Fiber Optic Ranging Assembly for Open-Hole Wellbore Interception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wellbore ranging techniques fail to accurately intercept a target well without metal casing or piping, as they rely on detecting ferromagnetic fields, which are not applicable in open-hole wellbores.
Innovation Solution
The use of a fiber optic ranging assembly that detects acoustic or thermal energy emitted from the target well, allowing the relief well to zero-in on the target intercept location using fiber optic sensors and a computer system for processing measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ferromagnetic ranging techniques are used, then metal casing or piping must be present in the target well to facilitate magnetic field detection, but this requirement makes the technique inapplicable to open-hole wellbores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ferromagnetic field detection with acoustic energy detection using fiber optic sensors. The acoustic sensors detect sound waves generated by fluid flow in the target well, eliminating the need for metal casing or piping and enabling ranging in open-hole wellbores.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from magnetic field strength to acoustic energy levels. By monitoring acoustic signals generated by flowing fluids, the system can detect the target well's presence and location without requiring ferromagnetic materials.
2Measurement precision
If ferromagnetic field detection is used for ranging, then the system can detect the target well, but it requires metal casing or piping which is not present in open-hole wellbores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes acoustic detection for magnetic field detection. Fiber optic acoustic sensors measure sound pressure waves generated by fluid flow in the target well, providing accurate ranging information without dependence on metal casing or piping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic energy as an intermediary to detect the target well. The flowing fluid generates acoustic signals that propagate through the wellbore environment, allowing indirect detection of the target well's location and flow characteristics without direct contact or metal components.
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
Enables accurate interception and hydraulic communication between relief and target wells without the need for ferromagnetic sources, effectively addressing the limitations of traditional ranging methods in open-hole environments.
Implementation Method 1
one or more fiber optic sensors that measure acoustic energy emitted by the fluid as it flows into the target wellbore
Implementation Method 2
one or more fiber optic sensors that measure thermal energy emitted by the fluid as it flows into the target wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A well system includes a target wellbore that penetrates a subterranean formation and a relief wellbore drilled toward the target wellbore and a target intercept location where a fluid flows into the target wellbore from the subterranean formation. A bottom hole assembly is coupled to a drill string extended into the relief wellbore and includes a fiber optic ranging assembly having one or more fiber optic sensors positioned on a tubular member. The fiber optic sensors measure at least one of acoustic energy and thermal energy emitted by the fluid as it flows into the target wellbore. A computer system is communicably coupled to the one or more fiber optic sensors to process measurements of the fluid obtained by the one or more fiber optic sensors.