Relief Well Intersection at Steep Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for drilling relief wells to establish hydraulic communication with target wells are limited by shallow deviation angles, which restrict the spacing between well sites and make it difficult to intersect wells at sufficient vertical depth, especially when the target well has a shallow true vertical depth.
Innovation Solution
The use of a ranging system and directional drilling techniques to guide the relief wellbore to intersect the target well at angles greater than 45 degrees, including trajectories where the relief well drops below the intersection point, allowing for intersection at shallower true vertical depths and enabling greater spacing between well sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the relief well is drilled at a shallow deviation angle (less than 15 degrees) to ensure the bit is not deflected off the casing, then the opportunity for making the interception is increased, but the spacing between well sites is restricted and it becomes difficult to intersect wells at sufficient vertical depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the deviation angle parameter from the traditional shallow angle (less than 15 degrees) to a steeper angle (greater than 45 degrees). This parameter change allows for increased spacing between well sites while still achieving successful interception, as the steeper angle creates a more direct path to the target well at greater depths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension more effectively by drilling to greater true vertical depths (TVD) before intersecting the target well. By operating in the vertical dimension with steeper angles and greater depths, the system overcomes the horizontal spacing limitations imposed by shallow angle drilling
2Ease of operation
If the relief well is drilled vertically down to a planned kickoff point and then turned toward the target well using conventional directional drilling technology, then the well trajectory can be controlled, but the intersection can only be achieved at shallow true vertical depths with traditional well spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional directional drilling technology with a magnetic guidance system. A magnetic member is placed in the target well and a magnetic field is used to guide the relief wellbore to the target, enabling precise intersection at greater depths without relying on mechanical directional drilling equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the relief well and the target well. The magnetic member placed in the target well generates a magnetic field that serves as a guide for the relief wellbore, enabling precise navigation to the intersection point at greater vertical depths
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for establishing hydraulic communication between a relief well and a target well, wherein the relief well intersects with the target well at an intersection point and the relief well includes a distal portion of the relief well that is deviated and intersects the first wellbore from below the intersection point. A directional drilling system and a magnetic ranging system may be used to guide the relief well from a kick-off point to the intersection point. The deviation angle between the two intersecting wells is at least 45 degrees, but may be approximately 90 degrees or obtuse. A deviated portion of the relief well includes a J-shaped or U-shaped trajectory, thus allowing the wellhead of the relief well to be located at a site removed from the wellhead of the target well, but still intersect the target well at a shallow true vertical depth.