Automated Offset Well Selection by Trajectory Similarity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in offset well analysis is identifying relevant wells with geometrical and geological similarity from a vast dataset, often requiring a time-consuming manual process of searching and analyzing drilling reports and data from geographically close wells.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that automatically determine the similarity between the trajectory of offset and subject wells using a rules-based algorithm, reducing the number of wells for further analysis by calculating a similarity value and displaying a digital model for user selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual search and analysis of drilling reports is used, then user can identify relevant offset wells, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoffset well analysis efficiencyVSAvoidtime required for manual search and analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical search process with an automated computer-based system. The computing system automatically retrieves offset well data, calculates trajectory similarity values using algorithms, and ranks wells based on similarity metrics, eliminating the need for manual searching through drilling reports and logs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically executing the entire offset well analysis process without human intervention. It autonomously retrieves data from databases, computes similarity values through programmed algorithms, and presents ranked results, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual operational steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If trajectory similarity analysis is performed manually, then user can identify similar wells, but the process becomes complex and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrajectory similarity assessment accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of similarity analysis process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual trajectory similarity calculations with automated computer algorithms. The system uses mathematical models and computational methods to calculate trajectory similarity values, handling the complexity of 3D trajectory comparisons through programmed logic rather than manual analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms the complex trajectory similarity assessment into quantifiable parameters by calculating similarity values based on specific criteria such as trajectory geometry, well depth, and spatial relationships. These parameter transformations convert complex geometric comparisons into measurable, comparable numerical values that can be automatically processed and ranked.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If vast numbers of offset wells are considered, then comprehensive analysis is achieved, but the number of wells to analyze becomes unmanageable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of offset well analysisVSAvoidnumber of wells requiring analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the large set of offset wells into manageable groups based on trajectory similarity values. The system calculates similarity metrics for all offset wells, ranks them according to predefined criteria, and presents the results in an organized manner that allows users to focus on the most relevant wells first, effectively segmenting the analysis into priority levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically calculating and ranking trajectory similarity values for all offset wells before human analysis begins. This pre-processing step organizes the vast number of wells into a prioritized list, allowing users to start analysis with the most similar and relevant wells rather than facing an unmanageable quantity of data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250290404A1Offset well analysis using well trajectory similarity

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A system and method that include receiving offset well data collected from an offset well, wherein the offset well data comprises data representing a trajectory of an offset. The system and method also include receiving subject well data comprising a trajectory of at least a portion of a subject. The system and method additionally include determining a similarity value between the trajectory of the offset well and the subject well. The system and method also include selecting at least one offset well for offset well analysis based on the similarity value. The system and method further include adjusting at least one parameter of the subject well based on the offset well analysis.