Rotary Steerable Tools for Simultaneous Well Path Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for systems and methods to automatically range and track simultaneously drilled geological wells in geological formations, particularly for geothermal energy applications where drilling multiple wells with similar but offset paths is desirable.

Innovation Solution

The system includes a first rotary steerable tool configured to control a first drilling bit to drill a first well with a specific well path, and a second rotary steerable tool configured to control a second drilling bit to simultaneously drill a second well with a well path that tracks the first well path. The tools utilize sensors to detect static and alternating magnetic fields, allowing for real-time tracking and adjustment of drilling operations to maintain a constant distance between the well paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple geological wells are drilled simultaneously with similar but offset paths, then geothermal energy harvesting efficiency is improved, but maintaining constant distance and alignment between well paths becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeothermal energy harvesting efficiencyVSAvoidwell path alignment and distance control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs real-time feedback by using sensors in the second rotary steerable tool to detect the magnetic field source from the first tool, continuously measuring relative position and orientation. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of drilling parameters to maintain constant distance and alignment between the two well paths, resolving the contradiction between drilling multiple wells simultaneously and maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical surveying and alignment methods with a magnetic field-based detection system. The first tool carries a magnetic field source, and the second tool uses sensors to detect this field, substituting complex mechanical measurement systems with a more precise and automated electromagnetic field-based positioning system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If automatic ranging and tracking systems are implemented for simultaneous well drilling, then well path tracking precision is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell path tracking precisionVSAvoidranging and tracking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary steerable tools serve multiple functions: they control the drilling direction, carry the magnetic field source for positioning, and include sensors for detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated tracking devices, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If sensors detect static and alternating magnetic fields for real-time tracking, then well path alignment accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell path alignment accuracyVSAvoidsensor energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic alternating magnetic fields generated by the first tool rather than continuous emission. The sensors in the second tool detect these periodic signals, allowing for energy-efficient operation while maintaining alignment accuracy. The periodic nature of the magnetic field generation reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous field emission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This approach enables simultaneous and parallel drilling of geological wells with improved efficiency and reduced costs, ensuring that the well paths remain aligned and at a constant distance, facilitating effective geothermal energy harvesting.

Implementation Method 1

a first direction and inclination component that includes a first set of sensors configured to detect a static magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a signal source configured to generate a source signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a second direction and inclination component that includes a second set of sensors configured to detect the source signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20250146363A1Systems and methods for ranging and tracking while drilling multiple geological wells

Publication Date: 2025.05.08 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A system includes a first rotary steerable tool configured to control a first drilling bit to drill a first well having a first well path. The first rotary steerable tool includes a first direction and inclination component that includes a first set of sensors configured to detect a static magnetic field and a signal source configured to generate a source signal. The system also includes a second rotary steerable tool configured to control a second drilling bit to simultaneously drill a second well having a second well path that tracks the first well path. The second rotary steerable tool includes a second direction and inclination component that includes a second set of sensors configured to detect the source signal.