Geological Data Processing for Well Trajectory Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for characterizing subsurface geological structures, such as strata and fractures, do not provide drilling rig operators with straightforward decision-making information, as they focus on comprehensive geological volumes rather than specific well trajectories, making it difficult to interpret and act upon the data effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method that specifies a well trajectory within a geological volume, identifies intersected geological surfaces, determines their depth, dip angle, and dip direction, and predicts a well log to present these characteristics in an easily interpretable format for drilling operators, which can be automated and graphically displayed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If comprehensive geological volume characterization methods are used, then complete geological information is obtained, but the data becomes difficult to interpret and act upon for drilling decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the relevant geological information needed for well trajectory planning by identifying and isolating geological surfaces that will be intersected by the trajectory. This extraction process removes unnecessary comprehensive data while retaining critical information about depth, dip angle, and dip direction at intersection points, making the data actionable for drilling decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing detailed geological characteristics specifically at the locations where the well trajectory intersects geological surfaces. Instead of uniform comprehensive characterization throughout the entire volume, the method focuses computational and analytical resources on generating precise depth, dip angle, and dip direction data only at relevant intersection points along the trajectory path.
2Measurement precision
If detailed geological surface characterization is performed, then accurate geological parameters are obtained, but the complexity of data processing and presentation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The method extracts only the essential geological parameters (depth, dip angle, dip direction) at trajectory intersection points, eliminating the need to process and present comprehensive volumetric geological data. This selective extraction maintains measurement precision for critical parameters while dramatically reducing processing and presentation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of presenting comprehensive geological volume data and requiring users to extract relevant information, the patent inverts the approach by directly computing and presenting only the specific intersection parameters needed for well planning. This reversal of the information delivery process simplifies the user interface and data processing while maintaining accuracy.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive fracture network mapping is performed, then complete fracture information is obtained, but the data does not directly assist drilling trajectory decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by focusing fracture network analysis specifically on intersections with the well trajectory. Instead of providing comprehensive fracture mapping throughout the entire volume, the method identifies and characterizes only those fractures that will be encountered during drilling, providing depth, dip angle, and dip direction data specifically at trajectory-fracture intersection points for direct application to well planning decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of processing geological data comprising a plurality of geological surfaces within a geological volume is provided. The method includes the steps of: (i) specifying a well trajectory which extends through the geological volume; (ii) identifying the geological surfaces within the volume which are intersected by the trajectory; (iii) determining, for each intersected surface, the depth, the dip angle and the dip direction of the surface at the point of intersection with the trajectory; and (iv) predicting a well log for the trajectory, the log specifying the depths, dip angles and dip directions of the intersected geological surfaces.