Geological Surface Visualization Editing for Drilling Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional logging techniques struggle to accurately represent geological surfaces between drilled wells, relying on algorithms and mathematical equations that may not fully capture the formation properties, leading to inaccuracies in structural modeling and drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A visualization and editing system that allows users to interactively edit a cross-sectional representation of a geological surface on a computer display, using node lines, control points, and spline points to deform segments, with interpolation techniques like Kriging to create a more accurate representation, and generate a pseudo log for comparison with actual formation properties during drilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional logging techniques and algorithms are used to determine formation properties between wells, then the structural model can be generated, but the accuracy of the geological surface representation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary visualization and editing of the geological surface model before actual drilling operations. Users can interactively adjust the model based on available data, and the system calculates pseudo logs in advance to predict formation properties. This preliminary action allows optimization of the structural model before field verification, reducing information loss about formation properties between wells.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by comparing pseudo logs (calculated from the edited geological surface model) with actual formation properties measured during drilling. This feedback loop allows continuous refinement and validation of the geological surface representation, improving accuracy by adjusting the model based on real-world measurements and observations.
2Manufacturing precision
If interactive editing tools are added to improve geological surface accuracy, then the representation quality improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary computational layer that automatically calculates pseudo logs and compares them with actual formation properties. This intermediary function mediates between the user's interactive edits and the final model accuracy, reducing the complexity burden on users by handling complex calculations and validations automatically while they focus on intuitive visual editing.
3Reliability
If pseudo log calculation and comparison features are implemented to validate the edited surface, then the reliability of formation property prediction improves, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial validation by allowing users to edit specific segments of the geological surface model and validate only those edited portions against pseudo logs. This partial action approach reduces overall processing time compared to validating the entire model, while still providing sufficient reliability verification for the modified areas through targeted pseudo log comparisons.
Data Source
AI summary
A cross sectional representation of a geological surface is displayed on a display screen. A segment of the cross-sectional representation is edited, and a pseudo log of formation properties based on the edited segment is displayed on the display screen. A determination is made whether formation properties associated with the pseudo log match actual formation properties measured during drilling of a well and a signal is output indicative of the match. A drill operator may use a structural model determined based on the edited geological surface to drill for hydrocarbons in the formation.