Seismic Detection While Drilling Using Sliding Stack

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing Seismic-while-drilling methods face challenges in real-time processing due to limited uplink and downlink bandwidth, requiring automatic detection of shooting sequences downhole, which introduces delays and is costly, especially during tripping operations where multiple shooting sequences occur.

Innovation Solution

A method using a bottomhole assembly with a seismic source and sensor to generate seismic traces through a sliding stack process, where seismic signals are processed based on a predefined interval between pulses, enabling real-time detection of shooting sequences and improving data quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automatic detection of shooting sequences is performed downhole, then real-time processing capability is improved, but bandwidth limitations and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time processing capabilityVSAvoidbandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the detection function from the communication system by using the sensor to directly detect seismic signals and identify shooting sequences downhole, separating the detection task from the limited bandwidth communication channel. This allows real-time processing without consuming valuable uplink/downlink bandwidth for transmitting raw seismic data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The downhole system performs self-detection of shooting sequences using the sensor and processing unit, without requiring external assistance or communication with surface equipment. The system autonomously identifies shooting sequences and generates seismic traces, eliminating the need for bandwidth-intensive data transmission for detection purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If multiple shooting sequences are processed during tripping operations, then measurement coverage is improved, but detection complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoiddetection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the processing of multiple shooting sequences by using the predefined interval to create distinct time windows for detecting each sequence. The processing unit separately identifies and processes each shooting sequence within the measurement window, making complex multi-sequence processing manageable and systematic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic action by using the predefined interval between shooting sequences to structure the detection process. The sensor and processing unit are configured to detect signals at regular intervals, automatically identifying each shooting sequence as it occurs during tripping operations without requiring complex continuous analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If measurement window is set larger than shooting sequence window, then detection robustness is improved, but processing delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection robustnessVSAvoidprocessing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by configuring the measurement window to start before the expected shooting sequence and end after it, with the predefined interval establishing the detection timeline in advance. This pre-configured window ensures robust detection while the automatic identification process minimizes actual processing delay within the window.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the sensor output within the measurement window and automatically adjusting the detection process based on detected signal patterns. The processing unit receives feedback from the sensor and identifies shooting sequences in real-time, reducing delays by responding immediately when signals are detected within the pre-set window.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 allows for real-time detection and processing of seismic data, reducing delays and improving data quality by automatically identifying shooting sequences, even during tripping operations with multiple sequences, thus enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of drilling operations.

Implementation Method 1

a sequence of seismic pulses having a predefined interval between successive seismic pulses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeismic wave propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 2

a sensor on the BHA configured to generate a plurality of seismic traces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8947974B2Seismic measurements while drilling

Publication Date: 2015.02.03 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A downhole tool starts recording seismic energy. During the recording time, a surface seismic source is activated a specified number of times with a nominally defined separation between successive. The downhole sensor receives seismic waves resulting from the activation, but the time of the shooting sequence is not known downhole. The recorded data stream is processed and converted in real-time into seismic traces. A predefined number of traces are stacked and the quality of this sliding stack is used to detect time of the shooting sequence. The method could be used to detect one or several shooting sequences during a measurement window.