Patent · US Expired

Method for updating an earth model using measurements gathered during borehole construction

US6766254B1 · kind B1 · utility

57Cited by
9References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 5, 2002
Grant dateJul 20, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 5, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01V1/40
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A method and system for real time updating of an earth model. The efficiency with which an oil or gas well is constructed can be enhanced by updating the relevant earth model using real-time measurements of the effective density of the drilling fluid and other parameters. The method includes generating an earth model used for predicting potential problems in drilling of a borehole having a predetermined trajectory. Evaluations of the state of the borehole and local geological features are obtained which are based on the earth model. Real time data is used to create a diagnosis of the state of the borehole and local geological features. The evaluations are compared with a diagnosis to identify inconsistencies. A component of the earth model is identified that is both related to the identified inconsistency and has a high degree of uncertainty. The selected component of the earth model is then updated prior to completing construction of the borehole using the received data.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.