Multimodal Geosteering System for Extended Boundary Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resistivity-logging tools for geosteering have limited measurement ranges and perform poorly in oil fields with low resistivity contrasts, such as those in Saudi Arabia, and often fail to provide sufficient directional sensitivity for effective hydrocarbon detection and borehole steering.
Innovation Solution
A multimodal geosteering system that combines measurements of acoustic impedance, acoustic slowness, electrical resistivity, porosity, and density using tilted antennas and acoustic sources, allowing for selective communication and display of data based on distance, contrast, resolution, and user preferences to enhance boundary detection and drilling precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If resistivity-logging tools are used for geosteering, then directional sensitivity and boundary detection are provided, but measurement range is limited to 6 m (20 ft)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines resistivity-logging tools with acoustic measurement tools into a single integrated geosteering system. The resistivity tool provides directional sensitivity and boundary detection, while the acoustic tool extends the measurement range to 15 m (50 ft). By merging these two measurement modalities, the system achieves both accurate boundary detection and extended range simultaneously.
2Reliability
If resistivity-logging tools are used in oil fields with low resistivity contrasts, then hydrocarbon detection is attempted, but measurement performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic measurements as an intermediary measurement modality. When resistivity measurements fail to provide sufficient contrast in low-resistivity-contrast formations, the acoustic tool serves as a mediator to detect formation boundaries through acoustic impedance contrasts, which can be more pronounced than resistivity contrasts in certain geological conditions. This intermediary approach maintains reliable hydrocarbon detection capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple measurement types are integrated for extended range and improved sensitivity, then geosteering capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the geosteering system with multi-functionality, where the tool assembly can perform multiple measurement types (resistivity logging, acoustic measurements, density measurements) using a unified tool configuration. The resistivity-logging tool and acoustic tool are integrated such that they share common structural elements and control systems, allowing the single tool to provide extended measurement range and improved directional sensitivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 system provides extended measurement ranges and improved directional sensitivity, enabling more accurate detection of formation boundaries and optimized borehole path steering, even in challenging geological conditions, by integrating multiple energy forms and measurement types for enhanced data resolution and range.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter antenna is used to create electromagnetic fields in the surrounding formation. In turn, the electromagnetic fields in the formation induce an electrical voltage in each receiver antenna.
Implementation Method 2
an acoustic source and an array of acoustic receivers make azimuthally-sensitive acoustic slowness measurements
Data Source
AI summary
Multimodal geosteering systems and methods are disclosed. Some disclosed tool embodiments include first and second transmitter-receiver arrangements that make geosteering measurements using different forms of energy (such as acoustic and electromagnetic energy) to provide geosteering measurements that at least indicate a boundary direction but may also indicate a boundary distance. Some disclosed method embodiments include: determining a direction to a bed boundary using measurements with different energy types; and adjusting a drilling direction based at least in part on said determination. Combinations of (or selections between) the different measurements may be made based on, inter alia, measurement range, resolution, and contrast. Some disclosed system embodiments include a memory and a processor. The memory stores geosteering display software that configures the processor to generate an image with different regions based on the different types of geosteering measurements. Characteristics such as opacity, resolution, and intensity may visually distinguish the different regions.