Multiple magnetic sensor ranging method and system

Methods for drilling a second well in a spatial relationship to a first well include positioning a magnetic field source in a first well or borehole and deploying at least two magnetometers in a second well or borehole. The magnetometers are separated by a known distance and each measure the magnetic field created by the magnetic field source that is located in the first borehole. The magnetic field measurements are used to calculate the locations of the two magnetometers with respect to the magnetic field source. The two locations define the axis of the second borehole with respect to the magnetic field source in the first borehole.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to well drilling operations and, more particularly, to a system and method for magnetic ranging to an open borehole or to a cased well.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to access certain types of hydrocarbons in the earth, it may be necessary or desirable to drill wells or boreholes in a certain spatial relationship with respect to one another. Specifically, it may be desirable to drill a borehole such that it has a specific location relative to a previously drilled borehole. For example, heavy oil may be too viscous in its natural state to be produced from a conventional well, and, thus, an arrangement of cooperative wells and well features may be utilized to produce such oil. Indeed, to produce heavy oil, a variety of techniques may be employed, including, for example, Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD), Cross Well Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (X-SAGD), or Toe to Heel Air Injection (THAI). While SAGD wells generally involve two parallel horizontal wells, X-SAGD and THAI wells generally involve two or more wells located perpendicular to one another.

X-SAGD and THAI techniques function by employing one or more wells for steam injection or air injection, respectively, known as “injector wells.” The injector wells pump steam or air into precise locations in a heavy oil formation to heat heavy oil. One or more lower horizontal wells, known as “producer wells,” collect the heated heavy oil. For an X-SAGD well pair including an injector well and a producer well, the injector well is a horizontal well located above and oriented perpendicular to the producer well. In contrast, for a THAI well pair including an injector well and a producer well, the injector well is a vertical well located near and oriented perpendicular to the producer well.

Steam or air from an injector well in an X-SAGD or THAI well pair should be injected at a precise point in the heavy oil formation to maximize recovery. Particularly, if steam is injected too near to a point of closest approach between the injector well and the producer well, steam may be shunted out of the formation and into the producer well. Using many conventional techniques, the point of closest approach between the two wells may be difficult to locate or the location of the point of closest approach may be imprecise.

Moreover, the relative distance between the injector and producer wells of an X-SAGD or THAI well pair may affect potential recovery. The wells should be located sufficiently near to one another such that heavy oil heated at the injector well may drain into the producer well. However, if the wells are located too near to one another, steam or air from the injector well may shunt into the producer well, and if the wells are located too far from one another, the heated heavy oil may not extend to the producer well. Using conventional techniques, it may be difficult to accurately drill one well perpendicular to another well.

SAGD may generally involve two parallel wells separated by an approximately constant vertical separation distance (e.g., 4 to 6 m) and an approximately constant transverse horizontal separation distance (e.g., within 1 m) over a horizontal distance of roughly 500 m to 1500 m. The upper well in a SAGD well pair may be known as an “injector well.” The injector well may inject superheated steam into a heavy oil zone formation, creating a steam chamber to heat the heavy oil contained therewithin. The lower well in a SAGD well pair may be known as a “producer well.” When the heated heavy oil becomes less viscous, gravity may pull the oil into the producer well below, from which the oil may be extracted.

Conventional measurement while drilling (MWD) survey data may not provide sufficient accuracy to maintain a consistent separation distance between the injector well and the producer well. Indeed, the direction of a horizontal well may be measured and controlled to approximately +/−3°, and the inclination may be measured and controlled to approximately +/−1°, using conventional MWD sensors and good directional steering practices. However, such relatively small angles may produce large errors in the position of a long horizontal well. For example, a horizontal well with a 1000 meter length having a 3° drift may have a 52 meter lateral error at the toe of the well. If the same horizontal well has a 1° drift in inclination, the well may also have a 17 meter vertical error.

SUMMARY

One method in accordance with exemplary embodiments includes producing a magnetic field with a magnetic field source positioned in the first well, producing a first output from a first magnetic field sensor subsystem for sensing directional magnetic field components, and producing a second output from a second magnetic field sensor subsystem for sensing directional magnetic field components. The first and second magnetic field sensor subsystems are positioned a distance apart from one another within the second well. Further, the first and second outputs are responsive to the magnetic field produced by the magnetic field source.

One method in accordance with exemplary embodiments includes a method for drilling of a second well in a specified spatial relationship with respect to a first well. The method may include providing, in the first well, a magnetic field source, and providing, in the second well, a directional drilling subsystem and a plurality of magnetometers for sensing directional magnetic field components. The method may also include activating the magnetic field source to produce a magnetic field, and producing at least two outputs from the plurality of magnetometers, wherein each of the at least two outputs is produced by a different one of the plurality of magnetometers, the at least two outputs being responsive to the magnetic field produced by the magnetic field source. Further, the method may include determining a geometric relationship of the second well with respect to the first well as a function of the at least two outputs, producing directional drilling control signals as a function of the determined geometric relationship, and implementing a directional drilling increment of the second well in the directional drilling system with the directional drilling control signals.

A system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment may include a system for monitoring a geometric relationship of a second well with respect to a first well. The exemplary system may include a sensing subsystem capable of being moved along the second well, the sensing subsystem comprising a plurality of spaced apart magnetometers capable of sensing directional magnetic field components, wherein each of the plurality of magnetometers is capable of producing an output responsive to a magnetic field produced by a magnetic field source. Further, the system may include a processor capable of determining the geometric relationship of the second well with respect to the first well from a combination of the output produced by each of the plurality of magnetometers.

A system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment may include a system for magnetic ranging to an open borehole or to a cased well. The exemplary system may include a magnetic field source capable of being located in a first borehole. Further, the system may include an array of magnetometer systems capable of being located in a second borehole, wherein the magnetometer systems are located a known distance apart along the array and are each capable of measuring the magnetic field. The system may also include a processor capable of calculating a location of the magnetic field source based on the known distance and measurements of the magnetic field taken by an adjacent pair of magnetometer systems within the array that are near the magnetic field source.

A system in accordance with another exemplary embodiment may include a magnetic field sensor system that includes two or more magnetometers that are aligned and spaced a certain distance apart from adjacent magnetometers. A magnetic field source may be placed in a first well, such as in a drilling tool, and the magnetic field sensor system including two or more magnetometers may be placed in a second well. For example, an array of 3-axis magnetometers may be deployed in the second well and connected to the surface by a wireline cable or the like. The magnetometers within the array may be arranged such that there is a known distance between each adjacent magnetometer in the array. Each of the magnetometers may individually be capable of measuring the magnetic field produced by the magnetic field source. Accordingly, magnetic field measurements from adjacent pairs of magnetometers may be used to calculate a relative location of the magnetic field source. In view of this, it may not be necessary to know the exact location of the measurement point along the axis of the first well or the exact location of the magnetometers in the second well. Further, by using an array of magnetometers, it is not necessary to move the magnetic field sensor system for each survey point. Furthermore, exemplary embodiments may provide automated steering of a BHA using data acquired from an adjacent well. In other words, all or a portion of steering a BHA may be achieved without human intervention using systems and methods in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1depicts a traditional well drilling operation10involving magnetic ranging while drilling. Specifically, the well drilling operation10may include the formation of a pair of SAGD wells. Indeed, as illustrated inFIG. 1, an existing first well12and a second well14in the process of being drilled extend from the surface through a formation16into a heavy oil zone18. The first well12is cased with casing20(e.g., a slotted or perforated liner) and may eventually function as the producer well of the SAGD pair. As is typical for placement of producer wells, the first well12is placed near the bottom of the heavy oil zone18. Further, as is typical for a SAGD pair, the second well14is positioned above the first well12, and may be used to inject steam into the heavy oil zone18. For example, the second well14may be positioned a vertical distance of 5±1 meters above the essentially horizontal section of the first well12, and within ±1 meters of the vertical plane defined by the axis of the first well12. In the illustrated embodiment, a drill string24is being used to drill the second well14. The drill string24includes a bottom hole assembly (BHA)26having a drill bit28, a steerable system30, and a measurement while drilling (MWD) tool32.

Maintaining the relative positioning between the first well12and the second well14with any significant precision is generally beyond the capability of conventional procedures that utilize MWD direction and inclination measurement. Accordingly, magnetic ranging is used to determine the distances between and relative positioning of the wells (e.g., the first well12and the second well14). For example, a solenoid34may be placed in the first well12and energized with current to produce a magnetic field36for use in magnetic ranging measurements. The solenoid34may include a long magnetic core wrapped with numerous turns of wire.

The magnetic field36produced by the solenoid34may have a known strength and produce a known field pattern that can be measured in the second well14. Accordingly, a 3-axis magnetometer38mounted in the MWD tool32and positioned within the second well14may be utilized to make observations of the magnetic field36. Such observations may facilitate a determination of relative positioning of the first well12and the second well14. It should be noted that the solenoid34typically must remain within a certain distance of the MWD tool32to properly perform magnetic ranging, which requires movement of the solenoid34as drilling progresses. Further, the solenoid34generally must be positioned in at least two locations with respect to the MWD tool32to acquire a proper measurement. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, a wireline tractor40coupled with a cable42is utilized to push the solenoid34through the first well12into different positions relative to the 3-axis magnetometer38. However, in other embodiments, the solenoid34may be pumped down inside tubing, the solenoid34may be pushed with coiled tubing, or other techniques may be utilized.

As indicated above, in traditional magnetic ranging procedures, the solenoid34is moved to different positions within the first well12to facilitate taking measurements from different positions relative to the BHA26in the second well14. The movement of the solenoid34between the at least two borehole positions typically requires that the wireline tractor40be activated and driven along the wellbore or some other procedure be performed to move the solenoid34. During such movement of the solenoid34, the BHA26is not drilling. Thus, the actual drilling process is halted periodically when performing a traditional magnetic ranging operation, and drilling is limited to the time between magnetic ranging measurements. Such activity can be time consuming and can waste valuable drilling time. The distance drilled between measurements may depend on a driller's ability to keep the well straight and/or on course. In a typical operation, the BHA26in the second well14may drill a distance of 10 m to 30 m (e.g., one to three lengths of drill pipe) between measurements.

As indicated above, in traditional approaches that use magnetic ranging, measurements may be taken with the solenoid34in different positions within the first well12. For example, in a first position, a measurement may be taken using the 3-axis magnetometer38of the MWD tool32to measure the Earth's magnetic field without current in the solenoid34. Then, a measurement may be taken with the solenoid34activated with DC current to produce the magnetic field36, which adds to the Earth's magnetic field. Next, a measurement may be taken with the DC current in the solenoid34reversed. These multiple measurements may be used to subtract a value for the Earth's relatively large magnetic field from the data obtained while passing current through the solenoid34. The solenoid may then be moved to a second position within the first well12by the wireline tractor40or another feature for moving the solenoid34. If the first position was behind of the 3-axis magnetometer38of the MWD tool32(e.g., closer to the heel46of the well), then the second position should be in front of the magnetometer of the MWD tool32(e.g., closer to the toe44of the well). In the second position, the solenoid34may be again activated with DC current, and the MWD tool32may make a fourth magnetic field measurement. Next, the DC current may be reversed, and a fifth magnetic field measurement may be made with the MWD tool32. The five magnetic field measurements may then be transmitted to the surface for processing to determine the position of the 3-axis magnetometer38of the MWD tool32with respect to the various positions of the solenoid34, and, thus, the position of the second well14relative to the first well12.

It should be noted that the movement of the solenoid34described above typically requires that the tractor40be activated and driven along the first well12, which is time consuming. Further, any errors in measuring the two axial positions of the solenoid34or errors in the distance the solenoid34moves may introduce errors in the calculated distance between the first and second wells12,14. Additionally, since the solenoid34is moved from one position to another, the distance the solenoid travels may vary from one magnetic ranging operation to the next. Since the MWD tool32may not know how far the solenoid34moved, it may not be able to compute the distance to the other well. Accordingly, all five magnetic field measurements may be transmitted to the surface via a telemetry system, which is typically slow, and drilling may not resume until the measurements have been decoded, processed, and so forth. Many of these procedures traditionally involve multiple human operators. For example, driving the tractor40, activating the solenoid34, processing survey and magnetic ranging data, calculating relative positions, comparing measures positions with a planned well trajectory, computing course corrections, and down linking steering commands to the steerable system30or manually adjusting the direction of a steerable bent sub, may require extensive human activity. Such human activity may add to the cost of the operation, delays, and the possibility of human error.

Exemplary embodiments in accordance with the present invention are directed to methods and systems that are capable of determining a geometric relationship between two wells. For example, one embodiment may be capable of determining distances between two wells and directions from one well to the other. Further, exemplary embodiments may be capable of controlling the position, direction, and inclination of a bottomhole assembly (BHA) drilling an adjacent well. Exemplary embodiments may be utilized in applications relating to SAGD wells and any other system of wells that are to be arranged in close proximity to each other with controlled spacing.

Specifically, exemplary embodiments may utilize a magnetic field source located in a first borehole, and two or more magnetometers (e.g., 3-axis magnetometers) deployed in a second borehole. The magnetometers may be positioned a known distance apart (e.g., a substantially fixed distance apart within a downhole tool), and the magnetometers may each be configured to individually measure the magnetic field created by the magnetic field source that is located in the first borehole. These magnetic field measurements may then be utilized to calculate the locations of each of the two magnetometers with respect to the magnetic field source. The calculated locations may then be used to define the axis of the second borehole with respect to the magnetic field source in the first borehole. Thus, exemplary embodiments may efficiently determine a location of the second borehole with respect to the first borehole, and this may be achieved without a value for the exact location of the measurement point along the axis of the first borehole, the exact location of the magnetometers in the second borehole, or knowledge of the magnetic dipole moment.

FIG. 2illustrates a well drilling operation60including an existing first well62and a second well64in the process of being drilled in the heavy oil zone18, wherein the drilling operation60is utilizing tools for dual magnetic sensor ranging while drilling in accordance with one embodiment. Specifically,FIG. 2illustrates a downhole tool66with a solenoid68that is deployed in the first well62. In the illustrated embodiment, the solenoid68is generally aligned with the borehole axis of the first well62(i.e. in the z-direction). The solenoid68may be contained in a non-magnetic or non-metallic housing70(e.g. a fiberglass housing). The downhole tool66may be a wireline logging tool, for example, and may have an electronic cartridge that produces DC currents or low frequency AC currents for the solenoid68. In some embodiments, the solenoid68may be disposed within a MWD tool. It should be noted that the downhole tool66can be moved along the borehole of the first well62by a wireline tractor72coupled with a wireline cable74. In other exemplary embodiments, the downhole tool66may be moved by coiled tubing or by other means.

In the illustrated embodiment, a BHA80is disposed within the borehole of the second well64. The BHA80includes an MWD tool82that contains a first 3-axis magnetometer84and a second 3-axis magnetometer86, wherein each of the 3-axis magnetometers84,86may be capable of measuring an AC and/or DC magnetic field88produced by the solenoid68. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the solenoid68can be driven by an AC current, rather than by a DC current. While present embodiments may use DC magnetic fields, the use of AC magnetic fields may be beneficial because the Earth's DC magnetic field can essentially be entirely suppressed by placing high pass filters on the magnetometer outputs. Since the 50,000 nTesla magnetic field of the Earth is no longer present in the data, much weaker magnetic fields can be accurately measured than is possible for DC magnetic fields. This also can reduce the weight and power requirements for the solenoid68and can increase the functional range between the first well62and the second well64. The frequency of the AC current in accordance with some embodiments may generally lie in the range of 1 Hz to 20 Hz (e.g., a frequency of approximately 3 Hz). While present embodiments may include higher frequencies, for frequencies much greater than 20 Hz, the magnetic field may be highly attenuated if the first well has steel casing, such as casing92), or by drill collar material in the MWD tool82when a magnetometer (e.g., one or both of the magnetometers84,86) is located inside a drill collar of the MWD tool82.

FIG. 3includes a process flow diagram for a typical magnetic ranging sequence or method in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The method is generally indicated by reference numeral100and includes various steps or acts represented by blocks in the flow diagram. It should be noted that the method100may include various other and/or different procedures in accordance with exemplary embodiments, and that the illustrated embodiment is merely representative. Indeed, in some exemplary embodiments, certain steps or acts in the illustrated embodiment may be excluded and/or performed in a different order.

As illustrated by block102, the method100may begin with drilling a length of pipe (e.g., a stand of pipe from 10 m to 30 m long) with a BHA while moving a downhole tool so that the downhole tool, which includes a solenoid, will be approximately opposite a plurality of MWD tool magnetometers (e.g., 3-axis magnetometers) of the BHA when the length of drill pipe has been drilled. By positioning the downhole tool in this manner, exemplary embodiments may efficiently utilize rig time. It should be noted that the downhole tool may be placed in an approximate position. In other words, it is not necessary to exactly position the downhole tool at a specific location.

As represented by block104, once the length of pipe has been drilled, the drilling may be stopped, and, thus, rotation of the BHA may be halted. With the drilling and BHA rotation stopped, a standard MWD survey may be performed to obtain direction, inclination, and gravity tool face, as represented by block106. Further, as represented by block106, this data can be transmitted to the surface via MWD telemetry, e.g. by mud pulse or electromagnetic telemetry. Next, as illustrated in block108, a solenoid in the downhole tool may be activated. For example, the solenoid may be activated by an AC current in the range of 1 to 20 Hz. The resulting AC magnetic field may then be measured by at least two magnetometers in the BHA and associated measurement values may be stored in a memory, as illustrated in block108. As illustrated in block110, the locations of the two magnetometers in the MWD tool with respect to the solenoid may then be calculated based on the measurements of the magnetic field by each of the two magnetometers. This computation may be performed downhole and then the location values may be transmitted to the surface, as illustrated by block112. Such a downhole calculation may more efficiently utilize rig time. Accordingly, reinitiating drilling with the updated information on the spatial relationship between the two wells, as illustrated by block114, can be done more quickly. Indeed, the time required to transmit the two location values would be much less than transmitting raw data from the magnetometers to the surface, and then performing the processing the data at the surface.

FIG. 4illustrates a first well150and a second well152, wherein a first magnetometer154and a second magnetometer156are positioned a distance D away from one another within the second well152, and a magnetic field source or a magnetic dipole158is located in the first well150in accordance with present embodiments. Each of the magnetometers154,156may be in fixed positions along a downhole tool (e.g., a BHA) that is being used to drill the second well152, and the magnetic dipole158may include a solenoid in a downhole tool disposed within the first well150.

As indicated above, present embodiments are directed to determining a position of a well being drilled with respect to an existing well. For example, present embodiments may be utilized to determine a relative position of the second well152with respect to the first well150. Referring toFIG. 4, the magnetic dipole158(e.g., a solenoid) is located along the borehole axis of the first well150at the origin, i.e. at (x,y,z)=(0,0,0). For illustrative purposes, the magnetic dipole158may be represented mathematically as a point magnetic dipole that is aligned with the borehole direction. That is, {right arrow over (M)}=M {circumflex over (z)}, where {circumflex over (z)} is the unit vector pointing along the axis of the first well. The presence of a steel casing or steel liner, such as a casing162, may perturb the shape of the magnetic field produced by the magnetic dipole158, but this can be taken into account with a slight refinement of the model. The primary effect of the casing162may be to attenuate the strength of the magnetic field.

The first magnetometer154in the second borehole is located at {right arrow over (r1)}=(x1,y1,z1) and the second magnetometer156is located at {right arrow over (r2)}=(x2,y2,z2). The locations of these two magnetometers are unknown quantities with respect to the magnetic dipole158located at (0, 0, 0). Exemplary embodiments may be utilized to determine these two locations using magnetic field measurements obtained with the two magnetometers154,156. Once these two points have been determined, they define the axis of the second well152with respect to the first well150. The known separation between these two magnetometers154,156is D=√{square root over ((x1−x2)2+(y1−y2)2+(z1−z2)2)}. The distance D between the two magnetometers154,156may be set depending on the desired inter-well spacing. For example, if the inter-well spacing is 5 m, then the two magnetometers154,156should be spaced in the range of 5 m to 10 m. If the inter-well spacing is greater, a spacing of a greater distance may be desirable. The spacing of the magnetometers154,156can be adjusted if they are in separate subs by inserting spacers or downhole MWD or LWD tools between them. In some embodiments, a tool including both of the magnetometers154,156may be configured to facilitate lengthening and shortening the distance between the magnetometers154,156, and then fixing them in place in the adjusted location for operation in a particular downhole environment.

The direction and inclination of the second well152may be known to a certain accuracy since those parameters are measured in a standard MWD survey that provides direction, inclination, and gravity tool face. Similarly, it may be assumed that the first well150was surveyed while being drilled or afterwards, so that the direction and inclination of the first well150is also known to a certain accuracy. However, the accuracy may not be sufficient to maintain the precise spacing required between the two wells based on these measurements alone. The direction and inclination of the first well150can be stored in the memory of the MWD tool prior to its trip into the borehole, or can be transmitted from the surface to the MWD tool while it is downhole. As illustrated inFIG. 5, which includes a representative diagram of the first well150and the second well152, the direction of the second well152with respect to the first well150is represented by the unit vector {circumflex over (N)}. The angle between {circumflex over (N)} and the z-axis is φ, and the angle between the projection of {circumflex over (N)} into the x-y plane and the x-axis is ξ. The unit vector {circumflex over (N)} can be written as {circumflex over (N)}=Nx{circumflex over (x)}+Nyŷ+Nz{circumflex over (z)}, where Nx=cos ξ sin φ, Ny=sin ξ sin φ, and Nz=cos φ. From, {right arrow over (r1)}={right arrow over (r2)}+D {circumflex over (N)}, one obtains: x1=x2+D cos ξ sin φ, y1=y2+D sin ξ sin φ, and z1=z2+D cos φ.

Taking into consideration a situation where the magnetic dipole {right arrow over (M)} is activated, in general, the magnetic field at {right arrow over (r1)} and {right arrow over (r2)} will have field components along the three directions, {circumflex over (x)}, ŷ, {circumflex over (z)}, namely {right arrow over (B)}({right arrow over (r1)})=Bx({right arrow over (r1)}){circumflex over (x)}+By({right arrow over (r1)})ŷ+Bz({right arrow over (r1)}){circumflex over (z)}, and {right arrow over (B)}({right arrow over (r2)})=Bx({right arrow over (r2)}){circumflex over (x)}+By({right arrow over (r2)})ŷ+Bz({right arrow over (r2)}){circumflex over (z)}. All six magnetic field components can be measured by the two magnetometers154,156, which may include 3-axis MWD magnetometers. The magnetometer axes may not coincide with x, y, and z directions, but the magnetometer readings may be rotated to the x, y, and z directions based on the survey data for the two wells150,152. The well surveys are sufficiently accurate for this purpose. With the direction and inclination stored in the memory of the MWD tool, this can be done downhole.

With {right arrow over (M)} activated, the magnetic field components at the first MWD magnetometer are:

FIG. 6includes representative diagrams of geometries for the magnetic field components measured at {right arrow over (r1)}=(x1,y1,z1) and at {right arrow over (r2)}=(x2, y2,z2) in accordance with present embodiments. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, the magnetic field at {right arrow over (r1)} lies in a plane defined by {circumflex over (z)} and the radial vector defined by {right arrow over (ρ)}1=x1{circumflex over (x)}+y1ŷ. Hence, the magnetic field has components only in the z direction and in the radial direction defined by {right arrow over (ρ)}1. The magnetic field component in the radial direction is {right arrow over (B)}ρ({right arrow over (r1)})=Bρ({right arrow over (r1)}){circumflex over (ρ)}1=Bx({right arrow over (r1)}){circumflex over (x)}+By({right arrow over (r1)})ŷ, where {circumflex over (ρ)}1={right arrow over (ρ)}1/|{right arrow over (ρ)}1| is a unit vector. The direction of {right arrow over (B)}ρ({right arrow over (r1)}) in the x-y plane is given by tan

θ1=By⁡(r1→)Bx⁡(r1→).
Hence, the ratio of these two measured magnetic field components determine the direction from the first magnetometer154to a point on the axis of the first well150at (0,0,z1). Since tan θ1has now been determined, one unknown quantity can be eliminated because y1=x1tan θ1. Note that Bρ→0 as z1→0, hence Bx({right arrow over (r1)})→0 and By({right arrow over (r1)})→0. This means that it may be difficult to determine the angle θ1when the first magnetometer154is directly across from the magnetic dipole158.

The magnetic field at the second magnetometer156may be given by the following equation:

The magnetic field at {right arrow over (r2)} lies in a plane defined by {circumflex over (z)} and a radial vector given by {right arrow over (ρ)}2=x2{circumflex over (x)}+y2ŷ. The magnetic field in the radial direction may be represented as {right arrow over (B)}ρ({right arrow over (r2)})=Bρ({right arrow over (r2)}){circumflex over (ρ)}2=Bx({right arrow over (r2)}){circumflex over (x)}+By({right arrow over (r2)})ŷ, where {circumflex over (ρ)}2={right arrow over (ρ)}2/|{right arrow over (ρ)}2| is a unit vector. The direction from the second magnetometer156at (x2,y2,z2) to a point on the axis of the first well150at (0,0,z2) may be obtained from tan

θ2=By⁡(r2→)Bx⁡(r2→).
These measurements can eliminate another unknown quantity with y2=x2tan θ2. It should be noted that θ2is not necessarily the same angle as θ1, i.e. the two wells may not lie in a plane.

Define the quantities

u≡z1ρ1=z1x12+y12⁢⁢and⁢⁢α≡Bz⁡(r1→)Bρ⁡(r1→)=2⁢u2-13⁢u,
where α is known from the measured magnetic field components at the first magnetometer. Solving the corresponding quadratic equation yields

u=3⁢⁢α±9⁢⁢α2+84.
For approximately parallel wells, the + sign is used if z1>0 and the − sign is used if z1<0.

Similarly, define the quantities

v≡z2ρ2=z2x22+y22⁢⁢and⁢⁢β≡Bz⁡(r2→)Bρ⁡(r2→)=2⁢v2-13⁢v,
where β is known from the measured magnetic field components at the second magnetometer. Solving the corresponding quadratic equation yields

v=3⁢β±9⁢⁢β2+84.
For approximately parallel wells, the + sign is used if z2>0 and the − sign is used if z2<0.

It has now been determined that z1=u x1√{square root over (1+tan2θ1)} where u and tan θ1are known quantities; and z2=v x2√{square root over (1+tan2θ2)} where v and tan θ2are known quantities. The equation z1−z2=D cos φ=u x1√{square root over (1+tan2θ1)}−v x2√{square root over (1+tan2θ2)} can be rewritten as

x2=u⁢⁢x1⁢1+tan2⁢θ1-D⁢⁢cos⁢⁢φv⁢1+tan2⁢θ2.
Also, it has now been obtained that

x2=x1⁢tan⁢⁢θ1-D⁢⁢sin⁢⁢ξsinφtan⁢⁢θ2
from y1−y2=D sin ξ sin φ=x1tan θ1−x2tan θ2. Equating these two expressions for x2yields the following equation:

When tan θ1≈0 and tan θ2≈0, the above equation may produce a noisy result. Alternatively, in this case one can use x2=x1−D cos ξ sin φ to obtain the following result:

It should be noted that there are four possible solutions since there are two roots for the two quadratic equations. However, three of the possible solutions can be easily eliminated due to the unrealistic values they produce. The remaining unknown quantities are now found from the following equation:
y1=x1tan θ1, z1=u x1√{square root over (1+tan2θ1)},x2=x1−Dcos ξ sin φ,y2=x2tan θ2, andz2=v x2+√{square root over (1+tan2θ2)}.  (eq. 5)

Hence, the location of the first magnetometer154, {right arrow over (r1)}=(x1,y1,z1), and the location of the second magnetometer156, {right arrow over (r2)}=(x2,y2,z2), may be fully determined from the magnetic field measurements and the known directions and inclinations of the two wells150,152. These two points define a line which is the axis of the second well152. It should be noted that it was not necessary to know the measured depths of the magnetometers154,156in the second well152or the measured depth of the magnetic dipole158(e.g., a solenoid) in the first well150.

While the embodiments discussed above include a pair of magnetometers, which may be components of a downhole tool. It should be noted that in accordance with some embodiments, an downhole tool, such as an MWD tool, could contain three (or more) magnetometers spaced along its length. Further, it should be noted that the processing described above could be performed with any pair of magnetometers along a series of magnetometers to determine a relative position of the second well152with respect to the first well150.

As indicated above, the magnetic dipole158deployed in the first well150(e.g., the producer well) may include a solenoid. Referring toFIG. 7, the solenoid158may be constructed with a magnetic core (e.g. mu-metal)170. Typical dimensions for the core might be an outer diameter of approximately 7 cm, and a core length between approximately 2 m and approximately 4 m. Several thousand turns of solid magnetic wire (e.g. #28 gauge magnet wire) may be wrapped over the core and the entire assembly may be enclosed in a fiberglass housing172. If the downhole tool that contains the solenoid is to be subjected to high pressures, then the inside of the fiberglass housing may be filled with oil to balance external pressures. If the pressures are less than a few thousand psi, then the housing can be permanently filled with epoxy resin. The outer diameter of the fiberglass housing may be approximately 10 cm in some embodiments. Power supply module176provides a DC or alternating electric current to drive the solenoid158. Connection of the solenoid158to other downhole equipment and wireline cable may be achieved via bulkhead178.

The solenoid's magnetic dipole moment may be given by M=N I AEFwhere N is the number of wire turns, I is the current, and AEFis the effective area which includes the amplification provided by the magnetic core. Experiments have demonstrated that such a solenoid can produce a magnetic moment in air or in or an open borehole of several thousand amp-meter2at modest power levels (tens of watts). In a specific example, it may be assumed that the solenoid158has the magnetic moment of 1000 amp-meter2in air. However, if the casing162in the first well150is made of magnetic steel, the magnetic dipole moment will be attenuated. For example, experiments show that a 7-inch OD steel casing with 0.41-inch wall thickness will attenuate the magnetic field outside the casing by approximately 17 dB at 10 Hz, resulting in an effective magnetic moment of 140 amp-meter2inside casing, compared to 1000 amp-meter2in air. The amount of attenuation depends on the casing properties and on the frequency. Further, the attenuation generally increases rapidly above about 20 Hz. To calculate the signal-noise ratio for a realistic system, it may be assumed that a precision of 0.1 nTesla can be achieved on each magnetometer axis with an AC magnetic field of 20 Hertz or less.

The following is a discussion of an example relating to a pair of substantially parallel SAGD wells, wherein the wells have a distance of approximately 7 m between them. In this first example, which is based on theoretical calculations, two magnetometers in a BHA are separated by a distance of D=10 m, and a solenoid's magnetic dipole moment is 200 amp-meter2, which is appropriate for a steel-cased well. The BHA may be positioned in the injector well, and the solenoid may be positioned in the producer well (the first, existing well). Specifically, the magnetic dipole source is located at (x,y,z)=(0,0,0). The injector well is drilled at approximately 7 m above the producer well with a 1 m offset in the transverse (y) direction. The relative direction of the second well (i.e., the injector well) with respect to the first well (i.e., the producer well) may be given by φ=2° and ξ=0°.

In this first example, the starting position for the first magnetometer is (x1,y1,z1)=(7.00,1.00,−5.00), where distances are in meters unless otherwise notated. Because the second well is canted at an angle of 2°, the initial location of the second magnetometer is (x2,y2,z2)=(6.65,1.00,−14.99). In the following calculation, the MWD BHA is moved in the positive direction in 0.25 m steps. The abscissa in the following plots indicates the position of the first magnetometer along the borehole of the injector. Since the injector is not parallel to the producer the position on the abscissa is not exactly the same as the z-position, but the differences are slight enough to ignore. For each 0.25 m step, the magnetic field components are calculated from the previously given equations (1) and (2). Then random noise with a standard deviation of 0.1 nTesla is added to all magnetic field components. Finally, equations (3), (4), and (5) are used to determine the locations of the two magnetometers.

FIG. 8is a graph of the magnetic field strength in Tesla versus distance along the second well for magnetic field components measured at the first magnetometer in accordance with present embodiments. Specifically, the graph ofFIG. 8contains the calculated magnetic field components Bx({right arrow over (r1)}), By({right arrow over (r1)}), and Bz({right arrow over (r1)}) with random noise added. An arrow300inFIG. 8indicates when the first magnetometer is opposite the solenoid. It should be noted that the maximum amplitude of |Bz({right arrow over (r1)})| occurs when the first magnetometer is opposite the solenoid. At this position, the other two field components, Bx({right arrow over (r1)}) and By({right arrow over (r1)}), pass through zero.

FIG. 9is a graph of the magnetic field strength in Tesla versus distance along the second well for magnetic field components measured at the second magnetometer in accordance with exemplary embodiments. Specifically, the graph ofFIG. 9contains the magnetic field components Bx({right arrow over (r2)}), By({right arrow over (r2)}), and Bz({right arrow over (r2)}) as measured at the second magnetometer. Note that the magnetic field strength seen by both magnetometers is greatest between 0 m and 5 m, which corresponds to the solenoid being located between the two magnetometers. This results in the higher accuracy when the solenoid is located outside this interval. An arrow302inFIG. 9indicates when the second magnetometer is opposite the solenoid.

FIGS. 10, 11, and 12include graphs of the true positions (x1,y1,z1) of the first magnetometer and the positions obtained with equations (3), (4), and (5) based on the first example in accordance with one embodiment.FIGS. 10, 11, and 12also each include arrows that indicate when the first and second magnetometers are opposite the solenoid. Specifically,FIGS. 10, 11, and 12include an arrow304, an arrow306, and an arrow308, respectively, which each indicate when the first magnetometer is opposite the solenoid. Similarly,FIGS. 10, 11, and 12include an arrow310, an arrow312, and an arrow314, respectively, which each indicate when the second magnetometer is opposite the solenoid. The differences between the true and inverted positions are due to the random noise that was added to the calculated magnetic fields. Table 1, as set forth below, relates to the first example and displays the differences between the true and inverted positions when the solenoid is between the two magnetometers, i.e. for the region between 0 m and 5 m in the plots. The standard deviations of the differences are also listed in Table 1.

Similarly precise results may be obtained for the position of the second magnetometer. The position of the second magnetometer may be obtained from the known separation D and the known angles φ and ξ.

A second example may relate to non-parallel SAGD wells. In the second example, the two wells are not parallel, but have relative direction given by φ=−15° and ξ=45°. As before, D=10 m, the magnetic dipole moment is 200 amp-Meter2, and the random noise is 0.1 nTesla. The starting position for the first magnetometer is (x1,y1,z1)=(12.00,0.00,−5.00), and the starting position for the second magnetometer is (x2,y2,z2)=(13.83,1.83,−14.66). The magnetometers are moved along the second borehole and calculations performed at 0.25 m intervals.

FIGS. 13 and 14include graphs of the magnetic field strength in Tesla versus distance along the second well for magnetic field components measured at the first magnetometer and second magnetometers, respectively, in accordance with exemplary embodiments. Specifically,FIGS. 13 and 14show the magnetic field components: Bx({right arrow over (r1)}), By({right arrow over (r1)}), Bz({right arrow over (r1)}), Bx({right arrow over (r2)}), By({right arrow over (r2)}), and Bz({right arrow over (r2)}).FIGS. 13 and 14also include arrows that indicate when the first and second magnetometers, respectively, are opposite the solenoid. Specifically,FIG. 13includes an arrow316that indicates when the first magnetometer is opposite the solenoid, andFIG. 14includes an arrow318that indicates when the second magnetometer is opposite the solenoid.

FIGS. 15, 16, and 17show the true positions (x1,y1,z1) and the inverted positions of the first magnetometer as the BHA moves along the wellbore in accordance with present embodiments. Further,FIGS. 15, 16, and 17also each include arrows that indicate when the first and second magnetometers are opposite the solenoid. Specifically,FIGS. 15, 16, and 17include an arrow320, an arrow322, and an arrow324, respectively, which each indicate when the first magnetometer is opposite the solenoid. Similarly,FIGS. 15, 16, and 17include an arrow326, an arrow328, and an arrow330, respectively, which each indicate when the second magnetometer is opposite the solenoid.

Table 2, as set forth below, displays the differences between the true and inverted positions when the solenoid is between the two magnetometers, i.e. for the region between 0 m and 5 m in the plots. The standard deviations for the data from the second example are also listed in Table 2 below.

As indicated above, exemplary embodiments may include a magnetic field sensor system that includes two or more magnetometers that are aligned and spaced a certain distance apart from adjacent magnetometers. A magnetic field source may be placed in a first well, such as in a drilling tool, and the magnetic field sensor system including two or more magnetometers may be placed in a second well. For example, an array of 3-axis magnetometers may be deployed in the second well and connected to the surface by a wireline cable or the like. The magnetometers within the array may be arranged such that there is a known distance between each adjacent magnetometer in the array. As in the exemplary embodiments set forth above, each of the magnetometers may individually be capable of measuring the magnetic field produced by the magnetic field source.

Accordingly, magnetic field measurements from adjacent pairs of magnetometers may be used to calculate a relative location of the magnetic field source. In view of this, it may not be necessary to know the exact location of the measurement point along the axis of the first well or the exact location of the magnetometers in the second well. Further, by using an array of magnetometers, it is not necessary to move the magnetic field sensor system for each survey point. Furthermore, exemplary embodiments may provide automated steering of a BHA using data acquired from an adjacent well. In other words, all or a portion of steering a BHA may be achieved without human intervention using systems and methods in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 18illustrates a well drilling operation400including an existing first well402and a second well404in the process of being drilled, wherein the drilling operation400is utilizing an array of magnetometers for multiple magnetic sensor ranging while drilling in accordance with one embodiment. Specifically,FIG. 18illustrates one embodiment wherein the first well402has been drilled and completed with a liner or casing406(e.g., a slotted liner), and an array412of magnetometer systems414have been inserted into the first well402. It should be noted that, to facilitate accurate measurement and to increase the inter-well distance, non-magnetic liner or casing may be used in completed wells (e.g., the first well402). The array412in the illustrated embodiment is coupled with tubing416containing a wireline cable, which supplies power and transmits data to the surface. The tubing416may also be used to insert the array412into a horizontal well. The magnetometer systems414may typically be spaced equal distances apart (e.g., 10 to 30 m apart) depending on the desired distance between the first and second wells402,404, and the ranging accuracy desired. In some exemplary embodiments, spacing between the 3-axis magnetometer systems414may differ from one set of adjacent magnetometer systems to the next set.

FIG. 19is a schematic view of a section of the array412in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the array412includes a plurality of magnetometer systems414that are communicatively coupled with a data bus418and a power line420. The data bus418and the power line420may be communicatively coupled to the wireline cable in tubing416, which may provide power to the array412and communicate data to equipment at the surface. In one embodiment, the array412may be coupled to non-magnetic tubular spacers. For example, the tubular spacers may be made of aluminum, stainless steel, or composite materials. The tubular spacers and magnetometer systems414may be deployed into a wellbore on coil tubing416, and the array may be recovered from the first well402after the second well404has been drilled.

Each magnetometer system414may include a magnetometer (e.g., a 3-axis magnetometer), an inclinometer (e.g., a 3-axis inclinometer), an analog-to-digital converter, a processing unit capable of acquiring and processing data, and a telemetry module. The inclinometer in each of the magnetometer systems414may be used to determine the inclination of the magnetometer system414and to determine the gravity tool face. The gravity tool face may be defined as the orientation of the magnetometer with respect to up—the high side of the hole. Thus, direction, inclination, and gravity tool face for each of the magnetometer systems414may be determined via on-board measurements. However, in one embodiment, MWD and/or wireline surveys of the first well402may be used to determine the direction and inclination for each magnetometer system414. Indeed, since the depth of the first well402may be known, the prior well survey data may be used to determine the direction and inclination of each magnetometer system414. Acquiring gravity tool face may require data from two single-axis accelerometers mounted transverse to the axis of the array412.

Each of the plurality of magnetometer systems414may be capable of measuring DC and low frequency AC magnetic fields, and either measurement mode made be capable of activation by a command from the surface. In DC mode, the magnetometer systems414may measure the Earth's large static magnetic field, ˜50,000 nanoTesla. This may establish a direction of the magnetometer system414with respect to north. The AC mode may be used to facilitate magnetic ranging to other wells. Frequencies in the range of sub-Hertz to about 20 Hz may be desirable. In AC mode, a high pass filter on the output of a magnetometer's analog output may block the Earth's DC magnetic field, which facilitates accurate measurement of weaker magnetic fields. The noise floor may be approximately 0.1 nanoTesla for each magnetometer axis with a 10 Hertz magnetic field. In some exemplary embodiments, DC measurements may be used for ranging to other wells. In such cases, the DC magnetic field generated for ranging may be subtracted from the Earth's large magnetic field, which increases accuracy requirements on the magnetometer systems414.

It should also be noted that, as illustrated inFIG. 18, the well drilling operation400includes a BHA422. The BHA422in the illustrated embodiment includes, among other things, drill pipe or coiled tubing430, an MWD tool432, a steerable system434, and a drill bit436. The use of coiled tubing, such as the coiled tubing430, may facilitate continuous automated drilling without the need to stop for survey data, adding drill pipe, and so forth. This reduces personnel requirements and improves efficiency. The steerable system434may include a rotary steerable system, which can receive down linked commands and drill ahead in a specified direction and inclination. A steerable system that includes a mud motor with a bent sub may require a driller to manually orient the bent sub to control the direction and inclination, which may be less efficient. In one embodiment, the PowerDrive steerable system may be utilized. The PowerDrive is available from Schlumberger Limited, an oilfield service company that is incorporated in Netherlands Antilles and has a principle office in Houston, Tex.

The BHA422also includes a solenoid440, deployed in the second well402. The solenoid440may be positioned in a drill collar442and may be capable of providing a magnetic field444for detection by the magnetometer systems414of the array412.FIG. 20includes a pair of cross-sectional views of the solenoid440. The solenoid440may be mounted in the bore of the drill collar442(e.g., a non-magnetic drill collar) and aligned with the drill collar's axis. A housing450(e.g., a non-magnetic housing) may protect the windings of the solenoid440from the drilling fluid which flows in the annular region or mud channel452between the housing450and the drill collar442. Operated in AC mode, the solenoid's magnetic field may readily penetrate the housing450and drill collar442at frequencies of 20 Hz and lower. An inter-tool communication bus454may connect the solenoid440to the other drilling tools in a BHA, such as an MWD tool. A turbine456may be used to generate electrical power for power and control electronics458of the solenoid440, or batteries may be used to power the solenoid440.

Because of the multiple magnetometers in the array412, measurement results may be obtained based on a single solenoid position. Thus, the position of the solenoid440may be instantaneously and continuously monitored from the first well402while the second well404is being drilled. Indeed, the position of the BHA422in the second well404can be determined and transmitted to the surface continuously while drilling and there may be no need to periodically stop drilling to take MWD surveys. The magnetic field444produced by the solenoid440may be symmetric about the axis of the drill collar442in which the solenoid440is disposed. Thus, it is essentially immaterial whether the BHA422is rotating or non-rotating with regard to the magnetic field444it produces. Magnetic ranging data may be acquired while the BHA422is rotating and drilling ahead. In other words, it is unnecessary to stop drilling for the ranging process to proceed.

By utilizing the array412in conjunction with the solenoid440disposed within the BHA422, rig time may be conserved relative to traditional procedures. For example, in one embodiment, the array412may include a sufficient number of magnetometer systems414to extend the full length or a substantial portion of the full length of the first well402, which facilitates making measurements and drilling without moving the magnetometer systems414. Indeed, in this embodiment, once the array412is installed, no time may be required to drive a tractor between data points while the second well404is being drilled. Eliminating the use of wireline tractors may also reduce downtime due to tractor reliability issues, damage to the liner or casing406caused by the tractor, and so forth. This can also reduce the number of personnel required at the rig site and allow for more automated ranging and steering processes. Further, additional efficiency may be realized when several wells are to be drilled parallel to the first well402because the array412may be left in the first well402, which provides further time savings.

It should be noted that while the array412may be sufficient to extend the length of the first well402, in some exemplary embodiments, a shorter array with fewer magnetometers may be utilized. For example, the array412may include at least two magnetometers that may be moved periodically during drilling. However, it is believed that operational efficiency will generally improve with additional magnetometers. For example, if there are two magnetometers with 30 m spacing between them, they generally have to be moved every time the well is drilled ahead 30 m. If there are four magnetometers with 30 m spacing, then the array412may have to be moved every time the well is drilled ahead 90 m. If there are eight magnetometers with 30 m spacing, then the array412may have to be moved every time the well is drilled ahead 120 m, and so on.

FIGS. 21 and 22are perspective views that illustrate the geometry of a first well502containing a plurality of magnetometers504and a second well506containing a magnetic dipole or solenoid508in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Specifically,FIGS. 21 and 22illustrate a pair of magnetometers504, including a first magnetometer510and a second magnetometer512. The pair of magnetometers504may be representative of a pair of magnetometers selected from an array of magnetometers (e.g., the array412illustrated inFIGS. 18 and 19) based on their proximity to the solenoid508. Indeed, the pair of magnetometers504within an array that are closest to the solenoid508may be used to determine the position of the solenoid508with respect to the two magnetometers504.

The following discussion relates to an implementation of an exemplary embodiment involving SAGD wells, as illustrated byFIGS. 21 and 22. However, exemplary embodiments may also be applicable to any situation where two or more wells are drilled in an approximately parallel configuration. For SAGD, a pair of horizontal wells is to be drilled whereby the position of the second well relative to the first well is determined using magnetic field measurements. For the purposes of explaining this exemplary embodiment, the direction and inclination data for the first well502and the second well506are assumed to be known from standard MWD direction and inclination measurements or from wireline direction and inclination measurements or gyro surveys. However, this condition may be modified later by eliminating the need for MWD direction and inclination for the second well506. In general, a horizontal well's direction can be measured and controlled to approximately ±3°, and its inclination can be measured and controlled to ±1°, using conventional MWD sensors and good directional steering practices. However, such relatively small angles can produce large errors in the position of a long horizontal well. For example, a 1000 m long horizontal well with a 3° drift in direction results in a 52 m lateral error at the toe of the well; while a 1° drift in inclination results in a 17 m vertical error.

For the first part of the theoretical model discussed with regard toFIGS. 21 and 22, the direction and inclination are assumed to be known quantities for both wells, but the position of the solenoid508with respect to the first well502is an unknown quantity. The position is described by three coordinates (x′,y′,z′) which will be the goal of the magnetic ranging measurements. For the second step, the requirement of knowing the direction and inclination of the solenoid508will be removed so that the direction and inclination of the BHA is also determined without the need for an MWD direction and inclination survey.

InFIG. 21, two different coordinate systems are assigned to the two wells502,506. The coordinate system assigned to the first well502is designated using primed quantities, e.g. (x′,y′,z′)=x′+y′+z′, where {circumflex over (x)}′,and {circumflex over (z)}′ are unit vectors. The coordinate system assigned to the second well506is designated using unprimed quantities, e.g. (x,y,z)=x{circumflex over (x)}+yŷ+z{circumflex over (z)}, where {circumflex over (x)}, ŷ, and {circumflex over (z)} are different unit vectors. The unit vector pointing along the axis of the first well502is, and the unit vector pointing along the axis of the second well506is {circumflex over (z)}. Keeping with the example of horizontal SAGD wells, the unit vectors ŷ′,, ŷ and {circumflex over (z)} are nearly horizontal. The unit vectors {circumflex over (x)}′, and {circumflex over (x)} are on the high side of the holes (i.e. nearly vertical). However, these conditions are not required for the method.

The solenoid508is located at the origin of the unprimed coordinate system, centered at (x,y,z)=(0,0,0). To simplify the magnetic field equations, the solenoid508is represented as a point magnetic dipole {right arrow over (M)}=M {circumflex over (z)}. A non-magnetic drill collar, which may surround the solenoid508, will not significantly perturb the shape of the magnetic field produced by the solenoid508, but any differences can be taken into account with a slight refinement of the model.

The coordinate system for the first well502is known since it is associated with the completed well. The location of the solenoid508(in the primed coordinates) is unknown and to be determined by the magnetic ranging measurements. It is possible to set up the mathematical problem such that all equations are cast in the primed coordinates of the first well502. However, the theoretical treatment becomes much easier if the problem is stated in terms of the unprimed coordinates. In this formulation, the position of the solenoid508is treated as the known quantity and the positions of the two magnetometers510,512are treated as unknown quantities. After solving for the magnetometer locations in the unprimed coordinate system, one can then transform the result such that the solenoid position is described in the primed coordinates of the first well502.

InFIG. 22, the two magnetometers504are located at {right arrow over (r1)}=(x1,y1,z1)=x1{circumflex over (x)}+y1ŷ+z1{circumflex over (z)} and {right arrow over (r2)}=(x2,y2,z2)=x2{circumflex over (x)}+y2ŷ+z2{circumflex over (z)}. These two vectors are treated as unknown quantities; however, the distance between the two magnetometers504is known,
D=√{square root over ((x1−x2)2+(y1−y2)2+(z1−z2)2)}.  (eq. 6)
Meanwhile the locations of the magnetometers504in the primed coordinate system are {right arrow over (r1′)}=x1′+y1′+z1′{circumflex over (x)}′=z1′{circumflex over (x)}′ and {right arrow over (r2′)}=x2′+y2′+z2′=z2′. Since the magnetometers504are located on theaxis, x1′=y1′=x2′=y2′=0 and D=z1′−z2′.

As illustrated inFIG. 23, the angle between {circumflex over (z)} andis designated as φ, where φϵ[0,π]. The angle between the projection ofinto the x-y plane and {circumflex over (x)}, axis is designated as ξ, where ξϵ[−π,π]. The unit vectorcan be written in terms of the unprimed coordinate system as
=sin φ cos ξ{circumflex over (x)}+sin φ sin ξŷ+cos φ{tilde over (z)}.(eq. 7)
From equation (7) and from {right arrow over (r1)}={right arrow over (r2)}+Dit follows that
x1=x2+Dcos ξ sin φ,  (eq. 8)
y1=y2+Dsin ξ sin φ, and  (eq. 9)
z1=z2+Dcos φ.  (eq. 10)
Note that the direction and inclination are not the angles φ and ξ, but are related to them via trigonometry.

Since the two wells can be maintained nearly parallel, φ and ξ will be small angles, i.e. φ<<1, and |ξ|<<1. Subsequent equations can be simplified with the approximations cos φ≈1−φ2/2, sin φ≈φ, and sin ξ≈ξ. For the typical direction and inclination errors of ±3° and ±1°, these approximations introduce very small errors.

In the primed coordinate system, the high side of the hole is indicated by, which must lie in the plane defined byand {circumflex over (x)}. Hence, the projection ofinto the y-z plane must be co-linear with the projection of into the y-z plane, as shown inFIG. 23. The angle between the projection ofinto the y-z plane and {circumflex over (z)} is given by tan δ=tan φ sin ξ. The other two unit vectors of the primed coordinate system can be expanded in terms of the unprimed coordinate system as:=a{circumflex over (x)}+bŷ+c{circumflex over (z)} and=d{circumflex over (x)}+eŷ+f{circumflex over (z)}. The transformation matrices between the two coordinate systems can be derived from the following additional conditions: b/c=tan δ,·=0,·=0,·=0, ||=1, ||=1, and ||=1. The transformation matrices between the two coordinate systems are:

[x′^y′^z′^]=[(1-φ2/2)0-φ01-ξ⁢⁢φ+φ+ξ⁢⁢φ(1-φ2/2)]⁡[x^y^z^](eq.⁢11)and[x^y^z^]=[(1-φ2/2)0+φ01+ξ⁢⁢φ-φ-ξ⁢⁢φ(1-φ2/2)]⁡[x′^y′^z′^].(eq.⁢12)
These transformations between the primed and unprimed coordinate systems are used to transform the magnetic field as well as the spatial coordinates.

The magnetic field due to the point magnetic dipole {right arrow over (M)}=M {circumflex over (z)} can be written as

B→⁢(r)->=μ04⁢⁢π⁢⁢r3⁡[3⁢r^⁡(r^·M→)-M→],(eq.⁢13)
where {circumflex over (r)}={right arrow over (r)}/r is the unit vector from the origin (0,0,0) of the unprimed coordinate system to the point of observation, and where r=|{right arrow over (r)}|=√{square root over (x2+y2+z2)}. The magnetic field at {right arrow over (r)} can be decomposed into three components:

All six magnetic field components can be measured by the two three-axis magnetometers504in the first well502. The magnetic fields measured by the first magnetometer510and the second magnetometer512in the primed coordinate system are
=++, and  (eq. 20)
=++.  (eq. 21)
The tilde indicates that these are measured quantities, not theoretical quantities. A tilde will be used throughout to indicate either a measured quantity or the result of a calculation using a measured quantity. The magnetometer axes do not coincide with the {circumflex over (x)}-ŷ-{circumflex over (z)} directions, but it is a simple matter to transform the magnetometer readings from the primed coordinate system into the unprimed coordinate system via

FIGS. 25 and 26includes graphs representing geometry for field components measured at {right arrow over (r1)}=(x1,y1,z1) and at {right arrow over (r2)}=(x2,y2,z2). As illustrated inFIG. 25, the magnetic field at {right arrow over (r1)} lies in a plane defined by {circumflex over (z)} and the radial vector {right arrow over (ρ)}1, where {right arrow over (ρ)}1=x1{circumflex over (x)}+y1ŷ. Hence, the magnetic field has components only in the {circumflex over (z)} direction and in the radial direction {right arrow over (ρ)}1, where {circumflex over (ρ)}1={right arrow over (ρ)}1/ρ1is a unit vector and ρ1=√{square root over (x12+y12)}. The magnetic field component in the radial direction is
{right arrow over (B)}ρ1({right arrow over (r1)})=Bρ1({right arrow over (r1)})=Bx({right arrow over (r1)}){circumflex over (x)}+By({right arrow over (r1)}){circumflex over (y)}.   (eq. 23)
The direction of {right arrow over (B)}ρ1({right arrow over (r1)}) in the x-y plane is given by

tan⁢⁢θ1=By⁡(r1→)Bx⁡(r1→).(eq.⁢24)
Hence, the measured magnetic field components,and, determine the directionfrom a point on the axis of the first well at (0,0,z1) to the first magnetometer by

tan⁢θ~1=B1⁢y~B1⁢x~,(eq.⁢25)
where the tilde indicates a quantity derived from measurements. One unknown quantity has been eliminated with
y1=x1tan.  (eq. 26)
When a magnetometer is directly across from the solenoid508, z→0, then Bρ→0 and the angle θ is indeterminate. When the magnetometer is very far from the solenoid508, then the magnetic fields are weak and the result is noisy.

Referring toFIG. 25, the magnetic field measured at the second magnetometer512is given by,, and. The directionfrom a point on the axis of the first well502at (0,0, z2) to the second magnetometer512is found with

tan⁢θ~2=B2⁢y~B2⁢x~.(eq.⁢27)
This eliminates another unknown quantity with
y2=x2tan.  (eq. 28)
It should be noted that thatis not necessarily the same angle as, i.e. the two wells may not lie in a plane.

Define the quantities

α~≡B1⁢z~Bp⁢⁢1~=2⁢u2-13⁢u⁢:,where(eq.⁢29)Bρ⁢⁢1~=(B1⁢x~)2+(B1⁢y~)2⁢:,and(eq.⁢30)u≡z1ρ1=z1x12+y12.(eq.⁢31)
Equation (29) is a quadratic equation
2u2−3{tilde over (α)}u−1=0  (eq. 32)
with two solutions

u_=3⁢α~±9⁢α~2+84.(eq.⁢33)
These two roots are known quantities from measured data. For nearly parallel wells, the + sign corresponds to z1>0 and the − sign corresponds to z1<0.

Similarly, define the quantities

β~=B2⁢z~Bρ⁢⁢2~=2⁢v2-13⁢v⁢:,where(eq.⁢34)v≡z2ρ2=z2x22+y22⁢⁢and(eq.⁢35)Bρ⁢⁢2~=(B2⁢x~)2+(B2⁢y~)2.(eq.⁢36)
Equation (34) is a quadratic equation
2v2−3{tilde over (β)}v−1=0,  (eq. 37)
with two solutions

v_=3⁢β~±9⁢β~2+84.(eq.⁢38)
These two roots are now known quantities derived from measurements. For nearly parallel wells, the + sign corresponds to z2>0 and the − sign corresponds to z2<0. Substituting the roots of equation (eq. 33) into equations (26) and (31) relates z1to x1via
z1=ũx1√{square root over (1+tan2)},  (eq. 39)
where ũ and tanare known quantities. Substituting the roots of equation (eq. 38) into equations (28) and (35) relates z2to x2via
x2={tilde over (v)}x2√{square root over (1+tan2)}, where  (eq. 40)
{tilde over (v)} and tanare known quantities. Combining equations (10), (39) and (40) yields
z1−z2=Dcos φ=ũx1√{square root over (1+tan2)}−{tilde over (v)}x2√{square root over (1+tan2)}.  (eq. 41)
Equation (41) can be rewritten as

x2=x1⁢tan⁢⁢θ~1-D⁢⁢sin⁢⁢ξsin⁢⁢φtan⁢⁢θ2~.(eq.⁢44)
Setting these two equations for x2equal and solving for x1gives the solution

x~1=D⁢{cos⁢⁢φtan⁢⁢θ2~-v_⁢sin⁢⁢ξsin⁢⁢φ⁢1+tan2⁢θ2~u~⁢tan⁢⁢θ2~⁢1+tan2⁢θ1~-v_⁢tan⁢⁢θ1~⁢1+tan2⁢θ2~}.(eq.⁢45)
If tan θ1≈0 and tan θ2≈0, then equation (45) may produce a noisy result. Alternatively, one can solve for x1using equation (8) instead of equation (9) to obtain

x1~=D⁢{cos⁢⁢φ-v_⁢sin⁢⁢φcos⁢⁢ξ⁢1+tan2⁢θ2~u_⁢1+tan2⁢θ1~-v_⁢1+tan2⁢θ2~}.(eq.⁢46)
In both equations (45) and (46), the quantities: φ and ξ are assumed to be known, for example, from well survey data (direction and inclination), while tan, tan, ũ and {tilde over (v)} may be obtained from magnetic field measurements. Below, a method for obtaining φ and ξ from magnetometer data will be described.

It should be noted that there are four possible solutions forsince there are two roots for equation (33) and two roots for equation (38). However, three of the possible solutions can be easily eliminated due to the unrealistic values they produce. When z1<0 the negative root of equation (33) is selected, and when z1>0 the positive root of equation (33) is selected. When z2<0 the negative root of equation (38) is selected, and when z2>0 the positive root of equation (38) is selected.

The remaining unknown quantities for the first magnetometer510may now be found from:
=tan,  (eq. 47)
={tilde over (u)}√{square root over (1+tan2)}  (eq. 48)
Following the same line of reasoning the quantities for the second magnetometer512can be found

x2~=D⁢{cos⁢⁢φ-u_⁢sin⁢⁢φ⁢⁢cos⁢⁢ξ⁢1+tan2⁢θ1~u_⁢1+tan2⁢θ1~-v_⁢1+tan2⁢θ2~}.(eq.⁢50)
There are the same four roots for ũ and {tilde over (v)}, but it is easy to select the proper root. The other two coordinates for the second magnetometer512can be calculated with
=tan, and  (eq. 51)
={tilde over (v)}√{square root over (1+tan2)}.  (eq. 52)
Hence, the positions of the two magnetometers504with respect to the unprimed system are determined, (,,) and (,,). These two points define a line in the unprimed coordinate system that corresponds to the axis of the first well502.

However, the goal is to locate the position of the solenoid508with respect to the primed coordinate system of the first well502. Hence the position of the solenoid508must be expressed in the primed coordinate system. Referring toFIG. 27, which illustrates geometric relationships between the wells502,506, {right arrow over (r0)} is a vector that points from the origin of the unprimed coordinate system to the origin of the primed coordinate system. Alternatively, {right arrow over (rM)}=−{right arrow over (r0)} is a vector that points from the origin of the primed coordinate system to the origin of the unprimed coordinate system. The solenoid508is located at the position
{right arrow over (rM)}=−{right arrow over (r0)}=z1′−{right arrow over (r1)}=z1′−x1{circumflex over (x)}−y1ŷ−z1{circumflex over (z)}.(eq. 53)
Equation (11) can be used to transform the unprimed quantities in equation (53) into the primed quantities. This transformation gives the position of the solenoid508in primed coordinates:
{right arrow over (rM)}=[−x1(1−φ2/2)+z1φ]−[y1−ξφz1]+[z1′−x1φ−ξφy1−z1(1−φ2/2)].  (eq. 54)
When the two wells502,506are parallel such that φ=0 and ξ=0, equation (54) reduces to the expected result
{right arrow over (rM)}=−x1−y1+[z1′−z1].  (eq. 55)

The following two examples, which may be referred to as the third and fourth examples, are meant to illustrate methods and features described above. However, it should be noted that methods in accordance with exemplary embodiments are not limited to the parameters utilized in the following examples.

The third example may apply a method in accordance with an exemplary embodiment to a first well and a second well, such as the first and second wells502,506, that are substantially parallel and that are separated in the x′ direction by 15 m, and separated in the y′ direction by 0 m. In this example, the angles between the borehole axes of the two wells are φ=0° and ξ=0°. Magnetometers in the first well are separated by D=30 m. Two adjacent magnetometers are located at (x1′,y1′,z1′)=(0,0,15) and (x2′,y2′,z2′)=(0,0,−15). The origin of the primed coordinate system is chosen as the mid-point between these two magnetometers, but this choice is not necessary for the calculation. The solenoid in the second well moves along the path described by the line x′=−15 m and y′=0 m. The calculation is carried out as the solenoid proceeds from z′=−15 m to z′=+15 m corresponding to increasing depth of the drill bit. With an array of magnetometers, a similar process would be performed for each adjacent pair of magnetometers, i.e. for each 30 m segment of the well.

Taking into consideration a single fixed position of the solenoid, and using the above parameters, the magnetic field components {Bx({right arrow over (r1)}), By({right arrow over (r1)}), Bz({right arrow over (r1)}), Bx({right arrow over (r2)}) By({right arrow over (r21)}), Bz({right arrow over (r21)})} are calculated at the two magnetometers using equations (15), (16) and (17). The magnetic dipole moment of the solenoid is assumed to be 1000 amp-m2. Then random noise with a standard deviation of 0.1 nanoTesla is added to each magnetic field component to represent noise in each magnetometer axis. These six noisy values will be used as magnetic field “measurements” {,,,,,}. The magnetic field measurements are shown inFIG. 28for the second magnetometer and inFIG. 29for the first magnetometer. The magnetic field is first detected by the second magnetometer, and secondly detected by the first magnetometer as the solenoid's position along the z′ direction increases. Because the solenoid is located in the y′=0 plane, there are noorfield components, except for random noise. The maximum amplitude ofoccurs when the solenoid is opposite the second magnetometer at z′=−15 m, andpasses through zero and changes sign. Similar behavior occurs in the readings from the first magnetometer when the solenoid is z′=+15 m.

These magnetic field “measurements” are used to estimate the solenoid's position in the primed coordinate system using the process described by equations (25) through (55). Because tan θ1≈0 and tan θ2≈0, equations (46) and (51) are used to calculateand. The results of the inversion are shown inFIGS. 30, 31, 32, and 33. Each datum in these figures represents the solution for a single solenoid position. Information from any other depth is not required. Referring toFIG. 30, the estimated positionsare shown as data points, while the actual position of the solenoid (x′=−15 m) is indicated by the line. The standard deviation for the difference the actual and estimated quantities, x′−, is 0.14 m and the average difference over all points isx′−=−0.01 m.

InFIG. 31, the estimated positionis compared to the actual position, y′=0 m. For the region −15≤z′≤0,is calculated using equation (51). For the region 0≤z′≤15,is calculated using equation (47). This is done because

tan⁢⁢θ~=By~Bx~
can be noisy when the solenoid is far from the magnetometer. The second magnetometer is closest to the solenoid for −15≤z′≤0, and the first magnetometer is closest to the solenoid when 0≤z′≤15. The standard deviation for the difference the actual and estimated quantities, y′−, is 0.09 m and the average difference over all points is |y′−|<0.01 m.

FIG. 32shows the estimated positioncompared to the actual position z′, andFIG. 33shows the difference Δz′=z′−. The standard deviation for Δz′ is 0.06 m, and the average difference is (Δz′)=0.01 m. Hence, this method gives extremely good results for the conditions assumed in this example.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, three magnetometers may be used to locate the solenoid's position. For example, when the solenoid is close to a magnetometer (e.g. at z′=−15 m in the above cases), the data from a third, nearby magnetometer can be used to enhance the measurement accuracy. With a third magnetometer located at (x3′,y3′,z3′)=(0,0,−30), there may be as strong a magnetic field at this third magnetometer as at the first magnetometer. The estimated solenoid position obtained with the second and third magnetometer pair can be combined with the results from the first and second magnetometer pair to reduce statistical uncertainly.

The fourth example applies a method in accordance with an exemplary embodiment to two slightly non-parallel wells that are separated in the x′ direction by approximately 15 m, and separated in the y′ direction by 1 to 2 m. The angles between the two borehole axes of the wells are φ=3° and ξ=80°. These angles correspond to the second well drifting primarily in the y′ direction, and to a lesser degree in the x′ direction. This could represent a practical situation where the wellbore direction (north-south-east-west) is more difficult to control than the inclination. As in the third example, the two magnetometers are located at (x1′,y1′,z1′)=(0,0,15) and (x2′,y2′,z2′)=(0,0,−15), with D=30 m. The solenoid position proceeds from z′=−15 m to z′=+15 m corresponding to increasing depth of the drill bit.

The magnetic field components {Bx({right arrow over (r1)}), By({right arrow over (r1)}), Bz({right arrow over (r1)}), Bx({right arrow over (r2)}), By({right arrow over (r21)}), Bz({right arrow over (r21)})} are calculated using equations (15), (16) and (17) and random noise is added as in the third example. The resulting magnetic field “measurements” {,,,,,} are used to determine the solenoid's position.

The magnetic field measurements are shown inFIGS. 34 and 35for the second and first magnetometers, respectively. Because the solenoid is no longer located in the y′=0 plane, there are non-zerofield components. The maximum amplitude ofstill occurs when the solenoid is opposite the second magnetometer, e.g. at z′=−15 m, and both=0 and=0.

Following the same process as in the third example, the results for,,, and Δz′ are shown inFIGS. 36, 37, 38, and 39. Referring toFIG. 36, the estimated positionis shown as data points, while the actual solenoid coordinate is indicated by the line. The second well has an upward inclination and drifts by 0.26 m over 30 m of measured depth. The standard deviation for the difference between the actual and the estimated position, x′−, is 0.16 m. The average difference over all points isx′−=−0.02 m.

FIG. 37shows the estimated position(data points) compared to the actual position (line). There is considerable lateral drift (1.47 m) over the 30 m measured depth. This degree of drift in direction is possible using standard MWD measurements and conventional accuracy in BHA steering. The standard deviation for the difference between the actual position and the estimated position, y′−, is 0.21 m. The average difference over all points isy′−=−0.05 m.

FIG. 38shows the estimated position, compared to the actual position, z′, andFIG. 39shows the differences Δz′=z′−. The standard deviation for Δz′ is 0.06 m. The average difference is (Δz′)=0.03 m. Hence, this method also gives very good results for non-parallel wells.

Returning to the discussion of the principles behind exemplary embodiments, it was stated above that the direction and inclination data are needed for both wells. This condition can be relaxed for the second well. The first well drilled in the formation will have MWD direction and inclination data versus depths, typically at depth intervals of 10 m, 20 m or 30 m, depending on the required accuracy for the well trajectory. After the well has been drilled, a wireline gyro survey can also be acquired to improve the accuracy of the well trajectory. Thus the direction and inclination of the first well is assumed to be known. The direction and inclination data for the second well can be obtained using standard MWD magnetometers to measure the Earth's magnetic field and on-board accelerometers to measure inclination. In this case, the drilling is typically suspended because the BHA should remain stationary during the survey period. Afterwards, the MWD tool transmits the data to surface so that the driller can review and possibly adjust the steerable system in the BHA.

In one method in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, acquiring direction and inclination data for the second well is achieved by processing the data acquired with the magnetometer array. In this approach, there is no need to stop the BHA to acquire MWD survey data. In fact, it is possible to eliminate the MWD tool entirely since the direction and inclination data can be provided by the magnetometer array in the first well. It should be noted that an assumption for this approach is that the trajectory of the second well can be represented by a simple curve over a short distance. For two parallel wells, the trajectory can be treated as piecewise linear over short distances. The method can be extended to curved trajectories described by a simple curve, such as an arc.

To illustrate how to acquire direction and inclination data from the magnetometer array, data from the third example may be used as set forth below. Indeed,FIG. 40is a plot of the estimatedpositions versus the estimatedpositions derived from a pair of magnetometer readings. The actual trajectory (which was used to initially calculate the magnetic field components) is shown as a solid line. The estimatedpositions consist of a set of n data points. This set of data points can be least squares fit to a straight line over the 30 m length
f()=a+b,(eq. 55)
where a and b are the offset and slope. The a and b are found by minimizing the quantity

χ2=∑j=1n⁢{x′~⁡(j)-f⁡(z′~⁡(j))}2(eq.⁢57)
where(j) and(j) are the jthdata points. For this example, minimizing χ2results in a=−15.26 m and b=0.0130. The dashed line inFIG. 40is equation (56) fit to the data. From the slope of this line, the inclination of the second well relative to the first well is estimated by least squares to be 0.7° while the true inclination is 0.5°.

FIG. 41is a plot of the estimatedpositions versus the estimatedpositions. The actual trajectory is shown as a solid line. This set of data points can be least squares fit to a straight line
g()=c+d(eq. 58)
where c and d are the offset and slope. These are found by minimizing the quantity

χ2=∑j=1n⁢{y′~⁡(j)-g⁡(z′~⁡(j))}2(eq.⁢59)
where {tilde over (y)}(j) is the jthdata point. Applying this to the data inFIG. 40results in c=−1.54 m and d=0.0632. The dashed line inFIG. 41is the fit to the data. In this example, the direction of the second well relative to the first well is thus estimated to be 3.6° from the least squares fit while the true direction is 3.0°.

Hence, the direction and inclination of the second well has been obtained from a set of measurements made in the first well. Also, by fitting several data points to a straight line, the uncertainties in the x′ and y′ coordinates of the solenoid are significantly reduced compared to the uncertainty in any single data point. In practice, a moving window over the measurements can be used to calculate the direction, inclination, and (x′,y′ z′) coordinates of the solenoid. One does not have to complete drilling the interval between two magnetometers to perform a least squares fitting of the data. Data from the previous pairs of magnetometers can also be used in the moving window. In this manner accurate position, direction, and inclination measurements can be made using only the data from the magnetometer array in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

In one embodiment, for example, once the x′ and y′ trajectories have been obtained from equations (56) to (59), the magnetic field can be calculated using equations (15), (16), and (17). The results can be compared to the measured magnetic field components as a quality control indicator. Alternatively, equations (15), (16), and (17) can be least squares fit to the measured magnetic fields, with the assumption of piecewise linear trajectories over short distances.

Exemplary embodiments are also directed to automated control of the BHA trajectory. The systems and methods described above facilitate determining the position and direction of a BHA from measurements made by an array of magnetometers in an adjacent wellbore. These capabilities provide the basis for a system that can automatically measure the direction and position of a BHA and then control the BHA direction and inclination.

FIG. 42is a diagram of a pair of wells in a formation, wherein a first well702has been completed and a second well704is in the process of being drilled by a drilling tool706in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. A magnetometer array708is disposed in the first well702and connected to the surface by a telemetry function, such as a wireline cable710. The magnetometer measurements are fed into a processor712. The second well contains a BHA714with a drill bit716, a steerable system718(such as a rotary steerable system), and a solenoid720. In addition, there is a down link system722that can send surface commands to the steerable system718.

In operation, the solenoid720may be periodically activated with a low frequency current, which produces an AC magnetic field. For example, the solenoid720might transmit for a period of 1 minute every 3 minutes. The alignment of the solenoid720with the borehole axis, and the rotational symmetry of the magnetic field allows for the continuous acquisition of data while rotating the BHA714. The three components of the magnetic field are measured by at least two adjacent magnetometers708. These magnetometers measurements are transmitted to the surface (e.g. by wireline710) and fed into the processor712. The processor712may contain the trajectory information for the first well702and the depth, separation, inclination and gravity tool face for the magnetometers708being utilized by the magnetometer array708(e.g., the two magnetometers nearest the solenoid720). The processor712may then execute the algorithms described by equations (19) through (55) to determine the instantaneous position of the solenoid720in the BHA714, and compares the solenoid's position to the planned trajectory for the second well704.

The processor712may also compute a least squares fit of a sequence of estimated positions {,,} to piecewise linear trajectories using equations (56) to (59). This may utilize a sliding window encompassing a specified distance of drilled depth, for example. The processor obtains the direction and inclination of the BHA714from the least squares fits, and also obtains a more precise determination of the solenoid's position.

The processor712may then compare the position, direction and inclination of the BHA714to the planned trajectory and determine whether the corrections need to be made to the steerable system718. The processor data bank may contain the maximum permissible deviation from the well plan which determines if course correction is necessary. If necessary, the processor712may calculate the course corrections.

The processor712may send a command to a down link system722. One example of a downlink system722is an electromagnetic telemetry system, such as E-Pulse™ available from Schlumberger. The down link system generates a low frequency electric current that is transmitted into the Earth by an EM antenna, and this produces a voltage across the insulated gap of an EM telemetry tool. Down link commands can be sent in a few seconds from surface to the EM MWD tool. The EM telemetry tool can then pass the down linked command to a rotary steerable system, such as PowerDrive, with a short hop telemetry such as that described in patent application US20070247330 A1, “Wireless electromagnetic telemetry system and method for bottomhole assembly”, by the same inventor and assigned to SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORP.

The rotary steerable system718, having received the down-linked command, may adjust the trajectory accordingly to return to the planned trajectory. The down linked command typically directs the rotary steerable system718to drill straight, or to drill a curve with specified build-rate, direction, and inclination.

As described, the entire process may be done without the requirement of human intervention. It can be operated as a closed loop feedback system with human oversight. Various steps in the process, such as computing the corrections and generating the steering correction can of course be done by wellsite personnel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. However, automated computing may be more efficient. It should be noted that the automated method described above in accordance with an exemplary embodiment may be applied to any pair of wells, and is not limited to SAGD applications. The two wells may be non-parallel in general, and may even be perpendicular. Furthermore, an exemplary embodiment may be used with the magnetometers deployed on a wireline or coiled tubing string, in addition to being mounted in a BHA.

Present embodiments may be more efficient than conventional techniques for magnetic ranging, such as that described with respect toFIG. 1. For example, present embodiments may facilitate efficient acquisition of magnetic ranging surveys and increase the accuracy of measurements. Indeed, it is now recognized that two or more magnetometers or other magnetic field sensor subsystems in a fixed or substantially fixed orientation (e.g., positioned a certain distance apart) may be utilized to make measurements without having to move a magnetic field source, such as a solenoid, to acquire location data. It has been recognized that this may reduce errors by avoiding errors in measuring the two axial positions of the solenoid and errors in the distance the solenoid moves. Further, present embodiments may facilitate calculations that occur downhole, and, thus, conserve rig time by avoiding delays associated with transmitting data to the surface for calculation. Present embodiments may also facilitate automation of all or a substantial portion of the entire process for determining the position of a BHA from an adjacent well and steering it to follow a planned well trajectory.

While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. For example, although the invention has been described involving a dual magnetometers and a wireline, the magnetometers could also be deployed in any of various tools, such as an MWD too, a coiled tubing tool, or in a slick line. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.