Specification
BACKGROUND
[0001] Sedimentary formations generally exhibit slowly varying lateral changes in their
lithological interfaces and physical properties. In some state-of-the-art logging-while-drilling
(LWD) inversion methods, such as those used to determine formation resistivity based on
resistivity data, the measured data are inverted on a point-by-point or sliding window basis
using one-dimensional (ID) resistivity models. Predicted data and sensitivities are evaluated
using semi-analytical solutions for a given set of model parameters defining the ID resistivity
model (e.g., layer thickness, resistivity, anisotropy ratio, relative dip, relative azimuth). The
model parameters are then optimized such that they minimize the error between measured
and predicted data subject to any enforced regularization. These inverse problems are usually
over-determined. The ID resistivity models are then stitched together to form a twodimensional
(2D) resistivity image, sometimes known as "curtain plots" by those of ordinary
skill in the art.
[0002] In some cases, LWD inversions based on 2D pixel-based resistivity models or threedimensional
(3D) voxel-based resistivity models have also been disclosed. Here, the
inversions are based on 2D or 3D resistivity models discretized as area elements (pixels) or
volume elements (voxels), and the predicted data and sensitivities are evaluated using finitedifference,
finite-element, or volume integral equation methods. The model parameters in
each pixel or voxel are then optimized such that they minimize the error between measured
and predicted data subject to any enforced regularization. These inverse problems are usually
under-determined. In the literature, these methods have only been applied to synthetic data
associated with idealistic resistivity LWD systems in isotropic formations. The performance
of these methods for anisotropic formations hasn't been disclosed. These inversions are
highly dependent on the choice of regularization, such as the choice of apriori model and the
choice of stabilizing functional. Resistivity models often contain resistivity gradients from
which formation interfaces are difficult to discern with any degree of confidence.
[0003] In each case, the resulting resistivity models often contain geologically unrealistic
artefacts arising from model simplicity or an inappropriate choice of regularization.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a conceptual version of a 3D earth model described in terms of
arbitrary surfaces, according to various embodiments of the invention.
[0005] FIGs. 2-4 illustrate the use of real-time inversion with respect to a variety of layer
conductivities and surfaces, according to various embodiments of the invention.
[0006] FIG. 5 is a workflow diagram that illustrates the use of real-time inversion, solving
surface integral equations, according to various embodiments of the invention.
[0007] FIG. 6 illustrates a conceptual version of a 2D earth model, according to various
embodiments of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 7 illustrates a conceptual version of a 3D earth model, according to various
embodiments of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 8 illustrates a two-layered 3D earth model, with an arbitrarily-shaped surface
discretized into quadrilateral elements, according to various embodiments of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 9 illustrates a two-layered 2D earth model, with an arbitrarily-shaped surface
discretized into contours, according to various embodiments of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 10 is a workflow diagram that illustrates the evaluation of resistivity responses
and sensitivities using adjoint operators, according to various embodiments of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 11 illustrates different approaches to discretization, according to various
embodiments of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a data acquisition, processing, and control system
according to various embodiments of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating data acquisition, processing, and control
methods, according to various embodiments of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 14 depicts an example wireline system, according to various embodiments of the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 15 depicts an example drilling rig system, according to various embodiments of
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Introduction to Various Embodiments
[0017] To address some of the challenges noted above, among others, many embodiments
operate to improving the quantitative interpretation of resistivity LWD data by providing
more efficient methods of modeling and inverting resistivity LWD data, particularly for
depth-to-bed boundary (DTBB) inversions used in geosteering applications.
[0018] For the purposes of this document, resistivity LWD modeling and inversion is based
on 3D earth models parameterized as multiple, arbitrary open or closed surfaces between
formation layers of different anisotropic conductivity. These surfaces are discretized as a
mesh of surface elements. Surface integral equations (SIEs) are formulated and solved for the
EM responses, and adjoint SIEs are formulated and solved for the EM sensitivities to
perturbations in resistivity and surface geometry. The SIEs may be formulated in terms of
EM fields and their gradients, or in terms of equivalent electric and magnetic sources. It
should be noted that while many of the examples described herein are directed to resistivity
data for ease of understanding, the various embodiments are not to be so limited. The term
"electromagnetic" can be substituted for "resistivity" in most cases, as those of ordinary skill
in the art will realize after reading this document.
[0019] SIEs obviate the need for voxel-based discretization of the 3D earth model per
state-of-the-art finite-difference, finite-element, or volume integral equation methods.
Importantly, the sensitivities for the arbitrarily complex formation boundaries can be
computed very efficiently and accurately using adjoint equations, without finite-differencing
between models, per the state-of-the-art.
[0020] 3D earth models can be deemed to have an infinite strike angle if there is no
lateral variation in the strike angle direction of the 3D earth model within the resistivity LWD
tool's sensitivity. In such cases, the surface integral equations can be reduced to a 2.5D
formulation (i.e., a 2D earth model of infinite strike, and 3D EM source), whereby the surface
integral equations are reduced to contour integral equations.
Detailed Description of Various Embodiments
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a conceptual version of a 3D earth model 100 described in terms of
arbitrary surfaces S^, according to various embodiments of the invention. Here the arbitrary
surfaces bound formation layers of different conductivity , which is the reciprocal of
resistivity. The surfaces can have any geometry, and the conductivities of each layer may be
anisotropic.
[0022] Conceptually, the 3D earth model 100 is not discretized in terms of voxels or 3D
volume elements. Rather, the 3D earth model 100 is parameterized into a number of
arbitrarily shaped surfaces that define the interfaces between different formations. SIEs are
formulated and solved for the resistivity LWD responses and their sensitivities to the
conductivities ( of each layer, as well as the surface geometries.
[0023] FIGs. 2-4 illustrate the use of real-time resistivity LWD inversion with respect to
a variety of layer conductivities ( and surfaces, according to various embodiments of the
invention. In FIG. 2, the methods of control disclosed herein are used to determine the
immediately pending penetration of the surface between conductivity layers ( and - by the
bottom hole assembly (BHA), and the surface between conductivity layers and (J3 , using
a 3D SIE-based inversion to recover the conductivities of each layer, and the surface
geometries. That is, instead of relying on apriori surface models (e.g., from 3D reflection
seismic imaging), the inverted surface geometries (often at sub-seismic resolution) can be
determined in real-time, and used to efficiently guide the BHA from the layer of conductivity
L into the layer of conductivity -
[0024] In FIGs. 3 and 4, the methods disclosed herein are used to determine the surface
geometries in real-time, to guide the BHA through the layer of conductivity - (and between
the layers of conductivities (J^and ( 3 ) by using a 3D SIE-based inversion to recover the
conductivities of each layer, and the surface geometries. Again, instead of relying on the a
priori surface models (e.g., from 3D reflection seismic imaging), the determination of the
surface geometries (often at sub-seismic resolution), whether moving toward or away from
the BHA, can be used to guide the path of the BHA.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a workflow 500 diagram that illustrates the use of real-time resistivity
LWD inversion solving SIEs, according to various embodiments of the invention. The
workflow 500 can be realized using an appropriate choice of model parameterization, and a
3D SIE-based EM modeling method. As noted previously, for formation models with infinite
strike, the method can be reduced to a 2.5D SIE-based EM modeling method, whereby the
surface integral equations are reduced to contour integral equations.
[0026] Through functional representation of the 3D earth model, the number of model
parameters in the inversion can be greatly minimized and solved as an over-determined
inverse problem. This type of resistivity LWD solution has not been previously disclosed.
Given the length and relative complexity of the details in describing the mechanisms used
herein, the disclosure will be divided into components, including: earth model
parameterization, surface integral equation modeling, sensitivities, inversion, and an example,
with other considerations.
Earth Model Parameterization
[0027] In the discussion that follows, all EM modeling will be based on a 3D earth
model. However, the dimensionality of the earth model may be either 2D or 3D. While any of
the elements in the workflow 500 can form a part of the methods described herein, those
marked with an asterisk (blocks 510, 520, 530) are of particular interest, constituting entirely
new approach to inversion of 3D earth models for real-time resistivity LWD.
[0028] As noted at block 510, the 3D earth model is discretized with at least one
continuous, non-intersecting surface that defines an interface between formations (layers) of
different conductivity (e.g., see FIG. 1). The surfaces can be either bounded (e.g., a closed
object, representing a pocket of a reservoir) or unbounded (e.g., having an infinite lateral
extent, representing a lithological interface). The surfaces can be of arbitrary geometry.
[0029] To discretize each surface S , we can describe each surface by one or more
continuous functions. The functions can be chosen to be continuous, so as to exploit the
spatial coherencies of both the formations and resistivity LWD data.
[0030] In some embodiments, the earth model parameters can be described using splines
to provide continuity, smoothness, and local support of the surfaces. The choice of splines
may include, but is not be limited to linear, bilinear, cubic, or B-splines. A spline
representation has the advantage of reducing or minimizing the number of spline nodes used
to describe the surface. Spline node spacing is dependent on the minimum of the expected
length scale of variations within the formation, and the resistivity LWD system's sensitivity
or footprint (e.g., if the system sensitivity is on the order of 5 m, then the spline node spacing
might be set at 2.5 m or 5 m). It is noted that while splines are described herein for purposes
of simplicity, any continuous spatial interpolation function (e.g., Lagrange polynomials, etc.)
can be used, and various embodiments are therefore not to be so limited.
[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates a conceptual version of a 2D earth model 600, according to
various embodiments of the invention. The conductivity of each layer may be anisotropic.
The surfaces are functionally represented by splines. The depth of a surface at any
horizontal position (x) can be evaluated from the spline coefficients of that surface. The
functional smoothness inherent in the spline enforces continuous (smooth) bed boundaries.
[0032] If the formation has a strike such that the dip perpendicular to the well trajectory
is approximately zero within the resistivity LWD tool's volume of sensitivity, the 3D earth
model can assumed to have infinite strike, and the 3D earth model may be reduced to a 2D
earth model of infinite strike. In this case, parameterization of the boundaries can be reduced
to 2D contours for each boundary (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6).
[0033] If the formation has a strike such that the dip perpendicular to the well trajectory
is not zero, parameterization of the boundaries can be made with 3D surfaces for each
boundary (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7).
[0034] For example, consider the 2D earth model 600 shown in FIG. 6. The surfaces
in an N-layered earth model can be completely defined by N-1 B-splines. The depth of a
surface at any point (x), corresponding to the value of the B-spline surface at that point
(x), is evaluated through the weighted sum of the four adjacent node coefficients:
z ik x å +=i-l c p k w p k x >
where C and a e e u nkn° w n spline coefficients and known spline weights,
respectively, for the node at the p node on the k spline.
[0035] The sensitivities (Frechet derivatives or Jacobians) of the spline with respect to the
spline coefficients are:
d z ik x ,z = w k x , z , i - 1 < p < i + 2,
d c k { 0, otherwise.
(2)
[0036] It follows that the sensitivities (Frechet derivatives or Jacobians) of the resistivity
LWD data dj x , z ) to the spline coefficients are given by the product rule:
ddj(x,z) = d {x,z) dz ik s ί X V X V X r ds = - n x dz(r') dz(r')
d
(51)
dz(r') '
and shifting known (source) terms to the RHS, provides:
2 c(r) +
n x Vr x Vr x [^( G, G') - g2 r, r' ] r' ds' =
d i (r r') 2( n x V x V x , ') dz(r') dz(r') d(r')d '
(52)
[0090] Equations (50) and (52) are two coupled Fredholm integral equations of the
second kind for the sensitivities of fictional surface currents a and b to depth. These can be
discretized and assembled into the linear system:
(53)
where the global stiffness matrix is identical to equation (37). If the matrix is decomposed for
solving equation (37), solutions to equation (53) can be obtained with minimal computational
effort.
[0091] The sensitivities at each receiver for the depth of a surface at position r' are
then given by discrete forms of:
= V x V x få g r , r')c(r')ds' + m n ,. x
5 (r, r')d(r')ds' +
V, x V x . ¾ a r' ' + m n ,. x
dgi (r,r') f , ,
= D ,. x . (r, r')c(r')ds' - Vr x Vr x
5 (r, r')d(r')ds' +
¾ x ¾^a(r')ds' - Vr x V x
)
Note that for the integrations are over each surface element S rather
than all surface elements S .
[0092] With the solution of equations (54) and (55), we have calculated the sensitivities
of the surface depths as shown in equations (3) and (6). Moreover, these sensitivities are
computed at the expense of one RHS source term for equation (53), for every one RHS
source term for equation (37). This solution represents a novel mechanism to determine
sensitivities for the depths of an arbitrary surface separating two layers. The method can be
extended to multiple surfaces separating multiple formation layers.
Sensitivities with Respect to Anomalous Conductivity
[0093] Equations (33) and (34) can also be differentiated with respect to the anomalous
conductivity of each layer. The derivation is less tedious than the above for layers, since
dffi(r,r') _
~~ — . Since those of ordinary skill in the art, upon reading this document, can
sDs c )
now understand how sensitivities for the depths of an arbitrary surface separating two finite
conductivity layers can be determined, for purposes of economy in this disclosure,
derivations for the sensitivities of the anomalous conductivity of each layer are not included
here.
Inversion Methodology
[0094] Previous sections have described methods of evaluating resistivity LWD
responses and sensitivities, with respect to resistivity. With these values, any linearized
inversion method (e.g., conjugate gradient, Gauss-Newton) and any choice of regularization
can be formulated.
[0095] For example, FIG. 11 illustrates different approaches to discretization, according
to various embodiments of the invention. Here each surface 1 1 10, 1120 may be discretized
differently for modeling and inversion, respectively. For example fine discretization of the
surface 1 1 10 may be useful for modeling responses and sensitivities using surface integral
equations. In the case of surface 1120, coarse discretization may be useful for inversion.
Upscaling and downscaling between the grids of the surfaces 1110, 1120 can be achieved
through interpolation, e.g., splines. Using a variety of discretization intervals may be useful in
reducing the number of model parameters required for inversion, while at the same time
preserving the resolution desired to maintain modeling accuracy.
[0096] For example, when a spline representation of each surface is used, the sensitivities
for every modeling node need not be computed as part of the inversion. Instead, computations
are made only at the spline node control points that are defined by the discretization process.
Given the continuous representation of the surface via splines, the number of inversion model
parameters can be significantly reduced.
[0097] For real-time geosteering applications, an inversion algorithm that automatically
determines optimal regularization parameters is often useful. This permits the operator to
focus on inversion quality, rather than on the mechanics of inversion. To this end, a
stabilizing functional constructed according to classic Tikhonov regularization is avoided.
Instead, the Taylor series for a perturbation about a given vector of model parameters is
truncated, (e.g., layer conductivities, surface depths), such that:
d = A ) + JAm, (56)
where d is the vector of observed data, and A is the nonlinear forward operator. J is the
sensitivity matrix of sensitivities evaluated earlier.
[0098] Data and model weights can be applied to equation (56), effectively transforming
the values into logarithmic data and model space, such that the dynamic range of the data and
model weights are decreased. This can improve inversion performance.
[0099] The vector of model parameter updates Am can be solved via the generalized
inverse (or pseudo-inverse) of the sensitivity matrix:
Am = J+ [d - ^(m)] = J+ p, (57)
where p is the vector of residual errors. One relatively stable and efficient manner of
evaluating the generalized inverse of the sensitivity matrix is via singular value
decomposition (SVD). Regardless of whether the inversion is over-determined or under-
T
determined, equation (57) can be solved using the SVD of either Jor J to eliminate
eigenvector null spaces. Stability of the generalized inverse can be enforced via damping of
the singular values. This method can be useful, as the amount of damping is a function of the
singular values themselves. This mechanism explicitly avoids constructing a stabilizing
functional and needing to select an optimal regularization parameter. Rather, stability is
enforced by damping contributions from irrelevant model parameters (i.e., those with small
singular values, relative to the measurement data). Damping conditions can be preset to
eliminate the need for user intervention. This approach is useful, as an efficient method of
solving for a small number of model parameters.
[00100] In some embodiments, a dynamic misfit functional can be applied to switch
between functional parameterization of the earth model. The complexity of the functional
parameterization can be increased (e.g., piece-wise constant to piece-wise linear to
polynomial/spline) or decreased (e.g., polynomial/spline to piece-wise linear to piece-wise
constant) depending on the dynamic misfit functional. This enables the functional
complexity of the earth model to be dynamically adjusted according to a data-derived metric.
For example, if the measured data undergoes minimal change, modeling can be done on a
coarser scale.
[00101] In some embodiments, at least one uncertainty and/or quality control indicator
(e.g., upper or lower bounds from uncertainty/confidence intervals, importance) may be
represented on the same spline nodes and/or mesh.
An Example, and Other Considerations
[00102] As an example of the forgoing, consider the 2D earth model 600 shown in FIG. 6
as a candidate for DTBB inversion. For an azimuthal deep resistivity (ADR) tool, data might
be acquired every 0.15 m. For a 15 m long section of the well trajectory, this corresponds to
approximately 90 tool positions. At each tool position, there will be four data measured at
500 MHz: resistivity up, resistivity down, and binned data for the upper and lower layers
(Rup, Rdn, Bup, Bdn); giving a total of 360 data points for the 15 m long section of the well
trajectory.
[00103] If the inversion were done on a point-by-point basis or even with lateral
constraints, there would be five model parameters per tool position: two bed boundaries, and
three resistivity values; giving a total of 450 model parameters. This inversion would be
over-determined, meaning there are more model parameters than data points.
[00104] For 3D inversion, a spline node spacing of 5 m would be satisfactory, as this could
be inferred as the minimum expected lateral scale of resistivity variations within the
formation, and is approximately the dimension of the ADR system's footprint. This means
that the 15 m long 2D section of the three-layered earth model in FIG. 6 is completely
defined by four spline coefficients for each of two splines (i.e., one spline for each bed
boundary/interface), plus conductivities for each layer; for a total of eleven model
parameters. This inversion would be under-determined, meaning there are more data points
than model parameters, and presents a more desirable scenario.
[00105] This is only one example of a numerical method than can be derived to solve the
3D SIE modeling problem. Other formulations can be derived. Fundamentally, all
formulations can be classified into two groups, depending on the nature of the unknowns in
the surface integral equations. One group solves for the EM fields or EM field derivatives
(i.e., potentials) along the surfaces. The other group solves for equivalent sources (e.g.,
electric and magnetic surface currents) along the same surfaces.
[00106] In many embodiments, surfaces are continuous. However, in some embodiments,
these calculations can be used to represent discontinuous surfaces, including faults. The angle
and throw of the fault can be arbitrary. The associated earth model may comprise multiple
faults.
[00107] In some embodiments, the measured LWD data can be splined; effectively to
provide a low pass filter of the measured LWD data and provide a form of data compression.
This splined representation of the LWD data can be used as data that is input into subsequent
inversion algorithms.
[00108] In some embodiments, the surfaces can be interpolated to or from an array of
control points (i.e., spline nodes) to provide a form of data compression, e.g., to minimize
data transmission and improve telemetry bandwidth.
[00109] In most embodiments, apriori information can be imposed on the 3D earth model
as a choice of data weights, model weights, regularization, model constraints, and/or apriori
models.
[00110] In some embodiments, apriori information about the interfaces can include
surfaces determined by seismic analysis (e.g., 3D reflection seismics) and/or well ties. It is
recognized that the resolution of such models are generally lower than the resolution of well
logs. However, they can provide information with respect to general structural trends. In
some embodiments, apriori information about the resistivity model can be derived from an
existing resistivity LWD inversion workflow (e.g., ID inversion).
[00111] In some embodiments, existing ID inversion methods can be used to evaluate
shallow formation resistivity; and this information is then used to constrain model parameters
(e.g., layer resistivity) in the disclosed 3D inversion mechanism. In some embodiments,
existing ID inversion methods can also be used to derive an initial resistivity model for input
to the disclosed 3D inversion mechanism. This initial resistivity model may comprise
resistivities and layer boundaries estimated from at least one point along the well trajectory.
The initial resistivity model may be constructed from independent earth models at each
measured depth along the well trajectory, or from a curtain model along the well trajectory.
[00112] In some embodiments, the disclosed 3D inversion mechanism can be merged with
existing ID inversion in a workflow, such that an algorithm selects between ID and 3D
inversion depending on the geological complexity and observed inversion performance. For
example, if ID inversion consistently fails to converge to an acceptable solution (e.g., within
three attempts), the workflow automatically upgrades processing to the 3D inversion. This
approach can be useful in regions of faulted formations.
[00113] In some embodiments, apriori information about the resistivity model can be
derived from interrogation and/or analysis of prior EM surveys (e.g., marine controlledsource
EM surveys; borehole-to-surface EM surveys; cross-well EM surveys). It is
recognized that the resolution of such models are generally lower than the resolution of well
logs, however they can provide information with respect to general structural trends.
[00114] The modeling and inversion methods described in this document can be
implemented as either a stand-alone software or integrated into a commercial geosteering
software package (e.g., Halliburton Company's StrataSteer® 3D) or earth modeling software
(e.g., Halliburton Company's DecisionSpace®) through an application programmable
interface (API).
[00115] The resistivity LWD modeling and/or inversion algorithms disclosed herein may
be encapsulated in software which may be programmed on serial and/or parallel (including
GPU) processing architectures.
[00116] Processing of the resistivity LWD modeling, inversion, and related functions may
be performed locally (e.g., downhole), on the surface at the well site, or remotely from the
well site (e.g., in cloud computers), whereby computers at the well site are connected to the
remote processing computers via a network. This means that the computers at the well site
don't require high computational performance, and subject to network reliability, all
resistivity LWD modeling and/or inversion can effectively be done in real time.
[00117] In addition to determining the joint inversion of resistivity LWD data, the methods
disclosed herein can be used in conjunction with any other LWD data (e.g., acoustic,
nuclear). Thus many embodiments may be realized.
Logging System
[00118] For example, FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a data acquisition, processing, and
control system 1200 according to various embodiments of the invention. Here, it can be seen
that the system 1200 may include a controller 1225 specifically configured to interface with a
controlled device 1270, such as a geosteering unit, and/or a user display or touch screen
interface, in addition to displays 1255. The system 1200 may further include electromagnetic
transmitters and receivers, as shown in FIGs. 8-9, as part of the measurement device 1204.
When configured in this manner, the logging system 1200 can receive measurements and
other data (e.g., location and conductivity or resistivity information) to be processed
according to various methods described herein.
[00119] The processing unit 1202 can be coupled to the measurement device 1204 to
obtain measurements from the measurement device 1204, and its components. In some
embodiments, a logging system 1200 comprises a housing (not shown in FIG. 12; see FIGs.
14-15) that can house the measurement device 1204, the controlled device 1270, and other
elements. The housing might take the form of a wireline tool body, or a downhole tool as
described in more detail below with reference to FIGs. 14 and 15. The processing unit 1202
may be part of a surface workstation or attached to a downhole tool housing.
[00120] The logging system 1200 can include a controller 1225, other electronic apparatus
1265, and a communications unit 1240. The controller 1225 and the processing unit 1202
can be fabricated to operate the measurement device 1204 to acquire measurement data, such
as signals representing sensor measurements, perhaps resulting from EM investigation of a
surrounding formation.
[00121] Electronic apparatus 1265 (e.g., electromagnetic sensors, current sensors) can be
used in conjunction with the controller 1225 to perform tasks associated with taking
measurements downhole. The communications unit 1240 can include downhole
communications in a drilling operation. Such downhole communications can include a
telemetry system.
[00122] The logging system 1200 can also include a bus 1227 to provide common
electrical signal paths between the components of the logging system 1200. The bus 1227
can include an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus, each independently configured.
The bus 1227 can also use common conductive lines for providing one or more of address,
data, or control, the use of which can be regulated by the controller 1225.
[00123] The bus 1227 can include instrumentality for a communication network. The bus
1227 can be configured such that the components of the logging system 1200 are distributed.
Such distribution can be arranged between downhole components such as the measurement
device 1204 and components that can be disposed on the surface of a well. Alternatively,
several of these components can be co-located, such as on one or more collars of a drill string
or on a wireline structure.
[00124] In various embodiments, the logging system 1200 includes peripheral devices that
can include displays 1255, additional storage memory, or other control devices that may
operate in conjunction with the controller 1225 or the processing unit 1202. The display
1255 can display diagnostic and measurement information for the system 1200, based on the
signals generated according to embodiments described above.
[00125] In an embodiment, the controller 1225 can be fabricated to include one or more
processors. The display 1255 can be fabricated or programmed to operate with instructions
stored in the processing unit 1202 (for example in the memory 1206) to implement a user
interface to manage the operation of the system 1200, including any one or more components
distributed within the system 1200. This type of user interface can be operated in conjunction
with the communications unit 1240 and the bus 1227. Various components of the system
1200 can be integrated with the BHA shown in figures 2-4 and 6-9, which may in turn be
used to house the Transmitters and Receivers of the measurement device 1204, such that
processing identical to or similar to the methods discussed previously, and those that follow,
can be conducted according to various embodiments that are described herein.
Methods
[00126] In some embodiments, a non-transitory machine-readable storage device can
comprise instructions stored thereon, which, when performed by a machine, cause the
machine to become a customized, particular machine that performs operations comprising
one or more features similar to or identical to those described with respect to the methods and
techniques described herein. A machine-readable storage device, as described herein, is a
physical device that stores information (e.g., instructions, data), which when stored, alters the
physical structure of the device. Examples of machine-readable storage devices can include,
but are not limited to, memory 1206 in the form of read only memory (ROM), random access
memory (RAM), a magnetic disk storage device, an optical storage device, a flash memory,
and other electronic, magnetic, or optical memory devices, including combinations thereof.
[00127] The physical structure of stored instructions may be operated on by one or more
processors such as, for example, the processing unit 1202. Operating on these physical
structures can cause the machine to become a specialized machine that performs operations
according to methods described herein. The instructions can include instructions to cause the
processing unit 1202 to store associated data or other data in the memory 1206. The memory
1206 can store the results of measurements of formation parameters, to include gain
parameters, calibration constants, identification data, sensor location information, etc. The
memory 1206 can store a log of the measurement and location information provided by the
system 1200. The memory 1206 therefore may include a database, for example a relational
database.
[00128] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating data acquisition, processing, and control
methods 131 1, according to various embodiments of the invention. The methods 131 1
described herein are with reference to the apparatus and systems shown in FIGs. 1-4, 6-9, and
12. Thus, in some embodiments, a method 131 1 comprises solving a first set of surface
integrals at block 1325 to determine modeled electromagnetic data in a geological formation,
and then presenting some of the data in a human-readable form at block 1329. The modeled
electromagnetic data may exist as a set of arbitrary surfaces, from which for example, layer
resistivity can be derived by applying a transfer function.
[00129] For the purposes of this document, "publishing ... in human-readable form"
means providing information in the form of a hardcopy printout, a display, or a projection, so
as to be visible to humans. Such publication may occur with respect to the display units 1255
and/or the controlled device 1270 of FIG. 12. Many embodiments may thus be realized.
[00130] For example, in some embodiments a method 131 1 begins with taking
measurements at block 1321. Such measurements may include resistivity LWD data, or
nuclear magnetic resonance data, or acoustic data, obtained downhole, in a geological
formation.
[00131] The method 131 1 may continue on to block 1325 with modeling of resistivity
LWD data to provide modeled resistivity LWD data by solving a first set of SIEs that include
3D earth model parameters corresponding to an 3D earth model of the geological formation.
[00132] The SIEs may be formulated in a variety of ways. For example, the SIEs can be
formulated in terms of electromagnetic fields and their potentials, or in terms of equivalent
electric and magnetic sources.
[00133] A variety of measurements and surfaces may be used to form the 3D earth model
parameters. Thus, the earth model parameters may include formation resistivities for two or
more layers, anisotropy coefficients of the layers, and a 3D surface for a boundary between
the layers in the geological formation.
[00134] Surfaces bounding the layers under investigation can be described by a mesh of
two-dimensional countours. Discretization can be used to form a mesh for modeling, and/or a
mesh for inversion. Thus, the 3D surface between the layers may be discretized to form at
least one mesh.
[00135] The contours in the mesh may be represented by splines and/or polynomial
functions. Thus, the 3D earth model parameters may be defined using spatially continuous
functions comprising splines, polynomial functions, or other such functions.
[00136] In some embodiments, the method 1311 may go on to include publishing at least
some of the modeled resistivity LWD data in human-readable form, at block 1329.
[00137] Drilling operations (e.g., steering a drill bit) may be controlled according to when
the modeled resistivity LWD matches the measured resistivity LWD data to some desired
degree. The error between the two sets of data may be realized as a function, perhaps
reducible to a simple difference. Thus, if it is determined that the error between the modeled
resistivity LWD and measured resistivity LWD is less than a selected threshold at block
1333, the method 1311 may continue on to block 1337 to include controlling drilling
operations in the geological formation based on the 3D earth model.
[00138] Formation evaluation enables geosteering, which is one of the drilling operations
that can be controlled via modeling and measurement (e.g., modeling and measurement of
formation resistivity). Thus, controlling the drilling operations at block 1337 may comprise
operating a geosteering device to maneuver a BHA in the geological formation. In some
embodiments, controlling the drilling operations at block 1337 comprises evaluating the
geological formation ahead of or around the BHA. In some embodiments, controlling the
drilling operations comprises operating a geosteering device to select a drilling direction in
the geological formation.
[00139] When the error between measured and modeled resistivity LWD data grows to be
greater than the desired degree, as determined at block 1333, resistivity LWD sensitivities are
determined, by solving a second set of surface integral equations. Thus, when the error
between the modeled resistivity LWD data and the measured resistivity LWD data is greater
than the selected threshold, the method 131 1 may continue on to include determining
sensitivities as perturbations in predicted data generated by the first set of integral equations
(solved at block 1325) due to perturbations in the 3D earth model parameters, by solving a
second set of surface integral equations at block 1341.
[00140] Sensitivities can be determined according to a variety of methods, including
perturbation methods (e.g., finite difference methods) and adjoint operator methods. Thus, the
activity at block 1341 may comprise determining the sensitivities using perturbation methods
or adjoint operator methods.
[00141] The determined sensitivities can be inverted to obtain revised 3D earth model
parameters. Thus, the method 131 1 may include, at block 1345, updating the 3D earth model
parameters using the error and the sensitivities by minimizing a parametric functional that
includes the linear combination of error and stabilizing functionals.
[00142] Some earth model parameters, such as those that do not contribute significantly to
the determination of resistivity (e.g., those that do not have more than a selectable threshold
effect), can be damped to stabilize inversion results. For the purposes of this document,
"regularized" is used herein to describe a method that includes numerical regularization,
which may comprise damping selected parameters. The activity of minimizing the parametric
functional at block 1345 may be based on at least one of a regularized Newton, Gauss-
Newton, Marquardt-Levenberg, Maximum Likelihood, Conjugate Gradient, Non-linear
Conjugate Gradient, or Steepest Descent method .
[00143] Some embodiments accommodate a substantially perpendicular strike angle in the
formation. Thus, the method 1311 may comprise determining that the geological formation
has a strike angle approximately perpendicular to the well trajectory at block 1349, and if that
is the case, may include reducing one or more three-dimensional surfaces to corresponding
two-dimensional contours. The activity at block 1349 may further comprise using spatial
transforms to reduce the surface integral equations (solved at block 1325) to contour integral
equations.
[00144] Resistivity LWD sensitivity can be used to limit the amount of surface area that is
considered when determining layer resistivity. For example, if the tool used to measure
resistivity has a useful radius of measurement of five meters, the surface area included in
resistivity determination may be limited to a circular area that is roughly 10 meters in
diameter, centered on the resistivity measurement sensor. The truncation of lateral surface
extents in this manner can be used to impose regularization. Thus, the method 131 1 may
include, at block 1357, truncating lateral extents of at least one surface bounding at least one
layer based on a sensitivity of a resistivity LWD tool used to obtain the measured resistivity
LWD data.
[00145] The complexity of the earth model may be adjusted dynamically, for example,
according to the amount of change observed in the measured resistivity. Thus, when the
measurements change less than a selected amount over some selected period of time, a spline
representation of the surfaces that bound the layer under investigation can be changed to a
piece-wise constant representation. Therefore, the method 131 1 may include, at block 1361,
dynamically adjusting functional complexity of the earth model associated with determining
modeled formation resistivity by selecting a functional parameterization of the earth model
according to range variations in resistivity measured in the formation.
[00146] It should be noted that the methods described herein (e.g., see FIGs. 5, 10, 13) do
not have to be executed in the order described, or in any particular order. Moreover, various
activities described with respect to the methods identified herein can be executed in iterative,
serial, or parallel fashion. In some embodiments, one or more activities in one method can be
substituted for one or more activities in another method. Information, including parameters,
commands, operands, and other data, can be sent and received in the form of one or more
carrier waves.
[00147] Upon reading and comprehending the content of this disclosure, one of ordinary
skill in the art will understand the manner in which a software program can be launched from
a computer-readable medium in a computer-based system to execute the functions defined in
the software program, to perform the methods described herein. One of ordinary skill in the
art will further understand the various programming languages that may be employed to
create one or more software programs designed to implement and perform the methods
disclosed herein. For example, the programs may be structured in an object-orientated format
using an object-oriented language such as Java or C#. In another example, the programs can
be structured in a procedure-orientated format using a procedural language, such as assembly
or C. The software components may communicate using any of a number of mechanisms
well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as application program interfaces or
interprocess communication techniques, including remote procedure calls. The teachings of
various embodiments are not limited to any particular programming language or
environment. Thus, other embodiments may be realized.
Systems
[00148] FIG. 14 depicts an example wireline system 1464, according to various
embodiments of the invention. FIG. 15 depicts an example drilling rig system 1564,
according to various embodiments of the invention. Either of the systems in FIG. 14 and FIG.
15 are operable to integrate or control a system 1200 to conduct measurement operations in a
wellbore, and to provide images of the casing/tubing and formation surrounding the wellbore,
as well as to control drilling operations. Thus, the systems 1464, 1564 may comprise
portions of a wireline logging tool body 1470 as part of a wireline logging operation, or of a
downhole tool 1524 (e.g., a drilling operations tool) as part of a downhole drilling operation.
[00149] Returning now to FIG. 14, a well during wireline logging operations can be seen.
In this case, a drilling platform 1486 is equipped with a derrick 1488 that supports a hoist
1490.
[00150] Drilling oil and gas wells is commonly carried out using a string of drill pipes
connected together so as to form a drilling string that is lowered through a rotary table 1410
into a wellbore or borehole 1412. Here it is assumed that the drilling string has been
temporarily removed from the borehole 1412 to allow a wireline logging tool body 1470,
such as a probe or sonde, to be lowered by wireline or logging cable 1474 into the borehole
1412. Typically, the wireline logging tool body 1470 is lowered to the bottom of the region
of interest and subsequently pulled upward at a substantially constant speed.
[00151] During the upward trip, at a series of depths the instruments (e.g., portions of the
system 1200 shown in FIG. 12) included in the tool body 1470 may be used to perform
measurements on the subsurface geological formations adjacent the borehole 1412 (and the
tool body 1470). The measurement data can be communicated to a surface logging facility
1492 for storage, processing, and analysis. The logging facility 1492 may be provided with
electronic equipment for various types of signal processing, which may be implemented by
any one or more of the components of the system 1200 shown in FIG. 12. Similar formation
evaluation data may be gathered and analyzed during drilling operations (e.g., during LWD
operations, and by extension, sampling while drilling).
[00152] In some embodiments, the tool body 1470 comprises one or more systems 1200,
or elements thereof, for obtaining and communicating measurements in a subterranean
formation through a borehole 1412. The tool is suspended in the wellbore by a wireline cable
1474 that connects the tool to a surface control unit (e.g., comprising a surface computer
1454, which can also include a display). The tool may be deployed in the borehole 1412 on
coiled tubing, jointed drill pipe, hard wired drill pipe, or any other suitable deployment
technique.
[00153] Turning now to FIG. 15, it can be seen how a system 1564 may also form a
portion of a drilling rig 1502 located at the surface 1504 of a well 1506. The drilling rig 1502
may provide support for a drill string 1508. The drill string 1508 may operate to penetrate
the rotary table 1410 for drilling the borehole 1412 through the subsurface formations 1414.
The drill string 1508 may include a Kelly 1516, drill pipe 1518, and a bottom hole assembly
1520, perhaps located at the lower portion of the drill pipe 1518.
[00154] The bottom hole assembly 1520 may include drill collars 1522, a downhole tool
1524, and a drill bit 1526. The drill bit 1526 may operate to create the borehole 1412 by
penetrating the surface 1504 and the subsurface formations 1514. The downhole tool 1524
may comprise any of a number of different types of tools including MWD tools, LWD tools,
and others.
[00155] During drilling operations, the drill string 1508 (perhaps including the Kelly 1516,
the drill pipe 1518, and the bottom hole assembly 1520) may be rotated by the rotary table
1410. Although not shown, in addition to, or alternatively, the bottom hole assembly 1520
may also be rotated by a motor (e.g., a mud motor) that is located downhole. The drill collars
1522 may be used to add weight to the drill bit 1526. The drill collars 1522 may also operate
to stiffen the bottom hole assembly 1520, allowing the bottom hole assembly 1520 to transfer
the added weight to the drill bit 1526, and in turn, to assist the drill bit 1526 in penetrating the
surface 1504 and subsurface formations 1414.
[00156] During drilling operations, a mud pump 1532 may pump drilling fluid (sometimes
known by those of ordinary skill in the art as "drilling mud") from a mud pit 1534 through a
hose 1536 into the drill pipe 1518 and down to the drill bit 1526. The drilling fluid can flow
out from the drill bit 1526 and be returned to the surface 1504 through an annular area 1540
between the drill pipe 1518 and the sides of the borehole 1412. The drilling fluid may then
be returned to the mud pit 1534, where such fluid is filtered. In some embodiments, the
drilling fluid can be used to cool the drill bit 1526, as well as to provide lubrication for the
drill bit 1526 during drilling operations. Additionally, the drilling fluid may be used to
remove subsurface formation cuttings created by operating the drill bit 1526.
[00157] In light of the foregoing discussion, it may be seen that in some embodiments, the
systems 1464, 1564 may include a drill collar 1522, a downhole tool 1524, and/or a wireline
logging tool body 1470 to house one or more systems 1200, including some or all of the
components thereof. Thus, for the purposes of this document, the term "housing" may include
any one or more of a drill collar 1522, a downhole tool 1524, or a wireline logging tool body
1470 (all having an outer wall, to enclose or attach to magnetometers, sensors, fluid sampling
devices, pressure measurement devices, transmitters, receivers, fiber optic cable, acquisition
and processing logic, and data acquisition systems). The tool 1524 may comprise a downhole
tool, such as an LWD tool or MWD tool. The wireline tool body 1470 may comprise a
wireline logging tool, including a probe or sonde, for example, coupled to a logging cable
1474. Many embodiments may thus be realized.
[00158] For example, by referring now to FIGs. 12 and 14-15, a system 1464, 1564 may
be seen to comprise a downhole tool body, such as a wireline logging tool body 1470 or a
downhole tool 1524 (e.g., an LWD or MWD tool body), and one or more components of the
system 1200 (see FIG. 12) attached to the tool body.
[00159] In some embodiments, a system 1464, 1565 comprises at least one tool 1470,
1524 configured to measure characteristics of a geological formation 1414, such as formation
resistivity. The systems 1464, 1564 may further comprise a processing unit 1202 to determine
modeled resistivity LWD data, including modeled formation resistivity, in at least one layer
of the geological formation 1414 by solving a first set of surface integral equations using
initial or updated earth model parameters corresponding to an earth model of a geological
formation. Displays units 1496 can be used to display the modeled resistivity LWD data,
including the earth model parameters.
[00160] A bit steering mechanism 1590 (operating as a controlled device 1270) can be
controlled by the processing unit 1202 when the measured and modeled resistivity converge
to a desired degree. A transfer function can be applied to the resistivity LWD data to produce
resistivity values for the formation 1414. Thus, in some embodiments, the systems 1200,
1565 comprise a bit steering mechanism 1590 to operate in response to the processing unit
1202 when error between the modeled formation resistivity and the measured formation
resistivity is less than a selected threshold, to control drilling operations in the geological
formation 1414 based on the earth model.
[00161] Measured data can be compressed, by fitting a spline to the data and transmitting
the nodes of the spline to a remote location. Thus, in some embodiments, the processing unit
1202 is operable to fit a compression spline to data corresponding to the measured formation
resistivity, and the systems 1465, 1565, comprise a telemetry transmitter (e.g., as part of the
communications unit 1240) to transmit compressed resistivity data comprising nodes of the
compression spline to a surface computer 1454.
[00162] In some embodiments, the system may include a monitor to display transitions
between layers based on the convergence/divergence of measured and modeled resistivity.
Thus, the systems 1200, 1464, 1565 may comprise a monitor (e.g., one or more display unites
1255, 1496) to indicate transitions from at least one layer to another layer in the geological
formation, based on the error between the modeled formation characteristics and the
measured formation characteristics, including formation resistivity.
[00163] Any of the above components, for example systems 1200, 1464, 1564 (and each
of their elements) may all be characterized as "modules" herein. Such modules may include
hardware circuitry, and/or a processor and/or memory circuits, software program modules
and objects, and/or firmware, and combinations thereof, as desired by the architect of the
apparatus and systems described herein, and as appropriate for particular implementations of
various embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, such modules may be included in
an apparatus and/or system operation simulation package, such as a software electrical signal
simulation package, a power usage and distribution simulation package, a power/heat
dissipation simulation package, a measured radiation simulation package, and/or a
combination of software and hardware used to simulate the operation of various potential
embodiments.
[00164] It should also be understood that the apparatus and systems of various
embodiments can be used in applications other than for logging operations, and thus, various
embodiments are not to be so limited. The illustrations of apparatus and systems are intended
to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not
intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and
systems that might make use of the structures described herein.
[00165] Applications that may include the novel apparatus and systems of various
embodiments include electronic circuitry used in high-speed computers, communication and
signal processing circuitry, modems, processor modules, embedded processors, data switches,
and application-specific modules. Thus, many other embodiments may be realized.
Various Example Embodiments of the Invention
[00166] For example, referring now to FIGs. 1-15, it can be seen that in some
embodiments, a method may comprise modeling resistivity LWD data to provide modeled
resistivity LWD data by solving a first set of surface integral equations that include earth
model parameters corresponding to an earth model of a geological formation, and publishing
at least some of the modeled electromagnetic data in human-readable form.
[00167] In some embodiments, the method may comprise controlling drilling operations in
the geological formation based on the 3D earth model, when error between the modeled
electromagnetic (e.g., resistivity LWD) data and measured electromagnetic (e.g., resistivity
LWD) data is less than a selected threshold. Controlling the drilling operations may comprise
operating a geosteering device to maneuver a bottom hole assembly in the geological
formation, evaluating the geological formation ahead of or around the bottom hole assembly,
and/or operating a geosteering device to select a drilling direction in the geological formation.
[00168] In some embodiments of the method, the surface integral equations are formulated
in terms of electromagnetic fields and electromagnetic field potentials, or in terms of
equivalent sources.
[00169] In some embodiments of the method, the earth model parameters include
formation resistivities of at least two layers, anisotropy coefficients of the at least two layers,
and a three-dimensional surface of at least one boundary between the at least two layers in the
geological formation.
[00170] In some embodiments, the method may comprise determining the geological
formation has a strike angle approximately perpendicular to the well trajectory, reducing the
at least one three-dimensional surface to a two-dimensional contour, and using spatial
transforms to reduce the surface integral equations to contour integral equations. In some
embodiments of the method, the three-dimensional surface is discretized to form at least one
mesh.
[00171] In some embodiment of the method, the earth model parameters are each defined
using spatially continuous functions comprising splines or polynomial functions.
[00172] Some embodiments of the method comprise determining sensitivities as
perturbations in predicted data generated by the first set of integral equations due to
perturbations in the 3D earth model parameters by solving a second set of surface integral
equations, when the error between the modeled electromagnetic (e.g., resistivity LWD) data
and the measured electromagnetic (e.g., resistivity LWD) data is greater than the selected
threshold. In some embodiments of the method, the sensitivities are determined using
perturbation methods or adjoint operator methods.
[00173] Some embodiments of the method may comprise updating the 3D earth model
parameters using the error and the sensitivities by minimizing a parametric functional that
includes the linear combination of the error and stabilizing functionals. In some embodiments
of the method, minimizing the parametric functional is based on at least one of a regularized
Newton, Gauss-Newton, Marquardt-Levenberg, Maximum Likelihood, Conjugate Gradient,
or Steepest Descent method .
[00174] Some embodiments of the method comprise truncating lateral extents of at least
one surface bounding at least one layer based on a tool sensitivity of a tool used to obtain the
measured electromagnetic (e.g., resistivity LWD) data.
[00175] Some embodiments of the method comprise dynamically adjusting functional
complexity of the earth model associated with determining modeled formation resistivity by
selecting a functional parameterization of the earth model according to range variations in
resistivity measured in the formation.
[00176] Some embodiments take the form of a system. Thus, in some embodiments, such a
system may comprise at least one tool configured to measure resistivity in a geological
formation as measured formation resistivity, and a processing unit to determine modeled
electromagnetic data, including modeled formation resistivity, in at least one layer of the
geological formation by solving a first set of surface integral equations using initial or
updated earth model parameters corresponding to an earth model of a geological formation.
[00177] In some embodiments, the system comprises a bit steering mechanism to operate
in response to the processing unit when error between the modeled formation electromagnetic
data (e.g., resistivity) and the measured formation electromagnetic data (e.g., resistivity) is
less than a selected threshold, to control drilling operations in the geological formation based
on the earth model.
[00178] In some embodiments of the system, the processing unit is operable to fit a
compression spline to data corresponding to the measured formation resistivity, and the
system comprises a telemetry transmitter (e.g., mud pulse, electromagnetic telemetry, or
otherwise) to transmit compressed electromagnetic (e.g., resistivity) data comprising nodes of
the compression spline to a surface computer.
[00179] Some embodiments of the system comprise one or more monitors to indicate
transitions from at least one layer to another layer in the geological formation, based on the
error between measured and modeled formation characteristics, such as between the modeled
formation resistivity and the measured formation resistivity.
[00180] In summary, using the apparatus, systems, and methods disclosed herein may
reduce or eliminate artifacts that arise when state-of-the-art inversion methods are used,
usually due to point-by-point inversion of resistivity LWD data evaluated from ID earth
models.
[00181] In this document, the ID earth models are replaced with 3D earth models.
However, unlike other 3D voxel-based resistivity LWD modeling and inversion attempts,
discretization of the formation volume is avoided. Instead, only layer surfaces are
discretized, reducing the 3D modeling problem to surface integral equations. Moreover, the
sensitivities of the surface depths can be evaluated directly, enabling direct inversion of the
surface geometries. In addition, the sensitivities are not computed using a finite-difference of
two forward models, but rather using sensitivity equations with forms analogous to those for
modeling the resistivity LWD responses. This approach can collapse the number of model
parameters required to describe the earth model, and thus create an efficient method of
modeling and inverting resistivity LWD data.
[00182] 2D discretization of a 2D earth model into pixels can be avoided by using ID
functional representations. 3D discretization of a 3D earth model into voxels can be avoided
by using 2D functional representations. More efficient 3D EM modeling of 2D or 3D earth
models can be obtained for wireline and LWD tools, so that real-time operation, to include
real-time inversion of resistivity wireline or LWD data, is possible. These advantages can
significantly enhance the value of the services provided by an operation/exploration
company, helping to reduce time-related costs, and providing greater return on investment.
[00183] The accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, show by way of illustration,
and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced.
The embodiments illustrated are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art
to practice the teachings disclosed herein. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived
therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without
departing from the scope of this disclosure. This Detailed Description, therefore, is not to be
taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments is defined only by the
appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
[00184] Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein,
individually and/or collectively, by the term "invention" merely for convenience and without
intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive
concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been
illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to
achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This
disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.
Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described
herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.
[00185] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will
be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to
achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. Various
embodiments use permutations or combinations of embodiments described herein. It is to be
understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive, and
that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description.
Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art upon studying the above description.
What is claimed is:
1. A method, comprising:
modeling electromagnetic data to provide modeled electromagnetic data by solving a
first set of surface integral equations that include earth model parameters corresponding to an
earth model of a geological formation; and
publishing at least some of the modeled electromagnetic data in human-readable form.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
controlling drilling operations in the geological formation based on the earth model
when error between the modeled electromagnetic data and measured electromagnetic data is
less than a selected threshold.
3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface
integral equations are formulated in terms of electromagnetic fields and electromagnetic field
potentials, or in terms of equivalent electromagnetic sources.
4. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the earth model
parameters include formation resistivities of at least two layers, anisotropy coefficients of the
at least two layers, and a three-dimensional surface of at least one boundary between the at
least two layers in the geological formation.
5. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising:
determining the geological formation has a strike angle approximately perpendicular
to a well trajectory;
reducing the at least one three-dimensional surface to a two-dimensional contour; and
using spatial transforms to reduce the surface integral equations to contour integral
equations.
6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the three-dimensional surface is discretized
to form at least one mesh.
7. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the earth model
parameters are each defined using spatially continuous functions comprising splines or
polynomial functions.
8. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising:
determining sensitivities as perturbations in predicted data generated by the first set of
integral equations due to perturbations in the Earth model parameters by solving a second set
of surface integral equations when the error between the modeled electromagnetic data and
the measured electromagnetic data is greater than the selected threshold.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the sensitivities are determined using
perturbation methods or adjoint operator methods.
10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:
updating the earth model parameters using the error and the sensitivities by
minimizing a parametric functional that includes the linear combination of the error and
stabilizing functionals.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein minimizing the parametric functional is
based on at least one of a regularized Newton, Gauss-Newton, Marquardt-Levenberg,
Maximum Likelihood, Conjugate Gradient, or Steepest Descent method .
12. The method according to claims 1 or 2, further comprising:
truncating lateral extents of at least one surface bounding at least one layer based on a
tool sensitivity of a tool used to obtain the measured electromagnetic data.
13. The method according to claim 2, wherein controlling the drilling operations
comprises:
operating a geosteering device to maneuver a bottom hole assembly in the geological
formation.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein controlling the drilling operations
comprises:
evaluating the geological formation ahead of or around the bottom hole assembly.
15. The method according to claim 2, wherein controlling the drilling operations
comprises:
operating a geosteering device to select a drilling direction in the geological
formation.
16. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising:
dynamically adjusting functional complexity of the earth model associated with
determining modeled formation resistivity by selecting a functional parameterization of the
earth model according to range variations in resistivity measured in the formation.
17. A system, comprising:
at least one tool configured to measure resistivity in a geological formation as
measured formation resistivity; and
a processing unit coupled to the at least one tool to receive the measured formation
resistivity, the processing unit to determine modeled electromagnetic data, including modeled
formation resistivity, in at least one layer of the geological formation by solving a first set of
surface integral equations using initial or updated earth model parameters corresponding to an
earth model of a geological formation.
18. The system according to claim 17, further comprising:
a bit steering mechanism to operate in response to the processing unit when error
between the modeled formation resistivity and the measured formation resistivity is less than
a selected threshold, to control drilling operations in the geological formation based on the
earth model.
19. The system according to any one of claims 17 or 18, wherein the processing unit is to
fit a compression spline to data corresponding to the measured formation resistivity, further
comprising:
a telemetry transmitter to transmit compressed resistivity data comprising nodes of the
compression spline to a surface computer.
20. The system according to claim 18, further comprising:
a monitor to indicate transitions from at least one layer to another layer in the
geological formation, based on the error.