Genetic Algorithm Wellbore Layout Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional well-planning designs face challenges in optimizing wellbore layouts, especially in regions with sparse data, requiring collaboration among geologists, geophysicists, and engineers, and often rely on detailed drilling plans that are not always available.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using genetic algorithms to generate optimized wellbore layouts by receiving parameters and constraints from client devices, evaluating fitness scores, and iteratively modifying layouts to satisfy metrics, which can operate with limited data and historical wellbore information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional well-planning methods are used requiring collaboration among multiple specialists, then the quality and reliability of wellbore layout can be improved, but the device complexity and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewellbore layout qualityVSAvoidcollaboration process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically generating wellbore layouts using genetic algorithms without requiring manual collaboration between geologists, geophysicists, and engineers. The algorithm independently processes input parameters and constraints to produce optimized layouts, eliminating the need for multiple specialists to work together manually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical collaboration system (human specialists working together) with an automated computational system based on genetic algorithms. This substitution transforms the wellbore layout generation from a human-centric process to an algorithm-driven process, maintaining reliability while reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If detailed drilling plan data is required for wellbore layout optimization, then the manufacturing precision of the layout can be improved, but the ease of operation and adaptability to sparse data regions deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewellbore layout precisionVSAvoidapplicability to sparse data regions

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by using only the essential parameters and constraints needed for layout generation rather than requiring complete detailed drilling plans. It generates optimized layouts with available data, performing sufficient optimization without demanding excessive information that may not be available in sparse data regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from requiring detailed drilling plan data to working with fundamental parameters (wellbore depth, lateral length, kickoff point, target location) and constraints. This parameter transformation enables the system to operate effectively in regions where detailed data is sparse while still producing precise optimized layouts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If genetic algorithms are used to generate multiple wellbore layout configurations, then the productivity and optimization quality improve, but the computing time and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout optimization qualityVSAvoidcomputational energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The genetic algorithm implements periodic action through iterative generations of layout configurations. Each generation evaluates multiple layouts, selects the fittest, and produces the next generation through stochastic modifications. This periodic evaluation and selection process continues until convergence, achieving high optimization quality while managing computational resources through structured iterations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11783098B2System and method to generate wellbore layouts

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 RS ENERGY GROUP TOPCO INC(CA)

AI summary

A system and method of generating a wellbore layout are disclosed herein. A computing system receives, from a client device, one or more parameters associated with a target location for the target wellbore layout. The computing system receives, from the client device, one or more constraints for the target wellbore layout. The computing system generates a plurality target wellbore layout based on the parameters and constraints in accordance with a plurality of configurations as defined by one or more genetic algorithms. The computing system evaluates each target wellbore layout to generate an overall fitness score. The computing system selects a target wellbore layout with the highest scoring score of each generated overall fitness score, repeating the process until an optimal wellbore layout is selected.