U.S. patent application number 16/909138 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-31 for guidance method for multilateral directional drilling.
The applicant listed for this patent is EAVOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.. Invention is credited to PAUL CAIRNS, DEREK RIDDELL, MATTHEW TOEWS.
Application Number | 20200408041 16/909138 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004926838 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200408041 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RIDDELL; DEREK ; et
al. |
December 31, 2020 |
GUIDANCE METHOD FOR MULTILATERAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING
Abstract
Guidance methods for guiding the drilling, of wells while
reducing trajectory drift. Each drilled well incorporates
signalling devices which are used together or in a selected
sequence to guide additional well drilling. With the progressive
addition of the signalling devices spacing, positioning and
connection of wells, particularly multilateral wells, is focused
and precise.
Inventors: |
RIDDELL; DEREK; (CALGARY,
CA) ; CAIRNS; PAUL; (CALGARY, CA) ; TOEWS;
MATTHEW; (CALGARY, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
EAVOR TECHNOLOGIES INC. |
CALGARY |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004926838 |
Appl. No.: |
16/909138 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62867313 |
Jun 27, 2019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24T 2010/53 20180501;
E21B 7/046 20130101; E21B 47/07 20200501; F24T 10/00 20180501 |
International
Class: |
E21B 7/04 20060101
E21B007/04; F24T 10/00 20060101 F24T010/00 |
Claims
1. A method for drilling in a predetermined configuration within a
geologic formation, comprising: drilling in said formation a well
having an inlet well and an outlet well; drilling with signalling
for communication between said inlet well and said outlet well to
form a continuous well having an interconnecting well segment
between said inlet well and said outlet well, said interconnecting
well segment having a predetermined geometric configuration
relative to said inlet well and said outlet well within said
formation; and signalling for communication from at least one of
said inlet well, said outlet well and said interconnecting well
segment to drill a second interconnecting well segment operatively
connected to said continuous well in a predetermined geometric
configuration within said formation.
2. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said inlet well and
said outlet well are co-located.
3. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said geologic
formation has an irregular and inconsistent thermal gradient.
4. The method as set forth in claim 1, further including the step
of drilling a partial well proximate or distal from at least one of
said inlet well and said outlet well for signalling for
communication with at least one of said inlet well, said outlet
well and said interconnecting well segment.
5. The method as set forth in claim 1, further including the step
of establishing further signaling for communication from said
continuous well and said second interconnecting well segment for
guiding the drilling of further interconnecting well segments and
continuous wells in operative connection in a predetermined
configuration within said formation.
6. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein signalling for
communication comprises transceiving between said wells.
7. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein signaling for
communication is conducted simultaneously between wells.
8. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein signaling for
communication is conducted in a predetermined sequence between
wells.
9. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said drilling is
conducted independently from discrete locations for said inlet well
and said outlet well for intersection to form said continuous well
with said interconnecting well segment.
10. The method as set forth in claim 2, further including providing
superterranean signalling devices, subterranean signalling devices
and combinations thereof proximate said discrete locations for
guiding drilling.
11. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said formation is a
thermally productive formation.
12. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said formation is a
geothermal formation.
13. The method as set forth in claim 1, further in conditioning at
least said interconnecting well segment to facilitate thermal
recovery by working fluid flow through said continuous well without
casing or liner material in said interconnecting well segment.
14. The method as set forth in claim 13, wherein conditioning is
effected by at least one of continuously, discontinuously, during,
after and in sequenced combinations of drilling of at least one of
said inlet wee, said outlet well and said and said interconnecting
segment.
15. The method as set forth in claim 13, further including the step
of dynamically modifying said conditioning responsive to signalling
data from at least one of the operations of said inlet well, said
outlet well and said interconnecting well segment.
16. A method for drilling in a predetermined configuration within a
geologic formation, comprising: drilling in said formation a well
having an inlet well and an outlet well; drilling a partial well
proximate or distal from at least one of said inlet well and said
outlet well for signalling for communication with at least one of
said inlet well and said outlet well; and drilling an
interconnecting well segment continuously connecting said inlet
well and said outlet well with signaling for communication between
at least one of said inlet well, said outlet well and said partial
well.
17. The method as set forth in claim 16, further including the step
of forming a second well having an inlet well and an outlet well
from said partial well.
18. The method as set forth in claim 16, wherein said partial well
comprises a plurality of individual spaced apart wells.
19. The method as set forth in claim 18, further including
signalling between said plurality of individual spaced apart wells
to form connected continuous wells.
20. The method as set forth in claim 16, wherein signalling
comprises transceiving between wells.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for guiding,
positioning and spacing multiple wells in various environments,
such as high temperature, irregular formation geology, etc. and
more particularly, the present invention relates to an efficient
method to effectively control trajectory drift in multilateral
drilling operations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The need for precision in drilling is clear. The operation
is exceedingly expensive and complications or improper alignment,
spacing and connection of wells exacerbates the capex cost to
prohibitive levels. Accordingly, over several decades the prior art
has evolved to promulgate sophisticated solutions. Many of the
solutions have taken shape in the oil industry as applied to SAGD
operations for well pairs, however beyond well pairs, the art has
not addressed the usefulness of multilateral drilling precision
which is of particular benefit in the geothermal industry.
Exemplary of relatively contemporary developments are presented in
the following paragraphs.
[0003] Clark et al., in United States Patent Publication No.
US2009/0255661, published Oct. 15, 2009, teach a method for
drilling a multilateral well by drilling and casing a mother
wellbore into which is installed a multilateral junction. A first
lateral well from the multilateral junction is drilled and cased.
Subsequently, a second lateral well is drilled from the
multilateral junction using magnetic ranging while drilling such
that the second lateral well has a controlled relationship relative
to the first. The methodology is focussed on the oil industry and
thus does not delineate any further details in respect of a
multitude of lateral wells. Trajectory deviation is not
specifically addressed.
[0004] In United States Patent Publication US2018/0313203,
published Nov. 1, 2018, Donderici et al, teach an effective system
utilizing electromagnetic and survey measurements from a first well
in order to calibrate a formation model. This is then used to
improve the interpretation of measurements from a second well. The
methods are indicated to use a relative approach. Accordingly,
even, though the exact position of each wellbore may not be
accurately identified, their relative positions can be accurately
identified. This results in better positioning of the well
pairs.
[0005] In United States Patent Publication No. 2016/0273345,
published Sep. 22, 2016, Donderici et al, disclose a method and
system for magnetic ranging and geosteering. In the disclosure, it
is indicated in paragraph [0019]:
[0006] "As described herein, the present disclosure describes
illustrative ranging methods and systems that utilize a magnetic
dipole beacon to guide one wellbore towards another wellbore. In a
generalized embodiment, the beacon induces low frequency magnetic
fields into the formation from a first wellbore, which are then
sensed by one or more dipoles (acting as receiver(s)) in a second
wellbore. The beacon and/or receiving dipoles are magnetic dipoles,
and in certain embodiments one or both may be a triaxial magnetic
dipole. Nevertheless, in either embodiment, the magnetic fields
that are emitted from the beacon form a natural path of approach to
the first wellbore. As a result, the second wellbore can be steered
to align with the magnetic field direction, which will
automatically establish the ideal approach towards the first
wellbore."
[0007] The system is clearly useful for dual well systems to
maintain consistency during drilling.
[0008] In further developments, Yao et al., in United States
Publication No. US 2017/0122099, published May 4, 2017, provide
systems and methods for multiple downhole sensor digital alignment
using spatial transforms. The arrangement incorporates numerous
sensor nodes which convey data eventually used in a mathematical
transform to ensure accuracy in downhole drilling.
[0009] In PCT/US2012/036538, published Nov. 7, 2013, systems and
methods for optimal spacing of horizontal wells is disclosed. The
methods and systems employ a magnetic dipole beacon to guide one
wellbore towards another wellbore. One embodiment includes a beacon
for inducing low frequency magnetic fields into the formation from
a first wellbore. These are then sensed by one or more dipoles in a
second wellbore. The beacon and/or receiving dipoles are magnetic
dipoles and the disclosure states that in some embodiments one or
both may be a triaxial magnetic dipole. The magnetic fields emitted
from the beacon form a natural path of approach to the first
wellbore. Consequently, the second wellbore can be steered to align
with the magnetic field direction, which establishes the preferred
approach towards the first wellbore.
[0010] Rodney, in U.S. Pat. No. 9,581,718, issued Feb. 28, 2017,
teaches a ranging while drilling system having a drillstring with a
magnetic source that induces a magnetic moment in a casing string.
The magnetic source includes at least one dipole with a
non-orthogonal tilt relative to a longitudinal axis of the
drillstring. A three-axis magnetometer that detects a field from
the induced magnetic moment is provided and has a sensor that
provides a signal indicative of a rotational orientation of the
magnetic source. A processor determines a relative distance and
direction of the casing string from measurements by the sensor and
the three-axis magnetometer.
[0011] In light of the prior art, it would be desirable to
facilitate guided multilateral well directional drilling where the
wells can be positioned in a predetermined manner with
predetermined spacing with drilling from one or plural directions
absent deleterious trajectory drift.
[0012] The present invention, in the multiple embodiments, achieves
these attributes amongst others with methods and arrangements
having applicability in the geothermal industry as well as the oil
and gas industry.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] One object of one embodiment of the present invention is to
provide methodology for more efficiently positioning, connecting
and spacing wells in a subterranean formation.
[0014] A further object of one embodiment of the present invention
is to provide a method for drilling in a predetermined
configuration within a geologic formation, comprising:
[0015] drilling in the formation a well having an inlet well and an
outlet well;
[0016] drilling with signalling for communication between the inlet
well and the outlet well to form a continuous well having an
interconnecting well segment between the inlet well and the outlet
well, the interconnecting well segment having a predetermined
geometric configuration relative to the inlet well and the outlet
well within the formation; and
[0017] signalling for communication from at least one of the inlet
well, the outlet well and the interconnecting well segment to drill
a second interconnecting well segment operatively connected to the
continuous well in a predetermined geometric configuration within
the formation.
[0018] To enhance thermal recovery effectiveness of the methods
further, the interconnecting well segment(s) may be
conditioned.
[0019] The conditioning may be effected by at least one of
continuously, discontinuously, during, after and in sequenced
combinations of drilling introducing sealant compounds to at least
seal the interconnecting wellbore segment(s) so that casing, liner
or other thermal transfer reducing elements can be avoided.
[0020] In greater detail, conditioning may include introducing at
least one composition not native to the formation and a unit
operation and combinations thereof.
[0021] To augment the effectiveness of the method, one may
dynamically modify the conditioning operations responsive to
signalling data from at least one of the drilling operations of the
inlet and outlet wells.
[0022] Depending on the specific situation the unit operation may
include controlling the temperature of drilling fluid, pre-cooling
a rock face in the formation being drilled, cooling drilling
apparatus and modifying pore space of wellbores formed from
drilling in the formation.
[0023] Modification of the pore space may include activating the
pore space for subsequent treatment to render it impermeable to
formation fluid ingress into the interconnecting segment or egress
of the working fluid into the formation, sealing the pore space
during drilling in a continuous operation, sealing pore space
during drilling in a discontinuous operation and combinations
thereof.
[0024] Operational conditioning modification may also be based on
signalling data from signalling between the inlet well and the
outlet well.
[0025] A further object of one embodiment of the present invention
is to provide a method for drilling in a predetermined
configuration within a geologic formation, comprising:
[0026] drilling in the formation a well having an inlet well and an
outlet well;
[0027] drilling a partial well proximate or distal from at least
one of the inlet well and the outlet well for signalling for
communication with at least one of the inlet well and the outlet
well; and
[0028] drilling an interconnecting well segment continuously
connecting the inlet well and the outlet well with signalling for
communication between at least one of the inlet well, the outlet
well and the partial well.
[0029] As a convenience, the inlet well and outlet well may be
co-located for a reduced footprint. If the geologic formation has
an irregular and inconsistent thermal gradient it may be necessary
to position an inlet well and outlet well in spaced locations.
[0030] The partial well can be proximate or distal from at least
one of the inlet well and the outlet well for signalling for
communication with at least one of the inlet well, the outlet well
and the interconnecting well segment. This permits an even greater
degree of well formation and positioning despite the possibility of
an inconsistent, discontinuous or disparate thermal gradient.
[0031] Further signalling may be conducted from a formed continuous
well and the second interconnecting well segment for guiding the
drilling of further interconnecting well segments and continuous
wells in operative connection in a predetermined configuration
within the formation. In this manner, a network of wells may be
formed with precision to capture a wide area of a thermally
productive formation.
[0032] Having thus generally described the invention, reference
will now be made to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONN OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram indicating the general steps of the
method;
[0034] FIGS. 2 and 2A are schematic illustrations of multilateral
well arrangements;
[0035] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of FIG. 2;
[0036] FIG. 4 is a variation of the well arrangement according to a
further embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 5 is another variation of the well arrangement
according to a further embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 6 is a further variation of the well disposition of the
multilateral arrangement;
[0039] FIG. 7 is another variation of the well disposition of the
multilateral arrangement;
[0040] FIG. 8 is a still further variation of the well disposition
of the multilateral arrangement;
[0041] FIG. 9 is another embodiment of the present invention with
multilateral wells having a significantly reduced surface
footprint; and
[0042] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of the closed loop
system applicable to the geothermal embodiments; and
[0043] FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a further embodiment
of the present invention.
[0044] Similar numerals used in the Figures denote similar
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 1, shown is a general flow diagram for
the overall steps in the method.
[0046] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of the
present invention generally denoted by numeral 10. In the example,
a U shaped well includes a pair of spaced apart generally vertical
wells 12 (inlet) and 14 (outlet) and an interconnecting well
segment 16, shown as a horizontal well, interconnecting the wells
12 and 14. This well may be pre-existing from an unused well, i.e.
a SAGD arrangement or may be newly drilled. The technology
discussed further herein is particularly useful to repurpose unused
oil wells and it will become evident in the forthcoming disclosure
that many aspects of the disclosed technology may be easily
appended or substituted into existing oil and gas environments as
easily as it is positioned in the geothermal industry.
[0047] In the example shown, a plurality of ancillary lateral
horizontal wells 18, 20, 22 and 24 extend from a junctions 26 and
28, shown in the example as horizontal wells. In this manner all
wells are commonly connected to a respective vertical well 12 or
14. In the scenario where the U shaped well is pre-existing, signal
devices may be positioned along the vertical wells 12, 14 and the
interconnecting well 16. These are schematically illustrated and
represented by numeral 30. Suitable signal devices may be selected
from the panacea of devices known in the art and may comprises
receivers, transmitters, transceivers, inter alia. For purposes of
suitable device examples, reference to Baker Hughes, Scientific
Drilling, Halliburton etc. may be had for reference.
[0048] The devices can be modified or selected to be capable of
monitoring at least one of drilling rate, spacing between wells,
well to junction connection integrity, bit wear, temperature and
fluid flow rate within a drilled well.
[0049] This area is mature in the art and thus detailed description
is not necessary.
[0050] In situations where the U shaped well is not pre-existing,
the well can be drilled in any configuration as an initial basis
well with the signalling devices placed therein at a suitable time
in the process with the view to either leaving them in situ
permanently or positioned for time dependent retrieval.
[0051] Once positioned, in one embodiment, this provides a "master"
for signal communication with the directional drilling of the
second lateral well 20. The drilling arrangement (not shown) can
include the capacity to receive guiding signals as a slave from the
signal devices 30 and leave further signal devices 32 along the
course of the horizontal well 20. Additional communication with the
drilling arrangement and signal devices 30 and 32 is also
possible.
[0052] Having established a second well 20 with signal devices 32,
this can then act as a master for guidance signalling for a third
lateral well 22. The drilling arrangement referenced previously
functions in a similar manner for this drilling procedure. Further
signal devices 34 are positioned along the course of well 22. By
this arrangement, the second well benefits from the guidance of
signal devices 30 and 32 either together or independently in any
continuous or discontinuous sequence. As will be appreciated, this
has the effect of significantly reducing trajectory drift during
drilling owing to the plurality of sensor positions and
locations.
[0053] In respect of the third lateral well 22, The drilling
arrangement can include the capacity to receive guiding signals as
a slave from the signal devices 30, 32 and 34 and leave further
signal devices 36 along the course of the horizontal well 22. As
with the previous examples, this well then benefits from the
guidance of devices 30,32 and 34.
[0054] Finally, in the spirit of the above examples, signal devices
38 can be positioned in fourth lateral well 24 and communicate with
devices 30,32,34 and 36.
[0055] It will be appreciated that the signal devices, as they are
cumulative for the last multilateral well, progressively reduce the
drift for each additional multilateral segment. This allows for the
use of pre-existing/unused/abandoned wells since the initial well
has less importance in the multilateral scenario. The initial
"master" status diminishes in importance as more lateral wells are
augmented to form the multilateral arrangement.
[0056] As delineated in the prior art, much of the existing
technology in this area of technology has focused on the dual well
or injection and production well systems inherent in SAGD
environments. However, the precision associated with the technology
allows for exceptional application in the geothermal area of
technology and reference in that capacity will now be set
forth.
[0057] The interconnecting segment 16 is shown as horizontal,
however, the geometric disposition may be any angle that is
suitable to maximize thermal recovery within the formation. To this
end, FIG. 2A illustrates the other possibilities.
[0058] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the disposition of the wells of
FIG. 2.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 4, shown is a variation of the well
arrangement, generally referred to as a "stacked" arrangement,
positioned within a geothermal gradient, G. In this embodiment,
each multilateral arrangement 40 in the stack may have its own
inlet well, 12, 12', 12'', 12''' and outlet well, 14, 14' and, 14''
and 14'. If feasible, each of the stacks 40 may be commonly
connected to a single inlet well 12 and single outlet well 14. The
appeal of the stacked arrangement is the possibility for higher
thermal recovery in a smaller footprint.
[0060] FIG. 5 illustrates a further variation referenced as a
"fork" arrangement. In this arrangement, the multilateral well
arrangements 40 may be arranged in spaced apart coplanar relation
or spaced apart parallel plane arrangement. Such arrangements are
suitable where the overall footprint of the system is not an issue.
The stacks of multilateral wells 40 may also be inclined, as
illustrated, at any angle to be effective in capturing thermal
energy from within the gradient, G, where the gradient is irregular
and/or dispersed.
[0061] Turning now to FIG. 6, shown is an arrangement of
multilateral wells 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 dispersed in a radial
spaced apart array relative to interconnecting well 16 referenced
supra. The arrangement in the example is coaxial, however other
variations will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0062] Parts have been removed for clarity, but it will be
understood that wells 20,22,24, 26 and 28 all have common
connection with vertical wells 12 and 14 and junctions 26 and 28,
the wells and junctions not being shown. This radial dispersion is
of particular value in geothermal environments, since a greater
amount of heat can be extracted within a given heat producing
volume. In light of the directional drilling advancements set forth
in the disclosure, such arrangements are possible and customizable
depending upon the surrounding environment.
[0063] FIG. 7 illustrates a further variation. In this embodiment,
a pair of the arrangements shown in FIG. 6 are interdigitated with
similar wells 18', 20', 22', 24' and 26'. The precision attributed
to the drilling method, established herein facilitates the inter
digitation. This arrangement enhances the thermal recovery within,
for example a geothermal zone, without an impact on footprint. This
clearly has capital expenditure benefits, but also allows for even
greater energy servicing capability within a given area.
[0064] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates another variation where a
pair of the arrangements from FIG. 7 are spaced, but in thermal
contact.
[0065] For mitigation of temperature deviation from the heel of a
well to its toe, the arrangements depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8 are
useful. As an example, the direction of flow of a fluid within
wells 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26, in reference to FIG. 7, may be
opposite to the flow within wells 18', 20', 22', 24' and 26'. In
this manner, the heel of one well will be in thermal contact with
the toe of another well, i.e. counter current.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 9, shown is another embodiment of the
present invention. In this embodiment, separate multilateral wells
40 may be geographically spread apart within a formation G. This
embodiment connects multilateral wells, such as 42 and 44 to loop
back together at terminus 46 for connection with outlet well 14, A
second set of multilateral wells 42' and 44' may be coplanar or in
a parallel plane with multilateral wells 42 and 44 and similarly
loop back at terminus 46'. The advantage in this arrangement is
that the inlet/outlet footprint 48 is relatively small, however the
thermal energy recovery capacity is very significant. This allows
for one site at the footprint 48 to be multiply productive without
the requirement for large plots of land.
[0067] In all examples, the inlet 12 and outlet 14 will include the
known ancillary components, i.e. power generating devices, energy
storage devices, linking, arrangements to the power grid,
cogeneration systems inter alia. This has been omitted from FIGS. 1
through 9 for clarity. Further, it will be understood that the
geothermal systems will be closed loop, meaning that the inlet,
junctions, multilateral wells intervening power generating devices,
etc., and outlet well will form a continuous circuit with the
minimum of connecting conduit disposed in a superterranean
position. General reference to this can be made with respect to
FIG. 10.
[0068] The ancillary or intervening devices are referenced with
numeral 50 which are positioned above ground level 52. The closed
loop below ground level 52 is exaggerated in the example. Numeral
54 represents a superterranean transceiver device capable of
communication with any one of or all the devices 30,32,34, 26 and
38.
[0069] As an alternative, as opposed to the master and slave
communication arrangement described, signalling communication may
be effected simultaneously with all devices selectively,
continuously or in a predetermined sequence. This will depend on
the specifics of the individual situation.
[0070] FIG. 11 illustrates a variation in the embodiments where a
partially drilled well or borehole 56 may be positioned proximate
other multilateral arrangements and include a
signalling/transceiver device 56. The latter may communicate with
other such devices 30, 38, 54 to guide the formation of the well
arrangements as noted herein previously. Bore hole 56 may be
further drilled to be integrated with the other wells as denoted by
dashed line 60. Any number of bore holes 56 may be included to form
further networked well arrangements within a formation.
* * * * *