Fiber Optic Sensors for Cross-Well EM Telemetry

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Precision placement of neighboring wells in oil fields is costly and time-consuming due to limitations in drilling techniques and communication between the bottomhole assembly and the surface, leading to inefficiencies in steam-assisted gravity drainage processes and other applications.

Innovation Solution

Employing fiber optic sensors for electromagnetic cross-well telemetry, which enable the emission of data streams and collection of electromagnetic field measurements between boreholes, allowing for demodulation and improved directional drilling guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If larger inter-well spacings are employed to reduce short circuit effects, then short circuit vulnerability is reduced, but drilling precision and well placement accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshort circuit vulnerabilityVSAvoidwell placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs real-time feedback through electromagnetic telemetry and fiber optic sensing to monitor well placement during drilling operations. This allows continuous adjustment of drilling parameters to achieve precise well placement while maintaining appropriate inter-well spacing, resolving the contradiction between spacing requirements and placement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical ranging operations with electromagnetic field-based telemetry and fiber optic sensing systems. This substitution enables precise well placement measurement and control without relying on mechanical ranging equipment, thereby achieving high placement accuracy while maintaining optimal inter-well spacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If precision placement techniques are employed to improve well placement accuracy, then short circuit vulnerability is reduced, but operational costs and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell placement accuracyVSAvoidranging operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by integrating electromagnetic telemetry and fiber optic sensing systems into the drilling process before completion. This allows well placement information to be collected and analyzed in real-time during drilling, eliminating the need for separate post-drilling ranging operations and reducing overall operational time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs multi-functional systems where fiber optic cables serve both as drilling telemetry conduits and as ranging measurement tools. This universal application of the same infrastructure eliminates the need for dedicated ranging operations, thereby reducing time consumption and operational costs while maintaining high placement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional ranging operations are used to achieve precision well placement, then well placement accuracy is improved, but communication limitations between bottomhole assembly and surface persist

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell placement accuracyVSAvoiddrilling data transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces fiber optic cables as intermediaries that transmit electromagnetic signals and sensing data between the bottomhole assembly and surface equipment. This intermediary system overcomes communication limitations by providing a dedicated data transmission channel that operates independently of traditional drilling mud pulse or acoustic telemetry, ensuring reliable information flow for precise well placement control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach reduces costs and enhances the accuracy of well placement, reducing short circuit vulnerabilities and improving the efficiency of hydrocarbon extraction by providing real-time data for better drilling operations.

Implementation Method 1

obtaining EM field measurements in response to the emitted EM field using an array of fiber optic sensors deployed in a second borehole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10480309B2Methods and systems employing fiber optic sensors for electromagnetic cross-well telemetry

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A system includes a drillstring with an electromagnetic (EM) transmitter in a first borehole. The system also includes at least one fiber optic sensor deployed in a second borehole. The system also includes a processor configured to demodulate a data stream emitted by the EM transmitter based on EM field measurements collected by the at least one fiber optic sensor.