Multi-Well Ranging via Joint-Inversion Electromagnetic Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ranging techniques are limited in their ability to accurately determine the distance and direction between multiple nearby wells, particularly in crowded drilling environments, as they often only consider a single surrounding casing and fail to resolve multiple targets downhole.
Innovation Solution
The use of joint-inversion algorithms among different types of excitation sources to identify relative distances and directions between wells, employing electromagnetic signals and antennas in a logging tool to distinguish nearby conductor signals from formation signals, allowing for the detection of multiple targets and precise steering of a drill bit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing ranging techniques consider only one surrounding casing, then the system is simpler to operate, but it cannot identify multiple targets downhole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electromagnetic response data by associating each signal with its specific excitation source (i.e., each target well). The joint inversion process independently processes responses from multiple excitation sources, allowing the system to identify and characterize multiple targets separately rather than as a single combined signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The ranging system is designed to handle multiple excitation sources simultaneously using a universal joint inversion algorithm that can process electromagnetic responses from any number of target wells. This multi-functional capability allows the same system to identify single or multiple targets without requiring separate specialized systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple excitation sources are used to identify multiple targets, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint inversion algorithm segments the complex multi-source electromagnetic response into individual contributions from each excitation source. By processing each source's response separately and then combining the results, the system achieves high measurement precision for multiple targets while managing algorithmic complexity through systematic decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational framework (the joint inversion algorithm) that mediates between the complex multi-source electromagnetic data and the final target location results. This intermediary process systematically resolves the complexity by iteratively processing responses from multiple excitation sources to produce accurate, precise measurements.
3Measurement precision
If electromagnetic signals from multiple excitation sources are processed, then the ability to distinguish nearby conductor signals from formation signals improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic excitation of multiple sources with distinct frequencies or time sequences, allowing the electromagnetic responses to be periodically sampled and differentiated. This periodic action enables the joint inversion algorithm to distinguish between signals from different excitation sources and formation signals through frequency or temporal analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint inversion process segments the electromagnetic response data by time or frequency associated with each excitation source. This segmentation allows efficient processing by treating each source's contribution separately, improving signal discrimination accuracy while reducing overall processing time compared to analyzing all signals simultaneously.
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 the precise steering of a drill bit through a field with multiple existing wells without interrupting production, facilitating techniques like Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) and anti-collision by accurately resolving multiple targets and their locations.
Implementation Method 1
the excitation source of the target well introduces a current that flows along a casing of the target well and generates a magnetic field that surrounds the target well
Implementation Method 2
a receiver in the drilling well obtains azimuthal responses from the magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include methods and apparatus for ranging techniques to detect and determine a relative distance and azimuthal direction of nearby target well conductors such as pipes, well casing, etc., from within a borehole of a drilling well. A nearby casing string of a target well can be detected by transmitting an electromagnetic signal from an excitation source located along the target well and measuring a response signal with an antenna on a downhole logging tool in the drilling well. Several different excitation sources for various target wells are utilized to distinguish nearby conductor signals from formation signals. Joint]inversion algorithms are utilized to identify multi]well locations on the basis of measured signal responses from the different excitations sources. The joint]inversions may be implemented in real]time or during post]processing, and used in applications such as SAGD, anti]collision, and relief well development.