Automated Lithology Interpretation Using Wellbore Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the lithology of a subterranean formation during wellbore drilling are manual, inconsistent, and time-consuming, leading to potential operational inefficiencies and operator bias in decision-making.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that automatically receive and process measurement logs from drilling operations, segmenting the wellbore into regions based on trend changes and rock type appearance/disappearance, generating a lithology log with accurate location, length, and rock type information using algorithms like Change Point detection, enabling real-time, operator-independent decision-making.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual interpretation of lithology is performed by mud loggers, then operator experience and judgment can be applied, but the process becomes inconsistent between different operators and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistency of lithology interpretationVSAvoidtime required for lithology interpretation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of lithology interpretation with an automated computer-based system that uses algorithms to analyze measurement logs and generate lithology interpretations consistently and rapidly without human operator involvement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the measurement logs to automatically generate lithology interpretations through programmed algorithms, eliminating the need for manual operator analysis and ensuring consistent results across different wells and operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated processing is implemented, then consistency and speed are improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of lithology interpretationVSAvoidcomplexity of processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex task of lithology interpretation into distinct processing steps including receiving measurement logs, segmenting the wellbore into regions, sub-segmenting into zones, and determining layer characteristics, making the automated system more manageable and implementable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12129758B2Method and system for determining a lithology of a subterranean formation

Publication Date: 2024.10.29 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A first method is provided for determining a lithology of a subterranean formation into which a wellbore has been drilled. The method includes receiving a set of measurement logs including one or more measurement logs, each representing a measured characteristic of the wellbore plotted according to depth. The method also includes segmenting the wellbore into regions based on identified change of trend in one or more of the measurement logs of the set, and sub-segmenting at least one region into zones based on detection of appearance or disappearance of a rock type in the cuttings percentage log, The method also includes determining, in each zone, a location, length and rock type of one or more layers based on a total percentage of each rock type in the zone in the cuttings percentage log and at least one of the additional measurement logs.