Azimuthal EM Ranging Tool for Continuous Well Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing magnetic ranging technologies in drilling operations require frequent removal and reinsertion of the drill string to update the relative distance and direction between wells, leading to increased drilling time and costs due to the need for wireline tools.
Innovation Solution
Combining a wireline active ranging system with a logging while drilling (LWD) azimuthal electromagnetic (EM) logging system, where the wireline system determines initial distance and direction, and the LWD system maintains or adjusts the desired distance and direction during drilling using tilted transmit and receive coil antennas, allowing for continuous tracking of the target well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireline tool is used to provide relative direction and distance, then ranging accuracy is improved, but drilling time increases due to repeated removal and reinsertion of drill string
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines wireline active ranging system with logging while drilling (LWD) azimuthal electromagnetic logging system into a unified ranging solution. The LWD system integrates electromagnetic antennas directly into the drill string, allowing ranging measurements to be taken continuously during drilling operations without requiring separate wireline tool interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The LWD azimuthal electromagnetic logging system enables continuous ranging measurements throughout the drilling process. The drill string with integrated electromagnetic antennas remains in place and continuously transmits and receives electromagnetic signals to track the target well's position and orientation, eliminating the need for repeated stop-start wireline operations.
2Loss of information
If wireline tool is removed and reinserted repeatedly, then ranging measurements can be updated, but drilling cost increases due to operational expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The drill string with integrated LWD electromagnetic antennas serves its own ranging measurement needs without requiring external wireline tools. The system uses the drill string itself as the electromagnetic transmission medium, eliminating the need for separate ranging operations and reducing operational costs associated with repeated wireline tool deployments.
3Extent of automation
If tilted transmit and receive coil antennas are used, then continuous tracking of target well is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tilted transmit and receive coil antennas in the LWD system serve multiple functions: they provide both azimuthal (horizontal) and inclination (vertical) ranging measurements simultaneously. This multi-functionality enables continuous three-dimensional tracking of the target well's position and orientation using a single integrated antenna system, rather than requiring separate measurement systems.
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 combination reduces drilling time and costs by enabling accurate and continuous tracking of the target well, allowing for real-time direction and distance adjustments during drilling operations, improving ranging accuracy and reducing the need for frequent wireline tool interventions.
Implementation Method 1
a transmit coil antenna (102) of the azimuthal EM logging tool configured to generate an electromagnetic signal
Implementation Method 2
a receive coil antenna (101) of the azimuthal EM logging tool separated axially from the transmit coil antenna
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and methods for ranging operate to use a wireline active ranging system to initially determine a relative distance and relative direction from a first well (e.g., ranging well) to a second well (e.g., target well) and an EM azimuthal logging tool to maintain or adjust the distance from the target well while drilling the ranging well. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.