Subsurface Fracture Spacing Analysis for Data-Driven Well Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to integrate disparate data sources to accurately determine subsurface fracture spacing in rock formations, which affects petrophysical parameters and fluid flow in reservoirs, requiring improved data management and analysis for well placement and reservoir simulation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a computer system to obtain and filter discontinuity data, perform spatial data analysis, and determine fracture cluster and set spacings, followed by a geomodeling system to identify well placement targets, and a drilling system to execute the targets, integrating geological layering and discontinuity data to optimize fracture spacing predictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual interpretation methods are used to analyze fracture data, then flexibility in handling diverse data sources is maintained, but measurement precision and productivity of fracture spacing determination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual interpretation methods with an automated computer-based system that processes discontinuity data, geological layering data, and well log data through systematic algorithms. This substitution maintains the ability to handle diverse data sources while significantly improving measurement precision through consistent, repeatable analysis procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple data sources (discontinuity data, geological layering data, well log data) into a single unified analysis platform. This multi-functional approach allows the system to process various types of subsurface data simultaneously, maintaining adaptability while improving overall measurement accuracy through comprehensive data integration.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive data integration from multiple sources is performed, then measurement precision of fracture spacing improves, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex data integration process into distinct functional modules: data acquisition from multiple sources, data filtering and preprocessing, spatial analysis, and fracture spacing calculation. This segmentation reduces system complexity by organizing the integration process into manageable, independent components while maintaining comprehensive data analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediate processing steps including data filtering modules and spatial analysis routines that mediate between raw data from multiple sources and the final fracture spacing calculations. These intermediaries simplify the overall system complexity by preprocessing data before final analysis, reducing the computational burden on the main processing system.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive data integration from multiple sources is performed, then measurement precision of fracture spacing improves, but loss of time in processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary filtering and preprocessing actions to the raw data before main analysis. Discontinuity data and geological layering data are filtered and organized in advance, and well log data are pre-processed to extract relevant features. This preliminary action reduces the time required for the main fracture spacing calculation while maintaining comprehensive data integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the essential features and parameters from comprehensive data sources that are directly relevant to fracture spacing determination. By taking out and focusing on critical data elements rather than processing all raw data equally, the system maintains measurement precision while reducing overall processing time.
4Productivity
If automated filtering and spatial analysis are applied, then productivity of fracture spacing determination improves, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to oversimplification
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the results of automated filtering and spatial analysis are validated against the original comprehensive data sets. The fracture spacing measurements are cross-checked with well log data and geological layering information, allowing the system to adjust processing parameters to maintain precision while achieving high productivity through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for managing records and predictions of the subsurface fracture spacing are disclosed. The methods may include, using a computer system: obtaining, from a discontinuity database, discontinuity data and geological layering data, filtering the discontinuity data to output a plurality of arrays of fracture spacings, determining, using the plurality of arrays of fracture spacings, a spatial data analysis and a confidence interval, determining, using the spatial data analysis and confidence interval, a fracture cluster spacing, and determining, using the fracture cluster spacing and the confidence interval, a random fracture spacing and a fracture set spacing. The methods may further include determining, using a geomodeling system, a well placement target based, at least partially, upon the random fracture spacing and the fracture set spacing; and drilling, using a drilling system, the well placement target determined by the geomodeling system.