TVD Corrected Geosteering via BHA Position Difference Accumulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling technologies face challenges in accurately determining the total vertical depth (TVD) during directional drilling, leading to errors that increase the complexity and cost of borehole operations and can permanently reduce well output.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures differences between projected and calculated BHA positions using a minimum curvature method, generating real-time TVD corrected gamma logs by accumulating these differences at each survey station, allowing for precise adjustments during drilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional drilling methods are used to determine TVD, then the drilling operation is simpler, but the accuracy of TVD measurement deteriorates leading to errors in well placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously measuring differences between projected and calculated BHA positions at each survey station, accumulating these differences, and generating real-time TVD corrected gamma logs. This closed-loop feedback system enables continuous correction of TVD measurements, improving accuracy while managing complexity through systematic data processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical surveying methods with a computational approach using minimum curvature method calculations and real-time data processing. This substitution of mechanical systems with computational algorithms improves measurement precision while reducing the complexity of physical measurement equipment
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time TVD correction is implemented, then well placement precision is improved, but the computational processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the computational process into discrete steps: measuring differences at each survey station, accumulating differences incrementally, and generating corrected gamma logs in real-time. This segmentation of the computational process makes the complex task manageable and enables real-time processing without overwhelming computational burden
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculations using the minimum curvature method to establish projected BHA positions before actual drilling reaches those points. This preliminary action allows for proactive correction of TVD measurements, improving well placement precision by anticipating and correcting errors before they accumulate
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a total vertical depth (TVD) for a well plan involves measuring differences between a projected BHA position at a depth of a survey station and a calculated BHA position based upon a minimum curvature method at the depth of the survey station. The differences are accumulated at each survey station with respect to the BHA position. Real time TVD corrected gamma logs are generated responsive to the accumulated differences of the BHA position.