MAC: Acoustic look-ahead technology based on machine learning

Drilling in karstified carbonates involves high risks, as karsts can lead to serious drilling incidents. In his research project financed by Lundin Energy Norway, Dr. Danil Maksimov developed a new method for detecting small, but dangerous, karstification objects ahead of the bit. The method is based on a new way of conducting acoustic surveys (Method of Acoustic Comparisons) and machine learning for processing the test data. After validating the concept with extensive simulations, the project got support from NTNU Technology Transfer Office, which helped to file a patent application. Currently the project heads towards further development.