Subsurface Measurement Compression via Basis Function Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsurface measurement systems face limitations in data bandwidth, leading to inaccurate and unreliable communication of subsurface data from boreholes to the surface, particularly in drilling and well production operations, due to the high data acquisition rates exceeding available data transmission capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a first processor in the borehole to analyze subsurface measurement series by comparing them to basis functions from a library, generating a characterizing set that includes function identifiers, weights, and residual characteristics, which are then transmitted to the surface, allowing for the reconstruction of measurement series and determination of formation, fluid properties, and well status, thereby compressing data and increasing accuracy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sophisticated subsurface sensors are used to measure physical properties below the surface, then measurement precision and data quality are improved, but data bandwidth limitations cause loss of information during transmission to the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information from the full measurement series by identifying and transmitting key features (extremes, inflection points, characteristic values) rather than the complete data set. This extraction process maintains measurement precision while eliminating redundant data that would be lost in transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement data from raw time-series values into a different parameter representation using basis function coefficients. This parameter transformation allows the same information to be conveyed with fewer parameters, reducing data transmission requirements while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If high data acquisition rates are used to capture subsurface measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but the data bandwidth is exceeded causing communication reliability to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the most critical measurement features and transmits them to the surface, avoiding the bandwidth saturation that occurs when transmitting complete high-rate data streams. This extraction maintains measurement accuracy while ensuring reliable communication within bandwidth constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transmits a partial representation of the full measurement data set, focusing on key characteristic values and trends rather than attempting to transmit every data point. This partial transmission approach ensures reliable communication while preserving essential measurement information.
3Loss of information
If the entire measurement series is transmitted to the surface, then complete information is available for analysis, but the communication time and data bandwidth requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and transmits only the essential information needed for formation evaluation, such as key measurement extremes, inflection points, and characteristic values. This extraction maintains information completeness for decision-making while dramatically reducing transmission time and bandwidth requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole processor performs preliminary analysis of the measurement series downhole, identifying and preparing only the critical features for transmission before sending them to the surface. This preliminary processing reduces the amount of data that needs to be transmitted while ensuring all necessary information is captured.
4Loss of information
If data compression is applied to reduce transmission data, then data bandwidth efficiency is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms measurement data into a different parameter space using basis function decomposition, where the essential information is represented by a small number of coefficients. This parameter transformation achieves effective data compression while preserving measurement precision, as the coefficients can accurately reconstruct the original measurement characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified representation (copy) of the measurement data using basis function coefficients that captures the essential features. This compressed copy is transmitted efficiently and can be accurately reconstructed at the surface, maintaining measurement precision while improving transmission efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a subsurface sensor to be positioned in a wellbore formed in a subsurface formation, wherein the subsurface sensor is to detect subsurface measurements. The apparatus includes a processor and a machine-readable medium having program code executable by the processor to cause the processor to generate a combination of functions based on the subsurface measurements, wherein the combination of functions is a subset of functions from a library of functions. The program code is executable by the processor to cause the processor to determine at least one function parameter of at least one function of the combination of functions and determine at least one formation property of the subsurface formation based on the at least one function parameter.