Wellbore Location Precision Using Seismic Velocity Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining wellbore location during drilling in subterranean regions lack precision and accuracy, particularly in complex geological formations, leading to potential misplacement and inefficiencies in hydrocarbon reservoir exploration and production.
Innovation Solution
The use of seismic profiling systems that integrate seismic sources and sensors within wellbores to generate and detect seismic waves, allowing for real-time data analysis and construction of high-resolution velocity models, which provide detailed subsurface information for precise well placement and fracture treatment optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional seismic imaging methods are used with surface sources and geophones, then geological information can be obtained, but the precision and accuracy of wellbore location determination deteriorates in complex geological formations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary velocity model constructed from seismic data as a mediator between the seismic imaging system and wellbore location determination. This velocity model serves as a reference framework that improves the accuracy of location calculations in complex geological formations by accounting for actual subsurface velocity variations, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using recorded seismic data to construct velocity models, which are then applied to improve subsequent wellbore location determinations. This iterative process where measurement results feed back into improving the measurement system itself enhances both precision and reliability in complex formations.
2Measurement precision
If seismic sources and sensors are deployed at ground surface, then seismic data can be collected, but the resolution of subsurface imaging deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by deploying seismic sources and sensors directly within the wellbore at specific locations of interest rather than uniformly at the ground surface. This localized deployment strategy provides higher resolution imaging at critical subsurface zones while managing overall system complexity through targeted rather than comprehensive coverage.
3Measurement precision
If real-time seismic data analysis is performed to improve wellbore placement accuracy, then location precision improves, but operational time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by constructing velocity models and preparing imaging frameworks before actual wellbore drilling and placement operations. This advance preparation of subsurface models enables faster real-time decision-making during drilling, improving placement accuracy without excessive time loss during critical operational phases.
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 accuracy of wellbore placement, improves fracture treatment effectiveness, and reduces operational costs by providing real-time, high-resolution imaging of subsurface structures and properties, thereby optimizing hydrocarbon recovery.
Implementation Method 1
seismic waves are generated by an artificial seismic source at the ground surface, and reflected seismic waves are recorded by geophones
Implementation Method 2
reflected seismic waves are recorded by geophones. Geological information can be derived from the recorded seismic data
Data Source
AI summary
Some aspects of what is described here relate to seismic data analysis techniques. A seismic excitation is generated in a first directional wellbore section in a subterranean region. A seismic response associated with the seismic excitation is detected by a fiber optic distributed acoustic sensing array in a second directional wellbore section in the subterranean region. Seismic response data based on the seismic response are analyzed to identify a location of a third wellbore in the subterranean region. A drilling direction for drilling the third wellbore is determined based on the identified location.