Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02793644 2012-10-24
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FRACTIONATION OF A WELL USING A THREE
DIMENSIONAL WELLBORE PROFILE WITH AN EXECUTIVE DASHBOARD
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending US
Patent Application
Serial No. 12/879,732 filed on September 10, 2010, entitled "SYSTEM FOR
GEOSTEERING DIRECTIONAL DRILLING APPARATUS", and is a continuation-
in-part to US Patent Application Serial No. 12/879,708 filed on September 10,
2010,
entitled "METHOD FOR GEOSTEERING DIRECTIONAL DRILLING
APPARATUS." These references are incorporated herein in their entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present embodiments generally relate to a system and computer
assisted method
to fractionate an oil or other well using a three dimensional model of a
lateral pay
zone for a directionally drilled well enabling accurate identification of
fractionation
zones, accurate placement of well perforating guns, and accurate insertion of
fractionation plugs to maximize production while the three dimensional model
of the
lateral pay zone is viewable by remote users and members of the fractionation
team
BACKGROUND
[0003] A need exists for a system for fractionation that is accurate with
regard to formations,
placement of fractionation plugs, and insertion locations of well perforating
guns.
[0004] A need exists for a system that can be manipulated by one or more users
connected to
a network to view a three dimensional model of the lateral pay zone for
planning
stages of fractionation of a well bore.
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[0005] A need exists for a computer assisted method to create an executive
dashboard of data
for fractionation that can be manipulated by a plurality of users on their
client
devices.
[0006] A need exists for a continuously updatable three dimensional model,
updated as
events occur that can be viewed over a network, which incorporates a three
dimensional model of a well bore profile, a three dimensional model of a
lateral pay
zone of the well bore, a three dimensional model of fractionation zones,
indications of
placement areas for well perforating gun locations in three dimensions
allowing
accurate and safe placement of charges.
[0007] The present embodiments meet these needs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with
the
accompanying drawings as follows:
[0009] Figure 1 is an overview of a wellbore with a plurality of fractionation
zones and well
perforating gun locations identified using the invention.
[00010] Figures 2A-2E depict an embodiment of the fractionation system data
storage with
the various computer instructions therein.
[00011] Figure 3 is a partial diagram of a display of the executive dashboard
used for
fractionation according to one or more embodiments.
[00012] Figure 4 is an executive dashboard presenting the information with a
three
dimensional overlay that enables a user to identify fractionation zones and
placement
of well perforating guns and fractionation plugs.
[00013] Figure 5 is a representation of an actual survey usable in creating
the stratigraphic
cross section usable with the invention.
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
[00014] Figure 6 is a detailed view of the stratigraphic cross section usable
in the executive
dashboard.
[00015] Figure 7 is another representative executive dashboard usable to view
a wellbore
profile needed to fractionate a lateral pay zone.
[00016] Figure 8 is a presentation of a geological prognosis usable in the
invention.
[00017] Figure 9 is a representation of an offset/type table usable in the
invention.
[00018] Figure 10 is an embodiment of a prognosed tops table usable in the
invention.
[00019] The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the
listed Figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[00020] Before explaining the present apparatus in detail, it is to be
understood that the
apparatus is not limited to the particular embodiments and that it can be
practiced or
carried out in various ways.
[00021] The embodiments generally relate to systems and computer assisted
methods to
fractionate one or more hydrocarbon bearing reservoirs.
[00022] The systems and methods can utilize a user moveable and rotatable
three dimensional
model termed herein "the overlay" of a lateral pay zone for a directionally
drilled
well.
[00023] The systems and methods present the overlay to users via client
devices over a
network and the overlay is rotatable in 360 degrees by a user on their cell
phone, and
compressible and expandable for easy viewing.
[00024] The systems and methods also present the overlay within an executive
dashboard that
contains other well information relative to the lateral pay zone.
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[00025] The executive dashboard is viewable and updatable by users of the
system and
method as fractionation events occur enabling all users to see what is going
on at the
production zone in real time, in some cases in only a few seconds.
[00026] The executive dashboard with the overlay and other wellbore
information also
enables accurate identification of fractionation zones, accurate placement of
well
perforating guns, and accurate insertion of fractionation plugs to maximize
production of the well.
[00027] The overlay can be viewed and updated remotely and locally, allowing
the
fractionation team and management to view the overlay with status updates on
the
lateral pay zone. Accordingly, the management and the fractionation team can
make
better and safer decisions on where to plug and detonate well perforating
guns.
[00028] The embodiments of the system allow a wellbore profile, adjacent
formations, and
associated land rights to be viewed in multiple dimensions. The system can use
a
wellbore profile created while drilling.
[00029] The system can include computer software designed to import and export
WITS-
compliant information. WITS, as used herein, stands for wellsite information
transfer
specification.
[00030] The computer software can enable a user of the system to receive and
send updated
fractionation and seismic survey data from a plurality of formats, such as:
WITSML,
WITS, Log ASCII Standard (LAS), different streaming formats, different logging
formats, and other formats installed for use. The receiving and sending of
updated
fractionation and seismic survey data from the plurality of formats can occur
in real-
time, such as in a matter of seconds.
[00031] One or more embodiments of the system can be used: in the field
adjacent a
fractionation site; remote from the fractionation site, such as at an office;
at sea on a
subsea well site; or simultaneously from various remote and field locations.
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[00032] The system has an executive dashboard program that can be used to
present data to a
plurality of users simultaneously and in real-time. The executive dashboard
can
allow users to simultaneously view numerous pieces of data and information
associated with the fractionation.
[00033] The system can help users visualize formation structures by allowing
users to explore
formation structures in three dimensions and in two dimensions, and to explore
different segments of a stratigraphic cross section or map simultaneously,
thereby
allowing the users to determine where a fractionation bit is within a
wellbore. The
system can therefore be used to avoid disasters associated with formation
problems,
such as unexpected faults and the like.
[00034] One or more embodiments of the system can include a fractionation
processor in
communication with fractionation equipment and a fractionation system data
storage.
[00035] The communication can occur through a network. The processor and the
data storage
can be used to receive and send data to the fractionation team enabling proper
placement of well perforating guns, fractionation plugs and use of related
fractionation equipment.
[00036] The wellbore profile used with the overlay for fractionation includes:
an inclination of
the wellbore as measured by a directional drilling tool, such as a sensor or
gyro; a
measured depth of the wellbore, such as a measured depth measured by a depth
encoder on a crown of a drilling rig; a tool depth, which can be the measured
depth
minus the distance of the tool from the bottom of a drill string; an azimuth
as
measured by a sensor on a directional drilling tool; and actual curve data
such as
gamma ray readings and resistivity readings as measured by sensors on
directional
drilling tools.
[00037] An executive dashboard with the fractionation information and the
overlay can be
communicated to client devices in communication with the processor through the
network.
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[00038] The client devices can be computers; mobile devices, such as cellular
phones; laptop
computers; or another type of client device having communication means,
processing
means, and data storing means. Each client device can have a processor, a data
storage, and a display. The network can be a wireless network, a wired
network, or
any other type of communications network.
[00039] The system can be used to expand an existing wellbore as well as to
fractionate an
existing wellbore.
[00040] The data storage can include a plurality of computer instructions. The
data storage
can include computer instructions to instruct the processor to create and
present the
executive dashboard.
[00041] The executive dashboard can be presented to a user on a display of the
user's client
device. The executive dashboard can include a presentation of: a section of a
formation, a location of a lateral pay zone, fractionation zones, location for
a well
perforating gun, location of a fractionation plug and other wellbore
information
including well name, well location, and contact phone numbers of fractionation
team
members.
[00042] The executive dashboard can present numerous continuously updated data
and pieces
of information to a single user or simultaneously to a plurality of users
connected
together over the network. The executive dashboard can provide the users with
the
ability to continually monitor the fractionation in real-time during the
occurrence of
the fractionation in order to avoid dangers and environmental problems.
[00043] The executive dashboard can be updated in no more than ten seconds
after the actual
occurrence of an event associated with the data. For example, if the real-time
presentation of data includes a location of a fractionation zone, the size of
the
formation zone can be measured and transmitted to the executive dashboard
within
ten seconds.
[00044] The executive dashboard can enable a user to view portions of interest
in a
stratigraphic cross section of the wellbore adjacent the lateral pay zone.
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
[00045] The portions of interest in the stratigraphic cross section of the
wellbore can be used
to correctly identify a location of a fractionation zone within the wellbore.
[00046] Various words and phrases can be used herein, for ease of
understanding, the
following are some of the definitions for terms that will be used herein.
[00047] The term "actual survey" refers to a plurality of azimuths for the
wellbore, a plurality
of inclinations for the wellbore, a plurality of measured depth points for the
wellbore,
and other data and information associated with an actual survey of the
wellbore. The
actual survey data can be stored in the data storage using computer
instructions, and
can be presented within the executive dashboard.
[00048] The term "geological prognosis" refers to a geological prognosis on
the wellbore site
including a prognosed tops table. The geological prognosis can include: at
least one
depth for at least one formation top, a formation top through which the
fractionation
zone is expected to impact and other information.
[00049] The term "wellbore profile" can refer to the composite visualization
of features of the
wellbore of interest. Illustrative features can be formation placement, one or
more
paths of the wellbore, actual curves, and the like.
[00050] The term "stratigraphic cross section" refers to a depiction of a
formation dipping
away from a perpendicular angle from a horizontal plane representing the
surface
surrounding the wellbore. The stratigraphic cross section can include a
depiction of a
formation dipping toward the perpendicular angle from the horizontal plane
representing the surface surrounding the wellbore.
[00051] The stratigraphic cross section can continuously be in both three
dimensions and two
dimensions.
[00052] The" lateral pay zone" refers to the portion of the wellbore to be
fractionated and the
actual size and shape of the lateral pay zone that can be overlaid and plotted
onto the
stratigraphic cross section around the wellbore profile.
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
[00053] The term "control buttons" refers to the buttons that a user can
manipulate on the
executive dashboard. The control buttons can be viewed and operated by users
to
manipulate the overlay or if a two dimensional overlay is also used, to
manipulate
either one.
[00054] For example, the user can increase or decrease a starting measured
depth of the
wellbore profile to predict fractionation zones using one or more of the
control
buttons.
[00055] In one or more embodiments, an alarm can be used, such as, an audible
alarm, a
visual alarm, such as a "red X", an email, a text message, an automated phone
call to
a user's cell phone or a similar alert.
[00056] It can be noted that the wellbore profile that is used with the
fractionation uses a
wellbore profile superimposed over a formation structure map, and to position
the
formation structure map behind the lateral pay zone to establish the location
of faults
in the formation relative to the lateral pay zone or individual fractionation
zones. The
formation structure map can be imported and/or inputted into the data storage
from an
external source and saved therein, and can include a calculated stratigraphic
cross
section before the wellbore has been drilled.
[00057] The wellbore profile can be made by superimposing the lateral pay zone
over the
stratigraphic cross section, and to position the stratigraphic cross section
behind the
lateral pay zone to establish formations simultaneously both in two dimensions
and in
three dimensions.
[00058] The term "report" as used herein refers to a presentation of some or
all of the
information imported and/or inputted into the data storage; any information
and/or
data stored in the data storage; any information and/or data presented within
the
executive dashboard; any information and/or data included within the various
reports
described herein; any information and/or data associated with the wellbore,
the
fractionation equipment, and the fractionation process; or combinations
thereof.
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[00059] The report can include: at least one, and up to several thousand
formation names,
projected tops of each listed formation, and a true vertical depth as drilled
for each
formation. The report can include a value representing a difference between a
projected top of a formation and a formation top as drilled. The report can
include a
dip or dip angle, measured in degrees, of a plurality of formations as drilled
at the
tops of the formations. The report can include each drill angle, measured in
degrees.
The drill angle can be the angle of inclination of the wellbore at the top of
the
formation as drilled. For example, the drill angle can be 25.3 degrees.
[00060] The report can include identification information. The identification
information can
include: a job number; a well number; a location in which the wellbore is
located,
such as a country name, a state name, a county name; a rotary table bushing
elevation,
such as a kelly bushing elevation; a field name, such as the name of the field
where
the well was drilled; a start date for fractionation; a start depth for
fractionation, such
as 1240 feet; an API number, wherein the term "API" refers to American
Petroleum
Institute; a UWI, wherein the term "UWI" refers to a Unique Well Identifier; a
ground level elevation, such as 783 feet; a unit number, such as unit 2 of the
Lyon
field with 12 units; an end date of fractionation; an end depth of the
fractionation,
such as 10,700 feet; and other information. The API number can be a unique,
permanent, numeric identifier assigned to each well drilled for oil and gas in
the
United States.
[00061] Similarly, the executive dashboard can present buttons to produce
reports
automatically, as configured by the user. These "report buttons" can provide a
report
of information imported and/or inputted into the data storage; any information
and/or
data stored in the data storage; information from fractionation equipment; any
information and/or data included within the various reports described herein;
any
information and/or data associated with the wellbore, the fractionation
equipment
model numbers, particulate diameters, and associated chemicals used with
hydraulic
fractionation, and the fractionation process; or combinations thereof.
[00062] The executive dashboard can include a report for a wellbore of current
information
for a zone where a user may want to insert a well perforating gun.
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
[00063] The term "current information" refers to a position selected by a user
in the lateral
pay zone that then provides at that position a measured depth, such as 10,500
feet,
which can be adjustable using an onscreen control button. The current
information
can also include a formation name, such as "Selman Formation". The formation
name can be procured from an offset/type log table that the processor can
obtain from
communicating with another data storage accessible through the network.
[00064] The "current information" can include a "next formation name", for
formations that
are adjacent the position being viewed by the user. For example, a formation
adjacent
some rock being indicated by the user, such as be "Juanita Shale", whose name
can
be obtained from the same or a similar data storage. The next formation name
can be
the name of the next formation through which the fractionation zone is
expected to
pass. The current information can include location information for the current
formation and for the next formation.
[00065] The executive dashboard has many features, besides being able to allow
a user to
select "current information" or "next formation" information and have the
control
buttons to rotate and spin the three dimensional wellbore profile with lateral
pay zone,
the executive dashboard can present, using computer instructions in data
storage, a
"distance to next formation" from the current formation and the computed
distance to
next formation to the user within the executive dashboard.
[00066] Similarly, the data storage can include computer instructions to
instruct the processor
to compute an "estimated subsea depth of next formation", such as ¨7842 feet,
and
the estimated true vertical depth of the next formation using the wellbore
profile
information. The estimated subsea depth of next formation can be presented to
the
user on the executive dashboard.
[00067] The wellbore profile includes information on dip angle or current dip
of the wellbore.
The data storage can include computer instructions to instruct the processor
to
compute the "current dip or dip angle".
[00068] The" current dip" or "dip angle", as the term is used herein, can be
the angle of a
formation referenced from the horizontal plane representing the surface
surrounding
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
the wellbore. In operation, if the angle is positive and the angle points
towards the
surface or is shallower, the current dip or dip angle can be referred to as
"dipping
towards" the wellbore; whereas if the angle is negative and the angle points
away
from the surface or is deeper, the current dip or dip angle can be referred to
as
"dipping away" from the wellbore.
[00069] The "current true vertical depth" is presented with the wellbore
information in the
executive dashboard. The current true vertical depth can represent the
distance
measured at the perpendicular angle from the horizontal plane representing the
surface surrounding the wellbore to the fractionation zone using a reference
point on
top of the wellbore.
[00070] The term "current subsea true vertical depth" which is presented in
the executive
dashboard is a true vertical depth that is referenced from sea level, wherein
positive
numbers can indicate depths that are above sea level and negative numbers can
indicate depths that are below sea level.
[00071] In one more embodiments, the stratigraphic cross section and/or the
portion of
interest in the stratigraphic cross section can be calculated using: the
offset/type tops
section, which can be shown as a thicknesses between lines; the starting
measured
depths for the stratigraphic cross section of the wellbore; the ending
measured depths
for the stratigraphic section of the wellbore; the true vertical depth offset
for the
stratigraphic cross section of the wellbore; and the dip angle for the
stratigraphic
cross section, which can be shown as an angle of tilt in the formation.
[00072] In one or more embodiments, the wellbore profile can be displayed with
actual
curves, which can be gamma ray curves. The wellbore profile can be displayed
with
curves that are total gas curves. Total gas can be the volume of gas detected
at a
particular measured depth. The actual curve can be a curve that includes
multiple
data points, such as those from a gamma ray analysis or another commonly known
analytical method. Each data point can include a magnitude and a depth.
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
[00073] The stratigraphic cross section can be presented on the executive
dashboard as a
colored and/or visual map prior to importing the actual survey. Within the
executive
dashboard, different colors can represent different estimated tops of
formations and
other related data.
[00074] In one or more embodiments, the wellbore profile can include and
provide a plot of
the subsea true vertical depth against the true vertical depth and the
measured depth
of the wellbore.
[00075] The geological prognosis, as the term is used herein, can include a
stratigraphic
section or map. The stratigraphic section or map can include: at least one
identified
depth of a formation top, at least one identified depth of a formation bottom,
at least
one anticline, at least one syncline, at least one depth of a fault, at least
one bedding
plane between two formations, a fracture line of at least one fault, or
combinations
thereof.
[00076] The geological prognosis can be generated using computer instructions
stored in the
data storage that instruct the processor to use a surface elevation or a
rotary table
bushing elevation of a surface for a start of a wellbore, and at least one
offset/type top
of the projected formation provided by a user.
[00077] In one or more embodiments, the actual curves and projected curves can
be used as
gamma curves from a type log.
[00078] In one or more embodiments, a type log can be used as a test well to
calculate
thicknesses of formations and thicknesses of rock between formations. For
example,
by calculating an absolute value of the difference between the top true
vertical depth
of a first formation, such as the Juanita Shale formation, and the top true
vertical
depth of a second formation, such as the Nikki Sand formation, which, in this
example, is the next deepest formation underneath the first formation, the
thickness of
the Juanita shale formation can be obtained.
[00079] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of offset/type tops can
include a type log.
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
An illustrative type log for the formation Juanita Shale can be the top true
vertical
depth value of 1,020 feet, and an illustrative type log for the formation
Nikki Sand
can be the top true vertical depth value of 1,200 feet.
[00080] A user can analyze the wellbore profile to determine portions of the
wellbore that are
appropriate for perforation, fracing, and/or production stimulation during
completion
stage operations.
[00081] For example, the user can highlight portions of the wellbore within
the wellbore
profile, such as by using an input device in communication with the executive
dashboard.
[00082] The data storage can include computer instructions to instruct the
processor to
configure the executive dashboard to allow the user to highlight portions of
the
wellbore profile within the executive dashboard. The user can highlight
portions to
indicate the portions of the wellbore that are appropriate for perforation,
fracing,
and/or production stimulation. Engineers, at a location remote from the
fractionation
site can analyze the wellbore profile and highlight portions for further
fractionation.
Wellbore completion personnel, located at the fractionation site can see those
highlighted portions on a presentation of the same executive dashboard and can
use
the information to perform well completion operations.
[00083] The engineers can therefore use the executive dashboard to communicate
to drill site
personnel which areas within the wellbore to perform further perforation,
fracing,
and/or production stimulation. The system therefore provides a unique
graphical
representation and communication means for indicating perforation, fracing,
and/or
production stimulation areas within a wellbore.
[00084] The user can also highlight portions of the wellbore within the
wellbore profile to
indicate portions of the wellbore that the user has determined are not
appropriate for
perforating, fracing, and/or production stimulation. For example, a user can
identify
where a fault is located and can indicate that the area adjacent the fault is
not
appropriate for perforating, fracing, and/or production stimulation.
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[00085] For example, the user can highlight portions of the wellbore that are
appropriate for
perforating, fracing, and/or production stimulation in a first color, and can
highlight
portions of the wellbore that are not appropriate for perforating, fracing,
and/or
production stimulation in a second color.
[00086] Users of the system can therefore more efficiently implement
perforating, fracing,
and/or production stimulation in a wellbore without having to perform fracing,
and/or
production stimulation in areas which are not appropriate for fracing, and/or
production stimulation, such as areas wherein an environmental, economic, or
safety
hazard exists.
[00087] In one or more embodiments, a textual report regarding areas
appropriate and not
appropriate for fracing, and/or production stimulation can be produced. This
textual
report can be presented in the executive dashboard along with the highlighted
portions in the wellbore profile, and can be used in combination with the
highlighted
portions of the wellbore profile for determinations and communications.
[00088] One or more embodiments of the system can be used to perform
fractionation of a
well using a three dimensional wellbore profile with an executive dashboard.
[00089] The method can include identifying a wellbore profile for a wellbore
of a well of
interest. The wellbore profile can include measured depths, inclinations,
azimuths,
and gamma ray curves of the wellbore. The wellbore profile can be identified
using
computer instructions in a fractionation system data storage with a
fractionation
system processor of a fractionation system, wherein the fractionation system
is in
communication with a network.
[00090] The method can also include identifying a lateral pay zone for the
well of interest.
The lateral pay zone can be identified using computer instructions in the
fractionation
data storage.
[00091] The method can also include overlaying the wellbore profile over the
lateral pay zone
forming an overlay of the wellbore profile. The overlay can be formed using
computer instructions in the fractionation system data storage.
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[00092] The overlay can include a three dimensional presentation of a
stratigraphic cross
section, a three dimensional presentation of formations in the stratigraphic
cross
section, and a three dimensional presentation of the lateral pay zone in the
wellbore
profile.
[00093] The method can include identifying a fractionation zone and a non-
fractionation zone
in the lateral pay zone. For example, a user can highlight a fractionation
zone in a first
color and a non-fractionation zone in a second color.
[00094] The method can also include inserting the fractionation zone as a
three dimensional
fractionation zones in the overlay.
[00095] The method can also include identifying a well perforating gun
location in the
fractionation zones.
[00096] The method can further include inserting the well perforating gun
location as a three
dimensional well perforating gun location in the overlay.
[00097] The method can also include identifying at least one fractionation
plug location for
the fractionation zone. The identification of at least one fractionation plug
location for
the fractionation zone can be perfoinied using computer instruction in the
fractionation data storage.
[00098] The method can include inserting the fractionation plug location as a
three
dimensional fractionation plug location in the overlay. The insertion of the
fractionation plug location as a three dimensional fractionation plug location
in the
overlay can be performed using computer instruction in the fractionation data
storage.
[00099] The method can further include running a well perforating gun into a
well perforating
gun location in a fractionation zone identified on the executive dashboard.
[000100] The method can also include exploding the well perforating gun.
[000101] The method can also include removing the gun from the well.
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[000102] The method can further include hydraulically pumping particulate and
water into the
wellbore and fractionating the fractionation zone.
[000103] The method can also include placing a fractionation plug into the
lateral pay zone at a
fractionation plug location identified by the executive dashboard after
production
begins.
[000104] Turning now to the Figures, Figure 1 is a schematic representation of
an embodiment
of a fractionation system for fractionation of a wellbore 26.
[000105] The fractionation system can include a fractionation processor 14 in
communication
with a fractionation data storage 16. The fractionation processor 14 can
further be in
communication with a network 18.
[000106] The network 18 can be in communication with one or more client
devices 20a and
20b. A first gateway 58a can connect a first client device 20a to the network
18, and a
second gateway 58b can connect the second client device 20b to the network 18.
[000107] The first client device 20a can be associated with a first user 31a,
which can be a
member of the completion team, and the second client device 20b can be
associated
with a second user 31b, which can be a member of the production management.
[000108] The first client device 20a can have a first display 8a, and the
second client device
20b can have a second display 8b. The displays 8a and 8b can present the
executive
dashboards 22a and 22b.
[000109] The fractionation processor 14 can receive additional data from other
sources 17,
including data that is inputted and/or imported by users or data from
additional data
storages.
[000110] The executive dashboards 22a and 22b can present this additional data
to the users
31a and 31b. The fractionation processor 14 can use the received data and
additional
data to perform calculations and to display the information to allow the users
31a and
31 b to make determinations associated with the fractionation process.
16
CA 02793644 2012-10-24
[000111] The executive dashboards can allow the users 31a and 31b to analyze
the wellbore
profile with the overlay over a lateral pay zone and the additional data, and
to provide
control commands using control buttons on the executive dashboards.
[000112] A well of interest 28 can have the wellbore 26 extending into the
earth beneath a
surface 32.
[000113] A detonator 29 can be located at the surface 32. The detonator 29 can
be used to
explode the well perforating gun 63. A pump 51 can also be located at the
surface 32.
The pump 51 can be used to pump fluid into the wellbore 26. The fluid can be
particulate, such as sand, water, chemicals, or combinations thereof The fluid
can be
used to perform hydraulic fractionation. The fluid can be stored in a fluid
source 62 in
communication with the pump 51.
[000114] A wireline 30 can be used to lower the well perforating gun 63 into
the wellbore 26.
The well perforating gun 63 can be positioned in a second fractionation zone
66b.
[000115] The well perforating gun 63 can be positioned in a lateral pay zone
adjacent a second
formation 35b and a first formation 35a.
[000116] A second fractionation plug location 64b can separate the well
perforating gun 63
from a non-fractionation zone 65. The non-fractionation zone 65 can be
identified in
the overlay of the executive dashboard.
[000117] A first fractionation plug location 64a can be located in the first
fractionation zone
66a.
[000118] Figures 2A-2E depict an embodiment of the fractionation data storage
16 with the
various computer instructions therein.
[000119] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to identify a
wellbore profile for the well of interest 1000. The wellbore profile can
include
measured depths, inclinations; azimuths, and gamma ray curves of the wellbore.
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
[000120] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to identify a
lateral pay zone for the well of interest 1002.
[000121] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to overlay the
wellbore profile over the lateral pay zone forming a three dimensional overlay
1004.
[000122] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to identify
fractionation zones and non-fractionation zones in the lateral pay zone and
insert the
fractionation zones as three dimensional fractionation zones in the overlay
1006.
[000123] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to identify at least
one well perforating gun location in at least one of the fractionation zones
and insert
the at least one well perforating gun location as at least one three
dimensional well
perforating gun location in the overlay 1008.
[000124] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to identify at least
one fractionation plug location for at least one of the fractionation zones
and to insert
the at least one fractionation plug location as at least one three dimensional
fractionation plug location in the overlay 1010.
[000125] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to insert into the
overlay with the three dimensional fractionation zones, the three dimensional
well
perforating gun locations and the fractionation plug locations into a web
accessible
executive dashboard 1012. The web accessible executive dashboard can be
accessed
by a plurality of client devices over the network and can be used to stage the
fractionation of the lateral pay zone.
[000126] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to enable the
overlay to be expandable, compressible and rotatable 360 degrees by a
plurality of
users 1014.
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
[000127] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to instruct the
processor to colorize a location, a formation, a fractionation zone, a
fractionation plug
location, a well perforating gun location, and present the colorized
formation,
fractionation zone, fractionation plug location, well perforating gun location
in the
overlay or combinations of the components 1016.
[000128] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to insert
colorization corresponding to a member of the group consisting of potential
pay out,
potential cost to fractionate, potential hazards, or combinations thereof
1018.
[000129] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to provide a two
dimensional overlay of the wellbore profile simultaneously with the overlay of
the
wellbore profile in the executive dashboard and provide continuous updates to
the
multidimensional overlays based on event information input from users
connected to
the network as events occur 1020.
[000130] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to enable at least
two gateways to be used simultaneously 1022. The use of the two industry
standard
gateways can provide the executive dashboard to different client devices with
different client device protocols.
[000131] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to display an
alarm regarding hazards adjacent a lateral pay zone 1024.
[000132] The fractionation data storage 16 can include can also include
computer instructions
to provide a notice that the alarm has been transmitted to at least one client
device of
a user 1026.
[000133] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to provide a
notice that the alarm has been received by at least one client device of a
user 1028.
[000134] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to re-transmit the
alarm to a client device of a user while providing notice of retransmission on
the
executive dashboard that the alarm notice has been retransmitted 1030.
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
[000135] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to present on the
overlay a three dimensional offset/type top of a plurality of offset/type tops
1032.
[000136] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to present a start
measured depth on the overlay 1034.
[000137] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to present an
ending measured depth on the overlay 1036.
[000138] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to present a true
vertical depth offset on the overlay 1038.
[000139] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to present a dip of
a wellbore profile on the overlay 1040.
[000140] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
plot an actual
curve of the wellbore in the stratigraphic cross section and to plot a type
log curve
within in a graph for correlation of the actual curve to the type log curve
1041.
[000141] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to form a plot of a
portion of the actual curve within the portion of interest in the
stratigraphic cross
section versus a target relative depth scale 1042.
[000142] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to calculate a
change in true vertical depth using the dip 1044.
[000143] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to calculate the
true vertical depth at the start measured depth for the stratigraphic cross
section using
an actual survey 1046.
[000144] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to calculate the
true vertical depth at a measured depth for a plurality of sampling data
points along
the actual curve using the actual survey 1048.
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
[000145] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to calculate a
change in the true vertical depth by determining a difference between the true
vertical
depth at the start measured depth and the true vertical depth at the measured
depth of
the plurality of sampling data points along the actual curve 1050.
[000146] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to calculate a
change in target relative depth by performing a summation of the change in
true
vertical depth using the dip and the change in true vertical depth 1052.
[000147] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to calculate an X-
axis value for the plot of the actual curve, wherein the X-axis value is
calculated by
multiplying an actual value for each of the plurality of sampling data points
with an
actual scale factor 1054.
[000148] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to calculate a Y-
axis value for the plot of the actual curve, wherein the Y-axis value is
calculated by
subtracting a starting target relative depth of the stratigraphic cross
section from a
change in target relative depth forming a difference, and then subtracting a
true
vertical depth shift from the difference 1056.
[000149] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to display the plot
of the portion of the actual curve versus the target relative depth scale
simultaneously
in a first relative matching graph and a second relative matching graph 1058.
These
computer instructions can allow the user to correlate the actual curve to the
type log
curve thereby forming an actual curve of the wellbore profile for insertion
into the
overlay.
[000150] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to enable the
executive dashboard to display and allow a user to operate an actual scale
factor
button 1060. These computer instructions can allow the user to increase or
decrease
the scale factor of the actual curve for both of the relative matching graphs.
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
[000151] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to allow a user to
set, change, increase, or decrease a starting true vertical depth offset of
the type log
curve for both of the relative matching graphs 1062.
[000152] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to allow a user to
depth zoom-in 1064.
[000153] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to allow a user to
depth zoom-out 1066.
[000154] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to allow a user to
value zoom-in 1068.
[000155] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to allow a user to
value zoom-out 1070.
[000156] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to allow a user to
scroll up along each relative matching graph; scroll down along each relative
matching graph; move the portion of interest in the stratigraphic cross
section in a
first direction along the stratigraphic cross section; move a portion of
interest in the
stratigraphic section in a second direction along the stratigraphic cross
section, or
combinations thereof 1072.
[000157] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to allow a user to
form a legend on the executive dashboard 1073. The legend can show: a planned
wellbore, an actual wellbore, formation names, a current formation name, a
next
formation name, total gas curves, gamma ray curves, or other curves; or
combinations
thereof.
[000158] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to enable the
executive dashboard to present formation/marker tops in the overlay 1074.
[000159] The fractionation data storage 16 can also include computer
instructions to present a
toolbar 1075. The toolbar can be configured to provide information to a user.
The
toolbar can contain a job management menu that allows the user to choose at
least
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
one of the following options: new, open from local database, open from file,
close,
edit job information, save/export job to file, import and /load job file to
local
database, backup local database, and exit program. The tool bar can include a
report
generation menu that can allow the user to choose at least one of the
following
options: create a PDF report or create a rich text format (RTF) report and
select
additional report options. The tool bar can include a tops button to produce a
drop
down menu allowing the user to edit type logs and edit prognosed tops tables.
[000160] Furthermore, the tool bar can include a survey button that can allow
the user to
choose at least one of the following: edit a planned survey or edit the actual
survey, a
stratigraphy button that permits the user to edit stratigraphy adjustments to
cause the
correlation of the actual curve to the type log curve; a curve button that
enables the
user to perform editing of continuous curves in the wellbore profile; an
update button
that allows the user to update data from data sources in a synchronized
manner; a
configure button that allows the user to select at least one of the following:
formations, curves, data sources, data source mappings, alarms, number of days
left
on a license key, and information on validity of the license key; a help
button that
allows the user to type questions and receive answers based on key words
within the
questions.
[000161] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to calculate the
stratigraphic cross section 1076. These computer instructions can provide the
stratigraphic cross section that has multiple curves representing tops of
formations
through which the wellbore has traversed.
[000162] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to plot curves for
each formation in the stratigraphic cross section using: true vertical depth
offsets from
the portion of interest in the stratigraphic cross section; start measured
depths from
the portion of interest in the stratigraphic cross section, ending measured
depths from
the portion of interest in the stratigraphic cross section, dips from the
portion of
interest in the stratigraphic cross section, and thicknesses from the
offset/type tops
table 1078.
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
[000163] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to determine a
first point along the plotted curves for each formation in the stratigraphic
cross
section that represents a starting point for the portion of interest in the
stratigraphic
cross section 1079.
[000164] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to determine a
second point along the plotted curves for each formation in the stratigraphic
cross
section that represents an ending point for the portion of interest in the
stratigraphic
cross section 1080. A portion of interest in the stratigraphic cross section
can
represent a formation within the portion of interest in the stratigraphic
cross section.
A first point of interest can have a first X-axis value and a first Y-axis
value, and
second point of interest can include a second X-axis value and a second Y-axis
value.
[000165] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to use the second
X-axis value of a previous portion of interest in the stratigraphic cross
section as the
start measured depth for a current portion of interest in the stratigraphic
cross section
1081.
[000166] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to calculate the
first Y-axis value for the current portion of interest in the stratigraphic
cross section
by summing the second Y-axis value of the previous portion of interest in the
stratigraphic cross section with a true vertical depth offset of the current
portion of
interest in the stratigraphic cross section 1082.
[000167] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to use the second
X-axis value of the current portion of interest in the stratigraphic cross
section as an
ending measured depth for the current portion of interest in the stratigraphic
cross
section 1083.
[000168] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to calculate a
change in measured depth as an absolute value of a difference in the ending
measured
depth and the starting measured depth of the current portion of interest in
the
stratigraphic cross section 1084.
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
[000169] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to calculate a
change in true vertical depth by multiplying a tangent of a negation of a dip
angle for
the current portion of interest in the stratigraphic cross section with the
change in
measured depth of the current portion of interest in the stratigraphic cross
section
1085.
[000170] The fractionation data storage 16 can include computer instructions
to calculate the
second Y-axis value by summing the first Y-axis value and the change in true
vertical
depth of the current portion of interest in the stratigraphic cross section
1086.
[000171] Figure 3 shows a partial view of an executive dashboard usable for
fractionation can
be a composite visualization that presents a wellbore profile.
[000172] The executive dashboard 22 can display an overlay 555. The overlay
555 can have an
actual curve 389 and formation tops 390.
[000173] A two dimensional overlay 615 can be adjacent the overlay 555. The
two dimensional
overlay 615 can have a start depth 676 and an end depth 678. Although not
shown,
the start depth 676 and the end depth 678 can alternatively be displayed on
the
overlay 555. In one or more embodiments the start depth 676 and the end depth
678
can be displayed on the overlay 555 and the two dimensional overlay 615
simultaneously. Other information, such as formations tops, actual wellbores,
fractionations zones; and the like, can be displayed on the two dimensional
overlay
615, the overlay 555, or combinations thereof.
[000174] The executive dashboard 22 can also have wellbore information 670
under a toolbar
691.
[000175] The executive dashboard 22 can display a plot of fractionation zones
556, plot of
perforating gun locations 557, plot of non-fractionation zones 559, and plot
of
fractionation plug locations 558. The plot of fractionation zones 556,
perforating gun
locations 557, non-fractionation zones 559, and fractionation plug locations
558 can
be displayed on the two dimensional overlay 615, as shown, the overlay 555,
not
shown, or combinations thereof
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
[000176] The executive dashboard 22 can also display stratigraphic information
672. The
stratigraphic information 672 can be for portions of the wellbore and
associated
formations surrounding the lateral pay zone.
[000177] The executive dashboard 22 can display start measured depths for
fractionation zones
676.
[000178] The executive dashboard 22 can display end measured depths for
fractionation zones
678.
[000179] The executive dashboard 22 can display identification information
680. The
identification information can be a well location, a well name, and a
completion team.
[000180] Figure 4 shows a detail of the additional report elements 120 which
include show
formation labels check box 121; show formations check box 123; minimum true
vertical depth (TVD) scale control 125; maximum true vertical depth scale
control
127; minimum northing scale control 129; a maximum northing scale control 131;
a
minimum easting scale control 133; a maximum easting scale control 135; and
combinations thereof.
[000181] The executive dashboard 22 can be a composite visualization that
presents a wellbore
profile 25. The wellbore profile 25 can include true vertical depths (TVD) 27
and for
subsea drilling, subsea true vertical depths (SSTVD) 114. Both true vertical
depths
are plotted with respect to measured depths 33.
[000182] The true vertical depths 27 for the wellbore profile 25 are shown
here ranging from
6,200 feet to 6,900 feet. The measured depth 33 of the wellbore profile 25 is
shown
here ranging from 5,500 feet to 10,700 feet. The subsea true vertical depths
114 of the
wellbore profile are shown here ranging from -4,966 feet to -5,666 feet. Any
variation
of feet for a given formation can be used.
[000183] The toolbar 222 can include a curve button 144 that enables the user
to perform
editing of continuous curves used in the wellbore profile 25, such as the
gamma ray
curve 110 and the total gas curve 111. For example, the user can add values
versus
26
CA 02793644 2012-10-24
measured depths in a table that produces the continuous curves of the wellbore
profile.
[000184] The toolbar 222 can include an update button 145 that allows the user
to update data
from data sources which includes information from the data storage in a
synchronized
manner.
[000185] The toolbar 222 can include a configure button 146 that allows the
user to select at
least one of the following: formation to configure, curve to configure, data
source to
reference for mapping, a map for inserting data from a selected data source,
alarm to
configure, view a quantity of days left on a license key of an analytic tool
usable for
wellbore profiling, and view information on the validity of a license key. For
example, the user can select the formation option and can then configure a
formation
set of data by adding formations to the formation set, removing one or more
formations from the formation set, configuring line styles, line thicknesses,
and line
colors of formations in the formation set, or combinations thereof.
[000186] The toolbar 222 can include a help button 148 that allows the user to
type questions
and receive answers based on key words within the user's questions.
[000187] The toolbar 222 can include a job management menu 134 that allows a
user to choose
at least one of the following options: new, open from local database, open
from file,
close, edit job information, save/export job to file, import and/load job file
to local
database, backup local database, and exit program.
[000188] The toolbar 222 can include a report generation menu 136 that allows
the user to
choose at least one of the following options: create a PDF report or create a
rich text
format report (RTF report) and select additional report options.
[000189] The toolbar 222 can include a tops button 138 that can produce a drop
down menu
allowing the user to edit a type log tops and edit a prognosed tops table.
[000190] The toolbar 222 can include a survey button 140 that allows the user
to choose at least
one of the following: edit a planned survey or edit an actual survey. For
example, a
27
CA 02793644 2012-10-24
planned survey can include the kick off point for a proposed wellbore, a
landing point
for the proposed wellbore, and a target true vertical depth for the proposed
wellbore.
[000191] The toolbar can include a stratigraphy button 142 that permits the
user to edit
stratigraphy adjustments to adjust the fitting/correlation of the actual
curve, such as a
gamma ray curve 110 and total gas curve 111, such as a type log gamma ray
curve.
The stratigraphy button 142 allows editing of the estimated formation
structure map
by a user.
[000192] The executive dashboard 22 can display report header information,
including: a job
number 86 shown as 44455; a well name or number 87, shown as PUMA #5; a
county 88, shown as Midland; a kelly bushing elevation 89, shown as 1234; a
field
name 90, shown as WILDCAT; a start date for drilling 91, shown as 8/11/2010; a
start depth for drilling 92, shown as 5500 feet; an American Petroleum
Institute (API)
number 93, shown as 12-345-67890 which is a unique number for a well drilled
in the
United States; a state in which the drilling occurs 94, shown as Texas; a
ground level
elevation 95, shown as 1204; a unit number 96, shown as having a value 99; an
end
date of drilling 97, shown as 8/25/2010; and an end depth of the drilling 98,
shown as
10700 feet. Additional report elements 120 can also be shown.
[000193] Figure 4 shows that the executive dashboard 22 can include current
information 68,
which can include: a current measured depth 69, shown as 10,300.0 feet; a
current
formation name 70, such as MATT SPRINGS; a next formation name 71, such as
HARD BOTTOM; a distance to next formation 72, show as 358.7 feet; an estimated
subsea depth of next formation 73, shown as -5,501.4 feet; a current dip angle
of the
formation 74, shown as 8.60 degrees; a current true vertical depth 75, shown
as
6,636.1 feet; and a current subsea true vertical depth 76, shown as -5,402.1
feet.
[000194] In Figure 4, the executive dashboard 22 can include a formation
transition report 77,
which can include: at least one formation name 78, such as JODI SILT; at least
one
projected formation top 79 of the formation associated with the formation
name, such
as 5859.6; at least one true vertical depth as drilled 80, shown as 5826.1; at
least one
difference 81 between a projected formation top and an as drilled top, shown
as -33.5;
28
CA 02793644 2012-10-24
at least one dip 82 for a top of a formation as drilled, shown as 1.70; at
least one
drilled angle 83 of the wellbore at a top of a formation, shown as -33.5; at
least one
distance to formation 84, shown as 0.0; and at least one estimated/actual
subsea
formation depth 85 relative to sea level for a top of a formation, shown as -
4592.1.
The distance to formation 84 can be a distance to the next formation or a
distance to a
selected formation.
[000195] The executive dashboard 22 can include a legend 34 which identifies
the planned
wellbore curve, the actual wellbore curve, formation names, a total gas curve,
and a
gamma ray curve.
[000196] The gamma ray curve 110 can be formed by plotting a real-time value
115, here
shown with a range from 0 to 300, against the measured depth 33 of the
wellbore,
here shown ranging from 5,500 feet to 10,700 feet.
[000197] The total gas curves 111 can be formed by plotting a lag time value
117, shown as
ranging from 0 to 8,000, against the measured depth 33 of the wellbore.
[000198] The executive dashboard 22 can present the overlay 555 of a projected
path for a drill
bit simultaneously as superimposed over the stratigraphic cross section.
[000199] The overlay 555 can include northing 59 as the "y" axis, casting 220
as the "x" axis,
and true vertical depth 27 as the "z" axis.
[000200] Each portion of the executive dashboard 22 can be presented
simultaneously to a
plurality of users with client devices over a network, providing for constant
monitoring and increased safety during drilling operations.
[000201] In an embodiment, the information for the executive dashboard can be
updated with
only two clicks, based on events. If the events occur quickly, then the
dashboard can
be updated in only a few seconds, such as from about three seconds to about
five
seconds, or updated daily if the gamma ray is only updated daily. If the user
is
connected to streaming gamma ray, then the updating can be automatically
without
clicking.
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
[000202] In an embodiment, the system can show the information in color for
fast
understanding. Namely, the graphic representations can show the tops for the
formations as green markers, the bottom of the target formation can be red,
particular
named formations such "Eagleford Shale "can be color coded blue or yellow,
brown,
black, and the curves for the wellbore path can be dashed lines, or solid
lines, the
wellbore path can change color as the wellbore path passes through specific
formations. A hot gamma ray path can be red, and a cold gamma ray path can be
blue
to easily identify the hot zone versus the cold zone.
[000203] Figure 5 is a representation of an actual survey 19 usable in the
system. The actual
survey 19 can include: a measured depth column 196; an inclination 198; an
azimuth
200; a tool type 202; such as a gyroscope, a survey table name 204; a proposed
azimuth 206, such as 149.0 degrees; a target angle 208, such as 90 degrees; a
calculation method 210, such as the minimum curvature method; a target true
vertical
depth 212, such as 6632.2; an initial value true vertical depth 214; an
initial value
vertical section 216; a northing 59, and an easting 220.
[000204] As an example, in one or more embodiment of the actual survey 19,
calculations will
not be performed in the first line of the actual survey; rather, initial
values will
presented here, such as: starting points, the TVD is 5824.90, the vertical
section, the
northing, and the easting.
[000205] The actual survey 19 can include exemplary survey points. The
exemplary survey
points can include the measured depths at which the actual survey is being or
has
been conducted, such as at 5890 feet. The actual survey 19 can show that the
survey
is using a gyro tool, as depicted in the tool type 202 column. For example,
the gyro
tool can measure the inclination as 2.3 degrees from vertical, and the azimuth
can be
a compass direction at 172.8 degrees when at a depth of 5890 feet. The actual
survey
19 can include a save and close button, a save button, and a close button
which can
function the same as those described for the offset/type table described
herein.
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
[000206] Figure 6 is a detailed view of a stratigraphic cross section 11 for
the wellbore profile
25. The stratigraphic cross section 11 can include: a projected path 12 for a
drilling
bit, an actual path 37 for the drilling bit, a true vertical depth offset 106
for the
stratigraphic cross section of the wellbore, a dip angle 108 for the
stratigraphic cross
section, which is shown in this Figure as a dip away that is approximately a
30 degree
angle.
[000207] The stratigraphic cross section 11 can include: one of the tops
sections thickness 100
through which the projected path will follow, a starting measured depth 102
for a
stratigraphic section 57 of the wellbore, and an ending measured depth 104 for
the
stratigraphic section 57.
[000208] The stratigraphic cross section 11 can display formations. The
formations can be
identified hydrocarbon bearing formations.
[000209] Figure 7 depicts an embodiment of an executive dashboard 22 that can
be used to
identify a lateral pay zone. The executive dashboard 22 can have a plurality
of control
buttons that can be presented to a user. The user can manipulate the buttons
using an
input device. For example, the user can manipulate the buttons by clicking a
mouse
over the buttons.
[000210] The control buttons can include: a control button 36a to manipulate a
starting
measured depth, a control button 36b to manipulate an ending measured depth, a
control button 36c to manipulate a true vertical depth offset, and a control
button 36d
to manipulate a dip or dip angle in degrees. For example, the user can
increase values,
decrease values, or replace a value with a new value using the control
buttons.
[000211] A first indicator 67a to identify dipping away from the projected
path of the drill bit,
and a second indicator 67b to identify dipping towards the projected path of
the drill
bit are depicted.
[000212] Additional navigation controls can be presented to the user,
including a first
navigation control 150 for moving the portion of interest in the stratigraphic
section
57 in a first direction along the stratigraphic cross section, and a second
navigation
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
control 152 for moving portion of interest in the stratigraphic section 57 in
a second
direction along the stratigraphic cross section. In one or more embodiments,
the
navigation controls can have "double" arrows for moving a user to the end or
start of
a stratigraphic cross section.
[000213] The executive dashboard 22 can have additional buttons 44,45,46,47,
48, and 50 that
can be used to manipulate a first relative matching graph 43a and a second
relative
matching graph 43b.
[000214] The additional control buttons include an actual scale factor button
40 that can be
used to increase or decrease a scale value of the actual curves for both of
the relative
matching graphs, such as the gamma ray curves and the total gas curves.
[000215] The executive dashboard 22 can include a starting true vertical depth
offset control
button 42 to set, change, increase, or decrease a starting true vertical depth
offset of a
type log curve for both of the relative matching graphs.
[000216] The additional controls for the relative matching graph 43a can
include the control
button 44 for each of the relative matching graphs that can be used for depth
zoom-in
and the control button 45 for each of the relative matching graphs that can be
used for
depth zoom-out. For example, a user can use a depth zoom-in to examine the
curve
values in more detail to achieve a better or desired curve fit.
[000217] The control button 46 for each of the relative matching graphs that
can be used for
value zoom-in. The control button 47 for each of the relative matching graphs
that
can be used for value zoom-out, and the control button 48 for each of the
relative
matching graphs that can be used to scroll up along the relative matching
graph 43a.
For example, a user can use a value zoom-out button to examine the curve from
a
macro perspective rather than in detail.
[000218] The control button 50 for each of the relative matching graphs is
also used to scroll
down along the relative matching graph 43a. For example, the user can use
control
button 50 to view different portions of the relative matching graph. The
relative
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
matching graph 43b can have the same additional control buttons, which are not
labeled in this figure.
[000219] The relative matching graphs can be formed by plotting the target
relative depth scale
51 versus the value scale 52. The target relative depth scale 51 can be a true
vertical
depth scale that is relative to the target true vertical depth. For example,
if the target
true vertical depth is 6632 feet, this target true vertical depth can be set
as a zero on
the target relative depth scale 51, such that a value of -100 feet on the
target relative
depth scale 51 would represent 6532 feet in terms of true vertical depth, and
a value
of 50 feet on the target relative depth scale 51 would represent 6682 feet in
terms of
true vertical depth. The value scale 52 can be a real-time value of the actual
curves
and type log curves, such as the gamma ray curves and other curves.
[000220] The relative matching graph 43a can include: the first
formation/marker top 53, the
second formation/marker top 54, and the third formation/marker top 55. In
operation,
a user can use the two relative matching graphs to view two separate views of
the
actual curve overlaid onto the type log curve, thereby simultaneously viewing
a
macro and a micro view of the curve fit.
[000221] The executive dashboard 22 can include additional control buttons,
which can be
disposed below the plot of the actual curves, such as the gamma rays curve
110,
which are disposed below the wellbore profile 25. For example, the executive
dashboard 22 can include an add control button 38 to add a stratigraphic
section to the
wellbore profile, and delete control button 39 to delete a stratigraphic
section to the
wellbore profile. For example, the user can add a stratigraphic section
representing
the measured depths of the wellbore starting at 7040 feet and ending at 7650
feet to
the wellbore profile 25. The executive dashboard 22 can include a control
button to
set speed control 41a for depth and a control button to set speed control 41b
for dip,
which can each be used to adjust a rate of change of the other controls of the
executive dashboard 22.
[000222] The wellbore profile 25 and the plot of the actual curves, such as
the gamma ray
curve 110, can include a portion of interest in the stratigraphic section 57.
A portion
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
of the actual curve 49a within the portion of interest in the stratigraphic
section 57
can be plotted within each of the relative matching graphs 43a and 43b, shown
as 49b
and 49c, along with the type log curves 103a and 103b.
[000223] In operation, the user can add stratigraphic sections using the
control buttons. Then,
for each stratigraphic section, the user can adjust a width of the portion of
interest in
the stratigraphic section. Then, for each stratigraphic section, the user can
then adjust
true vertical depth offset and the dip or dip angle using the control buttons
such that
the actual curve overlays the type log curve to achieve the highest degree of
fit/correlation between the two curves as is possible. Adjusting the true
vertical depth
offset in the actual curve changes the vertical shift of the actual curve as
plotted.
Adjusting the dip or dip angle of the actual curve changes the thickness,
shape, and
direction of the actual curve as plotted.
[000224] Figure 8 is presentation of a geological prognosis 23 usable in the
invention. The
geological prognosis 22 can include: header information 168, payzones 170,
formation information 172, top depths of formations 174, base depths of
formations
178, and a target line 180.
[000225] For example, the header information 168 can include information about
the wellbore
including contact information, identifying information for the wellbore, and
other
information. The payzones 170 can also be referred to as target objectives,
project
objectives, zones of interest, and formations of interest. The formation
information
172 can include formation names, formation markers, markers, and annotated
points
of interest. The target line 180 can include the target true vertical depth,
the target
angle, and a range above and below the target depth forming a target zone. The
top
depths of formations 174 can be true vertical depths or measured depths. The
base
depths of formations 178 can be true vertical depths or measured depths.
[000226] Figure 9 is a representation of an offset/type table 15 usable in the
system, including a
table identifier 981 that identifies the type log tops being stored in the
offset/type
table.
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[000227] The offset/type table 15 can include rows and columns of data. A
first column of data
982 can include a formation marker name. The first column of data 982 can
include a
plurality of offset/type tops of a projected formation, including offset/type
top 914a,
offset/type top 914d, offset/type top 914g, and offset/type top 914j.
[000228] The offset/type table 15 can include: top depths of formations column
984, such as
depth 2114.0 feet for the Selman Sand formation.
[000229] The offset/type table 15 can include a true vertical depth tops
column 986, which can
be 3788.0 for the Midland Silt Marker formation.
[000230] The offset/type table 15 can include a true vertical depths base
column 988, such as
4884.0 for the Thomas SS formation.
[000231] The offset/type table 15 can include a subsea true vertical depth
tops column 990,
such as -4066.0 for the Brian Marker 1 formation.
[000232] Additionally the offset/type table 15 can include a subsea true
vertical depth base
column 992, such as -945.0 for the Selman Sand formation, and a thickness of
formation column 994, such as 264.0 for the Midland Silt Marker formation.
[000233] The offset/type table 15 can have a first selector button 991 that
allows a user to enter
a true vertical depth into the top depths of formations column 984. A second
selector
button 995 can allow a user to enter a subsea true vertical depth into the top
depths of
formations column 984.
[000234] The offset/type table 15 can have three storage buttons including a
save and close
button 993 that can be used to save data that has been edited in the
offset/type table
15 to the fractionation data storage 16 of Figure 1, and saves the presented
template
of the offset/type table 15, and can remove the offset/type table 15 from the
display.
A save button 997 can be used to save the data that has been edited in the
offset/type
table 15 to the fractionation data storage 16. A close button 999 can be used
to close
a present template of offset/type table 15, and to remove the template from
the
display.
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[000235] Figure 10 depicts an embodiment of a prognosed tops table 24.
[000236] The prognosed tops table 24 can include the table identifier 1181
that identifies the
type log tops being stored in the prognosed tops table 24.
[000237] The prognosed tops table 24 can include rows and columns of data. A
first column of
data 1882 that includes formation/marker names. The first column of data 1182
can
include a plurality of offset/type tops of a projected formation, including
offset/type
top 1114a, offset/type top 1114d, offset/type top 1114g, and offset/type top
1114j.
[000238] The prognosed tops table 24 can include: top depths of formations
column 1184, such
as depth 2144.0 feet for the Selman Sand formation.
[000239] The prognosed tops table 24 can include a true vertical depth tops
column 1186,
which can be 3788.0 for the Midland Silt Marker formation.
[000240] The prognosed tops table 24 can include a true vertical depths base
column 1188,
such as 4884.0 for the Thomas SS formation.
[000241] The prognosed tops table 24 can include a subsea true vertical depth
tops column
1190, such as -4066.0 for the Brian Marker 1 formation.
[000242] Additionally the prognosed tops table 24 can include a subsea true
vertical depth base
column 1192, such as -945.0 for the Selman Sand formation, and a thickness of
formation column 1194, such as 264.0 for the Midland Silt Marker formation.
[000243] The prognosed tops table 24 can have a first selector button 1191
that allows a user to
enter a true vertical depth into the top depths of formations column 1184. A
second
selector button 1195 can allow a user to enter a subsea true vertical depth
into the top
depths of formations column 1184.
[000244] The prognosed tops table 24 can have three storage buttons including
a save and close
button 1193 that can be used to save data that has been edited in the
prognosed tops
table to the data storage, and saves the present template of the prognosed
tops table,
and can remove the prognosed tops table 24 from the display. A save button
1197 can
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CA 02793644 2012-10-24
be used to save the data that has been edited in the prognosed tops table 24
to the data
storage, such as fractionation data storage 16, as shown in Figure 1. A close
button
1199 can be used to close the prognosed tops table 24, and to remove the
prognosed
tops table from the display.
[000245] While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on the
embodiments, it
should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the
embodiments
might be practiced other than as specifically described herein.
37
