Non-Rectangular Work Zone for Wellbore Formation Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Formation modeling is complicated by the use of rectangular work zones, which can include regions beyond the range of sensors and introduce artifacts when defining boundaries between subsurface layers, especially with shallow sensor data.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that uses a buffer defined along a wellbore trajectory to generate a non-rectangular polygonal work zone, allowing for the visualization and editing of boundaries between layers based on sensor data, with user input to create, modify, or merge layers, and automatically assign attributes for improved modeling accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a rectangular work zone is used for formation modeling, then the work zone provides a simple and standardized display area, but the work zone includes regions beyond sensor range and introduces artifacts when defining layer boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The work zone transitions from a uniform rectangular shape to a non-uniform shape that adapts to local sensor characteristics. The buffer distance varies at different locations around the wellbore, creating zones with different radial extents that match the actual sensor coverage at each location. This local adaptation eliminates regions where no sensor data exists while maintaining the complete sensor coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The work zone boundaries are defined using curved buffer zones rather than straight rectangular edges. The buffer creates a curved boundary that follows the radial distance from the wellbore trajectory, naturally conforming to the circular coverage pattern of sensors around the wellbore. This curved geometry better represents the actual sensor detection capabilities.
2Area of stationary object
If sensor data is projected throughout the rectangular work zone, then the entire work zone area is populated with data, but artifacts are introduced in regions where sensors cannot detect
Solution Approach 1:
The solution extracts and removes the problematic regions from the work zone where sensor data does not exist. By calculating the buffer based on actual sensor range, the method automatically excludes regions beyond sensor capabilities from the work zone boundary, preventing the projection of unreliable data into those areas and eliminating artifact generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer distance parameter is changed from a fixed uniform value to a variable parameter that reflects actual sensor detection capabilities at different locations. This parameter change ensures that the work zone boundary dynamically adapts to sensor range limitations, maintaining data reliability while optimizing the usable work zone area.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed buffer distance is used for all locations around the wellbore, then the work zone definition is simple and consistent, but the work zone includes areas beyond actual sensor range
Solution Approach 1:
The work zone definition transitions from a static fixed buffer to a dynamic buffer that adapts to local conditions. The buffer distance becomes a variable parameter that changes based on sensor characteristics at each location along the wellbore trajectory. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation through automated calculation while achieving precise alignment with actual sensor coverage areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and program product utilize a buffer defined relative to a wellbore trajectory to generate a work zone around a wellbore for use in connection with formation modeling. In some embodiments, for example, a closed curve such as a non-rectangular, polygonal work zone may be defined around a wellbore based upon a buffer that extends generally transverse to the trajectory of a length of a wellbore a predetermined distance. In addition, boundaries may be defined in a work zone to effectively split the work zone into multiple closed curves or polygons in response to user editing, e.g., to create one or more subsurface layers in the work zone. In such instances, points defining a subsurface layer may be shared by adjacent layers such that editing of such points will affect each of the layers sharing such points.