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Title: Ranging methods for developing wellbores in subsurface formations

Abstract

A method for forming two or more wellbores in a subsurface formation includes forming a first wellbore in the formation. A second wellbore is directionally drilled in a selected relationship relative to the first wellbore. At least one magnetic field is provided in the second wellbore using one or more magnets in the second wellbore located on a drilling string used to drill the second wellbore. At least one magnetic field is sensed in the first wellbore using at least two sensors in the first wellbore as the magnetic field passes by the at least two sensors while the second wellbore is being drilled. A position of the second wellbore is continuously assessed relative to the first wellbore using the sensed magnetic field. The direction of drilling of the second wellbore is adjusted so that the second wellbore remains in the selected relationship relative to the first wellbore.

Inventors:
 [1]
  1. Houston, TX
Issue Date:
Research Org.:
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE
OSTI Identifier:
1027463
Patent Number(s):
8011451
Application Number:
12/250,273
Assignee:
Shell Oil Company (Houston, TX)
Patent Classifications (CPCs):
E - FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS E21 - EARTH DRILLING E21B - EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING
H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01F - MAGNETS
DOE Contract Number:  
AC04-94AL85000
Resource Type:
Patent
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
42 ENGINEERING

Citation Formats

MacDonald, Duncan. Ranging methods for developing wellbores in subsurface formations. United States: N. p., 2011. Web.
MacDonald, Duncan. Ranging methods for developing wellbores in subsurface formations. United States.
MacDonald, Duncan. Tue . "Ranging methods for developing wellbores in subsurface formations". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1027463.
@article{osti_1027463,
title = {Ranging methods for developing wellbores in subsurface formations},
author = {MacDonald, Duncan},
abstractNote = {A method for forming two or more wellbores in a subsurface formation includes forming a first wellbore in the formation. A second wellbore is directionally drilled in a selected relationship relative to the first wellbore. At least one magnetic field is provided in the second wellbore using one or more magnets in the second wellbore located on a drilling string used to drill the second wellbore. At least one magnetic field is sensed in the first wellbore using at least two sensors in the first wellbore as the magnetic field passes by the at least two sensors while the second wellbore is being drilled. A position of the second wellbore is continuously assessed relative to the first wellbore using the sensed magnetic field. The direction of drilling of the second wellbore is adjusted so that the second wellbore remains in the selected relationship relative to the first wellbore.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue Sep 06 00:00:00 EDT 2011},
month = {Tue Sep 06 00:00:00 EDT 2011}
}

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