WO2010138137A1

WO2010138137A1 - System, method, and apparatus for displaying wellbore centered data grids

Info

Publication number: WO2010138137A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/057640
Authority: WO
Inventors: John P. Horkowitz; Jacques Tabanou; Koji Ito; Shahzad A. Asif; Christian Stolte; Jean Michel Denichou; John Rasmus; Fabienne Legendre; Charlie Johnson; Denis Heliot
Original assignee: Schlumberger Canada Limited; Schlumberger Technology B.V.; Prad Research And Development Limited; Services Petroliers Schlumberger; Schlumberger Holdings Limited
Priority date: 2009-05-26
Filing date: 2009-09-21
Publication date: 2010-12-02

Abstract

A method for includes interpreting well logging data and determining data for a first wellbore-related property having a first illuminated volume in response to the well logging data. The method further includes determining a grid size and a grid type in response to the first wellbore-related property. The method further includes interpreting a visual criterion including a display angle, a grid type selection, a grid size selection, a grid alignment, and/or a scaling value. The method further includes displaying the first illuminated volume utilizing the grid size, the grid type, and the visualization criterion.

Description

SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING WELLBORE

CENTERED DATA GRIDS

BACKGROUND

The technical field generally relates to displaying well-logging data, and more particularly but not exclusively relates to three-dimensional visualization of an area around a wellbore that is illuminated by the well-logging data. Presently available log presentation suites do not make three-dimensional visualization of data relative to a wellbore and reservoir easily obtainable. Presently available log presentation suites offer 1 -dimensional data displayed in a three-dimensional (3D) frame, or offer 2-dimensional slices of data at particular positions in the wellbore. Further, well logs determine parameters within a finite distance of the wellbore with a finite resolution, and presently available log presentation suites do not offer a 3D visualization presenting the true log measurement. Additionally, presently available log presentation suites do not provide an intuitive visualization of the wellbore and the true log measurement that is readily comparable to reservoir- scale parameters, seismic data, and the like. Therefore, further technological developments are desirable in this area.

SUMMARY

One embodiment is a unique method for displaying wellbore-related properties determined from logging data indicating the data scale and resolution. Other embodiments include unique systems and apparatus to display logging data with wellbore centric grids in three dimensions. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system for displaying wellbore centered data grids.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a processing subsystem that executes certain operations for displaying wellbore centered data grids.

Fig. 3 is an illustration of a wellbore centered data grid.

Fig. 4 is an illustration of a first and second wellbore centered data grid.

Fig. 5 is an illustration of a wellbore centered data grid with axial logging data and an alternate display angle.

Fig. 6 is an illustration of wellbore centered data grid having composite grid types.

Fig. 7 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a technique for displaying wellbore centered data grids.

Fig. 8 is an illustration of a display image including a wellbore centered data grid and an additional data display.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates are contemplated herein.

Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system 100 for displaying wellbore centered data grids. The term wellbore centered as used herein indicates that data is taken about a region geometrically positioned around a wellbore (including data about the wellbore itself, such as caliper data), although the data will often not be strictly centered. In several non-limiting examples, regions with anisotropy, eccentricity of a logging tool in a wellbore, or where washout in a wellbore may cause azimuthal variability of the data, the data will not be centered but will be about a region geometrically positioned around the wellbore.

The system 100 includes well logging data 102 that is available for interpretation by a controller 101. The controller 101 is a part of a processing subsystem, and may include a computing device and/or several distributed devices. The interpretation of the well logging data 102 by the controller 101 includes the controller 101 reading the data from a memory location, receiving the data directly from logging equipment (not shown), and/or receiving the data as a network, datalink, or electronic communication. The well logging data 102 may be stored on the controller 101. The controller 101 includes a computer readable medium 104, such as computer readable memory or a computer readable storage device. The computer readable medium 104 may include a computer program product stored thereon which, when executed by the controller 101, causes the controller 101 to execute certain operations for displaying wellbore centered data grids. The computer readable medium 104 may be a single medium or a distributed medium.

The system 100 further includes an output device 110. The output device 110 is a tangible display device. Non-limiting examples of an output device 110 include a computer monitor, a printer and/or printout, or a computer readable medium capable of storing a display image that is electronically accessible. The output device 110 is accessible to a user 106, and a user input device 108 allows user requests to be interpreted by the controller 101. The controller 101 may be a computer associated with the output device 110 and/or the user input device 108, or the controller 101 may be in communication with a user computer (not shown) that is associated with the output device 110 and/or the user input device 108.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a processing subsystem 200 that executes certain operations for displaying wellbore centered data grids. The processing subsystem 200 includes a controller 101 having modules that execute certain operations for displaying wellbore centered data grids. The controller 101 is shown as a single device to simplify description. However, the controller 101 may include multiple devices, distributed devices, some devices that are hardware and/or include a software component. Further, the well logging data 102 may be stored on the controller 101 and/or communicated to the controller 101. The controller 101 may include devices that are physically remote from other components of the system 100 but that are at least intermittently in communication with the system via network, datalink, internet, or other communication means.

The controller 101 includes modules structured to functionally execute operations for displaying wellbore centered data grids. The description herein includes the use of modules to highlight the functional independence of the features of the elements described. A module may be implemented as operations by software, hardware, or at least partially performed by a user or operator. In certain embodiments, modules represent software elements as a computer program encoded on a computer readable medium, wherein a computer performs the described operations when executing the computer program. A module may be a single device, distributed across devices, and/or a module may be grouped in whole or part with other modules or devices. The operations of any module may be performed wholly or partially in hardware, software, or by other modules. The presented organization of the modules is exemplary only, and other organizations that perform equivalent functions are contemplated herein. Modules may be implemented in hardware and/or software on computer readable medium, and modules may be distributed across various hardware or software components.

The controller 101 includes a logging data module 202 that interprets well logging data 102, and a data processing module 204 that determines a first wellbore-related property data 220 having a first illuminated volume 234 in response to the well logging data 102. The first wellbore-related property data 220 includes any potential well logging data 102 known in the art, including without limitation any sonic, nuclear, caliper, mechanical, resistivity, magnetic resonance, or any other logging data. The first wellbore- related property data 220 further includes any derivative data that is determined in response to any potential well logging data 102, including permeability, porosity, hydrocarbon reserve descriptions, formation mechanical properties, and/or any other property that can be determined at least partially in response to well logging data 102.

The first illuminated volume 234 includes the volume of the first wellbore-related property data 220 that is known based upon the first wellbore-related property data 220. The first illuminated volume 234 includes a three-dimensional description of the data, which may be at least partially estimated or interpolated. The first illuminated volume 234 is defined by the wellbore interval that is measured by the well logging data 102, or the portion of the measured interval that is of interest to the user 106 requested according to the visual criterion 216 as interpreted by the user input module 210. The first illuminated volume 234 is further defined by the cross-sectional area investigated by the well logging data 102. The cross-sectional area investigated by the well logging data 102 can include the depth of investigation of the well logging device as generally understood in the art.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the cross- sectional area investigated by the well logging data 102 includes an area where the well logging data 102 provides a measurement having a confidence value that is higher than a confidence threshold. For example, if a logging tool provides a measurement that is 95% confident to a 90 cm depth, where a 95% confidence threshold is required, the first illuminated volume 234 is the volume defined by the wellbore interval and the 90 cm investigation depth. The first illuminated volume 234 can vary with the investigation depth of the logging device (e.g. a low frequency sonic tool may investigate to a greater depth than a high frequency sonic tool resulting in a higher volume for the low frequency data over the same interval). In certain embodiments, for example where logging device data is lost over an interval (e.g. with tool sticking, wellbore washout, etc.) the volume may be reduced in the area with the lost data, and/or estimated data, surrounding data, default data, or data from an offset well may be utilized instead.

The controller 101 further includes a gridding module 206 that determines a grid size 222 and a grid type 224 in response to the first wellbore-related property data 220. The grid size 222 and grid type 224 may be determined according to defaults, visual criterion 216 from a user 106, and/or according to pre-determined grid sizes 222 and types 224 according to the type of first wellbore-related property data 220.

For example, a grid type 224 may be a Cartesian grid (e.g. square gridding based on a pre-determined origin point), a quasi-Cartesian grid (e.g. square gridding with modified grid elements or a modified origin - such as a relative origin positioned according to a selected wellbore display interval), a radial grid (e.g. for display of properties having an azimuthal component), a convex polyhedral grid (e.g. to accommodate geological structures like layering, fluid contacts, or faults, and/or to assist in correlating wellbore measurements to reservoir models), and/or a composite of more than one grid type 224.

Referencing Fig. 6, an illustration 600 of a cross-sectional slice of a display image 232 is illustrated showing radial grid portions 602 and polygonal grid portions 604. The grid portions 602, 604 in the illustration 600 are marked (with shading, coloring, and/or cross-hatching) to indicate the magnitude of the first wellbore-related property data 220 in the displayed portions. In certain embodiments, the first illuminated volume 234 is displayed without the marking, as the investigated area of the well logging data 102 itself, without the magnitude of the first wellbore-related property data 220, can be useful information for display. In the illustration 600, grid elements from the radial grid portion 602 are shown without marking to better illustrate the resolution and display of the exemplary grid 602.

In another example, the grid size 222 is selected according to desired data display granularity, resolution of the logging device generating the well logging data 102, ease of visualization of data presented, the zoom level of the wellbore interval displayed in the display image 232, the resolution or desired granularity of comparison data (e.g. seismic data, reservoir model element sizes, etc.), and/or sizing as selected in the visual criterion 216.

The controller 101 further includes a display module 208 that provides the display image 232, where the display image 232 includes the first illuminated volume 234 displayed utilizing the grid size 222 and the grid type(s) 224. The gridding module further determines a grid alignment 226. The grid alignment 226 can be any selected alignment. In one example, the grid alignment 226 includes an alignment wherein cross-sectional slices of the grid are perpendicular to an axis of the wellbore. Referencing the illustration 300 of Fig. 3, the first illuminated volume 234 (represented by the grid boundary 304) is shown with the wellbore 302, where a cross-sectional slice of the first illuminated volume 234 is perpendicular to the axis of the wellbore 302. The grid along the first illuminated volume 234 follows the wellbore 302 axially. In alternate embodiments, the grid alignment can include an absolute alignment relative to an origin point (not shown), an alignment that positions the grid relative to a geologic feature (e.g. a fault, a reservoir layer, etc.), and/or an alignment that positions the grid relative to any other selected feature (e.g. a drilling rig, a production location, etc.). The illustration 300 in Fig. 3 includes a background reference grid 308 that may help a user orient the position of the wellbore 302 to a reservoir position, absolute position, or just help the user understand the scale of the portion of the wellbore 302 shown. The inclusion of a background reference grid 308 is optional.

In certain embodiments, the controller 101 includes the user input module 210 that interprets the visual criterion 216 that can include the grid size 222, the grid type 224, and/or the grid alignment 226. In additional or alternate embodiments, the visual criterion 216 includes a display angle, a grid type selection, a grid size selection, a grid alignment, and/or a scaling value, and the display module 208 updates the display image 232 to include the visual criterion 216.

In certain embodiments, the data processing module 204 further determines a second wellbore-related property data 236 having a second illuminated volume 238 in response to the well logging data 102, and the gridding module 206 further determines a second grid size 222 and a second grid type 224 in response to the second wellbore-related property. Referencing the illustration 400 of Fig. 4, a first illuminated volume 234 (represented by the grid boundary 304) and second illuminated volume 238 (represented by a grid boundary 404) are shown in the same display image. The first grid 306 uses a smaller grid size than the second grid 402 in the illustration 400, and both grids 306, 402 are quasi-Cartesian with grid alignments 226 wherein a cross-sectional slice is perpendicular to the wellbore 302. Any grid sizes, alignments, and types may be utilized, and the first illuminated volume 234 and second illuminated volume 238 may be shown with distinct grid sizes, alignments, and types. The data 220, 236 used to display the first illuminated volume 234 and second illuminated volume 238 may be changed dynamically by a request from the user 106 interpreted by the user input module 210. For example, the first wellbore-related property data 220 may be switched from showing resistivity to gamma porosity, and the display module 208 updates the display image 232 in response to the switch. The display image 232 may show any number of illuminated volumes, including one (as illustrated in Fig. 3), two (as illustrated in Fig. 4), or more (not shown). The illustrative grid 306 is shown at a first zoom level in Fig. 3 and a second zoom level in Fig. 4. The zoom level may be user- selectable, based upon the available display area, or determined by any other method understood in the art or described herein.

The controller 101 includes a data population module 212 that provides grid element marks 228 to mark grid elements in response to values of the first wellbore-related property data 220 and/or values of the second wellbore-related property data 236. The well logging data 102 may include an azimuthal component. Referencing the illustration 500 of Fig. 5, a display image including an interval of a wellbore and an illuminated volume are shown. The illustration 500 is consistent with logging measurements taken in a wellbore passing at an oblique angle through layers exhibiting varying log values. The illustrative data shows several layers including the five layers 502, 504, 506, 508, 510. The illustration 500 shows homogenous layers with distinguishable log measurement values for simplified display purposes although the logging data may be more complex with real logging data. The logging data to provide the illustration 500 includes an azimuthal component, allowing a given cross-sectional slice of the volume around the wellbore to exhibit azimuthally varying measurement values.

In certain embodiments, the controller 101 includes a user input module 210 that interprets an upscaling request 218, and an upscaling data module 214 that determines an additional data display 230 in response to the upscaling request 218. The display module 208 includes the additional data display 230 in the display image 232. The upscaling request 218 includes any request for a visualization of at least a portion of the illuminated volume(s) 234, 238 in a context that includes more than a relative position to the wellbore 302. Non-limiting examples of upscaling requests 218 includes a reserve estimate request, a reservoir model request, a reservoir simulation request, a three-dimensional earth model request, and/or a data comparison request.

For example, a reserve estimate request may add reservoir layers with reserve estimates (e.g. as colors, shading, numbers, etc.) onto the display image 232 with a relative position to the wellbore 302. In another example, a reservoir model request may add reservoir modeling parameters to the display image for comparison with or to understand logging data inputs into the reservoir model. The reservoir model may include discrete modeling volumes, layers with calculated parameters, logging illuminated data compared with estimated or interpolated data, and any other modeling parameters known in the art. In another example, elements of a reservoir simulation are added to the display image 232 - non-limiting examples include simulation results, sensitivity outputs, and/or illustrations of which parts of the reservoir simulation are provided from logs and which parts of the reservoir simulation are provided from models, estimates, or other data. In another example, a three-dimensional earth model is illustrated with the illuminated volume(s) 234, 238 positioned in the relevant location according to the physical location of the wellbore 302. In another example, data from seismic, offset wells, mud logs during drilling, injection records, production records, and/or data from any other source are illustrated with the illuminated volume(s) 234, 238 and presented at a scale for comparison with the illuminated volume(s) 234, 238.

Referencing Fig. 8, an illustration 800 of a display image includes a wellbore centered data grid (the illuminated volume 234 as represented by the grid boundary 304) and an additional data display. The additional data display in the illustration 800 includes a three-dimensional earth model having formations 802, 804, 806, 808. The illustration 800 includes orientation marks 814, 812, 810 to provide a quick visual reference where the wellbore 302 pierces various formations in the three-dimensional earth model. The data to provide an illustration 800 can be collected from seismic, drilling data, historical geological data in the region, offset well, and the well logging data 102. The formations 802, 804, 806, 808 may be further colored, marked, or have numbers imposed on the image to mark various reservoir property, modeling, or simulation parameters for comparison to the illuminated volume 234. The illustration 800 may be rotated, change display angle, have marking conventions change, have the grid size or type of the illuminated volume 234 change, or display different types of data according to inputs from a user 106.

The schematic flow diagram in Fig. 7, and the related description which follows, provides an illustrative embodiment of performing techniques for displaying a wellbore centered data grid. Operations illustrated are understood to be exemplary only, and operations may be combined or divided, and added or removed, as well as re-ordered in whole or part, unless stated explicitly to the contrary herein. Operations illustrated may be implemented by a computer executing a computer program product on a computer readable medium, where the computer program product comprises instructions causing the computer to execute one or more of the operations.

Fig. 7 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a technique 700 for displaying wellbore centered data grids. The technique 700 includes an operation 702 to interpret well logging data and an operation 704 to determine data, a grid size, and a grid type for a first wellbore-related property having a first illuminated volume in response to the well logging data. The technique 700 further includes an operation 706 to determine data, a second grid size, and a second grid type for a second wellbore-related property having a second illuminated volume in response to the well logging data. The technique 700 further includes an operation 708 to determine one or more additional grid types in response to the first and/or second wellbore-related property, and an operation 710 to apply the additional grid type(s) to the first illuminated volume and/or the second illuminated volume.

The technique 700 further includes an operation 712 to interpret a scaling value and an operation 714 to apply the scaling value to the first illuminated volume and/or the second illuminated volume. The scaling value may include a wellbore view, a reservoir cell view, a full reservoir view, and/or a zoom level.

In certain embodiments, the technique 700 further includes an operation 716 to interpret a visual criterion and an operation 718 to apply the visual criterion to the first illuminated volume and/or to the second illuminated volume. The visual criterion includes a criterion such as a display angle, a grid type selection, a grid size selection, a grid alignment, and/or the scaling value. The technique 700 further includes an operation 719 to display the first illuminated volume and/or the second illuminated volume, including the additional grid types, scaling value, and/or visual criterion, where present. In certain embodiments, the technique 700 further includes an operation 720 to compare the first illuminated volume to non-log derived data, and an operation 722 to calibrate the well logging data in response to the comparing. The non-log derived data includes seismic data, reserves data, production data, injection data, and/or reservoir simulation data.

A system includes well logging data accessible to a computer program product stored on a computer readable medium. The system includes means for executing some operations of displaying wellbore centered data grids, where the means described herein are exemplary but not limiting, and any means described elsewhere herein are contemplated in the exemplary system. The system includes means for determining data for a first wellbore-related property having a first illuminated volume from the well logging data. The means for determining data for a first wellbore-related property having a first illuminated volume from the well logging data includes: a computer that reads logging data in real-time, a computer that receives logging data over a network, datalink, by electronic communication, a computer that reads logging data from a computer readable memory location, a computer that reads a wellbore-related property derived from logging data in real-time, a computer that receives a wellbore-related property derived from logging data over a network, datalink, by electronic communication, a computer that reads a wellbore-related property derived from logging data from a computer readable memory location, and a computer that calculates the first wellbore-related property from data that includes well logging data.

The system further includes means for determining a grid size and grid type in response to the first wellbore-related property. The means for determining a grid size and a grid type in response to the first wellbore-related property includes a computer that determines a grid size and type from: the well logging data resolution, a user input defining the grid size and/or type, a grid display size on a display image, a ratio of grid size to displayed wellbore interval length, a resolution of comparison data, a pre-defined grid size and type according to a type of well logging data, and a resolution of a reservoir modeling element.

The system further includes a means for displaying the first illuminated volume utilizing the grid size and the grid type. The means for displaying the first illuminated volume utilizing the grid size and the grid type include a computer monitor providing a visible display, a printout, and an electronic device accessing display information stored on a computer readable medium.

The system further includes means for receiving a visual criterion, where the visual criterion includes a display angle, a grid type selection, a grid size selection, a grid alignment, and/or a scaling value. The means for receiving a visual criterion include: a computer receiving visual criterion as a user input, a computer determining visual criterion as a default value, a computer retrieving a visual criterion from a computer readable memory location, and a computer receiving a visual criterion as a portion of well logging data and/or comparison data.

The system further includes a means for updating the displayed first illuminated volume in response to the visual criterion. The means for updating the displayed first illuminated volume in response to the visual criterion includes a computer that displays the first illuminated volume utilizing the visual criterion as a replacement or addition for some aspects of the first visible display. In certain embodiments, the system includes means for updating the displayed first illuminated volume to support an upscaling process. The upscaling process includes estimating reserves of a well, estimating reserves of a reservoir, building a reservoir simulator, comparing non-logging data to the first wellbore-related property, visualizing a wellbore stability, and/or averaging formation property values over sub-volumes of a reservoir. The means for updating the displayed first illuminated volume to support an upscaling process include: a computer that receives a reservoir model and displays at least one aspect of the reservoir model in the display image with the first illuminated volume; a computer that builds a reservoir simulation including data from the first illuminated volume; a computer that builds a reservoir simulation including data from the first illuminated volume where the included data is selected by a user on an interface including the displayed first illuminated volume; a computer that calibrates a reservoir model and/or the well logging data in response to inputs selected by a user on an interface including the displayed first illuminated volume; and/or a computer that adds additional display data to the displayed first illuminated volume, where the additional display data includes geometrically positioned data from: seismic, production or injection records, other logs, a reservoir modeling parameter, a reservoir model, a three-dimensional earth model, a reserves estimate, and formation properties. As is evident from the figures and text presented above, a variety of embodiments according to the present invention are contemplated.

An exemplary method includes interpreting well logging data and determining data for a first wellbore-related property having a first illuminated volume in response to the well logging data. The method further includes determining a grid size and a grid type in response to the first wellbore-related property, and displaying the first illuminated volume utilizing the grid size and the grid type. The method further includes interpreting a visual criterion and displaying the first illuminated volume further utilizing the visual criterion. The visual criterion includes a criterion such as a display angle, a grid type selection, a grid size selection, a grid alignment, and/or a scaling value. The method further includes determining data for a second wellbore-related property having a second illuminated volume in response to the well logging data, determining a second grid size and a second grid type in response to the second wellbore-related property, and displaying the second illuminated volume utilizing the second grid size and the second grid type.

In certain embodiments, the method includes interpreting a scaling value and applying the scaling value to the first illuminated volume, where the scaling value is a wellbore view, a reservoir cell view, a full reservoir view, and/or a zoom level. The method further includes comparing the first illuminated volume to non-log derived data. In further embodiments, the non-log derived data includes seismic data, reserves data, production data, injection data, and/or reservoir simulation data. The method further includes calibrating the well logging data in response to the comparing. In certain embodiments, the method further includes determining additional grid types in response to the first wellbore-related property, and applying the additional grid types to the first illuminated volume.

Another exemplary embodiment is an article of manufacture that includes well logging data corresponding to a wellbore and stored on a computer readable medium. The article of manufacture further includes a representation on a tangible device of an interval of the wellbore, and a representation on the tangible device of a wellbore-related property, including at least a portion of the well logging data, positioned on a three-dimensional grid having an orientation, a volume, a grid size, and a grid type. The wellbore-related property may be the well logging data, data calculated from the well logging data, and/or data calculated from more than one source where one of the sources is the well logging data. The volume of the three-dimensional grid includes a three-dimensional region where a confidence value of the wellbore-related property exceeds a threshold value, for example a volume around a wellbore that is measured by a logging tool. The grid type includes a Cartesian grid, a quasi-Cartesian grid, a radial grid, a polyhedral grid, and/or a composite grid. In certain further embodiments, the article of manufacture further includes a three- dimensional earth model display on the tangible device, a reserve estimate display on the tangible device, a reservoir simulation display on the tangible device, and/or a comparison data display on the tangible device. The comparison data display includes seismic data, reserves data, production data, injection data, and/or reservoir simulation data.

Another exemplary embodiment is an apparatus for displaying wellbore centric logging data, including a logging data module that interprets well logging data, and a data processing module that determines data for a first wellbore-related property having a first illuminated volume in response to the well logging data. The apparatus further includes a gridding module that determines a grid size and a grid type in response to the first wellbore-related property, and a display module that provides a display image including the first illuminated volume, the grid size, and the grid type. The apparatus further includes a user input module that interprets a visual criterion and the display image includes the visual criterion. The visual criterion is a display angle, a grid type selection, a grid size selection, a grid alignment, and/or a scaling value.

In certain embodiments, the data processing module further determines data for a second wellbore-related property having a second illuminated volume in response to the well logging data, and the gridding module further determines a second grid size and a second grid type in response to the second wellbore-related property. The apparatus further includes a data population module that marks grid elements in response to values of the first wellbore-related property. The well logging data may include an azimuthal component. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a user input module that interprets an upscaling request, an upscaling data module determines an additional data display in response to the upscaling request, and the display image further includes the additional data display. The upscaling request includes a reserve estimate request, a reservoir model request, a reservoir simulation request, a three-dimensional earth model request, and/or a data comparison request.

Yet another exemplary embodiment is a system including well logging data accessible to a computer program product stored on a computer readable medium, means for determining data for a first wellbore-related property having a first illuminated volume from the well logging data, means for determining a grid size and grid type in response to the first wellbore-related property, and means for displaying the first illuminated volume utilizing the grid size and the grid type. The system further includes means for receiving a visual criterion and a means for updating the displayed first illuminated volume in response to the visual criterion. The visual criterion includes a display angle, a grid type selection, a grid size selection, a grid alignment, and/or a scaling value.

In certain embodiments, the system includes means for updating the displayed first illuminated volume to support an upscaling process. The upscaling process includes estimating reserves of a well, estimating reserves of a reservoir, building a reservoir simulator, comparing non-logging data to the first wellbore-related property, visualizing a wellbore stability, and/or averaging formation property values over sub-volumes of a reservoir.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain exemplary embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be protected. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as "a," "an," "at least one," or "at least one portion" are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language "at least a portion" and/or "a portion" is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method, comprising: interpreting well logging data; determining data for a first wellbore-related property having a first illuminated volume in response to the well logging data; determining a grid size and a grid type in response to the first wellbore-related property; and displaying the first illuminated volume utilizing the grid size and the grid type.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising interpreting a visual criterion and displaying the first illuminated volume further utilizing the visual criterion, wherein the visual criterion comprises a criterion selected from the criterion consisting of: a display angle, a grid type selection, a grid size selection, a grid alignment, and a scaling value.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining data for a second wellbore-related property having a second illuminated volume in response to the well logging data, determining a second grid size and a second grid type in response to the second wellbore-related property, and displaying the second illuminated volume utilizing the second grid size and the second grid type.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising interpreting a scaling value and applying the scaling value to the first illuminated volume, the scaling value comprising a scaling selected from the scaling consisting of: a wellbore view, a reservoir cell view, a full reservoir view, and a zoom level.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising comparing the first illuminated volume to non-log derived data.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the non-log derived data comprises data selected from the data consisting of: seismic data, reserves data, production data, injection data, and reservoir simulation data.

7. The method of claim 5, further comprising calibrating the well logging data in response to the comparing.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining additional grid types in response to the first wellbore-related property, and applying the additional grid types to the first illuminated volume.

9. An article of manufacture comprising a three-dimensional display, the three- dimensional display comprising: well logging data corresponding to a wellbore and stored on a computer readable medium; a wellbore-related property including at least a portion of the well logging data; a representation, on a tangible device, of an interval of the wellbore; and a representation, on the tangible device, of the wellbore-related property positioned on a three-dimensional grid having an orientation, a volume, a grid size, and a grid type, wherein the volume comprises a three-dimensional region wherein a confidence value of the wellbore-related property exceeds a threshold value.

10. The article of manufacture of claim 9, wherein the grid type comprises at least one grid type selected from the grid types consisting of: a Cartesian grid, a quasi-Cartesian grid, a radial grid, a polyhedral grid, and a composite grid.

11. The article of manufacture of claim 9, further comprising a three-dimensional earth model display on the tangible device.

12. The article of manufacture of claim 9, further comprising a reserve estimate display on the tangible device.

13. The article of manufacture of claim 9, further comprising a reservoir simulation display on the tangible device.

14. The article of manufacture of claim 9, further comprising a comparison data display on the tangible device, the comparison data display comprising data selected from the data consisting of: seismic data, reserves data, production data, injection data, and reservoir simulation data.

15. An apparatus for displaying wellbore centric logging data, comprising: a logging data module structured to interpret well logging data; a data processing module structured to determine data for a first wellbore-related property having a first illuminated volume in response to the well logging data; a gridding module structured to determine a grid size and a grid type in response to the first wellbore-related property; and a display module structured to provide a display image comprising the first illuminated volume, the grid size, and the grid type.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a user input module structured to interpret a visual criterion comprising a criterion selected from the criterion consisting of: a display angle, a grid type selection, a grid size selection, a grid alignment, and a scaling value, and wherein the display image further comprises the visual criterion.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the data processing module is further structured to determine data for a second wellbore-related property having a second illuminated volume in response to the well logging data, and wherein the gridding module is further structured to determine a second grid size and a second grid type in response to the second wellbore-related property.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a data population module structured to mark grid elements in response to values of the first wellbore-related property.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the well logging data comprises an azimuthal component.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising: a user input module structured to interpret an upscaling request, the upscaling request comprising a request selected from the requests consisting of: a reserve estimate request, a reservoir model request, a reservoir simulation request, a three-dimensional earth model request, and a data comparison request; an upscaling data module structured to determine an additional data display in response to the upscaling request; and wherein the display image further comprises the additional data display.

21. A system, comprising: well logging data accessible to a computer program product stored on a computer readable medium; means for determining data for a first wellbore-related property having a first illuminated volume from the well logging data; means for determining a grid size and grid type in response to the first wellbore- related property; and means for displaying the first illuminated volume utilizing the grid size and the grid type.

22. The system of claim 21, further comprising means for receiving a visual criterion comprising a criterion selected from the criterion consisting of: a display angle, a grid type selection, a grid size selection, a grid alignment, and a scaling value, and a means for updating the displayed first illuminated volume in response to the visual criterion.

23. The system of claim 21, further comprising a means for updating the displayed first illuminated volume to support an upscaling process.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the upscaling process comprises an upscaling process selected from the upscaling processes consisting of: estimating reserves of a well, estimating reserves of a reservoir, building a reservoir simulator, comparing non-logging data to the first wellbore-related property, visualizing a wellbore stability, and averaging formation property values over sub-volumes of a reservoir.