Wellbore Trajectory Uncertainty Calculation for Drilling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in accurately controlling the trajectory of a wellbore during hydrocarbon drilling is exacerbated by remote downhole equipment, unpredictable operating conditions, and vibrational disturbances, often leading to inaccurate or delayed sensor measurements, which restricts the effectiveness of drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a computer-implemented method to determine improved measures of uncertainty for a predicted wellbore trajectory using a model of bottom-hole assembly (BHA) dynamics and noise variance, enabling more accurate tracking of the true wellbore trajectory and efficient drilling operations by determining appropriate times for high-fidelity measurements and automatically adjusting downhole tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor measurements are used to control wellbore trajectory, then drilling operation control is enabled, but measurement accuracy is insufficient due to noise and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a physics-based drill string dynamics model and uncertainty calculation module that mediates between noisy sensor measurements and trajectory control decisions. This intermediary layer filters and interprets sensor data through mathematical models, producing more reliable trajectory estimates even when raw sensor measurements are noisy or delayed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by calculating uncertainty metrics from sensor measurements and using these uncertainties to adjust drilling parameters in real-time. The feedback loop monitors measurement quality and adapts the drilling operation accordingly, improving trajectory accuracy while accounting for measurement reliability issues.
2Measurement precision
If high-fidelity measurements are taken frequently to improve trajectory accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but drilling productivity decreases due to operational delays
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of taking frequent high-fidelity measurements, the system applies partial action by using a continuous physics-based model to estimate trajectory between measurements. The uncertainty calculation determines when partial measurements are sufficient, reducing the need for frequent high-fidelity surveys while maintaining adequate trajectory knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by using the drill string dynamics model to predict wellbore trajectory and uncertainty before actual measurements are taken. This preliminary estimation allows operators to plan measurement schedules more efficiently, taking high-fidelity measurements only when the model predicts uncertainty will exceed acceptable thresholds.
3Ease of operation
If human operators use best-guess estimates to control drilling, then operational flexibility is maintained, but trajectory control accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically calculating uncertainty metrics and providing quantitative guidance for trajectory control decisions. Instead of relying on human best-guess estimates, the system serves itself by using mathematical models to continuously assess trajectory uncertainty and communicate this information to operators, enabling more accurate control while maintaining operational flexibility.
4Measurement precision
If uncertainty calculations are implemented to improve trajectory tracking, then measurement precision improves, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with computational uncertainty analysis. Instead of adding more physical sensors or complex hardware, the solution substitutes mathematical modeling and uncertainty calculation to achieve improved trajectory inference, reducing mechanical complexity while enhancing measurement precision through software-based approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for controlling a bottom hole assembly (BHA) in a wellbore include determining a model of BHA dynamics; determining a predicted wellbore trajectory, based on the model of BHA dynamics; and determining an uncertainty of the predicted wellbore trajectory.