Automated Well Log Correlation via Loop Tie Error Minimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for correlating well logs are limited to pair-wise correlations and lack the capability to solve field-wide correlation problems, relying on time-consuming manual analysis and lacking automation for comprehensive subsurface geology interpretation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically correlating multiple well logs by selecting marker positions, calculating well tie errors, minimizing summed loop tie errors, and correlating subsurface geology across wells, utilizing computer-executable instructions and a computer-programmed system to facilitate efficient field-wide correlation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual expert analysis is used to correlate features between well logs, then correlation accuracy can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual expert analysis with an automated computer-based system that uses pattern recognition and optimization algorithms to correlate well logs. The system automatically identifies markers, calculates loop tie errors, and minimizes summed errors without human intervention, thereby eliminating the time-consuming nature of manual analysis while maintaining correlation accuracy through systematic computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the computer automatically performs the entire correlation process from marker selection to error minimization. The algorithm independently identifies features, correlates them across well loops, and optimizes the correlation results without requiring continuous human guidance, making the process both accurate and efficient.
2Ease of manufacture
If pair-wise correlation methods are used between well logs, then simple implementation is achieved, but the capability to solve field-wide correlation problems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pair-wise correlations into a unified field-wide correlation system by introducing loop tie error calculation that connects multiple well logs through closed loops. The system combines individual well log correlations into integrated loops, allowing simultaneous optimization across the entire field rather than treating each well pair independently, thereby achieving both simplicity and field-wide capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a universal correlation framework that can handle both simple pair-wise cases and complex field-wide problems using the same automated algorithm. The loop tie error minimization approach is universally applicable regardless of the number of wells or complexity of the correlation network, providing a single method that scales from simple to complex scenarios.
3Productivity
If automated computer methods are used for well-to-well correlation, then processing speed is improved, but the ability to solve field-wide correlation problems is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional pair-wise correlation to multi-dimensional field-wide correlation by introducing loop structures that connect multiple wells. The loop tie error calculation adds a new dimension of analysis that considers the entire field network simultaneously, enabling the automated system to solve complex field-wide problems while maintaining high processing speed through efficient algorithmic optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of automatically correlating well logs includes selecting well loops from the well logs and creating a set of possible marker positions for each well log in each well loop. From the possible marker positions, alternate marker sets are iteratively selected. A well tie error on each loop is calculated for each selected marker set, summed over all loops and minimized.