Geosteering Pseudo-Data Extrapolation for Wellbore Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluctuations in the vertical stacking of rock strata pose challenges in navigating wellbores to maintain them within desired stratigraphic intervals during horizontal drilling, as existing geosteering techniques lack accurate data for precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
The system and method involve collecting empirical Measure-While-Drilling data, storing it, and using a processor to extrapolate and convert MWD or LWD data into pseudo-vertical data, and subsequently into pseudo-horizontal data, accounting for formation dip angles and true vertical depth to provide accurate geosteering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional geosteering techniques are used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision and positioning accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms vertical well log data into pseudo-horizontal data by changing the dimensional perspective from vertical stacking to horizontal projection. This dimensional transformation allows horizontal well positioning to be visualized and controlled with the same precision as vertical wells, resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of vertical well log data in horizontal orientation (pseudo-horizontal data). This copying approach allows practitioners to use familiar vertical log interpretation methods for horizontal wells without requiring entirely new measurement systems, thereby improving positioning accuracy while limiting complexity increase.
2Measurement precision
If vertical well log data is used directly for horizontal drilling, then the data collection is simple, but the data accuracy for horizontal positioning is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary transformation of vertical well log data into pseudo-horizontal data before the horizontal drilling operation. This advance preparation ensures that accurate positioning data is available from the start, eliminating the need for complex real-time data processing during drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation of well log data from vertical depth coordinates to horizontal projected coordinates. This parameter transformation maintains the integrity of the original data while adapting it for horizontal well positioning, improving data accuracy without requiring complex new measurement systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If formation dip angles are not accounted for, then the calculations are simple, but the geosteering accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical wellbore tracking with algorithmic transformation of well log data. By substituting mechanical measurement systems with computational methods that account for formation dip angles, the system achieves high positioning precision through software-based calculations rather than hardware complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to methods and systems of geosteering or geological operations. In some embodiments, systems of the present disclosure may transmit MWD or LWD data to a processor. The processor may extrapolate and convert the MWD or LWD data into KBTVD or pseudo-vertical data. Said extrapolation may be performed based on algorithmic expressions between the True Vertical Depth, the formation dip angle, and a Vertical Section Distance. In some embodiments, vertical data may be extrapolated by a processor and converted into pseudo-horizontal data. In some embodiments, systems may evaluate the formation dip angle and extrapolate a corrected true thickness of an interval layer. Screen representations of aforementioned data may be provided for. Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide for improved or more accurate data and/or virtualizations in the horizontal and/or vertical directions.