Well Trajectory Optimization via Fluid Flow Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Initial well drilling plans often lack optimal trajectory information, leading to suboptimal fluid flow performance due to incomplete data and assumptions about subterranean structures, resulting in reduced production or injection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method for real-time drilling trajectory optimization using sensor data and fluid flow simulations to adjust the well trajectory during drilling, considering tortuosity and undulation effects, and constraints like structural geometry and fluid distribution, to enhance fluid flow performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an initial drill plan is developed based on existing knowledge and surveying techniques, then the well trajectory can be planned and drilled, but the fluid flow performance is suboptimal due to incomplete data and assumptions about subterranean structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where fluid flow simulations are performed using sensor data from the drilling process, and the trajectory is iteratively adjusted based on simulation results. This continuous feedback loop allows the system to learn from actual drilling conditions and improve fluid flow performance progressively, addressing the information completeness issue through real-time data collection and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary fluid flow simulations before finalizing the well trajectory. By simulating fluid flow for multiple potential trajectories and selecting the optimal one in advance, the system can achieve better fluid flow performance without needing to drill multiple wells, thus reducing the information loss problem through virtual testing.
2Productivity
If the well trajectory is adjusted to optimize fluid flow, then production or injection efficiency improves, but the drilling process becomes more complex requiring real-time simulations and iterative adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the drilling process dynamic by allowing real-time trajectory adjustments based on simulated fluid flow results. Instead of following a fixed initial trajectory, the system dynamically adapts the well path to optimize fluid flow conditions, accepting the increased complexity as necessary for achieving superior production or injection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical trial-and-error drilling with computational fluid flow simulations. By using simulation models to predict and optimize fluid flow before finalizing the trajectory, the system reduces the need for complex mechanical adjustments during drilling, substituting computational analysis for mechanical experimentation.
3Productivity
If real-time fluid flow simulations are performed to optimize trajectory, then fluid flow performance improves, but the drilling time increases due to iterative adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs fluid flow simulations in advance before finalizing the well trajectory. By conducting these simulations preliminarily and selecting the optimal trajectory in advance, the system can reduce the time required for iterative adjustments during actual drilling, as the trajectory is already optimized rather than requiring continuous modification.
Data Source
AI summary
To control well drilling, information relating to a trajectory of a well is received, and fluid flow in the well is simulated according to the received information. Simulating the fluid production comprises simulating production flow assurance that seeks to reduce occurrence of mixtures of different types of fluids that reduce production of a target fluid. In response to results of the simulating, a further trajectory for further drilling of the well is identified.