Automated NMR Pulse Sequence Determination via Bilevel Optimization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing NMR logging technologies face challenges in determining suitable NMR pulse sequences, particularly in multi-dimensional acquisition modes, which requires manual expertise and lacks automated methods for optimizing pulse sequences based on modeled or previously obtained NMR measurements.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for automatically determining an NMR pulse sequence using a bilevel optimization approach, where a set of expected NMR measurements is received and evaluated to determine a pulse sequence defining the timing sequence of radio-frequency (RF) pulses during downhole NMR measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual expert design is used for NMR pulse sequence, then measurement precision can be optimized, but device complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNMR measurement accuracyVSAvoidpulse sequence design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-optimization of pulse sequences through automated algorithms that evaluate multiple sequence options and select the optimal one based on measurement objectives, eliminating the need for manual expert intervention while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system adjusts pulse sequence parameters (such as echo spacing, number of echoes, inversion times) through computational optimization, dynamically changing parameters to achieve optimal measurement precision for different formation conditions without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If manual expert design is used for NMR pulse sequence, then measurement precision can be optimized, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNMR measurement accuracyVSAvoidpulse sequence determination efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual expert mechanical/iterative design processes with automated computational algorithms that rapidly evaluate and optimize pulse sequences, significantly increasing productivity while maintaining measurement precision through computer-based optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary optimization of pulse sequences before actual NMR measurements by evaluating multiple sequence options and selecting the optimal one in advance, reducing on-site measurement time and improving overall productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated methods are introduced for NMR pulse sequence determination, then productivity increases, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepulse sequence determination efficiencyVSAvoidNMR measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system incorporates feedback mechanisms where measurement results are evaluated against optimization criteria, and the pulse sequence is iteratively refined based on this feedback to ensure measurement precision is maintained or improved while achieving high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts pulse sequence parameters based on real-time measurement conditions and formation properties, allowing the automated method to maintain measurement precision across varying conditions while improving productivity through rapid parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250060505A1Automated determination of an NMR pulse sequence
Publication Date: 2025.02.20 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP
  • US20250060505A1 patent drawing
  • US20250060505A1 patent drawing
  • US20250060505A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for automatically determining an NMR pulse sequence for use in downhole NMR measurements, such as NMR logging while drilling measurements, includes receiving a set of expected NMR measurements and evaluating the received set of expected NMR measurements using a bilevel optimization to determine a pulse sequence for the downhole NMR measurement.