Injector Riskiness Score Matrix for Nearby Well Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for managing injector wells in the oil industry do not effectively identify which injectors pose a threat to nearby wells, leading to unnecessary shutdowns that disrupt hydrocarbon production dynamics and lack optimization of the injection process.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using an Injector Riskiness Score (IRS) matrix to evaluate risks based on multiple criteria, including well profile, position, distance, formation fluid type, and number of layers, to determine if an injector should be shut down, optimizing asset use and minimizing disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional practices shut down injectors before drilling new wells in their vicinity, then safety risks are reduced, but hydrocarbon production dynamics are disrupted and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from a binary shutdown decision to a continuous risk score evaluation. Multiple parameters (distance, formation pressure, well depth, injection rate) are quantified and weighted to generate an IRS score, enabling nuanced decisions that balance safety and productivity rather than simple on/off shutdown choices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/conventional approach of automatic injector shutdown with a computational system. A computer-implemented method calculates the IRS score by processing multiple input parameters through weighted calculations, substituting physical shutdown mechanisms with information-based decision support that can recommend against unnecessary shutdowns.
2Reliability
If injector shutdowns are implemented based on distance alone, then safety is improved, but device complexity and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the risk assessment into distinct, manageable components. The IRS calculation divides the overall risk into separate weighted factors: distance factor, formation pressure factor, well depth factor, and injection rate factor. Each factor is evaluated independently and then combined, making the complex decision process structured and systematic rather than overwhelming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the complex qualitative assessment of injector risk into quantitative parameters. By assigning numerical values to distance, pressure, depth, and injection rate, and then combining them through weighted sums, the system converts complex multidimensional risk into a single comparable IRS score, simplifying the decision-making process.
3Ease of operation
If no procedure exists to identify threatening injectors, then operational simplicity is maintained, but harmful factors increase due to undetected risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational system that mediates between the complex reality of multiple injector interactions and the simple need for drilling decisions. The IRS calculation system acts as a mediator that processes multiple input parameters and translates them into actionable risk assessments, bridging the gap between operational simplicity and comprehensive risk analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring multiple parameters (distance, pressure, depth, injection rate) and using this information to generate IRS scores that inform drilling decisions. The system provides feedback on which injectors pose threats and which do not, enabling dynamic adjustment of drilling plans based on real-time risk assessment rather than static procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods include a computer-implemented method for determining risks of injector wells. Inputs for multiple risk criteria are received through an injector riskiness score (IRS) user interface for processing risks posed by an injector well to a new well being drilled in proximity to the injector well. A weighted sum of values corresponding to inputs for the risk multiple criteria is determined based on the inputs. An IRS score is determined based on the weighted sum. A determination is made whether the injector well has an IRS score above a predefined threshold. A shut-down recommendation for the injector well is identified in response to determining that the injector well has an IRS score above the predefined threshold.