Inversion Stack Visualization for Near-Vertical Well Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visualizing formation boundaries during near-vertical drilling is challenging due to the geometry of downhole sensor equipment and presentation formats, which lack the necessary precision, especially at ultra-deep depths where high pressure and temperature pose risks, making it difficult to accurately interpret rock formations and prevent drilling hazards.
Innovation Solution
Generating inversion slices from electromagnetic data using a downhole tool that collects omnidirectional measurements, which are then stacked to create a visualization of formation resistivity, allowing for precise representation of boundary locations relative to the drill bit, enabling safer and more accurate drilling by displaying these visualizations on a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensor equipment and presentation formats are used for visualizing formation boundaries, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to geometric limitations and inability to accurately represent ultra-deep formations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the visualization from conventional 2D cross-sectional views to a 3D inverted wedge format that incorporates true vertical depth, measured depth, and formation boundary locations. This dimensional transformation allows accurate representation of ultra-deep formations while maintaining clear visual interpretation, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity by changing the presentation dimension rather than complicating the sensor geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional visualization approach by displaying formation data in an inverted wedge format where the widest part represents the deepest formations. This inversion allows ultra-deep formation boundaries to be visualized with appropriate scale and detail, improving measurement precision without requiring complex sensor equipment geometries
2Reliability
If conventional visualization formats are used for near-vertical drilling, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability deteriorates due to inability to accurately interpret formation boundaries at ultra-deep depths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded inversion slices that represent different formation properties and boundary conditions. The color variations provide immediate visual cues about formation characteristics, enhancing reliability by making it easier to identify hazards such as pressure zones and unconformities without increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
By adding the true vertical depth dimension to the visualization, the patent enables more reliable interpretation of formation boundaries at ultra-deep depths. The inverted wedge format with multiple depth layers provides comprehensive spatial context that improves safety while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive visual presentation
3Measurement precision
If detailed electromagnetic measurements are collected from ultra-deep formations, then the measurement precision improves, but the loss of time increases due to the complexity of processing and visualizing the data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electromagnetic measurement data into multiple inversion slices at different true vertical depths. Each slice represents a specific depth layer with its own formation characteristics. This segmentation allows precise measurement of formation resistivity at each depth while enabling efficient processing and visualization through the inverted wedge format, reducing the time loss associated with handling comprehensive ultra-deep formation data
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
The solution provides iterative and accurate visualization of formation boundaries, improving safety by allowing drillers and geologists to prepare for potential hazards such as pressure zones and unconformities, reducing errors and enhancing the precision of drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
receiving electromagnetic field data related to a formation from measurements by a downhole tool in a wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore visualization system can receive electromagnetic field data related to a formation from a downhole tool in a wellbore. The visualization system generates a first inversion slice that represents an inversion of the electromagnetic field data about the formation at a first true vertical depth. The visualization system generates a second inversion slice that represents an inversion of the electromagnetic field data about the formation at a second true vertical depth. The visualization system generates an inversion stack comprising the first inversion slice and the second inversion slice. The visualization system presents a user interface comprising the inversion stack for use to determine a distance from the formation to the downhole tool in the wellbore.