Dynamic Target Region Optimization for Well Trajectory and Drill Center
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling planning methods are inefficient and often lead to sub-optimal solutions due to the sequential and conflicting objectives of well targets, well paths, and drill center locations, which complicate the optimization process and may not maximize reservoir productivity.
Innovation Solution
A method that selects a finite-sized dynamic target region within the hydrocarbon formation, allowing for the determination of optimal drill center locations and well paths subject to various constraints, including geological and engineering criteria, using a programmed computer to facilitate rapid evaluation and optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If pre-determined point targets are used for well planning, then the optimization process becomes simpler, but the reservoir productivity may not be maximized due to sequential and conflicting objectives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the target definition from point locations to finite-sized target regions, allowing the well planning process to simultaneously optimize drill center locations and well paths to multiple targets within a single integrated optimization framework, thereby resolving conflicting objectives while maximizing reservoir productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from zero-dimensional point targets to multi-dimensional finite-sized target regions in 3D space, enabling the optimization algorithm to consider spatial extent and multiple penetration points simultaneously, which resolves the contradiction between optimization simplicity and productivity maximization
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple iterative steps are performed to adjust target locations and drill center locations, then the well trajectory can be optimized, but the planning time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary definition of finite-sized target regions based on geological and reservoir properties before the optimization process, which provides a robust framework for simultaneous optimization of drill center locations and well paths, reducing the need for multiple iterative adjustments and significantly decreasing planning time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the optimization of drill center locations and well paths into a single integrated optimization process that simultaneously considers multiple targets and geological constraints, eliminating the need for sequential iterative steps and reducing planning time while maintaining trajectory optimization
3Extent of automation
If fixed point targets are specified, then the drill center location can be optimized, but the ability to adapt to geological constraints and maximize productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic finite-sized target regions that can adapt to geological constraints and reservoir properties, allowing the optimization algorithm to automatically adjust well paths to penetrate optimal locations within the target regions while maintaining automated drill center location optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter definition from fixed point coordinates to finite-sized regions with spatial extent, enabling the system to automatically adapt to geological constraints by selecting optimal penetration points within the target regions while maintaining automated optimization capabilities
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for determining one or more optimal well trajectories and a drill center location for hydrocarbon production. A well path and drill center optimization problem (55) is solved in which one constraint is that a well trajectory must intersect a finite size target region (61) in each formation of interest, or in different parts of the same formation. The finite target size provides flexibility for the optimization problem to arrive at a more advantageous solution. Typical well path optimization constraints are also applied, such as anti-collision constraints and surface site constraints (62).