Data visualization over a wide array of spatio-temporal integrated data is dramatically changing the approach to hydrocarbon discovery, planning and analysis. The CoViz 4D software from Dynamic Graphics is at the forefront of getting subsurface resources up to the wellhead and into the tank.
The ability to visualize data that characterize a wide array of subsurface conditions and environments, including geology, lithology, geophysics, wellbores, casings, completions, oil, gas, water, and production data is dramatically changing the way engineers approach petroleum planning and analysis. Beginning with initial seismic surveys and building an archive of data generated throughout the life of the reservoir, opens in a new windowdata visualization is enabling petroleum engineers to analyze evolving reservoir conditions and make better quality decisions regarding the development and operations of hydrocarbon assets.
Visualization Increases the Value of Reservoir Data
Innovations in nearly every area of the petroleum industry are producing greater volumes and variety of data, from seismic surveys to reservoir simulations to real-time monitoring of drilling to daily production metrics. When all of these datasets are integrated and visualized in a common, collaborative environment, they attain even greater value, by allowing every member of a reservoir management team to:
- Understand an individual dataset in context of other datasets that describe reservoir characteristics and conditions.
- Apply a rich set of analytical tools to explore, compare, and correlate dependencies among the data.
- Monitor the evolution of a reservoir to understand how past decisions have impacted performance.
Create and Update Reservoir Simulation Models
Develop a Well-Reasoned Drilling Plan
When 3D visualization is combined with well-planning capabilities and other specialized analysis software programs, drilling engineers can evaluate the pros and cons of various wellpaths. They can then develop plans that minimize drilling costs and operational risks while maximizing EUR. With the ability to clearly visualize possible locations of a wellbore from the surface to target zone drilling engineers can:
- Avoid steep angle fault intersections along the wellpath.
- Identify and avoid high-pressure zones to avoid potential blowouts.
- Specify the proper casing design, cement planning, and mud weight to counter accommodate expected conditions and pressure.
In established fields, visualization plays an even more critical role in helping drilling engineers navigate the subsurface jungle of wells. The ability to visualize the subsurface environment (geology and existing wellbores) in 3D and have immediate access to a wealth of detailed information such as logs, petrophysical markers, completion plans, and production data from nearby wells enables drilling engineers to determine optimal wellbore placement by:
- depicting proposed wellpath proximity to faults and horizons
- sizing target zones based on positional uncertainty and trajectory planning
- avoiding collisions with existing wells using minimum allowable separation distance (MASD) from a reference wellpath
- ensuring proposed sidetracks are feasible (do not exceed maximum dogleg severity)
Well planning decisions made with the aid of visualization and analytic software can help drilling engineers plan appropriate resources in anticipation of drilling, minimize drilling costs, avoid risks, and locate wellpaths to optimize well performance and recovery.
Visualize the Wellbore As It Is Being Drilled
Near real-time data allows drilling engineers to continually evaluate progress and conditions against the plan and proactively make adjustments such as:
- adjusting drill trajectory up or down to avoid exiting the production zone
- identifying areas of concern not readily visible via traditional reports or plots
- projecting trajectory ahead of the bit using automated clearance calculations and user-tailored anti-collision rules
- modifying drilling equipment or techniques to accommodate unexpected conditions and improve safety margins
- fine-tuning completion plans, based on wellbore data acquired during the course of drilling
Well planning decisions made with the aid of visualization and analytic software can help drilling engineers plan appropriate resources in anticipation of drilling, minimize drilling costs, avoid risks, and locate wellpaths to optimize well performance and recovery.
Visualization Transforms Petroleum Planning and Analysis
CoViz 4D, a data visualization analytics software from Dynamic Graphics Inc., gives petroleum professionals the ability to easily access and analyze relevant data associated with reservoir development and management. Powerful visualization capabilities enable detailed exploration of data relationships, show how reservoir conditions change over time, and facilitate well-reasoned petroleum planning and analysis to positively impact profit and reduce operational risk. To learn more about CoViz 4D contact our team.
