Wellbore Data Restoration via Lithologic Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing well data from boreholes face challenges in associating lithological layers between wells due to deformation, compaction, and erosion, which complicates the identification of hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A method that processes well data by projecting lithological segments onto a normal to the dip line or surface, concatenating them, and applying an affine homothety based on decompaction rates to standardize layer thicknesses, account for compaction, and insert or delete segments to correct for erosion and faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If lithological layers are directly compared between wells without restoration, then the data can be used immediately for analysis, but the comparison accuracy deteriorates due to compaction, deformation, and erosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing restoration transformations on well data before comparison. The method restores lithological layers to their pre-compaction state through affine homothety transformations and projections, eliminating the need for complex post-processing corrections during comparison. This preliminary restoration ensures accurate association between layers from different wells.
2Reliability
If well data is restored to account for compaction and deformation, then the identification of hydrocarbon reservoirs is improved, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming well data using affine homothety with specific restoration coefficients that account for compaction and deformation. These parameter transformations standardize the data representation, enabling more reliable reservoir identification while maintaining computational efficiency through mathematical operations rather than iterative simulations.
3Manufacturing precision
If lithological segments are projected onto a normal to the dip line, then the standardization of layer thickness is improved, but the geometric transformation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by projecting lithological segments from 3D space onto a 2D plane defined by the normal to the dip line. This projection transforms the spatial coordinates of segment endpoints, enabling standardized thickness measurements that account for well deviation and layer dip while using straightforward geometric calculations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the processing of well data obtained from a completed wellbore. This processing comprises receiving initial well data comprising at least one lithologic segment, each segment representing a lithologic layer each of which comprises a line of inclination or a surface of inclination. This processing furthermore comprises converting the initial well data into restored well data; and delivering the restored well data. The conversion of the initial well data comprises, for each lithologic segment, projecting said lithologic segment onto a normal to the line of inclination or to the surface of inclination to form a projected lithologic segment, and the concatenation of at least one projected lithologic segment to form restored well data.