Wellbore Trajectory Prediction Using Machine Learning and Co-located Well Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional well-planning designs face challenges in accurately predicting wellbore paths, especially in areas with sparse data, leading to potential deviations from the intended stratigraphic interval during horizontal drilling.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a trained wellbore prediction model, powered by machine learning, to generate modified wellbore paths. This model is trained with historical wellbore data and adjusts coordinates based on comparisons with co-located wells, allowing for the creation of a three-dimensional model of the target location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional well-planning designs are used to predict wellbore paths, then the process is simple and does not require complex models, but the prediction accuracy deteriorates especially in areas with sparse data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewellbore path prediction accuracyVSAvoidprediction model complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by training the machine learning model with historical wellbore data before actual well planning. This pre-training phase stores learned patterns and relationships in the model, enabling accurate predictions during actual use without requiring complex real-time computations. The model learns from past data including wellbore paths, geological formations, and drilling parameters to establish predictive capabilities in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a virtual copy of the wellbore path by generating a hypothetical wellbore path that mirrors the intended trajectory through the target stratigraphic interval. This virtual model is then compared against actual drilled wellbore paths from co-located wells to identify deviations and improve prediction accuracy. The copying approach allows virtual testing and optimization without physical drilling risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If detailed drilling plan data is required for accurate wellbore path prediction, then prediction accuracy improves, but the time and resources required for data collection and processing increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewellbore path prediction accuracyVSAvoiddata collection and processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The machine learning model performs self-service by automatically learning patterns from historical wellbore data during the training phase. Once trained, the model independently generates predictions for new wellbore paths without requiring manual analysis of detailed drilling plans. The system serves itself by utilizing the trained model's internal knowledge to make predictions, reducing the need for extensive human intervention and data processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary data processing by training the model with historical data before actual well planning. This pre-computation phase stores extracted patterns and relationships in the model's structure, enabling rapid predictions during actual use. The time-consuming data analysis is performed once during training rather than repeatedly for each new wellbore plan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If conventional wellbore path prediction methods are used, then the process is fast and requires minimal computation, but the risk of deviations from the intended stratigraphic interval increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewell planning efficiencyVSAvoidwellbore path accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by comparing the hypothetical wellbore path generated by the machine learning model against actual wellbore paths from co-located wells. This comparison provides feedback on prediction accuracy and identifies systematic deviations. The feedback loop allows the model to learn from real-world outcomes and improve future predictions, enhancing reliability while maintaining efficiency through automated comparison processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary validation by generating a hypothetical wellbore path before actual drilling using the trained machine learning model. This pre-prediction phase allows assessment of potential wellbore trajectories and identification of high-risk deviations from the target stratigraphic interval. By evaluating the hypothetical path in advance, the system can alert operators to potential issues before committing to the actual drilling operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250075561A1Wellbore trajectory system
Publication Date: 2025.03.06 RS ENERGY GROUP TOPCO INC(CA)
  • US20250075561A1 patent drawing
  • US20250075561A1 patent drawing
  • US20250075561A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a method and a system to generate well trajectories. A computing device receives one or more parameters associated with a target well in a target location. The computing device receives two or more data points for the target well in the target location. The computing device generates a modified wellbore path based on the one or more parameters associated with a target well and the two or more data points via a trained wellbore prediction model. The computing device compares the modified wellbore path for the target well to one or more wellbore paths of one or more wells co-located with the target well in the target location. The computing device updates the modified wellbore path for the target well by adjusting one or more coordinates of the modified wellbore path based on the comparison. The computing device generates a three-dimensional model of the target location.