Automated Pad Positioning With Slope Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning onshore oil and gas pads are time-consuming and inefficient, particularly in large-scale field development, due to the need for manual iteration and lack of automation in considering surface topography and slope constraints, leading to prolonged planning cycles and increased risk of well collisions.
Innovation Solution
The system employs incremental rotations and nudges to optimize slot template orientation and pad positioning, using computer-implemented methods to compute optimal slot assignments and adjust nudge parameters based on trajectory and elevation data, thereby automating the process and reducing planning time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual iteration methods are used for pad positioning and well path planning, then flexibility in adjusting parameters is maintained, but planning cycle time increases significantly (3-5 days per pad)
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated calculations of optimal pad positions, slot template orientations, and well path assignments before detailed design begins. By pre-computing these parameters using automated algorithms, the system eliminates repetitive manual iteration while preserving the ability to adjust parameters later if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated planning system as an intermediary between manual pad positioning and well path design. This intermediary system handles the computationally intensive iterative optimization of pad locations, slot orientations, and well path assignments, freeing human operators from tedious manual calculations while maintaining control over the planning process.
2Ease of manufacture
If visual positioning methods are used for pad placement, then simplicity of the process is maintained, but positioning precision decreases due to eyeballing and estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual positioning methods with an automated computer-based system that uses elevation data, slope constraints, and well target coordinates to calculate precise pad locations. This substitution eliminates the imprecision of eyeballing while maintaining ease of use through automated algorithms that handle the complex calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of the terrain surface and well targets, allowing for precise virtual positioning and measurement before actual field implementation. By working with digital representations rather than physical site visits, the system achieves higher precision while keeping the process simple and repeatable.
3Ease of operation
If slot templates are positioned without automated optimization, then ease of initial setup is maintained, but collision risk between wells increases due to tight spacing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system incorporates feedback loops that evaluate well path trajectories, slot template orientations, and pad positions to identify and resolve potential collision risks. By continuously checking for conflicts and automatically adjusting parameters, the system maintains ease of setup while significantly reducing collision risk through data-driven optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of potential well path conflicts before finalizing slot template positions and orientations. By identifying and addressing collision risks in advance through automated calculations, the system prevents problems before they occur rather than requiring manual intervention during field operations.
4Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive consideration of topography, slope constraints, and well paths is performed manually, then accuracy of constraints is improved, but device complexity and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple constraint considerations (topography, slope limits, well target locations, well path requirements) into a single integrated automated planning system. By merging these previously separate analysis tasks into one unified computational process, the system achieves comprehensive constraint satisfaction without requiring separate manual procedures for each constraint type.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for the automated positioning of pads and orienting of slot templates for the pads. The systems and methods also include automated adjsutment of well path plans from a pad to selected well targets.