Offset Well Trajectory Matching for Automated Well Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in offset well analysis is identifying relevant wells with geometrical and geological similarity from a vast dataset, which often requires a time-consuming manual process of searching and analyzing drilling reports and data.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that automatically calculates the similarity between a subject well and offset wells using a rules-based algorithm, reducing the number of wells to be manually analyzed by determining a quantitative similarity metric.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual search and analysis of drilling reports is used to identify relevant offset wells, then the analysis can be performed with basic filtering tools, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical search and analysis processes with an automated computer-based system that uses algorithms to calculate trajectory similarity metrics. The system automatically processes well data, computes similarity scores based on geometric parameters, and identifies relevant offset wells without manual intervention in the calculation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the subjective manual assessment of well similarity into objective quantitative parameter-based comparison. By defining specific geometric parameters (azimuth, inclination, depth) and calculating similarity metrics based on these parameters, the system enables automated, consistent, and reproducible well matching.
2Productivity
If automated trajectory similarity calculation is implemented, then the efficiency and consistency of well selection improves, but the complexity of the analysis system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent breaks down the complex task of well similarity assessment into separate calculable components: azimuth similarity, inclination similarity, and depth similarity. Each parameter is calculated independently using specific formulas, and the results are combined to produce an overall similarity metric. This segmentation makes the complex problem manageable and computable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces similarity metrics as intermediary quantitative values that mediate between raw well trajectory data and the final selection of relevant offset wells. These metrics serve as intermediaries that translate geometric differences into comparable similarity scores, enabling systematic comparison and automated decision-making.
3Speed
If basic filtering by trajectory type and maximum inclination is used, then the initial well selection is quick, but the precision of identifying truly similar wells is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary basic filtering by trajectory type and maximum inclination to quickly reduce the candidate well set before applying the more computationally intensive similarity calculations. This preliminary action eliminates obviously dissimilar wells early, maintaining speed while preparing a focused set for precise similarity assessment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for offset well analysis includes receiving offset well data collected from an offset well, the offset well data including data representing a trajectory of an offset well, receiving subject well data comprising a trajectory of at least a portion of a subject well, partitioning the trajectory of the offset well into a plurality of offset well segments, partitioning the trajectory of the subject well into a plurality of subject well segments, determining a distance between at least some of the plurality of offset well segments and at least some of the plurality of subject well segments, selecting the offset well based in part on the distance, and performing an offset well analysis using the offset well and the subject well.