Multidimensional Well Placement and Lateral Configuration Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional well placement and configuration techniques lack a systematic approach to optimize well orientation, target zones, lateral length, and lateral spacing, leading to suboptimal recovery and increased costs in full field development due to computational complexity and heterogeneity in reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A multidimensional approach using computer-implemented methods to generate 2D target entry points for well design, allowing for varied single lateral configurations with different lengths, completion zones, and orientations, followed by dynamic reservoir simulation to select optimal 3D configurations, optimizing well placement and configuration systematically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional well placement and configuration techniques are used, then the design process is simpler, but recovery efficiency decreases and costs increase due to lack of systematic optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the well configuration optimization into multiple independent dimensions: well orientation, target zones, lateral length, number of laterals, lateral spacing, and completions. Each dimension can be optimized separately through systematic evaluation, transforming a complex monolithic problem into manageable components while achieving comprehensive optimization of recovery efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multidimensional optimization framework that evaluates well configurations across multiple parameters simultaneously (orientation, lateral length, spacing, number of laterals). This dimensional approach transforms conventional single-parameter optimization into a comprehensive multidimensional analysis, enabling systematic improvement of recovery efficiency without overwhelming complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive well configuration evaluation is performed for every well, then optimization precision improves, but computational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of single lateral configurations for each well location before finalizing the complete well architecture. By pre-assessing individual lateral options and their performance characteristics, the system narrows down the configuration space early in the design process, enabling precise multidimensional optimization without requiring exhaustive computational evaluation of all possible combinations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic, iterative optimization process where well configurations are evaluated and refined through multiple stages. The system dynamically adjusts the level of detail and computational effort based on the specific reservoir conditions and preliminary results, allowing high precision optimization for critical parameters while reducing computational overhead for less sensitive aspects
3Measurement precision
If natural complexities such as fractures, faults, and heterogeneities are considered, then design accuracy improves, but the architecture design process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality analysis by evaluating well configurations specifically tailored to local reservoir characteristics such as fractures, faults, and heterogeneities at each well location. Rather than applying uniform design rules across the entire field, the system customizes optimization parameters based on local geological conditions, achieving high design accuracy while managing complexity through localized rather than global analysis
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods include a computer-implemented method for performing well placement and configuration. Two-dimensional (2D) target entry (TE) points are generated in an area of interest (AOI) for wells to be drilled in an oil reservoir, where the 2D TE points are positioned according to a defined well length resolution. A single lateral is designed for each well using the 2D TE points, where each single lateral is designed with a different length, completion zone, azimuth, and orientation. Using the single laterals, a dynamic reservoir simulation is executed for the wells to be drilled in the oil reservoir, including rotating between different three-dimensional (3D) configurations for each 2D TE. A 3D configuration for each 2D TE is selected for each lateral and based on executing the dynamic reservoir simulation.