3D Reservoir Visualization Using Machine Learning Interpolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current well logging technologies face challenges in accurately determining the characteristics of a reservoir beyond the defined range of a wellbore, limiting the effectiveness of geosteering and production estimation in oil and gas exploration.

Innovation Solution

The integration of downhole measurements from multiple wellbores using electromagnetic and other measurement tools, combined with machine learning algorithms, to interpolate and visualize three-dimensional mesh properties of the subterranean formation, enabling the creation of a comprehensive 3D reservoir model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If downhole measurements are taken only within the defined range of a single wellbore, then measurement precision is maintained, but the extent of reservoir characterization is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidreservoir coverage area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines measurements from multiple wellbores (first wellbore, second wellbore, etc.) to create a comprehensive 3D reservoir model. By merging data from different locations and integrating it with machine learning algorithms, the system achieves both precision (through validated measurement integration) and extensive reservoir coverage (beyond single wellbore range).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces machine learning algorithms as an intermediary to process and integrate measurements from multiple wellbores. The machine learning system interpolates reservoir properties between wellbores and validates measurements, enabling extended reservoir characterization while maintaining measurement precision through algorithmic validation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If machine learning algorithms are used to interpolate reservoir properties between wellbores, then reservoir coverage is extended, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereservoir coverage areaVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by collecting and organizing measurements from multiple wellbores before applying machine learning algorithms. The system pre-processes the data, identifies measurement patterns, and prepares the computational framework in advance, which reduces the overall computational complexity when generating the 3D reservoir model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the reservoir characterization process into distinct computational stages: data collection from multiple wellbores, machine learning-based interpolation between wellbores, validation of interpolated properties, and final 3D model generation. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, managing computational complexity effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If measurements are integrated from multiple wellbores, then reservoir characterization accuracy is improved, but data processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereservoir characterization accuracyVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where machine learning algorithms continuously validate measurements from multiple wellbores against interpolated reservoir properties. The system uses feedback loops to refine the integration process, improving reservoir characterization accuracy while managing data processing complexity through iterative validation and correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20220122320A1Machine-learning integration for 3D reservoir visualization based on information from multiple wells
Publication Date: 2022.04.21 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC
  • US20220122320A1 patent drawing
  • US20220122320A1 patent drawing
  • US20220122320A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems for determining 3D properties of a formation are provided. The method includes acquiring inversion results from two or more wellbores and transforming the inversion results into first 3D mesh properties, wherein the first 3D mesh properties represent one or more geological features of a formation surrounding each wellbore of the two or more wellbores within a defined range from each of the wellbores, where the one or more geological features are correlated to a 3D coordinate system. The method further includes determining, using a machine learning algorithm, one or more similar geological features among the two or more wellbores based on the first 3D mesh properties; interpolating second 3D mesh properties based on the one or more similar geological features, wherein the second 3D mesh properties are properties of the formation outside the defined range; and integrating the first 3D mesh properties and the second 3D mesh properties to acquire final 3D mesh properties.