Improving Wellbore Position Accuracy of Horizontal Wells by Using A Continuous Inclination Measurement From A Near Bit Inclination MWD Sensor

Abstract

Abstract Wellbore position calculations are typically performed by measuring Azimuth and Inclination at 10–30 meter intervals and using interpolation techniques to determine the borehole position between the survey stations. Input parameters are, Measured Depth (MD), Azimuth and Inclination, where the latter two parameters are measured with the MWD tool in a stationary mode (non-rotating). Output parameters are the geometric coordinates; True Vertical Depth (TVD), North and East. To maximize the exposure of a production well to the reservoir, horizontal wellbores are frequently being drilled. Furthermore, to maximize the production of hydrocarbons from these wells, their relative position within the reservoir is critical. Improving the accuracy of the Inclination measurement and thus reducing the uncertainty of the calculated TVD value will increase the confidence in wellbore position. The NaviGator™* geosteering tool or the AutoTrak™* rotary steerable system are frequently used to optimize the position of horizontal wellbores within the reservoir. Both these geosteering tools use a Near Bit Inclination sensor (NBI) to help the directional driller perform directional changes smoothly and accurately. Unlike traditional directional sensors the NBI sensor is capable of accurately measuring inclination while being rotated. Consequently NBI measurements can be performed continuously during drilling. The measurements can be used to more accurately calculate the wellbore trajectory. Results in the paper demonstrate that the NBI sensor is more accurately measuring inclination than other directional sensors in a horizontal well. Also, by continuously measuring the inclination during rotation, some error sources are reduced, resulting in improved TVD accuracy.