Surface Ranging via EM Field Injection for Wellbore Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wellbore drilling operations, especially for advanced recovery procedures like SAGD, precise placement of multiple wellbores relative to each other is challenging due to the limitations of existing electromagnetic ranging systems, which can lead to inefficiencies or safety issues if the injector wellbore is positioned too close or too far from the producer wellbore.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic (EM) surface ranging method and system that generates an EM field in a wellbore and utilizes magnetic field measurements made at the surface to ensure optimal spacing between wellbores, using a current injection system and EM sensors to determine the relative distance and angle between wellbores, allowing for real-time adjustments during drilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional electromagnetic ranging systems are used to determine wellbore spacing, then wellbore placement can be achieved, but the precision and reliability of spacing measurement are insufficient leading to potential safety issues or inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the current-carrying conductor in the first wellbore and the measurement system in the second wellbore. This magnetic field serves as a mediator that carries spatial information from the source wellbore to the detecting wellbore, enabling indirect but precise measurement of wellbore spacing without direct contact or line-of-sight requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or direct electromagnetic contact-based ranging systems with a magnetic field sensing system. Instead of using mechanical surveying equipment or complex electromagnetic wave transmission through air, the system uses magnetic field induction through the conductive formation, substituting a simpler physical principle that provides more reliable and precise measurements
2Loss of information
If active electromagnetic ranging systems with current injection are used, then magnetic field generation for measurement is achieved, but the complexity of the system increases due to current injection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the wellbore conductors serve multiple functions: they act as both the structural casing/drill string and as the current-carrying conductor for generating the magnetic field. This eliminates the need for separate transmitter equipment and reduces system complexity while maintaining signal strength
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing conductive infrastructure (wellbore casings or drill strings) to generate and detect the magnetic field itself. The wellbore structure serves its own ranging function, eliminating the need for external active transmission equipment and reducing overall system complexity
3Productivity
If wellbores are drilled closer together to maximize production efficiency, then oil extraction efficiency improves, but the risk of steam communication and safety hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous magnetic field-based monitoring of wellbore spacing during drilling and production operations. This feedback mechanism allows real-time detection of trajectory deviations and spacing changes, enabling operators to adjust drilling paths or operational parameters to maintain safe distances while optimizing production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary ranging measurements during the drilling phase to establish accurate baseline spacing between wellbores. By determining precise trajectories early in the process, the system prevents future unsafe proximity issues before steam injection begins, allowing for more aggressive wellbore spacing optimization
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 precise and efficient placement of wellbores, maximizing the effectiveness of advanced recovery procedures by maintaining desired spacings and avoiding collisions, thus enhancing oil extraction efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a current is applied to this conductive pipe string in the target wellbore by a low-frequency current source. The current flows along the conductive pipe string and results in EM fields around the target wellbore
Implementation Method 2
These EM fields around the target wellbore are measured using an electromagnetic field sensor system disposed in the other wellbore, which is typically the wellbore in the process of being drilled
Data Source
AI summary
A system for electromagnetic wellbore surface ranging to determine the location of a second wellbore relative to a first wellbore utilizing i) a current source configured to directly inject electrical current into a conductive member disposed in each wellbore and ii) an electromagnetic senor positioned on the surface of a formation, the sensor configured to measure electromagnetic fields at the formation surface emanating from the conductive member within each wellbore.