Wired Drill Pipe Seismic Depth Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic surveys can only associate time with subsurface seismic reflectors but lack accuracy in determining the true depth of target reservoirs, leading to uncertainty in drilling operations for high angle and horizontal wells.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wired drill pipe with integrated tools that measure and transmit density and sonic velocity data, enabling the generation of synthetic seismic traces to calibrate surface seismic surveys with actual depths, thereby refining the estimation of acoustic impedance and improving the accuracy of subsurface formation layer depth determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If surface seismic surveys are used to locate subsurface reflectors, then the area covered by the survey is large, but the depth accuracy of the reflectors cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by combining surface seismic survey data with well log data (density and sonic velocity measurements) from the drill string. The well log data serves as a mediator to calibrate and convert the time-based seismic reflector positions into accurate depth measurements, thereby resolving the contradiction between large survey area coverage and precise depth determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the parameter representation from time-based (two-way travel time) to depth-based by using acoustic velocity information. By changing the parameter from time to depth through the relationship depth = (velocity × time) / 2, the system achieves both broad area coverage and precise depth measurement capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If two-way travel time is used to associate seismic reflectors, then the measurement process is simple, but the true depth of the target reservoir remains uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple time-based measurement system with a hybrid system that incorporates acoustic velocity data from well logs. This substitution allows the system to maintain measurement simplicity while achieving precise depth determination through the integration of multiple parameters (time and velocity) to calculate accurate depth values.
3Adaptability or versatility
If acoustic waves are used to generate seismic reflections, then the subsurface structure can be mapped, but the acoustic impedance estimation lacks precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite approach by combining surface seismic survey data with well log measurements (density and sonic velocity). This composite data integration allows for both broad subsurface mapping capability and precise acoustic impedance estimation, as the combined data provides both spatial coverage and accurate material property measurements.
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 real-time, accurate determination of subsurface formation layer depths, enhancing the precision of well placement and optimizing drilling operations by correlating synthetic seismic surveys with surface seismic data, thus improving the accuracy of acoustic impedance estimation and wellbore placement.
Implementation Method 1
The seismic survey may be obtained by processing reflected seismic waves generated by subsurface seismic reflectors
Implementation Method 2
The drill string has a bottom hole assembly (BHA) located proximate to the drill bit. The BHA has tools that may generate and/or may obtain the measurements of the drilling conditions
Implementation Method 3
enabling the generation of synthetic seismic traces to calibrate surface seismic surveys with actual depths
Data Source
AI summary
A surface seismic survey is generated or obtained from Earth's surface and is based on time in which acoustic waves are reflected to Earth's surface. One or more tools measure density and sonic velocity of a subsurface formation. An estimate of acoustic impedance is obtained from the density and the sonic velocity to generate a synthetic seismic survey. The synthetic seismic survey and the surface seismic survey are compared and/or correlated. The acoustic impedance can be iteratively estimated until the synthetic seismic survey matches the surface seismic survey. Matching the surface seismic survey with the synthetic seismic survey may ensure that the surface seismic survey may be calibrated in actual depth.