Directional Well Drilling Path Selection by Normalized Cost
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Drilling boreholes for mineral extraction has become increasingly complex and costly due to the depth and complexity of directional drilling, with current technologies failing to adequately address these challenges, leading to potential long-term reductions in well output and increased expenses.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that normalize drilling variables into monetary units to evaluate multiple path options, calculating and comparing the financial cost of different drilling paths to select the most cost-effective convergence path using a computer system, considering factors like distance, curvature, time, and launch penalties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If directional drilling is used to extract minerals from increased depth, then mineral extraction capability is improved, but drilling cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling operation is segmented into multiple discrete decision points along the well path. At each segment, the system evaluates specific drilling parameters and selects optimal actions independently, breaking down the complex overall operation into manageable segments that can be optimized individually while contributing to the overall mineral extraction goal
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes drilling parameters (such as direction, rate, and operational mode) based on real-time conditions and pre-calculated cost models. By adjusting parameters at each decision point according to normalized monetary costs, the system optimizes the balance between extraction capability and operational complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple drilling path options are evaluated, then path selection accuracy is improved, but computational time and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary normalization of drilling costs into monetary units before actual drilling begins. By pre-calculating and storing cost models for various drilling scenarios and path options, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time computations during drilling operations, thus maintaining high path selection accuracy while minimizing computational time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical decision-making processes with a computerized evaluation system that uses normalized monetary cost models. This substitution allows for rapid automated comparison of multiple drilling paths based on pre-established cost parameters, achieving high selection accuracy without proportional increases in computational time
3Reliability
If drilling errors occur during complex directional drilling, then well output is reduced long-term, but error prevention requires more sophisticated control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor drilling progress and compare actual results with planned parameters. At each decision point, the system uses cost models to evaluate whether current deviations require corrective action, providing continuous feedback that maintains well output stability without requiring overly sophisticated control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary error prevention by pre-calculating optimal paths and identifying potential deviation risks before they occur. By normalizing costs and establishing decision criteria in advance, the system can detect and correct drilling errors at early stages when they are easier to manage, maintaining reliability without excessive control system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A drilling system may have a drilling rig with a drill string including a BHA with a drill bit. The method may include determining a current BHA location and a future BHA location based on the current BHA location and a current trajectory of the BHA and comparing the future BHA location to a target drilling path. When the future BHA location is a predetermined distance from the target drilling path, then a plurality of geometric convergence paths may be generated, each providing a convergence solution from the current BHA location toward the target drilling path. The method may include determining (i) a distance to drill, (ii) an overall curvature, and (iii) a time required for drilling, of each of the geometric convergence paths and selecting a geometric convergence path responsive to the above. The wellbore may be drilled in accordance with the selected one of the plurality of geometric convergence paths.