Probablistic subsurface modeling for improved drill control and real-time correction
US9291735B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2012 |
| Grant date | Mar 22, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V2210/67
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system, method and computer program product for generating probabilistic models of a subsurface region of the earth of interest. The system, method can be implemented efficiently to enable real-time imaging of a sub-surface structure. The system, method can provide users with the ability to assess where their subsurface images are reliable and where they are not in order to assist in the selection of low-risk, high-reward sights indicated as having oil potential for drilling. The system, method allows users to estimate a degree of uncertainty to be expected when drilling in a specific location. The knowledge of this uncertainly can be used to guide drilling in real-time to reduce the time to oil (and thereby the cost of drilling), increase the efficiency of drill maintenance and reduce the risk associated with incorrectly identifying the depth at which pressure might spike.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.