Closed Loop Twin Well Drilling via Induced Magnetic Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well drilling methods for twinning subterranean wellbores are time-consuming due to the need for frequent surface intervention and manual adjustments to estimate the location of nearby wellbores, especially when drilling near a target well.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a closed-loop method that induces an electrical current in the target well using a drill string with a rotary steerable tool, which generates a magnetic field measurable in the twin well, allowing for continuous adjustments of drilling direction without surface intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If passive or active magnetic ranging techniques are used to estimate the location of a target wellbore, then the location estimation capability is improved, but the drilling process becomes time-consuming due to the need to stop drilling and make measurements at multiple tool face angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous magnetic field measurements during rotary drilling without stopping the drilling process. The magnetic field sensor continuously measures the magnetic field generated by the induced current in the target wellbore casing, allowing real-time location estimation while maintaining continuous drilling operation, thus eliminating the time loss associated with stopping for measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses real-time magnetic field measurements to provide feedback on the relative location between the drilling wellbore and target wellbore. This feedback is processed to determine the azimuth angle and distance to the target wellbore, enabling continuous adjustment of drilling parameters to maintain the desired wellbore trajectory while minimizing interruption to the drilling process
2Measurement precision
If magnetic field measurements are made at three or more tool face angles to estimate target wellbore location, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the drilling efficiency deteriorates due to frequent stoppages
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs magnetic field measurements continuously during rotation of the drilling assembly, capturing data at multiple tool face angles without stopping the drilling process. This allows the system to accumulate sufficient measurement data for accurate location estimation while maintaining continuous drilling operation and high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent induces current in the target wellbore casing before or during the approach phase, creating a magnetic field that can be measured continuously. This preliminary action enables the measurement system to continuously track the target wellbore location without requiring multiple separate measurement campaigns, thereby maintaining drilling efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual surface intervention is used to adjust drilling direction, then the control flexibility is improved, but the operation complexity and time requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated system where the magnetic field sensor, processor, and control system work together to automatically determine the location of the target wellbore and adjust the drilling direction without surface intervention. The system processes magnetic field measurements in real-time and automatically controls the drilling assembly orientation, eliminating the need for manual surface operations while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations at the surface with an automated electromagnetic measurement and control system. The magnetic field sensing and processing system substitutes for manual surveying and calculation methods, while automated control mechanisms replace manual drilling direction adjustments, thereby reducing operation complexity and time requirements
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 method enables automatic steering of the twin well along a predetermined path with improved accuracy and significantly reduces the time required to drill the twin well by allowing continuous adjustments of the rotary steerable tool settings during drilling.
Implementation Method 1
inducing an electrical current in the target well liner using the current generating tool while rotary drilling in (a), said induced electrical current resulting in a magnetic field about the target well
Implementation Method 2
making a plurality of magnetic field measurements using the magnetic field sensor while rotary drilling in (a)
Data Source
AI summary
Closed loop methods for drilling twin wells are disclosed. The disclosed method make use of a bottom hole assembly including a rotary steerable tool. An electrical current is induced in the target well. The corresponding magnetic field about the target well is measured in the twin well and used to guide drilling of the twin well.