Wellbore Locator Using Electromagnetic Field Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating adjacent wellbores during drilling operations, such as wireline tools, are inefficient and costly, providing only periodic and inaccurate data, which can lead to significant errors and increased rig time.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore tool equipped with an electric current driver and magnetometer, which generates an electric current and measures the resulting magnetic field to determine the position of a target wellbore relative to the drilling wellbore, allowing for continuous and accurate location while drilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireline tools are used for locating adjacent wellbores, then location data can be obtained, but rig time increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wireline tool system with an electromagnetic field-based system. The tool generates an electromagnetic field that interacts with the conductive wellbore casing, allowing location determination through magnetic field measurements without requiring physical wireline deployment, thus eliminating the time loss associated with wireline operations
Solution Approach 2:
The wellbore tool uses the existing conductive wellbore casing as part of the measurement system. By generating an electromagnetic field that interacts with the casing, the system utilizes the wellbore structure itself to enable location measurements, eliminating the need for separate wireline tools and reducing rig time
2Measurement precision
If wireline tools are used for locating adjacent wellbores, then location data can be obtained, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive wireline tools with a simpler electromagnetic field-based measurement system. The tool only requires generating an electromagnetic field and measuring magnetic field interactions, eliminating the need for costly wireline equipment, deployment operations, and associated rig time costs
3Measurement precision
If wireline tools are used for locating adjacent wellbores, then location data can be obtained periodically, but timely and accurate data is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous location measurement during the drilling process by using electromagnetic field interactions that can be measured in real-time as the drill bit approaches the target wellbore. This eliminates the periodic nature of wireline measurements and provides timely data without requiring tool retrieval or deployment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback on the approach to the target wellbore through continuous electromagnetic field measurements. The measured magnetic field variations give immediate information about the relative position and orientation, allowing for timely adjustment of drilling trajectory without waiting for periodic wireline surveys
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 solution enables continuous, accurate, and timely data collection, reducing errors and costs associated with drilling operations by allowing for real-time tracking of the target wellbore's position, thereby improving the efficiency of drilling processes.
Implementation Method 1
The electric current driver generates an electric current across the gap to the portions of the tool above and below the insulated gap
Implementation Method 2
measuring the target magnetic field at the bottom hole assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore tool for locating a target wellbore containing a conductive member from a second wellbore and directing the trajectory of the second wellbore relative to the target wellbore includes an electric current driver having an insulated gap; a three-axis magnetometer positioned within a non-magnetic housing that is disposed within a non-magnetic tubular, the three-axis magnetometer positioned below the electric current driver; a drill bit positioned below the three-axis magnetometer; a hollow tubular connected between the electric current driver and the three-axis magnetometer; and a measurement-while-drilling tool. The current driver generates an electric current across the gap to the portion of the tool below the insulated gap. In a method a current is generated across the insulated gap to the portion of the tool below the insulated gap to the conductive material in the target wellbore returning to a portion of the bottom hole assembly above the insulated gap thereby producing a target magnetic field. Measuring the target magnetic field at the bottom hole assembly and the earth's magnetic field; and determining the position of the second wellbore relative to the target wellbore. Then steering the bottom hole assembly to drill the second wellbore along a trajectory relative to the target wellbore.