Geosteering Data Log System for Drilling Accountability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current geosteering process lacks visibility and accountability, with cumbersome data transfer from drilling rigs to geosteering systems, leading to significant time and distance lags between data collection, analysis, and execution of well plan modifications, resulting in inefficiencies and limited insight into changes made during the drilling process.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for documenting the geosteering process by generating a data log that includes time or depth stamps, responsible parties, data, and analysis, providing a clear record of decision-making and plan adjustments, which can be analyzed to evaluate workflows and responsiveness of involved members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual data entry and verbal instructions are used in the geosteering process, then flexibility in communication is maintained, but time lags and distance lags increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual data entry and verbal communication with automated electronic data transfer systems. Data from measurement-while-drilling tools is automatically transmitted to geosteering software, eliminating the manual copying and verbal instruction process. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated electronic systems directly reduces time lag while maintaining communication effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized data log and electronic communication system as an intermediary between the drilling rig and geosteering analysis. This intermediary automatically captures, transmits, and records data and instructions, eliminating the need for manual relaying of information through multiple human operators and reducing the time required for information to flow through the system.
2Device complexity
If manual data transfer processes are used, then system complexity is minimized, but visibility and accountability in the geosteering process decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated data logging and tracking systems that provide real-time feedback on the status of data collection, analysis, and instruction execution. The system automatically records timestamps, data sources, analysis results, and instruction implementations, creating a visible audit trail that enhances accountability without requiring complex manual tracking procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates automated electronic copies of all geosteering data, instructions, and decisions in a centralized data log. This electronic copying and storage of information ensures that all stakeholders have access to the same accurate information, improving visibility and accountability while using standard digital technologies rather than complex specialized systems.
3Productivity
If geosteering analysis is performed after significant drilling progress, then drilling continuity is maintained, but the relevance of the analysis to current well conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes continuous automated data transmission and analysis processes that operate without interruption during drilling. Measurement-while-drilling tools continuously transmit data to the geosteering system, which performs continuous or near-real-time analysis, ensuring that drilling continues uninterrupted while analysis remains current and relevant to well conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs geosteering analysis on recently acquired data before the drilling rig progresses significantly, providing preliminary guidance that remains relevant to current well conditions. The automated system processes data as it is collected, delivering analysis results with minimal delay to ensure the guidance is applicable to the present drilling situation rather than past conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple manual conversion steps are required in the geosteering process, then adaptability to different instruction formats is maintained, but the number of error-prone steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal electronic data log and communication system that handles all geosteering data and instructions in a standardized digital format. This universal system replaces multiple specialized manual processes for different instruction formats with a single multi-functional electronic platform that can accommodate various data types and instruction formats through standardized digital interfaces, reducing the number of conversion steps while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of documenting a geosteering process include obtaining measured subterranean formation information while drilling and generating a proposed modification to a well plan based on the obtained information. Information relating to the proposed modification to the well plan may be stored in a drilling control system, and the drilling control system may generate and output a data log including information relating to the proposed modification to the well plan and performance indicators on a stand by stand basis.