Geosteering Visualization Using Probability Heat Maps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional geosteering techniques face challenges in accurately correlating drilling data with reference data due to ambiguities in type well data, leading to multiple possible results for the relative position of the drill bit to geological features, which can result in incorrect determinations of the drill bit's location within target zones.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that generate visualizations of well sections by correlating drilling and reference data, using heat maps to indicate probabilities of geological feature locations, allowing for real-time adjustments and corrections in drilling operations to maintain the drill bit within target zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional geosteering techniques use type well data for correlation, then drilling operations can proceed with basic guidance, but the ambiguity in type well data leads to multiple possible results for drill bit position relative to geological features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D well log correlation to 3D seismic data integration, adding a spatial dimension to the correlation process. This allows for more comprehensive matching of geological features across multiple wells and provides better constraint on drill bit position relative to target zones, resolving the ambiguity inherent in traditional type well methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces real-time LWD measurements as an intermediary between type well data and drill bit position determination. These measurements serve as a bridge that provides continuous, direct feedback about actual formation properties encountered, allowing for dynamic correction of correlation uncertainties and improving both precision and reliability
2Area of stationary object
If three-dimensional seismic data is used alone for wellbore trajectory identification, then an overview of the formation can be obtained, but the data is too imprecise to rely on alone for maintaining wellbore within target zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges 3D seismic data with conventional type well log data and real-time LWD measurements into an integrated geosteering system. The seismic data provides broad formation coverage and structural context, while the well log and LWD data provide precise formation property measurements, creating a multi-scale approach that achieves both comprehensive coverage and high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary correlation and calibration between seismic data and well log data before drilling operations begin. This pre-establishes a framework for interpreting seismic features in terms of actual formation properties, allowing the seismic data to be used more effectively during real-time geosteering with improved precision
3Loss of information
If type well log data is used to characterize formation at target well location, then some information and insight can be obtained, but the data often deviates from actual formation conditions due to offset differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where real-time LWD measurements from the target well are continuously compared against type well data predictions. When deviations are detected, the system adjusts the correlation parameters and formation characterization in real-time, ensuring that the type well data remains accurate despite offset differences
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts correlation parameters such as depth offsets, scaling factors, and formation property thresholds based on real-time LWD measurements. This allows the system to adapt to actual formation conditions encountered at the target well, correcting for differences between type well and target well geological structures
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for conducting drilling operations, including geosteering operations, include generating, at a computing device of a drilling management system, a visualization of a vertical well section for a geological formation from drilling data of a target well and reference data for the geological formation. The computing device generates the visualization by correlating the drilling data and reference data and calculating probabilities that locations along the target well are located at different offsets relative to the reference point. The computing device further varies a visual property at the offsets based on the probabilities such that the visualization simultaneously indicates the probabilities for each the locations. The visualization may then be provided to users for implementing geosteering operations. The probabilities may also be used by the drilling management system to automatically conduct geosteering operations.