Equinor has been granted a patent for a method that estimates a well path position in subsurface formations. This involves using navigation measurements from downhole tools and seismic data, employing the minimum curvature method enhanced by an optimization process to control drilling trajectories effectively. GlobalData’s report on Equinor gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
According to GlobalData’s company profile on Equinor, Oil well fracking was a key innovation area identified from patents. Equinor's grant share as of June 2024 was 53%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Method for estimating well path position in subsurface formations
The patent US12024996B2 outlines a method for estimating the position of a well path within a subsurface formation using navigation measurements from a downhole tool and seismic data. The method employs the minimum curvature technique, enhanced by an optimization process to refine the well path estimate. Key components of the navigation measurements include orientation, measured depth, magnetic, and gyroscopic data. The position estimate is derived from passive seismic data collected from multiple sensors positioned on the Earth's surface or in nearby wells. The method distinguishes between vertical and lateral path components, utilizing both navigation measurements and seismic data to enhance accuracy.
Additionally, the patent details an optimization process that minimizes the distance between a modeled well path and the seismic-derived position estimate, focusing on lateral distances. The method also incorporates uncertainty measures for the well path estimate, which can be calculated as a single measure or as multiple independent measures across different sections. The well path estimate can be used for predictive purposes, guiding the drill bit to follow a desired trajectory. Furthermore, the patent includes provisions for a computer-readable medium that enables the execution of the described methods, facilitating advancements in geosteering and subsurface exploration.
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