Real-Time Image Log Resolution Enhancement for Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
During well drilling, the real-time image logs transmitted to the surface are highly undersampled due to bandwidth limitations, resulting in low resolution, which hinders the identification of critical geological structures like fractures and faults, essential for well completion decisions.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using Generative Adversarial Neural Networks (GANs) to enhance the resolution of image logs in real time by training a deep neural network to generate high-resolution images from low-resolution subsampled data, allowing identification of geological structures before drilling completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data is transmitted in real time during well drilling, then decision-making agility is improved, but image resolution deteriorates due to bandwidth limitations
Solution Approach 1:
A communication satellite acts as an intermediary to enable real-time data transmission from the drilling site to the surface rig, overcoming bandwidth limitations by providing an alternative transmission path that allows higher data rates for image log transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension for data transmission by utilizing satellite communication infrastructure, moving from traditional ground-based limited bandwidth channels to space-based communication that provides enhanced transmission capacity for real-time image logs
2Measurement precision
If complete data is transmitted in real time, then identification of geological structures is improved, but data bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transmits slightly more data than the minimum required by sending complete image logs rather than heavily subsampled versions, using satellite bandwidth to provide excess transmission capacity that ensures all geological features are captured while still maintaining efficient data utilization
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution image logs are transmitted, then geological structure identification is improved, but transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Image logs are captured and prepared for transmission in advance during the drilling process, with the complete high-resolution data being made available for immediate transmission via satellite whenever bandwidth is available, rather than waiting for post-drilling processing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for real-time resolution enhancement of image logs during oil well drilling. The method is an AI model that increases the resolution of image logs in real time, during drilling, which allows the identification of geological structures such as faults and fractures even before the drill bit is removed from the well. It allows a better choice of the ranges that will be isolated during well completion. The invention can be applied to all drilled wells, wherein it is chosen to acquire image logs during drilling and it was developed to increase the resolution of fractured ranges or those with the presence of faults, but can be used by petrophysicists to perform a rapid interpretation of all identifiable geological structures.