties of a formation fluid in a near-field region of the borehole; generating a borehole connectivity fracture model of the formation in dependence upon the borehole image, the quantitative borehole fluid information, and the acoustic information. Methods may include identifying near-field fractures from the borehole image, and/or identifying far-field fractures from the acoustic information. Methods may include generating a fracture interpretation correlating the near-field fractures with the far-field fractures, and generating the borehole connectivity fracture model of the formation in dependence upon the fracture interpretation.