Well Path Optimization via Magnetic Geometric Vector Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional borehole surveying methods face challenges in accurately determining the well path due to magnetic interference and variations in the Earth's magnetic field, leading to uncertainties in distance and direction measurements between drilling and target wells, particularly in SAGD operations.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a feedback loop to compare magnetic and geometric least distance vectors, adjusting borehole inclination and azimuth estimates to minimize differences between measured and modeled parameters, thereby improving the accuracy of well path determination and reducing noise in magnetic ranging measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic field measurements are used to determine borehole azimuth, then borehole orientation can be obtained, but magnetic interference from BHA and subterranean structures causes errors in azimuth values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by comparing the measured magnetic field vector with a modeled magnetic field vector calculated from known well paths and magnetic sources. The difference (error signal) is used to adjust and optimize the estimated well path, thereby compensating for magnetic interference and improving azimuth measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a modeled magnetic field vector as an intermediary between the raw magnetic measurements and the final azimuth determination. This modeled vector, derived from known well paths and magnetic source characteristics, serves as a reference to isolate and eliminate the effects of magnetic interference from BHA and subterranean structures.
2Loss of information
If conventional borehole surveying is used to determine well path, then discrete survey points can be obtained, but uncertainties exist in distance and direction measurements between drilling and target wells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback by continuously comparing the measured magnetic field vector with the modeled magnetic field vector along the entire well path. This allows for real-time optimization of the well path estimate, reducing uncertainties in distance and direction between the drilling well and target well beyond what discrete survey points can provide.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on discrete survey points, the patent applies magnetic field comparisons continuously along the well path. This continuous measurement and optimization approach provides more comprehensive information about the well path, reducing uncertainties in distance and direction measurements between wells.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic ranging measurements are used to locate target well, then relative position can be determined, but noise in measurements results in uncertainties in distance and direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by comparing the measured magnetic field vector with a modeled magnetic field vector that accounts for the magnetized target well. The error signal from this comparison is used to optimize the estimated well path and relative position, thereby reducing uncertainties caused by measurement noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the magnetic interference from the magnetized target well, which initially causes noise and uncertainties, into a beneficial signal. By deliberately magnetizing the target well and using its magnetic field as a reference, the system can more accurately determine relative position and orientation through feedback optimization, transforming the interference into a useful measurement tool.
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 real-time determination of a definitive well path and relative placement of the drilling well with respect to the target well, minimizing noise and ensuring precise control over distance and direction, which is critical in SAGD operations.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor in sensory range of magnetic flux emanating from the target well
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a list of survey points for a drilling well includes a feedback loop in which one or more measured parameters are compared with computed or derived parameters. The computed parameters are typically obtained from other/additional measurements. For example, in one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a magnetic least distance vector determined via magnetic ranging is compared with a geometric least distance vector computed from conventional borehole surveying measurements. Estimates of the drilling well azimuth and/or inclination may be adjusted to yield a good agreement between the magnetic and geometric least distance vectors. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention advantageously provide for a substantially real-time determination of a definitive well path for a drilling well as well as a substantially real-time relative placement of the drilling well with respect to a target well.