Wellbore Ranging Using Current Leakage Slopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining formation properties and pipe properties in wellbore ranging measurements are limited in accuracy and efficiency, particularly in steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) applications, where precise control of well spacing is crucial for effective hydrocarbon extraction.
Innovation Solution
The use of ranging measurements, specifically surface excitation to generate electrical currents along a target well, allowing sensors in a drilling well to determine the magnetic field and gradient field, which are then used to calculate the distance and direction between wells, enabling the estimation of formation resistivity and pipe properties through defined slopes of electrical current leakage rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If gradient sensors are used to determine distance and direction without knowing amplitudes of electrical current signals, then the complexity of measurement is reduced, but the accuracy of formation property determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses measured electrical current amplitudes at different depths to calculate leakage rates, which are then used to determine formation resistivity and pipe properties. This feedback loop of measurement-calculation-verification improves accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct physical measurement of formation properties with an indirect electrical measurement approach. By measuring electrical current leakage rates and using mathematical models to derive formation resistivity and pipe properties, the system achieves accurate property determination without complex direct measurement equipment
2Measurement precision
If electrical current amplitudes are measured at multiple depths to calculate leakage rates, then the accuracy of property estimation is improved, but the measurement time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements of electrical current amplitudes at multiple depths before conducting full property analysis. This preliminary data collection enables efficient calculation of leakage rates and subsequent property estimation, reducing overall measurement time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures electrical current amplitudes at different depths (changing the spatial parameter) to calculate leakage rates. By systematically varying the measurement depth parameter, the system extracts multiple data points that improve property estimation accuracy without requiring excessive measurement time
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 approach enhances the accuracy and efficiency of well positioning and property determination, allowing for precise control of well spacing and integrity assessment of pipes, improving hydrocarbon extraction efficiency and pipe inspection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical current flowing along a casing pipe in a first wellbore generates a magnetic field. Sensors in a second wellbore measure the magnetic field to determine distance and direction between the wellbores.
Implementation Method 2
Sensors in a second wellbore measure a magnetic field generated by the electrical current to determine a defined slope of the electrical current flowing along the casing pipe.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are presented in this disclosure for estimation of formation properties and pipe properties using ranging measurements. Embodiments of the present disclosure utilize ranging measurements to first determine a defined slope (e.g., leakage rate) of an electrical current signal flowing along a wellbore. The determined slope (e.g., leakage rate) may be then used to estimate properties of a formation surrounding the wellbore (e.g., formation resistivity) and properties of a conductive material (casing pipe) deployed in the wellbore (e.g., pipe resistance). Based on the estimated properties of the formation and the conductive material, drilling operation in a drilling well can be adjusted, and repair of defects or mechanical deformations on the casing pipe can be initiated.