Adjacent Well Detection Using Bipolar Transient Electromagnetic Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing borehole collision detection methods in oilfields face challenges due to low precision and interference issues, leading to potential collisions during drilling, especially in cluster well environments where magnetic interference affects inclinometer measurements.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using electromagnetic signals to directly obtain relative distance and azimuth information of adjacent wells by generating a primary magnetic field with a bipolar transient pulse signal and measuring the induced electromotive force, allowing for accurate detection of well positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic field detection of casing string in adjacent wells is used to identify borehole cross-collision risk, then identification probability of collision risk is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to magnetic interference from adjacent well casings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic detection system as an intermediary between the drilling system and adjacent well casings. Instead of using magnetic inclinometers that are directly affected by magnetic interference, the system uses electromagnetic signals transmitted through the earth formation to detect casing positions. The electromagnetic waves serve as a mediator that can penetrate the formation and interact with the casing without being affected by the magnetic field interference that plagues direct magnetic measurement methods.
2Reliability
If trajectory error ellipse fitting method is used for anti-collision scanning, then collision avoidance is attempted, but measurement precision deteriorates due to trajectory parameter distortion and missing data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/geometric trajectory fitting approach with an electromagnetic field-based detection system. Instead of relying on inclinometer data and mathematical fitting of trajectory error ellipses, the system uses electromagnetic signals to directly detect the position and orientation of adjacent well casings. This substitution eliminates the accumulation of trajectory errors and the sensitivity to missing or distorted trajectory parameters that plague the fitting method.
3Loss of information
If indirect distance estimation through inclinometer trajectory monitoring is used, then relative distance information is obtained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to dependence on inclinometer data accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electromagnetic waves as an intermediary to directly measure distance and position information between wells. Instead of indirectly estimating distance through trajectory monitoring and inclinometer data, the electromagnetic system transmits signals through the earth formation and measures the interaction with adjacent well casings. This direct electromagnetic measurement provides more accurate distance and position information that is not dependent on the accuracy of inclinometer trajectories.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides precise and direct measurement of well positions, reducing the risk of borehole collisions by enhancing the accuracy of distance and azimuth calculations, even in environments with magnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
the transmitting probe, configured to generate a primary magnetic field according to a bipolar transient pulse signal applied to the present transmitting probe
Implementation Method 2
a change of the primary magnetic field is capable of generating a second magnetic field on a casing of an adjacent second well
Implementation Method 3
the receiving probe, configured to generate an induced electromotive force according to the second magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
An adjacent well detection apparatus, method and system. The adjacent well detection apparatus is arranged on a drill collar of a first well. The adjacent well detection apparatus includes a transmitting probe and receiving probes. The apparatus includes: the transmitting probe, configured to generate a primary magnetic field according to a bipolar transient pulse signal applied to the transmitting probe, wherein a change in the primary magnetic field can generate a second magnetic field on a sleeve of an adjacent second well; and the receiving probes, configured to generate an induced electromotive force according to the second magnetic field, wherein the induced electromotive force is used for acquiring relative distance information and orientation information of the adjacent well.