Geobody-Based Subsurface Modeling for Faster Downhole Decisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional subsurface modeling techniques for wellbores are time-consuming, complex, and resource-intensive, making it impractical to generate detailed models for timely decision-making in downhole operations.
Innovation Solution
A method for creating geobodies from measurement data to represent subsurface features, allowing for quick and adaptable visualization of subsurface features using a downhole scenario system that includes a data manager, geobody manager, and scenario engine, enabling real-time or near-real-time generation and validation of downhole scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional subsurface modeling techniques are used to create detailed and accurate subsurface models, then model accuracy and reliability are improved, but time consumption and computational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the subsurface modeling process into distinct functional modules: a data manager for acquiring and organizing measurement data, a geobody manager for creating and managing geobody representations, and a scenario engine for generating downhole scenarios. This segmentation allows each module to operate independently and efficiently, reducing overall computational complexity and time consumption while maintaining model accuracy through coordinated module interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential and relevant subsurface features from measurement data to create simplified geobody representations, rather than modeling every detail of the subsurface. This extraction approach maintains sufficient accuracy for downhole operation decision-making while significantly reducing computational expense and time requirements compared to conventional detailed modeling techniques.
2Loss of information
If conventional subsurface modeling techniques are used to generate detailed models, then model detail and completeness are improved, but device complexity and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified geobody representations that copy only the essential characteristics and geometries of subsurface features relevant to downhole operations. These geobody copies maintain sufficient fidelity for operational decision-making while requiring far less computational complexity than conventional detailed subsurface models, effectively balancing information retention with computational efficiency.
3Productivity
If simplified geobody representations are used to reduce computational expense, then processing speed and efficiency are improved, but model detail and accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating geobody representations with varying levels of detail tailored to specific subsurface features and their relevance to downhole operations. Critical features that directly impact operational decisions are represented with higher precision, while less critical features use simplified representations, optimizing the balance between processing speed and accuracy for each specific feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts geometric parameters and level-of-detail parameters of geobody representations based on operational context and decision-making requirements. This allows the system to maintain high processing speed while preserving sufficient accuracy by changing representation parameters rather than using fixed detailed or simplified models.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of modeling a subsurface geology includes receiving measurement data from a downhole operation of a wellbore and identifying a subsurface feature from the measurement data. The method also includes creating a geobody for representing the subsurface feature and generating a downhole scenario including the geobody and a wellbore representation of the wellbore. The method further includes presenting the downhole scenario via a graphical user interface of a client device for conceptualizing the subsurface feature.