Geosteering Lateral Wells for Optimal Sublayer Targeting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for optimizing lateral landing in unconventional and low permeability reservoirs face challenges such as precise placement of lateral wells, perforation optimization, and packer and fracturing sleeve placement, due to assumptions about lateral heterogeneity affecting reservoir connectivity and production efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a parametric production study to determine the best production interval and precise sublayer for lateral landing, followed by geosteering the lateral well based on this information to optimize production, using advanced logging and fracturing techniques like ultradeep resistivity mapping and hybrid fracturing strategies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional analysis methods are used with assumptions of lateral heterogeneity, then fracture height coverage can be sensitized within target reservoir layer, but manufacturing precision of lateral placement is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral placement precisionVSAvoidanalysis method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary parametric production studies and identifies best production intervals before actual well drilling. This allows optimization of lateral landing points in advance, improving placement precision while managing complexity through systematic pre-planning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from assuming uniform lateral heterogeneity to identifying specific local zones with optimal properties (best production intervals). By targeting specific sublayers with distinct geological characteristics, the method achieves precise lateral placement in high-value zones rather than relying on generalized assumptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If parametric production study and geosteering are implemented, then production efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidworkflow complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex workflow into distinct phases: data collection, parametric production studies, identification of best production intervals, and geosteering execution. This segmentation manages complexity by breaking down the overall system into manageable, sequential components that can be optimized independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback loops where production data from exploratory wells feeds back into the design of subsequent wells. This iterative optimization enhances production efficiency while managing complexity through data-driven adjustments rather than rigid predetermined plans

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If precise lateral landing is targeted, then production dependence on lateral placement improves, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction dependence on lateral placementVSAvoidsublayer detection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical drilling and logging methods with advanced geosteering technologies including real-time resistivity mapping and navigation systems. This substitution enables precise detection and measurement of subsurface sublayers, improving reliability while reducing the difficulty of detection through technological enhancement rather than increased mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enhances production efficiency by ensuring precise lateral placement, improving fracture conductivity, and achieving consistent gas production rates by targeting the most prolific sublayers and optimizing fracturing strategies.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing resistivity mapping to identify the prolific sublayer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistivity Tomography: Electrical Resistivity Tomography

Data Source

PatentUS20240263517A1Systems and methods for optimizing lateral landing for explorational environments

Publication Date: 2024.08.08 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods presented herein include a method that includes conducting a parametric production study for a plurality of wells during a development phase of the plurality of wells in a geological environment. The method also includes deploying information relating to the parametric study for use in design of an additional well. The method further includes analyzing production intervals of the plurality of wells and the additional well to determine a best production interval. In addition, the method includes analyzing production dependence of the plurality of wells and the additional well on precise lateral landing. The method also includes identifying a precise sublayer for lateral landing based at least in part on the best production interval and the production dependence. The method further includes geosteering a lateral of the additional well in accordance with information relating to the precise sublayer for lateral landing.