Well Trajectory Update via 3D Relational Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oilfield drilling operations face challenges in accurately navigating and optimizing well trajectories due to the complexity of subsurface geological structures and the need for real-time adjustments based on changing conditions, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize three-dimensional relational comparisons to determine intersections between subsurface entities and update well trajectories, allowing for precise drilling tool advancement based on geologic targets and real-time data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional drilling navigation methods are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but trajectory accuracy and drilling efficiency deteriorate due to inability to perform real-time adjustments based on complex subsurface geological structures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary three-dimensional relational comparisons between the planned well trajectory and subsurface entities (faults, folds, salt domes, other wells) before drilling begins. This advance analysis allows operators to identify potential conflicts and adjust trajectories proactively, improving trajectory accuracy while avoiding the need for complex real-time adjustments during drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computational modeling system as an intermediary between the drilling planning process and the actual drilling operation. This intermediary performs automated three-dimensional spatial analysis and generates optimized trajectory recommendations, reducing the complexity burden from the operators while maintaining high trajectory accuracy through sophisticated subsurface entity modeling and relational comparison algorithms.
2Productivity
If real-time trajectory adjustments are implemented, then drilling efficiency and success rate improve, but operational complexity and computational requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs comprehensive three-dimensional relational comparisons and trajectory optimization calculations before drilling begins. By pre-processing the subsurface geological models and identifying all potential conflicts with faults, folds, salt domes, and existing wells, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time computational adjustments during drilling, thereby improving drilling efficiency without overwhelming computational requirements during operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates detailed three-dimensional digital copies or models of subsurface entities (faults, folds, salt domes, existing wells) and the planned well trajectory. These computational models allow for automated spatial relationship analysis and trajectory optimization without requiring complex real-time processing during drilling. The pre-computed model comparisons enable efficient drilling operations with improved productivity while keeping actual operational computational requirements manageable.
3Reliability
If comprehensive subsurface analysis is performed, then risk of drilling conflicts with subsurface entities is reduced, but data processing time and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs comprehensive three-dimensional relational comparisons between the well trajectory and all subsurface entities (faults, folds, salt domes, other wells) during the planning phase before drilling begins. This preliminary analysis identifies all potential conflicts and enables trajectory adjustments to avoid hazardous zones, ensuring high drilling safety and reliability. By completing the analysis beforehand, the system minimizes analysis time during actual drilling operations, reducing operational delays and costs.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for performing a drilling operation at a wellsite having a drilling rig configured to advance a drilling tool into a subsurface. The method steps include obtaining a well trajectory associated with a first volume, obtaining information related to a first subsurface entity associated with a second volume, using a three-dimensional relational comparison to determine that the first volume intersects the second volume to define a first intersection information, updating the well trajectory, based on the first intersection information, to obtain an updated well trajectory, and advancing the drilling tool into the subsurface based on the updated well trajectory.