Drilling systems and methods using radial current flow for boundary detection or boundary distance estimation
US7982464B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jul 19, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 1, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V3/24
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and methods for look-ahead boundary detection and distance estimation are disclosed. In some embodiments, a drilling method includes extending a borehole with a drill string that includes a resistivity logging tool. The logging tool makes upward-looking and downward-looking resistivity measurements based on radial current flow. The upward looking and downward looking resistivity measurements are processed to estimate the distance to approaching bed boundaries, and drilling can be halted when the estimated distance reaches a desired value. Such information can be used to anchor casing at advantageous points and can further be used to avoid penetrating water-containing formations below a hydrocarbon reservoir.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.