Horizontal Well Geosteering Using Segmented Log Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geosteering methods struggle to accurately adjust the borehole position during horizontal well drilling due to complex geological formations with bends and faults, leading to inefficiencies in reaching geological targets.
Innovation Solution
Implementing machine learning algorithms and automated systems for correlating vertical and horizontal wells, utilizing big segment analysis, self-correlation methods, and geosteering spectra to optimize drill bit path adjustments based on real-time drilling data and geological information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If automated geosteering systems are implemented, then drilling accuracy and efficiency are improved, but system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the horizontal wellbore into multiple segments along its length. For each segment, the system performs separate correlation analysis with vertical well logs to determine local formation dip and orientation. This segmentation allows the complex geosteering problem to be broken down into manageable segments, improving accuracy while making the computational task more tractable
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary correlation analysis between horizontal well log data and vertical well log data before actual drilling operations. By pre-establishing the geological model and formation relationships, the system prepares the necessary computational framework in advance, reducing real-time computational complexity during drilling while maintaining high accuracy
2Productivity
If real-time data processing is performed for multiple wellbores, then geosteering efficiency is improved, but computational time and processing power increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary correlation analysis and establishes geological models before drilling operations begin. By pre-processing the vertical well log data and creating reference models, the system minimizes real-time computational requirements during actual drilling, enabling efficient multi-wellbore geosteering without excessive computational delays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent processes each wellbore segment independently using pre-established correlation models. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple wellbores simultaneously, improving overall productivity while reducing the computational burden on any single processing unit by dividing the work into manageable segments
Data Source
AI summary
A method of automated or assisted geosteering for drilling of a horizontal well compromises automated or assisted estimation of a well's position in a target geological formation using the data acquired during the drilling process.