Spatio-Temporal Conflict Identification for Horizontal Well Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current resource-constrained operational planning methods, such as CPM scheduling tools, are not adequately suited for horizontal oil & gas well developments due to their deterministic nature and inability to handle the unique spatial and temporal challenges of directional wells, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety issues like well control problems.
Innovation Solution
The development of methods and systems that store operational scheduling data, calculate and filter potential conflicts using user-defined distances and buffer zones, and visualize these conflicts on electronic maps, enabling more effective resource allocation and conflict avoidance in horizontal well development planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional CPM scheduling tools are used for horizontal well development planning, then project scheduling can be performed, but the tools cannot adequately handle spatial conflicts and simultaneous operations between drilling rigs and frac crews
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a geographic information system (GIS) as an intermediary layer between traditional CPM scheduling tools and horizontal well development operations. The GIS captures spatial coordinates, calculates distances between wells, and visualizes operational conflicts on electronic maps, thereby mediating the information gap that traditional scheduling tools cannot bridge between temporal schedules and spatial relationships
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to traditional one-dimensional time-based CPM scheduling by integrating geographic coordinates, distance calculations, and electronic map visualizations. This transforms the scheduling system from purely temporal planning to spatio-temporal planning, enabling simultaneous monitoring of both time schedules and spatial relationships between drilling and frac operations
2Productivity
If the spacing between horizontal wells is reduced to increase field development density, then more wells can be developed, but the risk of simultaneous operational conflicts and well control issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary spatial conflict analysis by calculating distances between all well pairs and identifying potential simultaneous operational conflicts before drilling and frac operations begin. The system pre-visualizes these conflicts on electronic maps using user-defined buffer zones, allowing planners to adjust well spacing or operational schedules in advance to avoid harmful interactions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the scheduled positions and times of drilling and frac operations, calculates real-time distances between operations, and provides visual feedback through electronic maps showing buffer zone overlaps. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of operational plans to maintain safe spacing even as well density increases
3Loss of time
If deterministic CPM scheduling methods are used, then project timelines can be calculated, but resource allocation inefficiencies occur due to inability to optimize around spatial constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, deterministic CPM schedule into a dynamic spatio-temporal model that automatically adjusts operational timing based on spatial constraints. The system calculates optimal start times for drilling and frac operations by considering both critical path requirements and geographic buffer zone constraints, thereby dynamically optimizing resource allocation while maintaining project timeline accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for identifying potential simultaneous operational conflicts among a plurality of assets in a project. One method includes storing operational scheduling data for a project having one or more project assets, the project assets able to perform a plurality of operational activities at defined coordinates, in a scheduling database, and storing project-specific variables for the project in an external data source. A database query is then performed of the scheduling database and the external data source using a computer, returning all possible combinations of the operational activities, including defining a common reference, calculating distances from each defined coordinate to each other defined coordinate, and filtering the calculated distances to filter out potential operational conflicts, for example distances greater than one or more user-defined buffer distances. Potential simultaneous operational conflicts may be displayed in tabular or graphical form on a user interface electronically connected to the computer.