Wellbore Gravity Sensing for Extended Formation Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring wellbore properties are limited in extending accurate data beyond the near-range wellbore region, lacking sufficient resolution and being costly or impractical for mid-range and far-range measurements, which hinders effective geosteering and reservoir characterization.
Innovation Solution
Combining downhole measurements with surface gravimetric data using a wellbore reference to extrapolate formation properties deeper into the formation, employing inversion algorithms that incorporate near-range wellbore data, surface gravity sensors, and other measurements to create more accurate subsurface models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If measurements are extended from near-range wellbore to mid-range and far-range wellbore regions, then the depth of measurements into the formation is improved, but the resolution of the measurements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses surface gravity measurements as an intermediary to bridge near-range wellbore measurements and far-range formation characteristics. The gravity data acts as a mediator that can be detected at the surface but reflects properties of formations at greater depths, enabling extended measurement depth while maintaining useful resolution through the combining of multiple data sources.
2Length of stationary object
If techniques are used to determine subsurface formation structures in mid-range and far-range wellbore regions, then the depth of measurements is improved, but the cost and complexity of implementation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Surface gravity measurements serve as a cost-effective intermediary that provides far-range formation information without requiring complex downhole equipment at great depths. This approach uses simple surface-based gravity sensors to obtain data about deep formations, avoiding the need for complex and expensive deep-well measurement tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple measurement types (wellbore reference measurements, near-range formation measurements, and surface gravity measurements) into a unified inversion framework. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to address near-range, mid-range, and far-range formation characterization needs simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate specialized systems.
3Measurement precision
If conventional measurement techniques are used in near-range wellbore regions, then the resolution of measurements is improved, but the depth of measurements into the formation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges near-range wellbore measurements with surface gravity measurements in a combined inversion process. By combining these different measurement types with complementary characteristics (high resolution near-wellbore data and deep penetration gravity data), the system achieves both high resolution and extended depth capability that neither measurement type could achieve alone.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the resolution and depth of wellbore measurements, allowing for more precise geosteering and reservoir characterization, improving the probability of finding recoverable resources by extending near-range data into the mid-range and far-range wellbore regions.
Implementation Method 1
surface gravimetric measurements are combined with a wellbore reference and near-range wellbore measurement data
Data Source
AI summary
A system for drilling a wellbore into an earth formation includes a logging tool in the wellbore having at least one near-range measurement sensor, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive, at each depth along the wellbore, near-range measurement data and reference data related to a density of the formation, determine one or more near-range earth models that include a density model of a layer at each depth based on the near-range data constrained by the reference data, receive surface gravitational data from multiple surface locations, determine a mid-range or far-range formation model based on the near-range earth model and the surface gravitational data, and provide the mid-range or far-range formation model to a well driller for geosteering a drill bit into the earth formation.