Geo-steering Look Ahead Data Array for Borehole Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geo-steering systems face challenges in accurately positioning boreholes relative to adjacent boreholes or subterranean formations, particularly in vertically oriented boreholes, due to uncertainty in resistivity inversion data and difficulty in displaying look ahead inversion slices effectively.
Innovation Solution
The method involves collecting resistivity data from a downhole resistivity tool, arraying non-overlapping slices of data around a borehole representation, aligning them to a central point depth, selecting relevant slices, and analyzing them to generate an inversion output, which improves the visualization and interpretation of resistivity fields for better geo-steering decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional resistivity inversion methods are used for vertically oriented boreholes, then the borehole positioning can be obtained, but the uncertainty in predicting boundaries increases and the accuracy of geo-steering decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the resistivity data into multiple non-overlapping slices arrayed around the borehole representation. Each slice corresponds to a specific angular sector and depth range, allowing independent analysis of different spatial zones. This segmentation enables more precise localization of boundaries and reduces uncertainty in predicting their positions relative to the active borehole.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms traditional 1D or 2D resistivity inversion into a 3D visualization by arraying slices around the borehole in a circular pattern. This dimensional transformation provides comprehensive spatial context, allowing operators to see boundaries in three dimensions (radial distance, angular position, and depth), thereby improving both positioning accuracy and boundary prediction reliability.
2Loss of information
If complete resistivity data is processed without slicing, then all available information is analyzed, but the complexity of data processing and visualization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complete resistivity dataset into multiple non-overlapping slices, each representing a specific angular and depth sector. This segmentation allows the system to process and visualize data in manageable portions while maintaining completeness through the aggregation of all slices. The modular approach reduces computational complexity compared to processing the entire dataset as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables selective processing of slices based on operational needs. Operators can choose to analyze only relevant slices (partial action) rather than processing all available data, thereby reducing computational complexity while retaining essential information. The system maintains the option to process complete datasets when full analysis is required.
3Area of stationary object
If overlapping slices are used to represent resistivity data, then more comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the interpretation of boundary locations becomes less accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs non-overlapping slices that are carefully segmented to cover the complete circumferential and depth space around the borehole. Each slice is assigned a specific angular range and depth interval, ensuring comprehensive coverage without redundancy. This precise segmentation eliminates the ambiguity that would arise from overlapping data representations, thereby maintaining high boundary location accuracy while achieving full spatial coverage.
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 reduces uncertainty in predicting boundaries and enhances the accuracy of geo-steering by providing reliable look ahead information, allowing for more precise borehole positioning and improved drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
collecting resistivity data from a resistivity tool located downhole of a borehole
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure presents processes to generate look ahead data to guide borehole operations, such as drilling operations. The processes can array collected resistivity data around a representation of an active borehole. The array can be in various patterns, such as an interleaved helix pattern. Each slice of data from the collected resistivity data can be positioned and oriented corresponding to the central point depth parameter for each slice of data. A selection of one or more card views can be enabled to display details of the collected resistivity data corresponding to the selected slice of data. An analysis of the resistivity data can generate an identification of a boundary, such as an object or a subterranean formation change, in the subterranean formation look ahead portion of the active borehole. The boundary identification can be used as inputs to a borehole operation plan or to a geo-steering system.