Downhole Drilling Trajectory Control for Curve-to-Lateral Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Directional drilling tools often deviate from the set point direction due to various factors, necessitating manual corrections based on surface evaluations, which are inadequate for real-time adjustments during drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing automated closed-loop control methods that adjust drilling trajectory through sequences of control loops, using downhole sensors to maintain target inclinations and azimuths, allowing for real-time corrections and smooth transitions from curved to horizontal sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual corrections based on surface evaluations are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but real-time adjustment capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements closed-loop feedback control by continuously monitoring downhole trajectory measurements and automatically adjusting steering parameters. Survey data collected during drilling is fed back to the control system, which computes corrections and applies them in real-time, eliminating the delay inherent in manual surface evaluations while maintaining operational effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The automated control system performs self-correction of trajectory deviations without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system autonomously processes survey data, calculates necessary steering adjustments, and implements corrections through the steering mechanism, enabling the drilling operation to self-regulate its path in real-time
2Loss of time
If automated closed-loop control is implemented, then real-time adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a unified automated platform that performs survey data processing, trajectory calculation, steering parameter optimization, and real-time control execution. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for separate manual operations and simplifies the overall control architecture despite the advanced capabilities provided
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with automated computational control. Survey data processing and steering calculations that previously required manual analysis and adjustment are now performed automatically by computer-based control algorithms, reducing the complexity of manual operations while enhancing real-time response capability
3Manufacturing precision
If frequent trajectory corrections are made, then well placement accuracy is improved, but drilling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts steering parameters based on real-time trajectory deviations and drilling conditions. Rather than applying fixed or frequent corrections, the system optimizes steering adjustments continuously, applying corrections only when and where needed to maintain optimal trajectory while minimizing interruptions to drilling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously optimizes steering parameters such as toolface angle and build rate based on actual trajectory performance and downhole conditions. By dynamically changing these parameters in response to measured deviations, the system achieves high placement accuracy while maintaining efficient drilling rates, avoiding both excessive corrections and insufficient adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for automated closed-loop control of drilling trajectory during directional drilling, which define target inclinations and/or target azimuths for a sequence of automated control loops performed over distances of measured depth during directional drilling, wherein the sequence of automated control loops transition from drilling a curve or bend in a wellbore to drilling a horizontal or lateral section or tangent section of the wellbore. In embodiments, the sequence of automated control loops can be configured to incrementally change dog leg severity of the wellbore in a pre-defined manner with the final dog leg severity being at or near zero.