1-D Inversion for Formation Properties Ahead of Drill Bit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling technologies face challenges in accurately determining formation properties ahead of a drill bit in subsurface formations, which hinders efficient hydrocarbon production by requiring complex and computationally intensive 2-D inversions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a 1-D inversion process using sensor data from transmitter/receiver pairs on a drill string to determine shallow and deep formation properties, with constraints from shallow and deep measurements, allowing for look-ahead and look-around measurements to steer the drill bit effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 2-D inversion is used to determine formation properties ahead of the drill bit, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the formation property determination into two distinct inversion processes: a first 1-D inversion for shallow formation properties and a second 1-D inversion for deep formation properties. This segmentation divides the complex 2-D inversion problem into manageable 1-D components, reducing computational complexity while maintaining measurement precision through constrained inversion using results from the first inversion as constraints in the second inversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a 2-D inversion approach to a two-stage 1-D inversion approach, effectively changing the dimensional complexity of the mathematical inversion process. By performing inversions along the depth dimension separately for shallow and deep formations rather than simultaneously in 2-D space, the computational burden is reduced while preserving the ability to determine formation properties ahead of the drill bit.
2Measurement precision
If 2-D inversion is used to determine formation properties, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computational process is segmented into two sequential 1-D inversions rather than one simultaneous 2-D inversion. The first inversion processes shallow formation data, and the second inversion processes deep formation data using constraints from the first results. This segmentation reduces the computational matrix size and processing time while maintaining the precision needed for accurate formation property determination ahead of the drill bit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are placed on the drill string for deep and shallow measurements, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system on the drill string is designed to perform multiple functions: it conducts both shallow formation measurements and deep formation measurements using the same physical sensors and drill string infrastructure. This multi-functionality allows the system to gather comprehensive formation data without requiring separate sensor systems, thereby improving measurement capability while controlling device complexity through universal sensor deployment.
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 simplifies the determination of formation properties by reducing computational complexity, enabling more accurate and efficient steering of the drill bit to maximize hydrocarbon production while minimizing computational resources.
Implementation Method 1
The sensors utilize electromagnetic signals to make deep and shallow measurements in the subsurface formation
Data Source
AI summary
One or more first formation measurements sensitive to around a sensor string of a drill string deployed in a subsurface formation is received, A 1-D inversion of the first formation measurements is performed at a first reference point. One or more second formation measurements sensitive to ahead of a drill bit of the drill string deployed in the subsurface formation is received. A 1-D inversion of the second formation measurements is performed at a second reference point ahead of the drill bit of the sensor string to determine formation properties ahead of the drill bit, wherein the 1-D inversion of the second formation measurements is based on inversion results associated with the 1-D inversion of the first formation measurements.