Well Positioning Using Magnetometer Magnetic Field Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional well drilling techniques are inadequate for accurately positioning wells in a specific spatial relationship with existing wells, particularly in densely packed arrangements required for unconventional oil production, due to inaccuracies in standard measurement while drilling (MWD) direction and inclination measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a magnetometer to measure magnetic fields generated by electrical currents injected into completed wells, allowing for precise determination of the drilling tool's location relative to existing wells by triangulating the position based on magnetic field directions from multiple well pairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional MWD measurement techniques are used for well positioning, then the drilling process is simple and standard procedures can be followed, but the measurement precision and manufacturing precision of well spacing and positioning deteriorate significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium for positioning. Instead of directly measuring well positions with complex mechanical sensors, the system uses magnetic fields generated by known current paths in completed wells as intermediaries to indirectly determine the position of the drilling tool through magnetometer measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical MWD measurement systems with a magnetic field-based positioning system. The mechanical sensors and complex mechanical measurement apparatus are substituted with magnetometers that detect magnetic fields, simplifying the overall system while improving precision.
2Productivity
If densely packed well arrangements are implemented for unconventional oil production, then the productivity and efficiency of oil production improve, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of well spacing and positioning deteriorate due to increased positioning difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the magnetometer continuously measures magnetic field directions during drilling, and this information is fed back to the drilling system to adjust and maintain the desired well spacing and positioning, enabling precise control in densely packed arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a magnetic field dimension to the positioning problem. By measuring magnetic field vectors in addition to conventional spatial coordinates, the system gains an extra dimension of information that enables precise positioning even in densely packed well arrangements where traditional methods fail.
3Productivity
If the well drilling depth is increased to access deeper hydrocarbon reservoirs, then the productivity and exploration capability improve, but the measurement precision and reliability of well positioning deteriorate as uncertainty ellipses increase in area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary positioning actions by establishing completed wells with known positions and injecting known currents into them before drilling the new well. This creates a reference framework of magnetic fields that can be used to accurately determine the position of subsequent wells, even at great depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the positioning problem into discrete measurements at different locations. Instead of attempting a single continuous measurement throughout the entire well depth, the system uses multiple discrete magnetometer measurements at different positions, each contributing to the overall position determination through magnetic field direction analysis.
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
Enables accurate placement of new wells in predetermined patterns relative to existing wells, improving the precision and reliability of well spacing and positioning, especially in densely packed arrangements, thereby reducing the risk of well collisions and enhancing the efficiency of unconventional oil production processes.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a direction of a first magnetic field generated by the current on the first pair using the magnetometer, measuring a direction of a second magnetic field generated by the current on the second pair using the magnetometer
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for relative positioning of wells. A method in accordance with an exemplary embodiment may include drilling a new well in a field having at least three completed wells using a drilling tool that includes a magnetometer. The method may further include driving current on a first pair of the at least three completed wells and then driving current on a second pair of the at least three completed wells, wherein the current is driven on each of the first and second pairs in a balanced mode. The method may also include measuring a direction of a first magnetic field generated by the current on the first pair using the magnetometer, measuring a direction of a second magnetic field generated by the current on the second pair using the magnetometer, and determining a location of the drilling tool relative to the completed wells based on the direction of the first magnetic field and the direction of the second magnetic field.