Well Shoe Magnetic Source for Ranging Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electromagnetic ranging techniques for wellbore positioning face challenges such as poor signal-to-noise ratio and decreased accuracy due to current leakage and the 'end of pipe effect' in low resistivity formations or deep wells, which can lead to unsafe increased current levels and interference issues.

Innovation Solution

A well shoe device equipped with a magnetic source, such as a permanent magnet, electromagnet, or smart electromagnet, is used to generate a controlled magnetic field that can be detected by a ranging receiver, improving ranging accuracy and minimizing the end of pipe effect by placing the magnetic source at the end of the slotted liner or casing/formation interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional electromagnetic ranging techniques are used for wellbore positioning, then ranging information can be obtained, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates and accuracy decreases due to current leakage and end of pipe effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveranging accuracyVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional electromagnetic ranging methods with a magnetic source-based system. A magnetic source (permanent magnet or electromagnet) is positioned at the end of the slotted liner or casing/formation interface, and a magnetic field detector in the active wellbore directly measures the magnetic field to determine relative position. This substitution eliminates current leakage issues and end of pipe effects associated with electromagnetic induction, providing more reliable ranging accuracy in low resistivity formations and deep wells.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional electromagnetic ranging is used in low resistivity formations or deep wells, then ranging data can be obtained, but unsafe increased current levels and interference issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveranging reliabilityVSAvoidcurrent leakage and interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes electromagnetic induction-based ranging with direct magnetic field measurement. By positioning a magnetic source at the target wellbore end and detecting its magnetic field signature in the active wellbore, the system eliminates the need for high current levels that cause leakage and interference in conventional electromagnetic methods, thereby improving reliability in challenging geological conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic source acts as an intermediary between the target wellbore and the detection system. Instead of transmitting electromagnetic signals through the formation (which causes leakage and interference), the magnetic source provides a localized magnetic field that can be directly detected by the magnetic field detector, serving as a reliable mediator for position determination without the harmful effects of current leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If multiple teams are deployed for conventional ranging operations, then comprehensive data collection is achieved, but operational complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveranging data completenessVSAvoidnumber of teams required

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex multi-team electromagnetic ranging operations with a simplified magnetic source and detector system. The magnetic source positioned in the target wellbore and the magnetic field detector in the active wellbore enable direct, autonomous position determination, eliminating the need for multiple teams to deploy electromagnetic equipment and reducing operational complexity while maintaining data completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enhances ranging accuracy and safety by providing precise distance and direction information between existing and active drilling wells, reducing the need for multiple teams and minimizing interference, while allowing for semi-autonomous operation and flexible magnetic field control.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

improving ranging accuracy by placing the magnetic source at the end of the slotted liner or casing/formation interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11746646B2Determining a relative wellbore location utilizing a well shoe having a ranging source

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

The disclosure provides a well system environment ranging system including a well shoe device with a ranging source. In one aspect the ranging source is a magnetic source that can be a permanent magnet, and electromagnet, or a smart electromagnet. A method is also provided wherein a ranging receiver can be deployed to determine the relative location of the well shoe device to the ranging receiver. The well shoe device and the ranging receiver can be deployed in adjacent wellbores. In one aspect, multiple well shoe devices including a magnetic source can be inserted into one or more wellbores where the magnetic sources can have different specified magnetic field intensity so the well shoe positions can be determined by one or more ranging receivers.