Automated Geosteering Optimization Using Machine Learning

Geosteering is an important area and its quality determines the efficiency of formation drilling by horizontal wells, which directly affects the project NPV. This paper presents the automated geosteering optimization platform which is based on live well data. The platform implements online corrections of the geological model and forecasts well performance from the target reservoir. The system prepares recommendations of the best reservoir production interval and the direction for horizontal well placements based on reservoir performance analytics. This paper describes the stages of developing a comprehensive system using machine-learning methods, which allows multivariate calculations to refine and predict the geological model. Based on the calculations, a search for the optimal location of a horizontal well to maximize production is carried out. The approach realized in the work takes into account many factors (some specific features of geological structure, history of field development, wells interference, etc.) and can offer optimum horizontal well placement options without performing full-scale or sector hydrodynamic simulation. Machine learning methods (based on decision trees and neural networks) and target function optimization methods are used for geological model refinement and forecasting as well as for selection of optimum interval of well placement. As the result of researches we have developed the complex system including modules of data verification and preprocessing, automatic inter-well correlation, optimization and target interval selection. The system was tested while drilling hydrocarbons in the Western Siberian fields, where the developed approach showed efficiency.