Propagation Well Logging Conductivity Without Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional processing methods for propagation well logging measurements are computationally expensive and time-consuming, leading to high memory requirements, which hinders efficient decision-making in hydrocarbon exploration and production.
Innovation Solution
A method that processes propagation well logging measurements using a tool constant based on the relative longitudinal position of at least two receivers, converting measurements to apparent conductivity without inversion, to generate conductivity and resistivity well logs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional processing methods are used for propagation well logging measurements, then measurement precision is maintained, but processing time and memory requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the inversion step from the conventional processing workflow and replaces it with a direct calculation method using pre-computed tool constants. This removes the computationally expensive inversion operation while retaining the essential functionality of converting propagation measurements to conductivity values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of tool constants that depend only on the geometric configuration of the logging tool (receiver positions, spacings). These pre-computed constants are stored and reused during actual measurements, eliminating the need to recalculate them for each measurement and significantly reducing processing time.
2Measurement precision
If conventional processing methods are used for propagation well logging measurements, then accurate conductivity logs are generated, but memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the inversion algorithm and its associated large data structures from the processing workflow. By using direct calculation with pre-stored tool constants, the method generates accurate conductivity logs while requiring minimal memory storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex, memory-intensive inversion computations with simple, lightweight direct calculations using compact tool constant tables. This substitution dramatically reduces memory requirements while maintaining the functionality needed to generate accurate conductivity logs.
3Measurement precision
If inversion-based processing is used, then comprehensive formation properties are obtained, but device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the inversion algorithm from the processing chain, replacing it with direct calculation methods. This simplifies the processing algorithm while still enabling determination of formation conductivity and resistivity properties from propagation measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing approach from iterative inversion (complex) to direct calculation using pre-computed tool constants (simple). This parameter change in the processing methodology reduces algorithmic complexity while maintaining the ability to determine formation properties.
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
This approach reduces processing time and memory requirements, enabling faster generation of accurate conductivity and resistivity logs for informed hydrocarbon exploration and production decisions.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring, via a processor, propagation measurements in a wellbore through a geological formation using one or more propagation downhole well logging tools
Implementation Method 2
converting, via the processor, the propagation measurements to two apparent conductivities based at least in part on a frequency associated with the propagation measurements, a relative longitudinal position of the at least two receivers, and a phase shift measurement and an attenuation measurement
Data Source
AI summary
Properties of a geological formation, such as dielectric constant and conductivity, may be determined by a propagation well log data acquired by a propagation well logging tool based at least in part on a relative longitudinal position of two or more receivers of the propagation well logging tool. In some embodiments, the relative longitudinal position of the at least two receivers is based at least in part on a first distance between a first receiver of the at least two receivers and a transmitter of the propagation well logging tool and a second distance between a second receiver of the at least two receivers and the transmitter.