Mid-Lateral Point Identification in Horizontal Well Trajectories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inconsistent trajectory surveys for wellbore characterization pose challenges in reconciling data to support well production evaluation, leading to inaccurate associations between wellbores and surveys, which hinders effective well production analysis.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the selection, cleaning, and extraction of standard and engineered features from multiple trajectory surveys, followed by joining with well header data to compute wellbore trajectory lateral variables, including mid-lateral points, to enhance data quality and consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple trajectory surveys are collected for wellbore characterization, then data completeness is improved, but data consistency deteriorates due to inconsistencies between surveys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wellbore trajectory into multiple discrete survey points with specific coordinates (northing, easting, elevation) and depth measurements. By dividing the continuous trajectory into measurable segments, the system can process and reconcile multiple surveys systematically, identifying consistent features across different survey datasets while maintaining overall data completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that acts as a mediator between multiple inconsistent trajectory surveys. This system applies reconciliation algorithms to identify and resolve inconsistencies, producing a unified wellbore characterization that integrates data from multiple surveys while maintaining consistency across the dataset.
2Reliability
If trajectory survey data is processed and reconciled, then data consistency is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms raw trajectory survey data into standardized parameters including northing, easting, elevation, and depth coordinates. By converting diverse survey formats into consistent parameter sets, the system simplifies the reconciliation process while maintaining data consistency, reducing processing complexity through parameter standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates standardized copies of trajectory data in a unified format from multiple source surveys. By generating consistent data representations that can be systematically compared and reconciled, the system reduces processing complexity while ensuring data consistency across different survey sources.
3Measurement precision
If wellbore trajectory features are extracted with high precision, then measurement precision is improved, but computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of trajectory survey data by establishing standardized coordinate systems and identifying key survey points before detailed feature extraction. By preparing data in advance with proper formatting and initial reconciliation, the system reduces computational requirements during the actual feature extraction phase while maintaining high measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore trajectory survey, having an ordered plurality of survey points, is acquired. Each of the plurality of survey points has a measured depth, an inclination, and a geographic location of the point in the wellbore corresponding to the survey point. The wellbore trajectory survey is ordered on measured depth. The processor identifies a minimum lateral measured depth (min_LMD), a maximum lateral measured depth (max_LMD). The processor identifies a mid-lateral point (mid_LMP) in the plurality of survey points whose measured depth (mid_LMD) is greater than min_LMD and less than max_LMD.