Fiber Optic Ranging for Well Placement Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Precision placement of neighboring wells in oil field operations, such as steam-assisted gravity drainage, is hindered by the cost and time-consuming nature of ranging operations, particularly due to the vulnerability of short circuits in steam injection systems, which reduces heating efficiency and oil production.

Innovation Solution

Employing fiber optic sensors for ranging operations by emitting an electromagnetic field and using EM field measurements to determine the distance or direction of the EM transmitter relative to the sensors, allowing for precise positioning and trajectory adjustment in boreholes, thereby reducing the need for costly and time-consuming precision drilling techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional ranging operations are used to achieve precision placement of neighboring wells, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision placement of neighboring wellsVSAvoidtime-consuming nature of ranging operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical ranging operations with electromagnetic field-based fiber optic sensing. An electromagnetic transmitter emits signals that are detected by fiber optic sensors in the adjacent well, eliminating the need for time-consuming mechanical measurement processes while maintaining precision placement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The fiber optic cable serves multiple functions: it acts as both the communication medium for electromagnetic signal transmission and the sensing element for detecting the electromagnetic field. This multi-functionality reduces operational complexity and time while achieving precise well placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If larger inter-well spacings are used to reduce short circuit effects, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction of short circuit vulnerabilityVSAvoidinter-well spacing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fiber optic sensors provide real-time feedback on the electromagnetic field strength, which correlates with the distance and alignment between wells. This feedback enables continuous monitoring and adjustment of well trajectories during drilling, ensuring precise inter-well spacing and reducing short circuit vulnerability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses electromagnetic field measurements through fiber optic sensors to determine well positioning, replacing conventional mechanical ranging methods. This substitution enables more precise and reliable inter-well spacing control by providing continuous positional data without the limitations of traditional mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If costly precision drilling techniques are employed to achieve accurate well placement, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of well placementVSAvoidcost and time efficiency of drilling operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces costly mechanical precision drilling techniques with electromagnetic field-based fiber optic sensing and guidance. The system uses electromagnetic signals transmitted through the formation and detected by fiber optic sensors to guide well placement, significantly reducing operational costs and time while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The fiber optic cable system provides self-service by using the same infrastructure for both signal transmission and sensing. The electromagnetic transmitter and fiber optic sensors work together as an integrated system that automatically provides positioning information, eliminating the need for separate expensive precision drilling equipment and operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 method enables accurate and efficient positioning of wells, reducing short circuit vulnerabilities and enhancing the heating efficiency and production of heavy oil, while also allowing for multiple roles of system components to decrease overall costs.

Implementation Method 1

obtaining EM field measurements in response to the emitted EM field using at least one fiber optic sensor deployed in a second borehole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10408044B2Methods and systems employing fiber optic sensors for ranging

Publication Date: 2019.09.10 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 determine a distance or direction of the EM transmitter relative to the at least one fiber optic sensor based on EM field measurements collected by the at least one fiber optic sensor in response to an EM field emitted by the EM transmitter.