Geosteering Visualization Using Probability Waveforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current geosteering solutions fail to effectively model and visualize formation properties far away from the measurement-while-drilling tool locations, leading to incomplete determination of formation boundaries and difficulties in accurately placing wellbores for maximum economic production.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves measuring physical characteristics at multiple wellbore stations, deriving probability functions, and producing maps using these functions to visualize and quantify uncertainty in formation properties, enabling clearer visualization of reservoir structures and fluid contacts for improved wellbore steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement-while-drilling tools are used to model formation properties, then real-time visualization of near-field formation properties is achieved, but formation properties far away from the tool location cannot be effectively modeled or visualized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the limited near-field measurement data into a multi-dimensional probability distribution that extends information inference to far-field formation properties. By using probability functions P(z) that describe formation properties at different depths z, the system visualizes uncertainty and predicted values across the entire formation depth range, not just near the tool location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces probability functions as an intermediary between the direct tool measurements and the far-field formation properties. These probability functions P(z) act as mediators that propagate information from measured locations to unmeasured locations, allowing inference of formation properties far from the tool while quantifying the associated uncertainty.
2Illumination intensity
If color saturation is used to indicate depth of investigation, then visualization of measurement sensitivity is improved, but uncertainty quantification is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color saturation to represent the magnitude of probability functions P(z), where higher saturation indicates higher probability values. This visual encoding allows operators to quickly identify regions of high confidence in formation property predictions while the underlying probability framework quantifies uncertainty across all depth zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being visualized from binary depth-of-investigation indicators to continuous probability function values P(z). By mapping probability magnitudes to color saturation levels, the system provides both visual clarity and quantitative uncertainty information simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between visualization quality and information completeness.
3Ease of operation
If deterministic formation property values are displayed, then clear visualization is achieved, but uncertainty in far-field predictions cannot be represented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by displaying different types of information at different depth locations. Near-field properties where measurements are direct show high confidence deterministic values, while far-field properties where inference is required show probability distributions with quantified uncertainty. The color saturation varies locally to reflect the confidence level at each depth zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a probability magnitude dimension to the visualization, transforming simple deterministic value displays into multi-dimensional representations that include confidence levels. The probability function P(z) values provide a new dimension of information that quantifies reliability while maintaining visual clarity through color encoding.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides real-time, multi-dimensional visual information that enhances the accuracy of wellbore positioning relative to reservoir markers, improving the precision and efficiency of geosteering operations by clearly representing uncertainty and formation properties both near and far from the tool location.
Implementation Method 1
Electromagnetic (EM) induction and propagation-style logging tools are well suited for these geosteering applications because of their relatively large lateral depth of investigation into the surrounding formation
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for visualizing one or more properties of a subterranean earth formation while drilling a borehole using probability information from a modeling process. Probability waveforms based on information from a plurality of borehole stations may be plotted, either alone or superimposed onto other graphical representations, to provide a visual display that is easily interpreted by a user to make geosteering decisions. The probability waveforms include peaked sections that are proportional to the amount of uncertainty or error associated with a boundary estimate at a particular distance from an axis of the borehole. By providing a visual display of the uncertainty, a user can make better geosteering decisions.