Electromagnetic Ranging Tool End-of-Pipe Effect Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electromagnetic ranging techniques in subterranean operations face inaccuracies due to the 'end-of-pipe effect,' which causes errors in distance and direction measurements between wellbores, especially when the electromagnetic ranging tool approaches the end of the target wellbore.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize an information handling system to correct the end-of-pipe effect by employing a combination of look-up tables and bad-point correction methods, based on magnetic field measurements and gradients, to accurately determine the distance and direction to the target wellbore, using sensors and a downhole assembly with a drill string and electromagnetic ranging tool.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electromagnetic ranging is used to determine position and direction between wellbores, then directional drilling accuracy is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to end-of-pipe effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance and direction measurementsVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy near wellbore end

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by energizing the target wellbore from the surface before taking measurements, and uses pre-calculated correction factors based on simulated electromagnetic fields to compensate for end-of-pipe effects. The correction factors are determined in advance through finite difference method simulations and stored for application during actual ranging operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary correction mechanism by calculating correction factors that mediate between the raw electromagnetic measurements and the true distance/direction values. These correction factors act as a bridge to eliminate the end-of-pipe effect distortion, using simulated electromagnetic field data as an intermediate reference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If electromagnetic ranging tool approaches end of target wellbore, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to current loss and dissipation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement coverage areaVSAvoiddistance and direction measurements

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful end-of-pipe effect into a beneficial correction opportunity. By simulating the electromagnetic field and calculating specific correction factors for the end-of-pipe region, the system transforms the previously unusable measurement zone into a corrected, reliable measurement area, allowing coverage extension with maintained precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Power

If current is applied to energize target wellbore from surface, then electromagnetic field strength is improved, but energy loss increases due to current dissipation at wellbore end

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic field strengthVSAvoidcurrent loss at wellbore end

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial correction rather than attempting to fully eliminate the end-of-pipe effect. By applying correction factors that account for the majority of the distortion (achieving less than 5% error), the system obtains sufficient measurement accuracy without requiring excessive energy compensation or complete elimination of the physical effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

The method achieves accurate distance and direction measurements with less than 5% error, effectively overcoming the limitations of the end-of-pipe effect and ensuring precise wellbore intersection or parallel drilling in various applications.

Implementation Method 1

measure the electromagnetic field produced by the target wellbore on a logging and/or drilling device in the second wellbore

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

measuring at least one component of the electromagnetic field from the target wellbore, wherein the measuring comprises performing at least two non-axial magnetic field measurements and performing at least one axial magnetic field measurement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field measurement: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11346208B2Correction method for end-of-pipe effect on magnetic ranging

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A method and system for electromagnetic ranging of a target wellbore. A method may comprise disposing an electromagnetic ranging tool in a wellbore, energizing a conductive member disposed in the target wellbore to create an electromagnetic field, measuring at least one component of the electromagnetic field from the target wellbore, performing at least two non-axial magnetic field measurements, performing at least one axial magnetic field measurement, calculating a processed non-axial magnetic field measurement using the at least two non-axial magnetic field measurements, calculating an end-of-pipe ratio with the processed non-axial magnetic field measurement and the at least one axial magnetic field measurement, and altering a course of the electromagnetic ranging tool based at least in part from the end-of-pipe ratio. A well ranging system may comprise a downhole assembly, a sensor comprising a first component and a second component, a drill string, and an information handling system.