Numerical simulation of LWD resistivity response of carbonate formation using self-adaptive hp-FEM

Most of the carbonate formation are highly heterogeneous with cavities of different sizes, which makes the prediction of cavity-filled reservoir in carbonate rocks difficult. Large cavities in carbonate formations pose serious threat to drilling operations. Logging-whiledrilling （LWD） is currently used to accurately identify and evaluate cavities in reservoirs during drilling. In this study, we use the self-adaptive hp-FEM algorithm simulate and calculate the LWD resistivity responses of fracture-cavity reservoir cavities. Compared with the traditional h-FEM method, the self-adaptive hp-FEM algorithm has the characteristics of the self-adaptive mesh refinement and the calculations exponentially converge to highly accurate solutions. Using numerical simulations, we investigated the effect of the cavity size, distance between cavity and borehole, and transmitted frequency on the LWD resistivity response. Based on the results, a method for recognizing cavities is proposed. This research can provide the theoretical basis for the accurate identification and quantitative evaluation of various carbonate reservoirs with cavities encountered in practice.

濮卫环洼带东翼层序地层学研究

依据高精度层序地层学和储层沉积学原理,提出了本区基准面旋回识别与划分的5种岩性剖面标志和3种测井曲线类型,建立了层序划分方案和对比标准,根据旋回的概念,首次将濮卫环洼带东翼沙三—沙四段自下而上划分了5个中期旋回和23个短期旋回。研究表明:本区物源主要来自北部和南东方向,基底构造运动导致的掀斜作用可能是控制南北物源差异供给的主要因素之一,在旋回MSC3、MSC4期间,可容纳空间大,物源供应活跃,砂体发育,储层物性较好,是有利的滚动勘探开发目标。

Stability of finite difference numerical simulations of acoustic logging-while-drilling with different perfectly matched layer schemes

In acoustic logging-while-drilling （ALWD） finite difference in time domain （FDTD） simulations, large drill collar occupies, most of the fluid-filled borehole and divides the borehole fluid into two thin fluid columns （radius -27 mm）. Fine grids and large computational models are required to model the thin fluid region between the tool and the formation. As a result, small time step and more iterations are needed, which increases the cumulative numerical error. Furthermore, due to high impedance contrast between the drill collar and fluid in the borehole （the difference is 〉30 times）, the stability and efficiency of the perfectly matched layer （PML） scheme is critical to simulate complicated wave modes accurately. In this paper, we compared four different PML implementations in a staggered grid finite difference in time domain （FDTD） in the ALWD simulation, including field-splitting PML （SPML）, multiaxial PML（M- PML）, non-splitting PML （NPML）, and complex frequency-shifted PML （CFS-PML）. The comparison indicated that NPML and CFS-PML can absorb the guided wave reflection from the computational boundaries more efficiently than SPML and M-PML. For large simulation time, SPML, M-PML, and NPML are numerically unstable. However, the stability of M-PML can be improved further to some extent. Based on the analysis, we proposed that the CFS-PML method is used in FDTD to eliminate the numerical instability and to improve the efficiency of absorption in the PML layers for LWD modeling. The optimal values of CFS-PML parameters in the LWD simulation were investigated based on thousands of 3D simulations. For typical LWD cases, the best maximum value of the quadratic damping profile was obtained using one do. The optimal parameter space for the maximum value of the linear frequency-shifted factor （a0） and the scaling factor （β0） depended on the thickness of the PML layer. For typical formations, if the PML thickness is 10 grid points, the global error can be reduced to 〈1% using the optimal PML parameters, and the error will decrease as the PML thickness increases.

Analysis and application of the response characteristics of DLL and LWD resistivity in horizontal well

There exist different response characteristics in the resistivity measurements of dual laterolog （DLL） and logging while drilling （LWD） electromagnetic wave propagation logging in highly deviated and horizontal wells due to the difference in their measuring principles. In this study, we first use the integral equation method simulated the response characteristics of LWD resistivity and use the three dimensional finite element method （3D-FEM） simulated the response characteristics of DLL resistivity in horizontal wells, and then analyzed the response differences between the DLL and LWD resistivity. The comparative analysis indicated that the response differences may be caused by different factors such as differences in the angle of instrument inclination, anisotropy, formation interface, and mud intrusion. In the interface, the curves of the LWD resistivity become sharp with increases in the deviation while those of the DLL resistivity gradually become smooth. Both curves are affected by the anisotropy although the effect on DLL resistivity is lower than the LWD resistivity. These differences aid in providing a reasonable explanation in the horizontal well. However, this can also simultaneously lead to false results. At the end of the study, we explain the effects of the differences in the interpretation of the horizontal well based on the results and actual data analysis.

Efficient finite-volume simulation of the LWD orthogonal azimuth electromagnetic response in a three-dimensional anisotropic formation using potentials on cylindrical meshes

In this study,the cylindrical finite-volume method(FVM)is advanced for the efficient and high-precision simulation of the logging while drilling(LWD)orthogonal azimuth electromagnetic tool(OAEMT)response in a three-dimensional(3 D)anisotropic formation.To overcome the ill-condition and convergence problems arising from the low induction number,Maxwell’s equations are reformulated into a mixed Helmholtz equation for the coupled potentials in a cylindrical coordinate system.The electrical fi eld continuation method is applied to approximate the perfectly electrical conducting(PEC)boundary condition,to improve the discretization accuracy of the Helmholtz equation on the surface of metal mandrels.On the base,the 3 D FVM on Lebedev’s staggered grids in the cylindrical coordinates is employed to discretize the mixed equations to ensure good conformity with typical well-logging tool geometries.The equivalent conductivity in a non-uniform element is determined by a standardization technique.The direct solver,PARDISO,is applied to efficiently solve the sparse linear equation systems for the multi-transmitter problem.To reduce the number of calls to PARDISO,the whole computational domain is divided into small windows that contain multiple measuring points.The electromagnetic(EM)solutions produced by all the transmitters per window are simultaneously solved because the discrete matrix,relevant to all the transmitters in the same window,is changed.Finally,the 3 D FVM is validated against the numerical mode matching method(NMM),and the characteristics of both the coaxial and coplanar responses of the EM field tool are investigated using the numerical results.

An equivalent-tool theory for acoustic logging and applications

The influence of an acoustic logging tool on borehole guided wave propagation should be considered in the processing and inversion of the guided waves for formation acoustic property estimation. This study introduces an equivalent-tool theory that models the tool response using an elastic rod with an effective modulus and applies the theory to multipole acoustic logging for both wireline and logging while drilling （LWD） conditions. The theory can be derived by matching the tool’s acoustic impedance/conductance to that of the multipole acoustic wavefield around the tool, assuming that tool radius is small compared to wavelength. We have validated the effectiveness and accuracy of the theory using numerical modeling and its practicality using field data. In field data applications, one can calibrate the tool parameters by fitting the theoretical dispersion curve to field data without having to consider the actual tool’s structure and composition. We use a dispersion correction example to demonstrate an application of the simple theory to field data processing and the validity of the processing result.

Acoustic reflection well logging modeling using the frequency-domain finite-element method with a hybrid PML

In this paper, we propose a hybrid PML （H-PML） combining the normal absorption factor of convolutional PML （C-PML） with tangential absorption factor of Mutiaxial PML （M-PML）. The H-PML boundary conditions can better suppress the numerical instability in some extreme models, and the computational speed of finite-element method and the dynamic range are greatly increased using this HPML. We use the finite-element method with a hybrid PML to model the acoustic reflection of the interface when wireline and well logging while drilling （LWD）, in a formation with a reflector outside the borehole. The simulation results suggests that the PS- and SP- reflected waves arrive at the same time when the inclination between the well and the outer interface is zero, and the difference in arrival times increases with increasing dip angle. When there are fractures outside the well, the reflection signal is clearer in the subsequent reflection waves and may be used to identify the fractured zone. The difference between the dominant wavelength and the model scale shows that LWD reflection logging data are of higher resolution and quality than wireline acoustic reflection logging.

Self-adaptive inversion method of electromagnetic-propagation resistivity logging while drilling data

Because of the constraint mode of the inversion objective function in the traditional resistivity-inversion method of electromagnetic-propagation resistivity logging while drilling(EPR-LWD),obvious differences appear in the radial and vertical investigation characteristics between the amplitude-ratio and phase difference,which affect the practical application of EPR-LWD data.In this paper,according to the EPR-LWD data,a self-adaptive constraint resistivity-inversion method,which adopts a self-adaptive constraint weighted expression in the objective function to balance the contributions of the phase difference and amplitude attenuation,is proposed.A particle swarm optimization algorithm is also introduced to eliminate the dependence of the accuracy and convergence on the initial value of the inversion.According to the inversion results of multiple classical formation models for EPR-LWD,the differences between the adaptive constraint inversion-resistivity logs with the traditional amplitude-ratio and the phase difference of the resistivity logs are discussed in detail.The results demonstrate that the adaptive resistivity logs take into account the advantages of the amplitude-ratio logs in the radial investigation and phase difference logs in the vertical resolution.Further,it is superior in thin-layer identification and invasion-effect appraisal compared with the single-amplitude-ratio and phase difference logs.The inversion results can provide a theoretical reference for research on the resistivity-inversion method of electromagnetic wave LWD.

Joint inversion method of formation shear-wave anisotropy from logging-while-drilling acoustic data

Most sedimentary formations with fine layers can be characterized as transversely isotropic media.The evaluation of shear-wave anisotropy is critical in logging-while-drilling(LWD)applications.We developed a joint method to simultaneously invert formation shear-wave anisotropy and vertical shear velocity using LWD monopole and dipole dispersion data.Theoretical analysis demonstrates that formation shear-wave anisotropy significantly aff ects the dispersion characteristics of Stoneley and formation flexural waves.The inversion objective function was constructed based on the change in dispersion characteristics and was weighted by the spectra of multipole waves.Numerical results using synthetic examples demonstrate that the joint inversion method can not only alleviate the non-uniqueness problem but also help improve the accuracy of the inversion results.The comparison of diff erent signal-to-noise ratio inversion results proved that the weighted inversion method is more accurate and stable.

Acoustic field simulations of logging while drilling by cylindrical finite difference with variable grids

This study proposes an elastic finite difference(FD)time domain method with variable grids in three-dimensional cylindrical coordinates.The calculations will diverge and become less accurate by conventional cylindrical FD as the grid size gradually becomes more extensive with the increasing radius.To prevent grids from being too coarse in far fields,we compensate for the grid cell infl ation by refi ning the grid step in the azimuthal direction.The variable grid FD in the cylindrical coordinate systems has a higher effi ciency in solving acoustic logging while drilling(LWD)problems because the grid boundaries are consistent with those of the drill collar and the borehole.The proposed algorithm saves approximately 94%of the FD grids,80%of the computation time,and memory with a higher calculation accuracy than the FD on rectangular grids for the same models.We also calculate the acoustic LWD responses of the fl uid-fi lled borehole intersecting with fractures.Refl ections are generated at the fractures,which can be equivalent to an additional scattering source.The mode conversions between the collar and the Stoneley waves are revealed.The Stoneley spectra are more sensitive to the fracture.Finally,the logs in a heterogeneous formation with two refl ectors far from the borehole are modeled,and a means of estimating the azimuth of geological interfaces from refl ections is proposed.

Detection performance of azimuthal electromagnetic logging while drilling tool in anisotropic media

Azimuthal electromagnetic(EM)logging while drilling(LWD)has been extensively used in high-angle and horizontal(HA/HZ)wells.However,due to the effects of formation anisotropy,accurate geosteering decision and formation evaluations have become increasingly difficult.To quantitatively analyze the effect of anisotropy on tool responses and data processing,this paper investigates the sensitivity of EM LWD measurements to electric anisotropy and inversion accuracy via forward modeling and inversion.First,a sensitivity factor is defined to quantitatively analyze the sensitivity of the magnetic field components and synthetic signals to electric anisotropy.Then,azimuthal EM LWD responses in anisotropic layered formations are simulated,and the sensitivities to formation parameters for compensated and uncompensated tool configurations are comparatively analyzed.Finally,we discuss the effects of the inversion model on bed boundary inversion in anisotropic formations.Numerical simulation and inversion results show that azimuthal EM LWD can be significantly affected by electric anisotropy.Fortunately,by using a symmetrical compensation configuration,the sensitivity of the geosignals to electric anisotropy can be suppressed,and the boundary detection capability can be further enhanced.Anisotropy normally gives rise to separated resistivity curves and abnormal"horns";moreover,complicated nonlinear distortion can also arise in geosignals as the tool approaches a bed boundary.If anisotropy effects are ignored in the inversion process,the estimated bed boundary and formation resistivity are usually unreliable,which may mislead geosteering decisions.

Backpropagation neural network method in data processing of ultrasonic imaging logging-while-drilling

The existing methods for extracting the arrival time and amplitude of ultrasonic echo cannot eff ectively avoid the local interference of ultrasonic signals while drilling,which leads to poor accuracy of the echo arrival time and amplitude extracted by an ultrasonic imaging logging-while-drilling tool.In this study,a demodulation algorithm is used to preprocess the ultrasonic simulation signals while drilling,and we design a backpropagation neural network model to fit the relationship between the waveform data and time and amplitude.An ultrasonic imaging logging model is established,and the finite element simulation software is used for forward modeling.The response under diff erent measurement conditions is simulated by changing the model parameters,which are used as the input layer of the neural network model;The ultrasonic echo signal is considered as a low-frequency signal modulated by a high-frequency carrier signal,and a low-pass fi lter is designed to remove the high-frequency signal and obtain the low-frequency envelope signal.Then the amplitude of the envelope signal and its corresponding time are extracted as an output layer of the neural network model.By comparing the application eff ects of the various training methods,we fi nd that the conjugate gradient descent method is the most suitable method for solving the neural network model.The performance of the neural network model is tested using 11 groups of simulation test data,which verify the eff ectiveness of the model and lay the foundation for further practical application.

Numerical simulation of the factors influencing dust in drilling tunnels:Its application

Gas-solid two-phase flow theory was used to predict dust distribution and movement at the working face of a mine.The software package FLUENT was used to numerically simulate dust motion and the results were compared to observed data.The simulation agrees with the data taken from an actual working face,which confirms the choice of mathematical model and numerical simulation method. Using the model we predict a set of conditions optimum for reducing dust concentrations at the mine working face.

Measurement-while-drilling technique and its scope in design and prediction of rock blasting

With rampant growth and improvements in drilling technology, drilling of blast holes should no longer be viewed as an arduous sub-process in any mining or excavation process. Instead, it must be viewed as an important opportunity to quickly and accurately measure the geo-mechanical features of the rock mass on-site, much in advance of the downstream operations. It is well established that even the slightest variation in lithology, ground conditions, blast designs vis-a-vis geologic features and explosives performance, results in drastic changes in fragmentation results. Keeping in mind the importance of state-of-the-art measurement-while-drilling （MWD） technique, the current paper focuses on integrating this technique with the blasting operation in order to enhance the blasting designs and results. The paper presents a preliminary understanding of various blasting models, blastability and other related concepts, to review the state-of-the-art advancements and researches done in this area. In light of this, the paper highlights the future needs and implications on drill monitoring systems for improved information to enhnnrp th~ hl^tin~ r^HIt~

Investigation on influence factors of dual laterologs curve form

In order to investigate the influences of caliper, formation thickness and invaded zone on the form of dual laterologs, forward modeling technique were applied to calculate the dual laterologs for different cases. The result shows that the resistivity logs become smoother and lower as the borehole diameter increases, the increase of the contrast between mud resistivity and formation resistivity induce the logs to be more pointed. When the formation thickness is less than lm, the two-peak on the logs for resistive invasion vanished, and for thickness between 1 m and 4 m, the form of logs does not vary significantly. If the formation thickness is greater than 4 m, a platform appears on the logs at the middle of the formation. The thinner the invaded zone is, the more obvious the invasion feature on the laterologs is. For thick invaded zone the form of logs tend to be that of an uninvaded resistive formation. The form and amplitude of logs depend on the resistivity contrast between invaded zone, uninvaded formation and adjacentlayers.

Measurement of Forces and Torques during Non-Homogeneous Material Drilling Operation

The purpose of this study is to measure the forces and torques produced in the drilling process of a non-homogenous material （bone）. An automated 5 DoF CataLyst-5 robot is used during the drilling process and it is integrated to a 6 DoF force-torque sensor. A force-torque controller which is built in the Matlab Simulink environment is employed to control the drilling process of the bone. Different feed rate is used during the experimental process of the bone drilling operation. The sensor is calibrated to measure the tri-axial direction of the resultant forces and torques. The profiles of the forces and torques obtained are non-linear due to the diversity of the bone density. The profiles generated also indicated fluctuation in the interface layers of the bone.

Coalbody structure classification method based on dual-lateral and RXO crossplot analysis

According to the positive correlation of coal ash content and natural gamma, using a new coal core reposition method, which is ordered by global and local extreme, coal samples from medium-thickness seam are reasonably located. Inte- grated the data of coal macrostructure characteristics, coal petrography analysis and coal gas production test, it studies the rela- tionship between coalbody structure and amplitude variation of different well logging data, and the tectonic coal recognition method with well logging data in fresh-water mud invasion. The results show that： the anomalous response of natural gamma ray, neutron, density and apparent resistivity does not reflect the coalbody structure type. In fresh-water drilling mud invasion, using the crossplot technique of dual-lateral, RXO resistivity response and the coalbody structure can classify granulated coal accurately; the proposed method is of good practicability and high reliability.

Viscosity testing method of ultra-low temperature drilling fluids for polar glacier drilling

According to the working environment of the polar glacier core drilling, a separatory funnel capillary viscometer which can be used for testing the viscosity of liquids under ultra-low temperature conditions was de- signed. This viscometer has a simple structure and it is easy to operate, which can meet the testing requirements of different temperature conditions. The viscosity of the dimethyl silicone oil KF-96L-2.0cs was measured under different temperatures using this designed viseometer, and it is found that the viscometer coefficient K changes linearly with temperature. This testing method has relatively high test accuracy and its relative error is less than 4%, which can be used to test the viscosity of the different liquids in ultra-low temperature conditions.