Well Location Determination Using Reference Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

The current methods for determining well locations in a hydrocarbon reservoir field are time-consuming, require significant human effort and skill, and are computationally costly due to the optimization of multiple parameters.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that receives geological gridded models, sets of criteria for well positioning, and reference well patterns to automatically determine well locations by optimizing cell suitability measures using a non-dominated sorting algorithm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional manual methods are used to determine well locations based on expert experience and coordinate optimization, then reliable results can be obtained, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires significant human effort and skill

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of well location determinationVSAvoidtime required for well location determination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses reference well patterns from existing fields as templates to generate well location recommendations for new fields. Instead of manually optimizing each well location from scratch, the system copies proven patterns and adapts them to new geological models, significantly reducing time while maintaining reliability through the use of established best practices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically determines well locations by processing geological gridded models and applying optimization algorithms without requiring continuous human intervention. The computer means autonomously evaluates multiple parameters, generates candidate locations, and produces results, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual expert analysis while preserving result quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If software products optimize multiple parameters (six parameters per well for a set of three coordinates) to determine well locations, then positioning accuracy can be improved, but the computational cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracy of wellsVSAvoidcomputational complexity of well location optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the well location determination process into distinct phases: generating candidate locations based on geological models, evaluating candidates against multiple parameters, and selecting optimal positions. This segmentation allows the system to handle complexity in manageable steps while maintaining positioning accuracy through systematic parameter evaluation at each stage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing geological gridded models and pre-identifying candidate well locations before final optimization. By preparing candidate positions in advance and pre-evaluating geological suitability, the system reduces the computational burden of final parameter optimization while maintaining accuracy through multi-stage filtering

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a numerical gridded model and manual expert analysis are used to determine well properties and locations, then comprehensive reservoir understanding can be achieved, but the process requires significant human resources and skill

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive reservoir understandingVSAvoidautomation level of well location determination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual expert mechanical analysis with computer-based automated processing. The system uses computational algorithms to analyze geological gridded models, evaluate multiple parameters, and determine well locations, substituting human expert systems with automated computer means that can process data comprehensively without requiring significant human resources while maintaining reliability through rigorous algorithmic evaluation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12270282B2Method for determining locations of wells in a field

Publication Date: 2025.04.08 TOTALENERGIES ONETECH

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for determining locations of wells in a field containing a hydrocarbon reservoir, said method comprising: ⋅receiving a first set of geological gridded models; ⋅receiving a set of criteria for positioning wells; ⋅receiving a plurality of reference well patterns associated to the first set of geological gridded models; ⋅estimating a plurality of weights, each weight being associated to a respective criterion among the plurality of criteria, based on the plurality of reference well patterns and the received set of criteria; ⋅receiving a second geological gridded model of the field; and ⋅determining locations of wells in the second geological gridded model based on the received set of criteria and the plurality of estimated weights.