Three-Dimensional Subsurface Positioning and Positional Uncertainty

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Deployed by 4 companies

Improved subsurface well positional accuracy using way-point method

Page last modified
September 20 2024

3D Way-point is a subsurface three-dimensional well positional calculation method that includes positional uncertainty. 3D Way-point makes use of a "balanced" approach to well depth, inclination, and azimuth measurement accuracies. Well depth accuracy is achieved using the Driller's Way-point Depth (DwpD) method. This makes use of accurately measured drill pipe length and then application of thermal and elastic stretch corrections based on the actual well temperature and POOH SSM travelling block pipe tension profiles. This results in significant improvements in well depth length determination and uncertainty, and so provides the balanced input to the 3D Way-point positional calculation. These measurements can be made as part of the drilling workflow, so while drilling. The result is a significant improvement in well depth, and thereby 3D well positional accuracy, plus the definition of specific markers downhole that can be used as subsurface reference points. This improves the well placement description, the confidence in the reliability of mapping of downhole structures, and increases reservoir reserves volumes.

Pros & Limitations
1
Uniform methodology for along-hole depth determination
1
Uniformly calibrated and corrected depth value
1
Calculated uncertainty based on measured parameters
1
Removes the guess work and the assumptions in depth determination
1
Assessment of depth data value based on measurable accuracy criterion
1
Verification of measurements without wasting data
1
Repeatable measurements
1
Non-intrusive activity as part of rig activity
1
Uses well known and existing rig and LWD measurements
0
Slight (very slight) adaptation to rig floor workflow
Specification
Specification Title Specification Description
Accuracy
3D positional uncertainty by design. The operator gets horizons to a defined positional uncertainty.
Areas of Application
Well placement engineering | Geological modelling | Reservoir description | Asset value determination
Capabilities
Repeatability of well depth and well position determination, confirmation of measurement result, and uncertainty determination.
CAPEX
Negligible.
Certifications / licences
Driller's Way Point Depth (DwpD) and 3D Way-point (patent pending) are patented methods owned by DwpD Ltd., requiring license to operate.
Compliance
ISO measurement, API RP-78
Cost
Operating costs include drill pipe length determination to specified accuracy, unless this is already done. Otherwise, costs are limited to license use of the patent (pending) processes. Training and assistance is offered for implementation of the methods. Turn-around calcualtion service is also offered.
Methodology
Logical and justified well depth measurement and correction method based on way-points using drill pipe. Well depth is defined using POOH SSM rig-state. Important to note is that the same approach can be adopted to wireline.

The method and background is detailed in the book "3D Subsurface Positioning and Positional Uncertainty, Rev 7.0" available on www.lulu.com.
Services
DwpD and 3D Way-point calcualtion services are offered, but ideally the process is internalized. Other DwpD Ltd. services include well depth measurment consulting, audit, and training. Adaptation and/or writing of necessary work-flows is also offered. Ad-hoc consulting for well depth discrepency issues is also available.
Usability
DwpD can be applied any time drill pipe is run in the well: new drill through to work-over and P&A. 3D Way-point can be applied to any 3D well survey data set (also wireline), but is optimized with balanced well depth, inclination, and azimuth measurment accuracies.

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Latest Updates

On 04 September 2024 a SPWLA Hydrocarbon Resources Special Interest

At the Apil 2024 ISCWSA #59 conference held in Glasgow

Subsurface 3D Positioning and Positional Uncertainty is a major rewrite

Technology Readiness Level

The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) indicates the maturity level of novel technologies. Learn more about the TRL scale used by us.

[9/9]

Development Technology demonstration Mature / Proven
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DwpD Ltd, Depth Solutions is a consulting engineering company offering expertise in subsurface 3D positioning and positional uncertainty determiantion. This is focussed not just on inclination and aziumth values, but more improtantly on well depth measurment accuracy and uncertainty determination. The well depth measurement method (wireline as well as derill pipe) includes depth correction modelling and calculation, well depth measurement uncertainty calculation, well depth data QA/QC, 3D uncertainty measurement requirements (process and results audit), measured well depth and vertical depth difference reconciliation, training and coaching services. The results include more accurate and improved uncertainty of 3D position, this using 3D Way-point. Improved uncertainty results in improved reserves calculations. DwpD Ltd. is holder of the DwpD (EU & US) patent for drill pipe well depth measurement and uncertainty, and 3D Way-point (international patent pending) for subsurface well positioning and positional uncertainty determination.

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