Methods for geosteering a drill bit in real time using drilling acoustic signals
US9103192B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V1/50
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Disclosed is an apparatus, method, and program product for steering a drill bit within a pay zone in a lateral well. The method includes receiving acoustic signature data from a downhole processor assembly. The acoustic signature data includes an amplitude spectrum and one or more acoustic characteristics evaluated from an acoustic signal provided by a sensor arranged adjacent to a drill bit and generated in real-time as a result of rotational contact of the drill bit with encountered rock in the lateral well during drilling. The method further includes comparing the received real-time acoustic signature data to predetermined acoustic signatures determined for a plurality of rock samples, and identifying a lithology type of the rock being encountered by the drill bit based on the comparison. Further, the method includes steering the drill bit in a predefined direction, in real-time, based on the identified lithology type of the rock, for maintaining the drill bit within the pay zone of the lateral well.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.