Wellbore Placement Using Seismic Voxels for Fluid Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the optimal location for a well to maximize fluid production are time-consuming and expensive, involving complex analyses like 3D seismic, subsurface mapping, and geo-mechanical analysis, and there is a need for improved forecasting methods to optimize hydrocarbon recovery.
Innovation Solution
The use of Fracture Seismic Imaging (FSI) to directly map the reservoir permeability field in space and time, combined with the Linear Production Relation (LPR) method, which identifies Near Well Active (NWA) voxels and virtual wells within a semblance volume to determine the optimal well location for high fluid recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods (3D seismic, subsurface mapping, geo-mechanical analysis) are used to determine optimal well location, then well placement accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and geological analysis systems with a seismic-based imaging system. By using seismic waves to directly image the reservoir and identify NWA voxels, the method eliminates the need for time-consuming 3D seismic processing, subsurface mapping, and geo-mechanical analysis while maintaining or improving placement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual 3D model (semblance volume) that copies and represents the actual reservoir structure. By analyzing this virtual representation through seismic imaging, the method avoids the need for physical drilling and complex field-based analysis, significantly reducing time and cost while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If current methods are used to determine optimal well location, then well placement accuracy is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and geological analysis systems with a seismic-based imaging system. By using seismic waves to directly image the reservoir and identify NWA voxels, the method eliminates the need for time-consuming 3D seismic processing, subsurface mapping, and geo-mechanical analysis while maintaining or improving placement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and focuses only on the essential information needed for well placement - the seismic response characteristics that identify NWA voxels. By separating and analyzing only these critical seismic parameters rather than processing all available geological data, the method reduces complexity while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If traditional forecasting methods are used, then production forecasting capability is improved, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary seismic imaging and NWA voxel identification before well drilling. By pre-characterizing the reservoir structure and identifying optimal locations through seismic analysis, the method enables rapid and reliable production forecasting without requiring time-consuming post-drilling analysis or complex traditional forecasting models.
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 allows for accurate well placement to optimize fluid recovery by maximizing the number of NWA voxels, reducing unnecessary drilling and enhancing production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
FSI is a technique that uses Seismic Emission Tomography (SET) to directly map the permeability field by analyzing the seismic response of the crust to the continual stress waves that move through it
Implementation Method 2
the semblance value of a voxel found with FSI or TFI is proportional to the permeability. This aspect is used to provide a basis for selecting a bore location so as to maximize fluid recovery from a reservoir of interest
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are methods of locating a well bore to optimize fluid extraction from a region of interest. In this manner, well production may be better predicted without having to go through the time and effort of drilling exploratory-type wells. The methods analyze semblance values of voxels within a full activity volume, and identify near well activity (NWA) voxels based on voxels that exceed the mean semblance value by a cut-off value. For example, the cut-off value may correspond to one or two standard deviations greater than the mean semblance value. Optimal fluid recovery corresponds to a well bore location at or near the putative location corresponding to the maximum number of NWA voxels in the region of interest.