Well log prediction while drilling using seismic impedance with an improved LSTM artificial neural networks

Well log prediction while drilling estimates the rock properties ahead of drilling bits. A reliable well log prediction is able to assist reservoir engineers in updating the geological models and adjusting the drilling strategy if necessary. This is of great significance in reducing the drilling risk and saving costs. Conventional interactive integration of geophysical data and geological understanding is the primary approach to realize well log prediction while drilling. In this paper, we propose a new artificial intelligence approach to make the well log prediction while drilling by integrating seismic impedance with three neural networks: LSTM, Bidirectional LSTM (Bi-LSTM), and Double Chain LSTM (DC-LSTM). The DC-LSTM is a new LSTM network proposed in this study while the other two are existing ones. These three networks are thoroughly adapted, compared, and tested to fit the artificial intelligent prediction process. The prediction approach can integrate not only seismic information of the sedimentary formation around the drilling bit but also the rock property changing trend through the upper and lower formations. The Bi-LSTM and the DC-LSTM networks achieve higher prediction accuracy than the LSTM network. Additionally, the DC-LSTM approach significantly promotes prediction efficiency by reducing the number of training parameters and saving computational time without compromising prediction accuracy. The field data application of the three networks, LSTM, Bi-LSTM, and DC-LSTM, demonstrates that prediction accuracy based on the Bi-LSTM and DC-LSTM is higher than that of the LSTM, and DC-LSTM has the highest efficiency overall.