FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to logging while drilling (LWD) steering
visualization tool methods and systems which include acquiring ahead of bit or
around bit data related to a formation fiom measurements by a tool.
5 BACKGROUND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
In the past, properties of an earth formation have been estimated, '
modeled or predicted prior to drilling into the formation. However, the actual
properties of a particular part of a formation are typically not kaown until after
a drill bit drills into that part of the formation. Thus, operators in those
lo circumstances cannot make proactive or preemptive decisions based on
advance knowledge of the actual properties of the formation prior to the drill
bit cutting into the formation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE .DRAW.INGS
Accordingly, there are disclosed herein various logging while drilling
15 (LWD) steering visualization tool systems and methods.
FIG. 1 shows an illustrative logging while drilling (LWD)
environment.
FIG. 2 shows an illustrative computer system for managing logging
operations including steering visualization options.
20 FIG. 3 shows an illustration of a LWD tool in a subterranean
environment along with various parameters of interest.'
FIG; 4 shows a block diagram of an LWD visualization system.
FIGS. 5A-5U show illustrative map view options for a steering
visualization tool.
25 FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an illustrative method for a LWD visualization
system.
DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION W.R.T. DRAWINGS
Representatively and schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 is a logging
while drilling (LWD) environment. In FIG. 1, a drilling platform 2 supports a
30 derrick 4 having a traveling block 6 for raising and lowering a drill string 8. A
drill string kelly 10 supports the rest of the drill string 8 as it is lowered through
a rotary table 12. The rotary table 12 rotates the drill string 8, thereby turning a
I Q O D E L H I 1 3 - l l - 2 o l 5 17:16
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drill bit 14. As bit 14 rotates, it creates a borehole 16 that passes through various
formations 18. A pump 20 circulates drilling fluid through a feed pipe 22 to
kelly 10, downhole through the interior of drillstring 8, through orifices in drill
bit 14, back to the surface via the annulus 9 around drill string 8, and into a
5 retention pit 24. The drilling fluid transports cuttings from the borehole 16 into
the pit 24 and aids in maintaining the integrity of the borehole. Depending on
the job requirements, the drilling fluid'may be oil-based (with a high resistivity)
or water-based (with a low resistivity).
T1.12 hill bil 14 is just one piece of an open-hole LWD assembly that
lo includes one or more drill collars 26 and logging tool 28. Drill collars 26 are
thick-walled steel pipe sections that provide weight and rigidity for the drilling
process. The logging tool 28 (which may be built in to the drill collars) gather
m&i.surements of various drilling or formation parameters. As an example,
logging instrument 28 may be integrated into the bottom-hole assembly near the
15 bit 14 to collect look-ahead and/or look around measurements. The collected
measurements may be plotted and used for steering the drill string 8 as
described herein.
Measurements from the logging tool 28 can be acquired by a telemetry
sub (e.g., built in to logging tool 28) to be stored in internal memory and/or
20 communicated to the surface via a communications link. Mud pulse telemetry is
one common techmque for providing a communications link for transferring
logging measurements to a surface receiver 30 and for receiving commands
from the surface, but other telemetry techniques can also be used.
In accordance with embodiments, measurements collected from the
25 logging tool 28 may processed by a computer system executing a steering
visualization software tool with various map view options. FIG. 2 shows an
illustrative computer system 43 for managing logging operations andlor steering
visualization options. The computer system 43 may correspond to, e.g., an
onsite logging facility for the LWD system of FIG. 1, or a remote computing
30 system that receives logging measurements from such logging facilities. The
computer system 43 may include wired or wireless communication interfaces
receiving such logging measurements. As shown, the illustrative computer
system 43 comprises user workstation 51 with a computer chassis 46 coupled to
a display device 48 and a user input device 50. The computer chassis 46
includes one or more information storage devices for accessing software (shown
in FIG. 2 in the form of removable, non-transitory information storage media
52) that configures the computer system to interact with a user, enabling the user
5 to process the logging data and, in the case oflocal logging facilities, to manage
logging operations including analyzing borehole conditions. The software may
also be downloadable software accessed through a network (e.g., via the
Internet). In some embodiments, illustrative computer system 43 executes
steering visualization software that provides various map view options to.
lo facilitate formation analysis and LWD steering decisions.
FIG; 3 shows an illustration of logging tool 28 in a subterranean
" environment with multiple formation beds or layers 18A-18D and bed
boundaries 90A-90E. Although the formation beds 18A-18D and bed
boundaries 90A-90E are represented .as a two-dimensional (2D) image with
15 straight lines, it should be understood that subterranean environments usually
have sloped or curved formation beds and bed boundaries.
In FIG. 3, various direction arrows are shown. Arrow 70 represents the
direction to the side of the logging tool 28 extending radially outward, arrow 72
represents the direction ahead of the logging tool 28, arrow 74 represents a true
20 vertical direction extending downward from the logging tool 28, and arrow 76
represents a true horizontal direction extending sideways from the logging tool
28. Various angles are also shown in FIG. 3, including angle 80, which
corresponds to the relative dip of logging tool 28 (i.e., the angle between arrow
74 and arrow 72), and angle 82, which corresponds to the azimuth for bed
25 boundary 90C with respect to a tool azimuth reference point.
Also shown in FIG. 3 are various arrows to indicate the vertical distance
between the logging tool 28 and different bed boundaries. More specifically,
arrow 80 represents the vertical distance between logging tool 28 and bed
boundary 90B, arrow 82 represents the vertical distance between logging tool 28
30 and bed boundary 90A, arrow 84 represents the vertical distance between
logging tool 28 and bed boundary 90C, and arrow 86 represents the vertical
distance between logging tool 28 and bed boundary 90D.
In accordance with some embodiments, distance information and angle
information such as the distances and angles described in FIG. 3 are plotted or
mapped by steering visualization software that receives ahead of bit and/or
around bit measurements. Without limitation, the parameters that are displayed
5 or represented by steering visualization software may include physical
parameters such as tool orientation, formation resistivity values, vertical
resistivity, horizontal resistivity, relative dip angles, relative azimuth angles, bed
dips, bed azimuths, drill path, distance to bed boundaries, water saturation, and
formation porosity. In addition, trust parameters such as uncertainty estimates,
10 inversion type information, and/or comparison information may be displayed or
represented by steering visualization software. By displaying or representing
physical parameters and trust parameters, the steering visualization software
enables an LWD operator to make steering decisions for an LWD tool or to
review past steering operations as described herein.
15 FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an illustrative LWD visualization
system 400. The LWD visualization system 400 includes a logging tool 440
(e.g., logging tool 28) with look-aheaaaround systems 442 to collect ahead of
bit andor around bit measurements. The logging tool 440 also includes
memory 444 to store collected measurements and/or to store logging
20 instructions. A communication interface 446 of the logging tool 440 enables
ahead of bit and/or around bit measurement data to be transferred to a surface
communication interface 430. The surface communication interface 430
provides the ahead of bit and/or around bit measurement data to a surface
computer 402.
25 As shown in FIG. 4, the surface computer 402 includes a'processor 404
coupled to a display 405, input device(s) 406, and a storage medium 408. The
display 405 and input device(s) 406 function as a user interface that enables a
, LWD operator to view information and to input steering commands or
interface option commands (to control how information 'is viewed). The
30 storage medium 408 stores 'a steering visualization software tool 410 that,
when executed by processor 404, provides various map view options 4.16
based on ahead or bit andlor around bit measurements collected by the logging
tool 440.
I IPO DELHI 13-1.1-2015 17: 16
mouse, and/or keyboard operable with a user interface to provide.user input's
to switch between different map views, to display multiple map views, to
enable different map view features, and/or to disable different map view
5 features. Further, the input device(s) 406 enable an operator to interact with a
steering visualization interface that assists the operator with steering decisions
using one or more of the map views des-cribed herein.
The map view options 416 include various two-dimensional (2D) or
tlu-ct~ilillle~~sio(n3aDl j data plot options in which tool positionlorientation and
, 10 . formation properties (e.g., resistivity or electromagnetic permeability) are
represented by colors, patterns, and/or shapes. Particular formation materials
I also may be identified by colors, patterns, and/or shapes. In some
I embodiments, the patterns or shapes used to represent formation properties
have a default appearance to represent isotropic formation'properties and a
15 scaled appearance (relative to the default appearance) to represent anisotropic
formation properties. The 2D/3D data plot options may include use of arrows,
lines, andfor strips to represent directions and distances (e.g., the direction and
distance between the drill bit and a bed boundary). The 2D/3D data plot
I options also may include an uncertainty estimate for the data being displayed
I 20 or represented. In some embodiments, uncertainty is represented by varying
the transparency of data being displayed (higher transparency representing
higher uncertainty), varying the shade of data being displayed, or by
displaying an area of uncertainty for data being displayed. The 2D/3D data
plot options also may include displaying data corresponding to different
25 inversions along with inversion identifiers. The 2D/3D data plot options also
may include wrapping, plotted data that extends beyond map view boundaries.
The 2D/3D data plot options also may include radar style plots to show the
1 distance and direction between bed boundaries and the drill bit.
I
I
I . In some embodiments, storage medium 408 stores instructions that,
30 when executed by processor 404, cause the processor 404 to display map
views with map view features and/or options as described herein. The
instructions, when executed by the processor 404, may further cause the
processor 404 to switch between different map views in response to a user
IPO D E L H I 13-11-2015 17 116
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request. The instructions, when executed by the processor 404, may further
cause the processor 404 to display multiple map views in response to a user
request. The instructions, when executed by the processor 404, may hrther
cause the processor 404 to enable or disable different map view features in
5 response to a user request.
The map view options 416 described herein 'display data based on
inversion options 4 12 and corresponding uncertainty 'calculations 4 14
employed for the steering visualization software tool 410. Further, in some
embodiments, the map view options 416 described herein are interactive and
10 display additional formation information when interactive plotted data is
selected by a user. To support such interactive operations, the steering
visualization software tool 410 includes a formation details module 418. The
steering visualization software tool 41 0 also includes a suggestion system 420
to suggest steering actions based on piedetermined criteria and the collected
15 ahead of bit andlor around bit measurements. The suggestion system 420 may
display steering suggestions as lines, arrow, or other direction indicators on a
map view option 416 of the steering visualization software tool 410. The
suggestion system 420 also may display an alarm in response to predetermined
criteria (e.g., the distance to a nearest bed boundary being less than a threshold
20 amount).
FIGS. 5A-5U show various illustrative map view options for the
steering visualization software tool 410. Although not shown here, the various
map view options of FIGS. 5A-5U may include color or symbol legends to
help an operator interpret the displayed data. Some of the map view options
25 (see e.g., FIGS. 5A-5F, and 5L-5s) provide easy to read 2D map views to
facilitate .steering decisions. As an example, FIGS. 5A-5F show real-time
look-ahead or look-around measurements within the range of the logging tool,
but do not show behind the bit data. In alternative embodiments, map views
similar to FIGS. 5A-5F may display behind the bit measurements or prior
30 inversion information. i or example, a negative distance value and related
formation measurements may be displayed for each k e vertical depth (TVD)
of FIGS. 5A-5F to show behind the bit measurements. Meanwhile, FIGS. 5L-
5s provide easy to read 2D map views of ahead of bit and behind bit
measurements to show where the bit has been and where the bit is headed
I P 8 DEL
within a small range (e.g,, the range of the logging tool)..Other map view
options (see e.g., FIGS. 5G-5J, 5T, and 5U) enable operators to view the drill
path over a long distance to review steering strategies and subsurface
formations. Other map view options (see e.g., FIG. 5K) enable an operator to
view bed boundary details.
FIG. 5A shows a 2D map view option that plots look-ahead distance to
bed boundary as a function of true vertical depth (TVD), and that uses
diff'clelll culur's to identify different formation resistivity values. In different
embodiments, color may be used to identify a 'resistivity value, an
electromagnetic permeability value, or other formation parameters discernible
by logging sensors/tools. In FIG. 5A, the ahead of bit data represented for each
TVD is in the direction of arrow 72 (see FIG. 3). Thus, for each TVD, distance
0 (zero) corresponds to a reference point on or near the bit, where represented
data is shown with respect to that reference point (up to 20 ft or another
distance value within a logging tool's range) in the direction of arrow 72. As
an example, at TVD 3730, three formation materials and two boundaries are
ahead of the bit within 20 ft of the reference point in the direction of arrow 72.
More specifically, at TVD 3730, a first formation material is between 0-10 A
ahead of the reference point, a second formation material is between 10-1 5 ft
ahead of the bit, and a third formation material is between 15120 ft ahead of
the bit in the direction of arrow 72. Thus, at TVD 3730, there are two bed
boundaries within 20 ft of the reference point in the direction of arrow 72.
One boundary is approximately 10 ft ahead of the bit while the other boundary
is approximately 15 ft ahead of the bit. Each of these bed boundaries is
represented by a line, which corresponds to the relative dip of the tool' with
respect to the bed boundary (i.e., angle 80 discussed for FIG. 3). It should be
understood that this angle may vary for diffeient bed boundaries and for
different TVDs.
FIG. 5B shows a 2D map view option that plots "look-around" or
"sideway" distance to the next bed boundary as a function of true vertical
depth (TVD), and that uses'*different colors to identify different formation
resistivity values. As mentioned for FIG. 5A, color may be used to identify a
resistivity value, an electromagnetic permeability value, or other formation
parameters discernible by logging sensors/tools. In FIG. 5B, the sideway
distance data represented for each TVD is in the direction of arrow 70 (see
FIG. 3). Thus, for each TVD, distance 0 (zero) corresponds to a reference
point on or near the bit, where represented data is shown with respect to that
reference point (up-to 20 ft.or another distance value within a logging tool's
range) in the direction of arrow 70. As an ex-ample, at TVD 3700, two
fohnation materials and one boundary are within 20 ft of the reference point in
tlie direction oi arrow 70. The bed boundary is represented by a line having an
angle related to the dip angle (angle 80 in Fig. 3). It should be understood that
this angle may vary for different bed boundaries and for different TVDs.
FIG. 5C shows a 2D map view option that plots look-ahead distance to
bed boundary as a function of true vertical depth (TVD), and that uses pattern
density (i.e., a hlgher pattern density represents a higher resistivity value) to
15 identify different formation resistivity values. In different embodiments,
pattern density or specific patterns may be used to identify a resistivity value,
an electromagnetic permeability value, or other formation parameters
discernible by logging sensors/tools. The represented data of FIG. 5C is the
same as the represented data of FIG. 5A, except that pattern density is used in
20 FIG. 5C to identify different formation resistivity values instead of color.
FIG. 5D shows a 2D map view option that plots look-around distance
to bed boundary as a function of true vertical depth (TVD), and that uses
, pattern density to identify different formation resistivity values. In different
embodiments, pattern density or specific patterns may be used to identify a
25 resistivity value, an electromagnetic permeability value, or other formation
parameters discernible by logging sensors/tools. The represented data of FIG.
5D is the same as the represented data of FIG. 5B, except that pattern density
is used in FIG. 5D to identify different formation resistivity values instead of
color.
30 FIG. 5E shows isotropic and anisotropic formation models, which may
be employed in a given map view options. As shown in FIG. 5E, the
anisotropic formation model is a scaled version of the isotropic formation
model, which may correspond to a default pattern. When applied to map
IPO DELHI 13-11-2015 17 :16
views, different scaling may be applied in different directions, where each
scaling corresponds to the formation property in that direction. The pattern
itself may vary. FIG. 5E shows various illustrative patterns that may be
suitable for showing anisotropy, .including shape patterns, linelarrow patterns,
5 and crosshatch patterns.
FIG. 5F is similar to FIG. 5A and shows a 2D map view option that
plots look-ahead distance to bed boundary as a function of true vertical depth
(TVD), and that uses different colors to identify different formation resistivity
values. In Fig. SF, the lines representing bed boundaries are straight and do not
l o convey relative dip angle information. Instead, relative dip angle information
is represented for each distinct TVD as an arrow with its tail at distance 0
(zero). Each arrow or other relative dip angle indicator'represents the relative
dip between the bit or reference point and the nearest bed boundary. In
alternative embodiments, the size, the position, and/or the relative dip angle
15 indicator may vary. Further, a numeric value may be shown in addition to or
instead of a shape-based indictor. Further, the relative dip angle information
may be omitted for some TVDs.
Although not shown, a 2D map view similar to FIG. 5B may be
displayed, where bed boundary lines are straight and a sideway relative to dip
20 angle indicator (i.e., the 90 degree complement of dip angle 80 in FIG. 3) is
shown for each TVD. In alternative embodiments, the size, the position, and/or
the sideway relative to dip angle indicator may vary. Further, a numeric value
i may be shown in addition to or instead of a shape-based indictor. It should be
understood that the angle value may vary for different bed boundaries and for
25 different TVDs. Further, the sideway relative to dip angle indicator may be
omitted for some TVDs.
FIGS. 5A-5F illustrate 2D map views that display formation properties
(e.g., formation resistivity and/or electromagnetic permeability) in a single
predetermincd directiori with respect to a reference point for the tool as a
30 function of depth. In some embodiments, the predetermined direction
corresponds to an ahead of bit direction relative to the reference point. In
alternative embodiments, the predetermined direction corresponds to a
sideways of bit direction relative to the reference point. Further, a sloped line
may be displayed in the map views of FIGS. 5A-5F to represent a bed
boundary between two formation layers displayed for a depth value, where an
angle of the sloped line corresponds to 'a relative dip angle indicator between
the predetermined direction and the bed boundary. In alternative embodiments,
5 a straight line may be displayed in the map views of FIGS. 5A-5F to represent
a bed boundary between two formation layers displayed for a depth value,
where a relative dip angle indicator separate fiom the straight line is displayed
for the depth value to' represent an angle between the predetermined direction
and the bed boundary. The relative dip angle indicator may be an arrow whose
lo tail is at or near the reference point for the tool, where an angle of the arrow
with respect to the reference point conveys relative dip angle information. In
some embodiments, a distinct relative dip angle indicator for each depth value
with a bed boundary may be displayed in the map views of FIGS. 5A-5F.
To display formation properties (e.g., formation resistivity and/or
15 electromagnetic permeability), the map views of FIGS. 5A-5F may use color,
where different colors represent different formation' property values. In
alternative embodiments, the map views of FIGS. 5A-5F may use patterns to
display formation properties, where different pattern . densities represent
different formation property values. Further, the pattern may be scaled in at
20 . . least one direction relative to, a default pattern to represent anisotropic
formation property values.
FIG. 5G shows a 3D map view option that plots a drill path and bed
boundaries, and that uses different colors, shapes, or patterns to identify
different formation attribute values for the bed boundaries. In FIG. 5G, a cube
25 or other shape is positioned along the drill path at each TVD value, where the
orientation of the cube or shape may correspond to the orientation of the tool.
By plotting ahead of bit and/or around bit data at multiple TVDs along the
well path, a representation of bed boundaries within the logging tool range is
displayed. The bed boundaries may be represented by color, shapes, prisms, or
30 lines, where the displayed angle or inclination of the bed boundary
corresponds to the dip'of the boundary with respect to the perspective view
provided by the 3D map view. The example 3D map view of FIG. 5G may be
plotted, for example, by plotting look around bit data for each TVD. As a
IPO DELHI 13- 11-2.015 17 -16
specific example, tool object 504 along well path 502 may be associated with a
formation property object 506, where the angle of tool object 504 represents
the orientation of the tool and the angle of formation property object 506
represents the relative dip angle of nearest bed boundary (i.e., angle 80
5 discussed for FIG. 3). It should be understood that the relative dip angle may
vary for different bed boundaries and for different TVDs. In FIG. 5G, there are
approximately 40 TVD blocks and 40 bed boundary shapes (one for each TVD
block). However, it should be noted that not every TVD will have an
associated bed boundary shapes (if there are no bed boundaries within the
10 range of the tool at a given TVD). Further, some TVDs may be associated with !
multiple bed boundaries shapes (if there are multiple bed boundaries within
the range ofthe tool at a given TVD).
In some embodiments, the 3D map view option of FIG. 5G includes a
plurality of interactive points along the drill path that display, upon selection,
15 additional information such as a distance to a nearest bed boundary, a relative
dip angle to the nearest bed boundary, an azimuth angle for the nearest bed
boundary, and/or other information. FIG. 5H shows a rotated 3D map view
option related to the 3D map view option of FIG. 5G. The rotated 3D map
views as illustrated in FIG. 5H may facilitate viewing plotted data. Further,
20 FIG. 5H shows formation details (bed dip = 20°, and bed azimuth = 45") for
one of the interactive points along the drill path. As an example, the formation
details may be displayed when a user selects a particular interactive point or
passes over the interactive point with a cursor.
FIGS. 51-5J shows 2D map view options related to the 3D map view
25 option of FIG. 5G. More specifically, FIG. 51 shows the drill path and bed
boundaries plotted as a function of TVD and east/west horizontal coordinates,
FIG. 5J shows the drill path and bed boundaries plotted as a hnction of TVD
and northlsouth horizontal coordinates, and FIG. 5K shows bed boundaries
objects plotted as a function of east/west horizontal coordinates, and
30 nortWsouth horizontal 'coordinates. As in FIG. 5G, different colors or patterns
may be used in FIGS. 51-5J to identify different formation resistivity values
for the bed boundaries. Also, the 2D map view options of FIGS. 51-57 may
include interactive points along the drill path that display formation
I P B DELHP. 1 3 - 1 1 - 2 0 1 5 17 116.
- 12 -
parameters, upon selection, as described herein. The 2D13D map view options
of FIGS. 5G-5J may use different patterns, different pattern densities, and/or
different pattern scaling to shows resistivity values as described herein.
As shown, FIGS. 5G-5J illustrate 2D or 3D map views that display a
5 drill path (e.g., path 502 in FIG. 5G) with drill path objects (e.g., object 504)
and bed boundary objects (e.g., object ,506 in FIG. 5G) corresponding to
various depth values along the drill path. In some embodiments, each
displayed bed boundary object marks .part of a bed boundary. Further, each
displayed bed boundary object may convey formation property information
lo such as resistivity or electromagnetic permeability. Meanwhile, each displayed
drill path object is located on or near the drill path and may convey tool
orientation andlor formation property information along the drill path. For
example, each bed boundary object or drill path object of FIGS. 5G-5J may
have a color or pattern attribute to indicate a formation resistivity or
15 electromagnetic value. Further, each bed boundary object may
have a dip angle attribute to indicate a relative dip angle value for a bed
boundary with- respect to a reference point for the tool. Also, each bed
boundary object may have an azimuth angle attribute to indicate a relative
azimuth for a bed boundary with respect to a reference point for the tool.
20 Similarly, each drill path object may have a dip angle attribute to indicate a
relative dip angle value for the tool with respect to a reference point, and may
have an azimuth angle attribute to indicate an azimuth angle value for the tool
with respect to a reference point.
It should also be understood that the map views of FIGS. ' 5 ~ - a5re~
25 rotatable in at least one direction. Further, the map views of FIGS. 5G-5J may
support zoom in and zoom out features. Further, the map views. of FIGS. 5G-
5J may support selecting a bed boundary object or drill path object to display
supplemental data related to the bed boundary object or drill path object. For.
example, the supplemental drill path object data may include a numeric value
30 for a tool dip angle relative to a reference point, a numeric value for a tool
azimuth relative to a reference point, and a numeric value for formation
resistivity or electromagnetic permeability at or near a selected drill path
object. Meanwhile, supplemental bed boundary object data may include a
IPO D E L H I 13-11.- 2015 17 : 96
numeric value for a relative dip angle of a bed boundary, a numeric value for
an azimuth angle between a tool orientation and a bed boundary, and a
numeric value for formation resistivity or electromagnetic permeability at or
near a bed boundary object. FIGS. 5L-5R show 2D map view options that plot
5 distance to bed boundary lines as a function of vertical depth. The length of
the distance to bed boundary lines corresponds to a scaled physical distance.
Meanwhle, the angle of the distance to bed boundary lines (relative to the
center line in FIGS. 5L-5R) corresponds to a relative dip to the bed boundary
at the vertical depth associated with each distance to bed boundary lines. It
10 should be noted that the angle for the distance to bed boundary lines can be
measured with respect to horizontal or vertical axis.
In FIG. 5L, arrows are employed as the distance lines. Further, FIG. 5L
shows, for several distance lines, formation details including relative dip to the
nearest bed boundary (O), azimuth for the nearest bed boundary ($), and
1s distance to the nearest bed boundary (d). In FIG. 5M, an azimuth indicator
(e.g., a circle with a line representing a degree) is shown at the end of each
distance line to show azimuth information for the nearest bed boundary. More
specifically, the azimuth information is drawn as a line inside a circle, where
the orientation of the line inside the circle represents the azimuth of the nearest
20 bed boundary. In FIG. 5N, an azimuth indicator for each distance line is shown
along one side to show azimuth information for a bed boundary relative to a
tool orientation. Here it should be noted that direction or distance to a bed
boundary are defined with respect to a selected point of the bed boundary to a
predetermined reference point of the tool. For example, the selected point of
25 the bed boundary can be the point with the shortest distance to the
predetermined reference point of the tool. The depth of each azimuth indicator
in FIG. 5N corresponds to the depth of its associated distance line. In FIG. 50,
the distance lines are dashed and the azimuth indicators are simplified to be a
line at the end of each distance line. In FIG. 5P, strips are used to represent
30 distance lines. In FIGS. 5L-5P, the top three lines or strips have a higher
transparency to convey a higher degree of uncertainty with respect to their
values. In alternative embodiments, color variations or shades (e.g., a lighter
shade represents more uncertainty) may be used instead of transparency to
represent different levels of uncertainty.
FIG. 5Q shows two sets of distance lines. The first set of distance lines
(dashed line arrows) is associated with a first inversion algorithm, and the
5 second set of distance lines (solid' line arrows) is associated with a second
inversion algorithm. As shown, the two sets of distance lines vary slightly. As
an example, the different inversions may correspond to two sets of logging
data for the same region collected at different frequencies. Some LWD
operators may favor the distance lines associated with the first inversion
l o algorithm, while others favor the distance lines associated with the second
inversion algorithm. Further, some operators may want to review the
difference between the distance lines associated with two or more inversion
algorithms.
FIG. 5R shows distance lines with an area of uncertainty at the end of
15 each distance line. In some embodiments, the area of uncertainty is estimated
using a noise injection operation that injects noise into a measurement plotting
process and analyses the density of the result. In alternative embodiments, a
quality of inversion (Qf) estimate may be displayed for each distance line.
As shown, FIGS. 5L-5R illustrate 2D map views that display a separate
20 distance to bed boundq indicator (e.g., distance lines) for each of a plurality
of.distinct depth values. The map views of FIGS. 5L-5R also may display a
center line to represent a reference point for the tool as a function of depth. In
some embodiments, each distance to bed boundary indicator corresponds to an
arrow extending between the center line and a bed boundary. In alternative
25 embodiments, each distance to bed boundary indicator corresponds to a strip
extending at least between the center line and a nearest bed boundary. It
should be understood that each arrow or strip may have a color or pattern to
provide formation resistivity or electromagnetic permeability information.
The rnap views of FIGS. 5L-5R may display an azimuth indicator for
30 at least one of the distance to bed boundary indicators to represent an angle
between a bed boundary azimuth and a tool reference point azimuth. For
example, the azimuth indicator 'may be displayed at or near a bed boundary
related to a distance to nearest bed boundary indicator (e.g., at or near an
arrow tip that ends at the bed boundary). In alternative embodiments, the
azimuth indicator may be displayed along a side of the map view at a depth
corresponding to a related distance to bed boundary indicator. The azimuth
indicator may be a radial line inside a circular shape to represent the angle
5 between a bed boundary azimuth and a tool reference point azimuth.
Further, the map views of FIGS. 5L-5R may display a bed boundary
line for one or more distance to bed boundary indicators, where & angle of
bed boundary line corresponds to a relative dip angle value with respect to a
reference point for the tool. Further, in some embodiments, at least oneof the
l o displayed distance to bed boundary indicators is partially transparent to show a
level of uncertainty as described herein.
In at least some embodiments, the map views of FIGS. 5L-5R are
interactive and support ,selecting a distance to nearest bed boundary indicator
to display supplemental data related to the distance to bed boundary indicator.
i s AS an example, the supplemental data may include a numeric value of a
relative dip angle value between a tool orientation and the related bed
boundary, a numeric value of relative azimuth angle value between a tool
orientation and the related bed boundary, andlor a numeric value of a distance
between a reference point for the tool and the related bed boundary.
20 Further, the map views of FIGS. 5L-5R may display an area of
uncertainty for at least one distance to bed boundary indicator, where the area
of uncertainty corresponds to a range of possible values for the related distance
to bed boundary indicator. For example, the area of uncertainty may be an
enclosed shape (e.g., a circle), where a related distance to bed boundary
25 indicator points to a center of the shape.
In. at least some embodiments, a map view (e.g., the map view of FIG.
5Q) displays two sets of distance to bed boundary indicators.corresponding to
two different data sets collected by the tool. The different data sets may
corrcspond to logging data sets captured using two different frequencies for .a
30 logging tool, or to logging data sets captured using two different types of
logging tools.
Further, it should be understood that if multiple bed boundaries are
within the measurement range of the tool, then map views such as those shown
EPO BELHI 1 3 - 1 1 - 2 0 1 5 17116
in FIGS. 5L-5R may display multiple distance to bed boundary indicators
extending fi-om the same depth value. For example, multiple arrows are strips
may extend fiom a single depth value to different bed boundaries. In such
case, different arrow colors and/or patterns may be utilized to ensure different
5 distance to bed boundary indicators are distinguishable. Further, it should be
understood that even if multiple bed boundaries are within the measurement
range of the tool, map views such as those shown in FIGS. 5L-5R may only
show distance to bed boundary indicators for the nearest bed boundaries.
FIG. 5s shows a radar map view option that plots look-ahead or looklo
around distance to a nearest bed boundary as a function of azimuth. In FIG.
5S, the bit is displayed at the center of the radar map, and concentric circles
are used to represent distance. In FIG. 5S, resistivity colors/patterns, formation
details, and algorithm information may be displayed as described herein.
As shown, FIG. 5s illustrates a radar map view that .displays a tool
15 reference point and concentric circles around the tool reference point to
represent distance from the tool reference point. In FIG. 5S, the radar map
view displays formation properties as a function of azimuth with respect to an
axis for the tool.
In at least some embodiments, the radar map view of FIG. 5s may
20 display an azimuth indicator relative to an azimuth reference point for the tool.
In other words, the map view may display a cross-section view along the tool
axis, where the cross-section angle is relative to an azimuth reference point for
the tool. It should be understood that many different cross-section views are
possible along the tool axis (i.e., there is a range of 360 degrees), and thus
25 different map views are possible. Regardless of the particular azimuth, a radar
map view may display a tool object extending from the tool reference point (at
the center) to a top of the radar map view. In alternative embodiments, a radar
map view may display a tool object extending from the tool reference point to
a side of the radar map view along an angle related to an orientation of the
30 tool. 'In such case, the cross-section view along the tool axis, which is
represented by the radar map view, would be adjusted accordingly.
Further, the radar map view may be interactive and supports selecting a
displayed formation property to display supplemental data. or example, the
supplemental data includes a numeric value of a relative dip angle value
between a tool orientation and a bed boundary, a numeric value of relative
azimuth angle value between a tool orientation and a bed boundary, and/or a
numeric value of a distance between the tool reference point and a bed
5 boundary. Further, in some embodiments, a radar map view displays an
inversion algorithm indicator for each displayed formation layer. Such
inversion algorithm indicators may provide information regarding the
particular logging tool, frequency, andlor inversion technique related to the
displayed formation layers.
10 FIGS. 5T and 5U show wrapping map view options that plot a well
path as a function of true vertical depth (TVD), and that wrap well path data or
other data when map boundaries are exceeded. Here wrapping means making a
mapping of coordinates such that the position of the shape will always be
inside the drawing canvas. One particular type of wrapping moves the lines
15 that exit the canvas fi-om the right-hand side, to the left-hand side, and viceversa.
In FIG. 5T, distance lines (distance to nearest bed boundary indicators)
extend from the well path and may be used to ascertain a bed boundary.
Meanwhile, in FIG. 5U, bed boundary lines and vertical depth information are
displayed.
20 As shown, FIGS. 5T and 5U illustrates wrapping map views that
display a drill path and bed boundaries as a function of depth and horizontal
position, where the map view wraps the horizontal position of the displayed
drill path to an opposite side of the map view when a horizontal length of the
drill. path exceeds a horizontal position range of the map view. In some
25 embodiments, a wrapping map view may display distance to nearest bed
boundary indicators for each of a plurality of distinct depth values. Further, a
wrapping map view may display a separate bed boundary line for each of the
distance to nearest bed boundary indicators. Further,' a wrapping map view
may display a relative dip angle indicator for at least one of the distance to
30 nearest bed boundary indicators.
In some embodiments, a wrapping map view may display a continuous
line for each bed boundary. In such case, distance to nearest bed boundary
indicators may be omitted. Further, some wrapping map view may display a
vertical depth value for each bed boundary.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an illustrative method 602 for an LWD system.
As shown, the method 602 includes collecting look-ahead or look-around
logging data (block 604). At block 606, inversions and uncertainty estimates
5 are calculated. At block 608, 2D or 3D map view options are displayed based
on the inversions. The map view options. displayed at block' 608 may
correspond to any of the map view examples described in FIGS. 5A-5U,
combinations thereof, or variations thereof. In some embodiments, different
map views may be displayed at the same time.
I 10 Upon request, formation details are displayed at block 610. The
~ formation details may refer to alphanumeric characters and values that appear
I
upon selection of a line, shape, or interactive point in a displayed map view.
I
At block 612, drilling suggestions or alarms are provided. The drilling
suggestions may correspond to lines or arrows in a map view to show a
15 suggested drilling direction. Meanwhile, an alarm may correspond to audio or
visual indicator, and related values that triggered the alarm (e.g., being closer
to a nearest bed boundary than a predetermined threshold). A drilling
suggestion may or may not accompany an alarm. In some embodiments, the
method 602 is performed by a computer executing steering visualization
20 software as described herein. With the information provided by the method
602, .an LWD operator is able to select appropriate steering commands for a
LWD tool.
In some embodiments, displaying a map view option at block 608
includes displaying a 2D map view showing formation properties in a single
25 predetermined direction with respect to a reference. point for the tool as a
function of depth. Additionally or alternatively, displaying a map view. option
at'block 608 includes displaying a 2D or 3D map view showing a drill path
and at least one separate 2D or 3D drill path object for each of a plurality of
distinct depth values along the drill path. Additionally or altematively,
30 displaying a map view option at block 608 includes displaying a 2D map view
showing a separate distance to bed boundary indicator for each of a plurality
of distinct depth values. Additionally or altematively, displaying a map view
option at block 608 includes displaying a radar map view showing a tool
reference point and concentric circles around the tool reference point to
represent distance from the tool reference point, where the radar map view
displays formation property objects as a function of azimuth with respect to an
axis for the tool. The formation property objects may be boundary lines andlor
5 formation information such as resistivity or electromagnetic permeability.
Additionally or alternatively, displaying a. map view option at block 608
includes displaying a map view showing a drill path and bed boundaries as a -
function of depth and horizontal position, where, the map view wraps the
horizontal position of the displayed drill path to an opposite side of the map
lo view when a horizontal length of the drill path exceeds. a horizontal position
range of the map view.
In different map views, different features may be enables or disabled.
For example, map views may employ a resistivity scaling feature that scales a
pattern to represent anisotropic formation property values. Further, map views
15 may employ different colors or patterns to identify different formation
resistivity or permeability values. Further, map views may employ interactive
drill path objects andfor bed boundary objects, where selecting (e.g., by
clicking or moving a cursor over an object) an object causes supplemental data
to be displayed as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, displaying a
20 map view option at block 608 includes showing uncertainty features that use
transparency, areas of uncertainty, or different inversion data plots to show a
level of uncertainty for plotted data.
It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the present
disclosure described above may be utilized with various types of ahead of bit
25 or around bit measurements without departing fiom the principles of this
disclosure. Further, the illustrated map view options are merely examples of
useful map view embodied by the principles of the disclosure, which is not
limited to any specific details of these embodiments. Of course, a person
skillcd in the art would, upon a careful consideration of the above description
30 of representative embodiments of the disclosure, readily appreciate that many
modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, and other changes may be
made to the specific embodiments, and such changes are contemplated by the
principles of the present disclosure.

WE CLAIM:
1. A method comprising:
acquiring ahead of bit or around bit data related to a formation from
measurements by a tool;
5 generating a two-dimensional (2D) map view of the formation using
the acquired data, wherein the 2D map view displays formation properties in a
single predetermined direction with respect tu a reference point for the tool as
a function of depth.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined direction
10 corresponds to an ahead of bit direction relative to the reference point.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1', wherein the predetermined direction
corresponds to a sideways of bit direction relative to the reference point.
4. A method as claimed in .claim 1, wherein the map view includes a
sloped line to represent a bed boundary between two formation layers
15 displayed for a depth value, and wherein an angle of the sloped line
corresponds to a relative dip angle indicator between the predetermined
direction and said bed boundary.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the map view includes a
straight line to represent a bed boundary between two formation layers
, 20 displayed for a depth value, and wherein a relative dip angle indicator separate
1 from the straight line is displayed for the depth value to represent an angle
I
! between the predetermined direction and said bed boundary.
6. A method as. claimed in claim' 5, wherein the relative dip angle
indicator is an arrow whose tail is at or near the reference point for the tool,
25 and wherein an, angle of the arrow with respect to the reference point conveys
relative dip angle information.
7. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the map .view displays
formation resistivity or electromagnetic permeability.
8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the map view
30 includes a distinct relative dip angle indicator for each depth value with a
displayed bed boundary.
9. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the map view
displays a formation property using color, wherein different colors represent
different formation property values.
10. A method according to claim any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the
5 map view displays a formation property using a pattern, wherein different
pattern densities represent different formation property values.
11. A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the pattern is scaled in at ~ least one direction relative to a default pattern to represent anisotropic values.
I 1 2. A method comprising:
10 acquiring ahead of bit or around bit data related to a formation fiom
measurements by.a tool;
generating a two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) map
view of the formation using.the acquired data, wherein the 2D or 3D map view
displays a drill path and a separate 2D or 3D drill path object for each of a
15 plurality of distinct depth values along the drill path.
13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein at least one of the displayed
drill path objects includes a color or pattern attribute to convey formation
resistivity or electromagnetic permeability information.
14. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein at least one of the displayed -
20 drill path objects includes an orientation attribute corresponding to a tool
orientation.
15. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the map
view enables selection of a displayed drill path object to display supplemental
drill path object data.
25 16. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the supplemental drill path
object data includes at least .one value selected fiom the group consisting of a
numeric value for a tool dip angle relative to a reference point, a numeric
value for a tool azimuth relative to a reference point, and a numeric value for
formation resistivity or electromagnetic permeability at or near a selected drill
30 path object.
17. A method .as claimed in claim 12, wherein the map.view displays at
IPQ DELHI 1 3 - 1 1 - 2 0 1 5 17 116
- 22 -
least one 2D or 3D bed boundary object for each of a plurality distinct depth
values along the drill path.
18. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein at least one of the displayed
bed boundary objects includes a color or pattern attribute to convey formation
5 resistivity or electromagnetic permeability information.
19. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein at least one of the displayed
bed boundary objects includcs an orientation attribute corresponding to a
relative dip angle for a bed boundary with respect to a reference point for the
lo tool.
20. A method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the map
view enables selection of a displayed bed boundary object to display
supplemental bed boundary object data.
21. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the supplemental bed
15 boundary object data includes at least one value selected fiom the group
consisting of a numeric value for a relative dip angle of a bed boundary, a
numeric value for an azimuth angle between a tool orientation and a bed
boundary, and a numeric value for formation resistivity or electromagnetic
permeability at or near a bed boundary object.
20 22. A method according to .any one of claims 12 to 21, wherein the map
view is rotatable in at least one direction.
23. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 21, wherein the map
view supports zooming in and zooming out.
24. A method comprising:
25 acquiring ahead of bit or around bit data related to a formation from
measurements by a tool;
generating a two-dimensional (2D) map view of the formation using
the acquired data, wherein the 2D map view displays a separate distance to bed
boundary indicator for each of a plurality of distinct depth values.
30 25. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the map view displays a
center line to represent a reference point for the tool as a function of depth.
26. A method as claimed in claim 25, wherein .each distance to bed
boundary indicator corresponds to an arrow extending between the center line
and a nearest bed boundary.
5 27. A method as claimed in claim 25, wherein each distance to bed
boundary indicator corresponds to a strip extending at least between the center
line and a bed boundary.
28. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein each strip has a color or
pattern to provide formation resistivity or electromagnetic permeability
lo information.
29. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the map view displays an
azimuth indicator for at least one of the distance to bed boundary iridicators to
represent an angle between a bed boundary azimuth and a tool reference point
azimuth.
15 30. A method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the azimuth indicator is
displayed at or near a bed boundary related to a distance to bed boundary
indicator.
31. A method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the azimuth indicator is
displayed along a side of the map view at a depth corresponding to a related
20 distance to bed boundary indicator.
32. A method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the azimuth indicator is a
radial line inside a circular shape to represent' the angle between a bed
boundary azimuth and a tool reference point azimuth.
33. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the map view displays a bed
25 boundary line for at least one of the distance to bed boundary indicators,
wherein an angle of the bed boundary line corresponds to a relative dip angle
value with respect to a reference point for the tool.
34. A method as claimed ,in any one of claims 24 to 33, wherein at least
one of the displayed distance to bed boundary indicators is partially
30 transparent to show a level of uncertainty.
35. A method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 33, wherein the map
view supports selecting a distance to bed boundary indicator to display
supplemental data related to the distance to bed boundary indicator.
36. A method as claimed in claim 35, wherein the supplemental data
s includes at'least one value selected from the goup consisting uf a numeric
value of a relative dip angle between a tool orientation and the bed boundary, a
numeric value of relative azimuth angle between a tool orientation and the bed
boundary, and- a numeric value of a distance between a reference point for the
tool and the bed boundary.
l o 37. A method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 33, wherein the map
view displays an area of uncertainty for at least one of the distance to bed
boundary indicators, wherein the area of uncertainty corresponds to a range of
possible distance and direction values for the related distance to bed boundary
indicator.
i s 38. A method as claimed in claim 37, wherein the area of uncertainty is a
shape, and wherein the related distance to bed boundary indicator points to a
center of the shape.
39. A method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 33, wherein the map
view displays two sets ofdistance to bed boundary indicators corresponding to
20 two different data sets. collected by the tool.
40. A method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 33, wherein the map
view displays multiple distance to bed boundary indicators for a single depth
value, wherein .each of said multiple distance to bed boundary indicators is
associated with a different bed boundary.
25 41. . A method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 33, wherein the map
view only displays distance to nearest bed boundary indicators.
42. A method comprising:
acquiring ahead of bit or around bit data related to a formation from .
measurements by a tool;
30 generating a radar map view of the formation using the acquired data,
wherein the radar map view displays a tool reference point and concentric
I$'O D E L H I 13- 11- 2815 13 116
circles around the tool reference point to represent distance from the tool
reference point, and wherein the radar map view displays formation property
objects as a function of azimuth with respect to an axis for the tool.
43. A method as claimed in claim 42, wherein the radar map view displays
5 an azimuth indicator relative to an azimuth reference point for the tool.
44. A method as claimed in claim 42, wherein the radar map view displays
a tool object extending from the tool reference point to a top of the radar map
view.
45. A method as claimed in claim 42, wherein the radar map view displays
lo a tool object extending from the tool reference point to a side of the radar map
view along an angle related to an orientation of the tool.
46. A method as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 45, wherein the radar
map view supports selecting a displayed formation property object to display
supplemental data.
15 47. A method as claimed in claim 46, wherein the supplemental data
includes a value selected from the group consisting of a numeric value of a
relative dip angle between a tool orientation and a bed boundary, a numeric
value of relative azimuth angle between a tool orientation and a bed boundary,
a numeric value of a distance between a tool reference point and a bed
20 boundary, and a numeric value for formation resistivity or electromagnetic
permeability at or near a selected formation property object.
48. A method as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 45, wherein the radar
map view displays an inversion algorithm indicator for at least one of the
displayed formation property objects.
25 49. A method as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 45, wherein the radar
map view displays a color or pattern to represent a resistivity or
electromagnetic permeability for at least one of the displayed formation
property objects.
50. A method comprising:
30 acquiring ahead of bit or around bit data related to a formation from
measurements by a tool;
generating a map view of the formation using the acquired data,
wherein the map view displays a drill path and bed boundaries as a function of
depth and horizontal position, and wherein the map view wraps the horizontal
position of the displayed drill path to an opposite side of the map view when a
5 horizontal length of the drill path exceeds a horizontal position range of the
map view.
51. A method as claimed in claim 50, wherein the map view displays
distance to bed boundary indicators for each nf a plurality of distinct dcplll
values.
10 52. A method as claimed in claim 31, wherein the map view displays a
separate bed boundary line for each of the distance to bed boundary indicators.
53. A method as claimed in claim 5 1, wherein the map view displays a
relative dip angle indicator for at least one of the distance to bed boundary
indicators.
15 54. A method as claimed in claim 50, wherein the map view displays a
continuous line for each bed boundary.
55. A method as claimed in claim 54, wherein the map view displays a
numeric vertical depth value at or near each displayed bed boundary.
56. A computer-readable storage device having instructions stored thereon,
20 which, when executed by one or more processors of a computer, cause the
computer to perform operations, the operations comprising the method of any
of claims 1 to 55.
57. A computer-readable storage device as claimed in claim 56, wherein
25 the instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the computer,
cause the computer to switch between different map views in response to a
user request.
58. A computer-readable storage device as claimed in claim 56, wherein
the instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the computer,
30 cause the computer to display multiple map views in response to . a user
request.
59. A computer-readable storage device a3 claimed in claim 56, wherein
the instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the computer,
cause the computer to enable or disable different.map view features in
5 response to a user request.
60. A system comprising:
one or more processors;
a user interface nperahle with the one or more processu~~asn; d
a computer-readable storage device that stores a steering visualization
lo software tool that when executed by the one or more processors, causes the
system to perform operations, the operations comprising the method.of any of
claims 1 to 54.
61. A system as claimed in claim 60, wherein the system includes the tool
to acquire ahead of bit or around bit data.
15 62. A system as claimed in claim 60, wherein the system includes an input
device operable with the user interface, wherein the input device provides user
inputs for the steering visualization software tool to switch between different
map views, to display multiple map views, to enable different map view
features, or to disable different map view features.