Well Trajectory Adjustment Using Real-Time Fluid Productivity Estimates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining well trajectory in horizontal wells face significant challenges due to uncertainties in rock and fluid properties, leading to inaccuracies in productivity estimates, which can result in wells being drilled at suboptimal directions, impacting production and costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of real-time fluid data processing and sensitivity analysis using advanced computing systems and specialized processors to build a near wellbore reservoir model, allowing for dynamic adjustments of the well trajectory based on real-time data and uncertainty quantification, thereby optimizing productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to determine well trajectory, then the drilling process is simpler and faster to execute, but the productivity estimates are inaccurate due to uncertainties in rock and fluid properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex data processing task into distinct modules: acquiring rock properties, acquiring fluid properties, determining well trajectory, estimating productivity, and quantifying uncertainty. Each module processes specific parameters independently, allowing the system to manage complexity while maintaining comprehensive analysis for accurate productivity estimates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computing system as an intermediary that processes multiple data sources (rock properties, fluid properties, well trajectory) and integrates them through standardized methods. This intermediary system reconciles the complexities of multiple uncertain parameters by applying consistent estimation and uncertainty quantification techniques, producing reliable productivity estimates without requiring direct manual integration of all variables.
2Reliability
If real-time data processing and sensitivity analysis are implemented, then productivity estimate accuracy is improved, but the computational complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs sensitivity analysis and uncertainty quantification as preliminary actions before finalizing the well trajectory decision. By pre-processing the data to identify which parameters have the greatest impact on productivity estimates, the system can focus computational resources on the most critical variables, reducing overall power requirements while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms complex uncertainty relationships into simplified parameter representations through sensitivity analysis. By identifying key parameters that dominate the uncertainty in productivity estimates, the system reduces the dimensionality of the computational problem, allowing reliable results with lower computational power requirements.
3Productivity
If comprehensive data collection and analysis are performed, then well trajectory optimization is improved, but the time required for decision-making increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback loops where productivity estimates and uncertainty analyses are continuously updated as new well trajectory data becomes available. This allows the system to make iterative improvements to the trajectory decision without requiring complete re-analysis of all data, reducing decision-making time while maintaining comprehensive optimization for well productivity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
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AI summary
Fluid data collected while drilling a wellbore in a drilling operation that includes a first well trajectory is received. A first productivity metric for a next section of the wellbore on a continued trajectory of the first well section trajectory is determined, based at least in part on the fluid data. A second well section trajectory for the next section of the wellbore different from the continued trajectory of the first well section trajectory is determined. A second productivity metric for the second well trajectory is determined. The drilling operation is adjusted if the first productivity index differs from the second productivity index by more than a threshold amount.