Abstract: System and method for guiding a drill using a subsurface model generated by successive full waveform inversions (FWI) on surface data and seismic-while-drilling (SWD) data. A server receives surface data from at least one surface sensor that records elastic energy radiated from surface seismic source and SWD data from at least one surface or at least one subsurface crosswell sensor (i.e., deployed in a nearby well). The server also receives top-drive measurements. A drillbit source signature estimation is performed, on the SWD data, by the server by blind deconvolution or by using drill string modeling and top-drive measurements. The server then performs FWI on the surface data by using the background subsurface velocity obtained by kinematic analysis of surface seismic data, to obtain an updated approximation of the subsurface velocity. The new approximation along with the drillbit source signature is then used when performing FWI on the SWD data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an orientation of a tool face for a drilling rig. Multiple methods are provided that use estimated tool face orientation along with measured parameters to determine inputs to the drilling rig such that, after activation, the tool face has a desired orientation.

Abstract: System and method for guiding a drill using a subsurface model generated by successive full waveform inversions (FWI) on surface data and seismic-while-drilling (SWD) data. A server receives surface data from at least one surface sensor that records elastic energy radiated from surface seismic source and SWD data from at least one surface or at least one subsurface crosswell sensor (i.e., deployed in a nearby well). The server also receives top-drive measurements. A drillbit source signature estimation is performed, on the SWD data, by the server by blind deconvolution or by using drill string modeling and top-drive measurements. The server then performs FWI on the surface data by using the background subsurface velocity obtained by kinematic analysis of surface seismic data, to obtain an updated approximation of the subsurface velocity. The new approximation along with the drillbit source signature is then used when performing FWI on the SWD data.

Abstract: A system for controlling a drill string located in a borehole. The drill string has a top portion and a bottom hole assembly (BHA) coupled thereto. The system includes: a processor; sensors coupled to the top portion of the drill string and to the processor. The sensors configured to measure values of variables of the top portion of the drill string, to obtain top portion measured value. A non-transitory tangible computer readable medium having instructions recorded thereon are carried out by the processor to obtain a soft sensor to generate estimated values of variables of the BHA in accordance with the top portion measured values and in accordance with angular motion equations of the drill string. A drill string controller is configured to generate a control signal in accordance with the estimated values of variables of the BHA to control the top portion in accordance with the control signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an orientation of a tool face for a drilling rig. Multiple methods are provided that use estimated tool face orientation along with measured parameters to determine inputs to the drilling rig such that, after activation, the tool face has a desired orientation.

Abstract: This disclosure addresses the vibration problems that occur during drilling operations. Due to the rotational motion effected on the drill string while drilling, vibrations occur, and when these vibrations become excessive, the drill string may oscillate in a manner that could damage the pipes and damage other tools attached to the drill string. Machine learning is used to identify the vibration prone zones and provide recommendations to the driller to change the operating weight on bit (WOB) and rotation speed (RPM) to achieve drilling efficiency while reducing the possibility of damages downhole.