Well Log Prediction via Machine Learning and Joint Inversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drilling technologies face challenges in accurately predicting reservoir properties due to the limited dataset from unconventional wells, which often lack wireline and advanced logging measurements, leading to nonlinear relationships between available log data and unknown properties.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid model combining machine learning to predict triple combo logs from drilling dynamic measurements and natural Gamma Ray logs, followed by a physics-based joint inversion model to estimate reservoir properties such as porosity, clay volume, water saturation, and geomechanical parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wireline and advanced LWD logs are used for formation evaluation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformation evaluation accuracyVSAvoidlogging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual copies of triple combo logs (gamma ray, resistivity, and density neutron logs) using machine learning models trained on data from offset wells. These synthesized logs replicate the information content of actual wireline and advanced LWD logs without requiring the physical logging tools, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision for formation evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Loss of information

If wireline and advanced LWD logs are acquired, then information completeness is improved, but loss of time and increased cost occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformation data completenessVSAvoiddrilling operation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The machine learning models are pre-trained on comprehensive datasets from multiple offset wells before the actual drilling operation. This preliminary action allows the models to predict triple combo log values in real-time during drilling without requiring actual wireline or advanced LWD logging operations, thus maintaining information completeness while avoiding the time loss associated with these lengthy logging processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If machine learning models are trained on limited MWD data, then adaptability to unconventional wells is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel adaptability to unconventional wellsVSAvoidpredicted log values accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple data sources including MWD measurements (gamma ray, ROP, WOB, torque, RPM, differential pressure) with historical data from offset wells that have complete triple combo logs. The machine learning model integrates these diverse datasets to train predictions that are specifically adapted to unconventional wells while maintaining measurement precision through the combined information from both limited real-time data and comprehensive historical data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20240328308A1Well log predictive systems and methods for drilling
Publication Date: 2024.10.03 HELMERICH & PAYNE TECH LLC
  • US20240328308A1 patent drawing
  • US20240328308A1 patent drawing
  • US20240328308A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In some implementations, a computing device may include receiving one or more measurements of drilling parameters. In addition, the computing device may include accessing historical drilling logs for one or more wells in a geographic region. Also, the computing device may include training, using one or more processors, a machine learning model to determine predicted values for a triple combo log for a new well in the geographic region. Further, the computing device may include determining, using the one or more processors, one or more formation properties from the triple combo log. In addition, the computing device may include determining, using the one or more processors, an adjustment to one or more drilling parameters based at least on the one or more formation properties. The adjustment can be applied to a drilling process on a drilling rig.