Topic 4a: A Web-based Turnkey Solution for Fast 3D Simulations of Electromagnetic Telemetry in Oilfield and Geothermal Drilling

Electromagnetic telemetry (EMT) is a superior method for transmitting data between the surface and downhole to support measurement-while-drilling (MWD), a critical technique used in oilfield and geothermal exploration. To ensure optimal EMT deployment in the field, accurate and efficient prediction of EMT performance based on rigorous numerical modeling is necessary for justifying the employment of EMT for a specific drilling job, and it is also essential in maximizing EMT received signals and optimizing for carrier frequency, bandwidth, and battery life as drilling depth increases. However, due to the lack of efficient and accurate 3D EMT simulation tool, the industry cannot fully harvest the benefits of EMT in a large scale. The objective of the project is to develop a fast and robust 3D EMT modeling tool that is both feasible and profitable. Our 3D EMT modeling uses a novel numerical method based on an integral equation solver. The proposed method utilizes layered media Green's function for complex stratified underground formations, coated thin-wire kernel for the long and slender drill string in a cased or open borehole, thin-sheet models for fractures, and boundary integral equation for large dielectric bodies. It can handle layered media with anisotropy, both vertical and deviated/horizontal wells. In Phase I we have demonstrated the feasibility of real-time 3D EMT modeling leveraging advanced numerical methods and GPU acceleration. The goal of Phase II is to build a prototype web-based turnkey EMT modeling package. In Phase II, Cyentech in collaboration with University of Houston, will 1) Further develop and optimize algorithms and codes for realistic EMT applications; 2) Develop a cloud-based ecosystem to deliver the EMT service using the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) architecture; 3) Develop a web-based user interface to support interactive and ubiquitous access to the cloud-based EMT service; and 4) Conduct comprehensive functionality and performance tests with laboratory and field data. The success of this project will fill the market gap for the commercial absence of effective 3D EMT simulation products. This project will lead to a commercial software product that provides the highest level of EMT modeling accuracy in the industry. The product would significantly improve the performance of oilfield and geothermal production, reduce non-drilling time, and cut the drilling cost. The geophysical modeling platform developed in this project can also provide mission-critical services to other important areas such as underground carbon sequestration, deep borehole disposal of nuclear waste, and subsurface characterization and monitoring data analysis for federal regulatory agencies.