Abstract: Pre-drill pore pressure and fracture gradient predictions obtained from seismic velocity data are used in well design taking into account uncertainties in the velocity estimation and in the models that use the velocities to determine pore pressure. Using geological constraints, limits are established on hydrocarbon column height. It is also possible to predict the relative number of casings required to reach target reservoirs.

Abstract: A method and system for characterization of fault conditions within a subterranean volume. In one embodiment, the system comprises means for mathematically modeling stress conditions, to predict breakout conditions along a borehole trajectory. The system further comprises means for sensing actual breakout conditions along the borehole . Predictive breakout data is compared with sensed breakout conditions to assess correlation between predictive data and actual data, verifying the accuracy of the stress model. The mathematical model may be revised to reflect the presence of an active fault plane in the volume, the presumed fault plane not being intersected by the borehole. The revised model is used to generate new predictive data. Revising the stress model and assessing correlation between predictive and actual breakout conditions is repeatable to achieve an optimally accurate stress model reflecting fault conditions proximal to but not necessarily penetrated by the borehole.

Abstract: Pre-drill pore pressure and fracture gradient predictions obtained from seismic velocity data are used in well design taking into account uncertainties in the velocity estimation and in the models that use the velocities to determine pore pressure. Using geological constraints, limits are established on hydrocarbon column height. It is also possible to predict the relative number of casings required to reach target reservoirs.

Abstract: Pre-drill pore pressure and fracture gradient predictions obtained from seismic velocity data are used in well design taking into account uncertainties in the velocity estimation and in the models that use the velocities to determine pore pressure. Using geological constraints, limits are established on hydrocarbon column height. It is also possible to predict the relative number of casings required to reach target reservoirs. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A method for simulating water-hammer waves in a borehole is used to estimate formation parameters such as porosity and permeability, and to design completion strings. The simulation method uses a model that has a plurality of layers, at least one of the layers includes radial layering. Determined formation properties from analysis of the waterhammer are used in development operations.

Abstract: A method of developing a reservoir in an earth formation. Seismic measurements are used for defining the first set of constraints in distress diagram characterizing the subsurface. Trend data are used for defining additional constraints in distress diagram. These constraints are used in performing operations for relating to the development of the reservoir.

Abstract: Compressional and shear velocities of earth formations are measured through casing. The determined compressional and shear velocities are used in a two component mixing model to provides improved quantitative values for the solid, the dry frame, and the pore compressibility. These are used in determination of hydrocarbon saturation.

Abstract: A process to determine optimal completion type and design prior to drilling of a hydrocarbon producing well utilizing information from hydrocarbon recovery modeling such as reservoir, geo-mechanical, and material modeling over the production life of the well. An embodiment of the process includes obtaining information regarding pore pressure depletion, stress magnitudes and orientations, and strength of rock formation from hydrocarbon recovery modeling to determine optimum well completion design including the selection of a completion type, trajectory, and location. Additionally, the process may also consider probable failure mechanisms and identified completion requirements, and their corresponding effect on completion options.

Abstract: Pre-drill pore pressure and fracture gradient predictions obtained from seismic velocity data are used in well design taking into account uncertainties in the velocity estimation and in the models that use the velocities to determine pore pressure. Using geological constraints, limits are established on hydrocarbon column height. It is also possible to predict the relative number of casings required to reach target reservoirs.

Abstract: A method of locking geological data, such as acoustic well bore logging information, and an analyzer program that analyzes the geological data commences with a generation of a first key. This first key is associated with both the geological data and a specific, compiled copy of the analyzer program. Gatekeeper logic is generated, the gatekeeper logic utilizing at least the first key to prevent the specific, compiled copy of the analyzer program from analyzing geological data other than the specific geological data. In this way, the specific copy of the analyzer program is locked to specific geological data, and is accordingly limited to performing analysis operations utilizing the specific geological data.