A Deep Neural Network as Surrogate Model for Forward Simulation of Borehole Resistivity Measurements

Inverse problems appear in multiple industrial applications. Solving such inverse problems require the repeated solution of the forward problem. This is the most time-consuming stage when employing inversion techniques, and it constitutes a severe limitation when the inversion needs to be performed in real-time. In here, we focus on the real-time inversion of resistivity measurements for geosteering. We investigate the use of a deep neural network (DNN) to approximate the forward function arising from Maxwell's equations, which govern the electromagnetic wave propagation through a media. By doing so, the evaluation of the forward problems is performed offline, allowing for the online real-time evaluation (inversion) of the DNN. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.