Scientific Drilling International, Inc.

Applied Technologies Associates, Inc.

Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.

Clinton Moss

Douglas Ridgway

Troy Martin

Burkay Donderici

Mac Upshall

Arthur La Porta

A method for locating a buried casing stub may include a) identifying a target region, b) providing at each of a plurality of survey points in the target region a casing stub locator that includes a vector magnetometer, c) measuring the magnetic field at each of the survey points using the vector magnetometer so as to generate a plurality of magnetic field measurements, d) using the magnetic field measurements to generate a model of the magnetic field of the target region, e) fitting the model generated in step d) to a selected model of a magnetic anomaly created by the casing stub so as to generate model fit information (MFI), and f) locating the casing stub using the MFI. At each survey point, an expected Earth magnetic field can be subtracted from the measured magnetic field. A total station can measure the position and/or the azimuth of the package.

Buried wellbore location from surface magnetic measurements

A method for locating a buried casing stub may comprise a) identifying a target region, b) providing at each of a plurality of survey points in the target region a casing stub locator that includes a vector magnetometer, c) measuring the magnetic field at each of the survey points using the vector magnetometer so as to generate a plurality of magnetic field measurements, d) using the magnetic field measurements to generate a model of the magnetic field of the target region, e) fitting the model generated in step d) to a selected model of a magnetic anomaly created by the casing stub so as to generate model fit information (MFI), and f) locating the casing stub using the MFI. At each survey point, an expected Earth magnetic field can be subtracted from the measured magnetic field. A total station can measure the position and/or the azimuth of the package.

A method comprises a) positioning a passive magnetic ranging (PMR) tool in a drilling well that is near a target well that includes a ferromagnetic casing, b) measuring with each of the magnetometers a local magnetic anomaly created by the ferromagnetic casing of the target well so as to generate a plurality of magnetometer readings corresponding to the positions of the magnetometers; c) receiving the plurality of magnetometer readings with the controller; and d) using the received measurements to calculate ranging information, the ranging information including the range and direction from the PMR tool to the target well. The PMR tool may include a ranging collar, a longitudinal array of magnetometers extending along the length of the ranging collar, and a controller, the controller operatively connected to the plurality of magnetometers. The PMR tool may further comprise a radial array of magnetometers positioned radially about the ranging collar.

Passive magnetic ranging

A system includes a surface coil positioned at a known surface position, the surface coil including at least one loop of a conductor. The system also includes a coil controller coupled to the surface coil and adapted to inject a current into the surface coil such that the surface coil generates an electromagnetic field. In addition, the system includes a sensor package positioned within a wellbore adapted to detect the electromagnetic field and determine the position of the wellbore relative to the surface coil.

Surface coil for wellbore positioning

A system for ranging between two wellbores where an emitter electrode and return electrode of a current injection system are disposed to drive a current to a conductive member within a target wellbore to create an electromagnetic field about the conductive member. The electromagnetic field is measured utilizing a sensor disposed in an investigative wellbore, which may be in the process of being drilled. In some embodiments, the emitter electrode and return electrode are positioned on the surface of a formation, spaced apart from one another with locations on the surface selected to optimize current, and therefore, the electromagnetic field, at a desired point along the conductive member. In some embodiments, one or both of the emitter electrode and return electrode are positioned in the target wellbore.

Surface excitation ranging system for SAGD application

A system for guiding a well comprises a current source, a ground terminal electrically connected to the current source and grounded at the surface of the Earth, a reference wellbore comprising an intermediate casing (IC) that includes an IC electrical discontinuity and is electrically conductive between that the IC discontinuity and the IC bottom hole, a reference conductor electrically connected to the current source, a tubular that includes a tubular string electrical discontinuity (TSED), is electrically conductive between the TSED and the tubular bottom hole end (TBHE), and is inserted into the reference wellbore through the IC. Electrical connections exist between the tubular, the reference conductor, and the reference wellbore between the TSED and the TBHE, whereby current flowing through the reference conductor produces a magnetic field; magnetic sensors to sense the magnetic field and a guided wellbore is steered in response to the sensed magnetic field.

Well completion with single wire guidance system

A tool, method and system for ranging between two wellbores. The target wellbore includes a conductive member disposed within a portion of the target wellbore. An investigative wellbore includes an electromagnetic gradiometer positioned within the wellbore, as well as emitter electrode and return electrode spaced apart along an investigative wellbore, preferably in the process of being drilled. The position of the emitter electrode and the return electrode are selected to optimize current transmission to the target wellbore in order to enhance the electromagnetic field emanating from the conductive member at a desired point along the conductive member. Where the electrodes and gradiometer are carried by a drill string, gap subs are positioned along the drill string to minimize conduction of current along the drill string therebetween. In some embodiments, the gradiometer is positioned between the emitter and return electrodes.

Gradient-based single well ranging system for SAGD application

A method for determining the direction and/or range from a drilling well to a target well may include positioning a magnetic source in the target well and a magnetic sensor in the drilling well. The method may include activating the magnetic source in the target well and moving one or both of the magnetic source and magnetic sensors until a location in which the magnetic sensor is not saturated is identified. The method may include determining the direction and/or range to the target well at that location.

Magnetic ranging from behind a magnetic shield

A well completion system includes a current source, a ground terminal, and a reference conductor. The reference conductor is electrically connected to the current source, and is inserted into a reference wellbore having a tubular therein. The tubular has a tubular bottom hole end, and the tubular is electrically conductive between an electrical discontinuity and the bottom hole end. The tubular between the tubular string electrical discontinuity and the tubular bottom hole end is electrically connected to the reference conductor. The tubular between the tubular string electrical discontinuity and the tubular bottom hole end is electrically connected to the reference wellbore. Magnetic sensors are located outside the reference wellbore.

An artificial toolface reference system includes a power supply providing current to a ground lead and a reference lead. A ground point is coupled to the ground lead and in electrical connection with the ground. A reference wellbore includes a reference conductor in electrical connection with the ground. The reference conductor is in electrical connection with the reference lead. A guidance sensor positioned outside the reference wellbore includes at least one magnetometer. The power supply may be used to provide a current through the reference conductor, the ground, and the ground point such that a reference magnetic field is generated along the reference conductor. The guidance sensor may measure the reference magnetic field with a magnetometer. An artificial magnetic toolface may be calculated therefrom.

Active magnetic azimuthal toolface for vertical borehole kickoff in magnetically perturbed environments

An artificial toolface reference system includes a power supply providing current to a ground lead and a reference lead. A ground point is coupled to the ground lead and in electrical connection with the ground. A reference wellbore includes a reference conductor in electrical connection with the ground. The reference conductor is in electrical connection with the reference lead. The reference conductor includes an uninsulated portion and an insulated portion having an insulating layer positioned thereabout. A guidance sensor positioned outside the reference wellbore includes at least one magnetometer. The power supply may be used to provide a current through the reference conductor, into the ground through the uninsulated portion, and the ground point such that a reference magnetic field is generated along the reference conductor. The guidance sensor may measure the reference magnetic field with a magnetometer. An artificial magnetic toolface may be calculated therefrom.

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Edmonton, Canada

Clinton Moss