What is the optimal well trajectory for field development planning?

The optimal well trajectory for field development planning is a balance of maximizing hydrocarbon extraction while minimizing drilling risks and optimizing cost. It depends on a lot of factors including reservoir properties, operating conditions over the life of the field and cost. There is not a simple answer and a comprehensive analysis of the field will determine which is the best well type (trajectory) for its development. Here we should also distinguish the difference between well trajectory and well type. Broadly there are three main well types Vertical, Horizontal and Deviated whereas Well trajectory is the specific path designed for each well based on geomechanics study (ensuring wellbore stability and access).

Well trajectory types will help in good hole geometry. Give enough room at surface location coordinates to avoid well collision. avoid shallow gas zone from kicks well potential event. Recognize formation stress to avoid geomechanic effect due to keep hole geometry in good shape. Have good knowledment and drilling/well data to support Drilling hazard in Discussion Drilling Risk Assessment.

The optimal well trajectory for field development planning can vary depending on a variety of factors, including reservoir characteristics, economic considerations, geological/geomechanical factors, and regulatory requirements. Ultimately, the optimal well trajectory for field development planning will depend on a thorough evaluation of the specific characteristics of the reservoir and the goals of the development project. It is important to consider factors such as reservoir geometry, fluid properties, production requirements, and economic considerations in order to determine the best trajectory for maximizing production and recovery from the field.

In theory, it is the one that fullfil all requirements such as geomechanics, production, hydraulic fracturing need, surface installations, on-shore vs off-shore, etc. In practice it is more difficult as many of the decisions are driven by stratigic rather than technical reasons. For example in unconventional reservoirs wells are drilled toward the worst orientation in terms of geomechanics because hydraulic fracturing is required but as the formations are very competent this is not a major issue. Physics hasn′t changed, it is the way we applied it to different scenarios!

The optimal well trajectory for field development planning depends on various factors, including geological characteristics, reservoir properties, well spacing, production targets, and economic considerations. There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, but here are some common well trajectory options used in field development planning: Vertical Wells: Vertical wells are drilled straight down into the reservoir without deviating from the vertical axis. They are suitable for certain reservoir types with uniform properties and low structural complexity. Vertical wells are relatively simple and cost-effective but may have limited access to the reservoir and lower production rates compared to other trajectory options.

Geosteering is effective only when Geology and Drilling ( service provider mainly) are on same page. A plan once decided should be altered only when there is no last option left. A lot of computations are involved to design a path to effectively provide an economical and profitable outcome to the client. Any instant change,if necessary can lead to the different result.

The well trajectory can be optimized to minimize UDC (unit development cost) by increasing unit production or reducing capital investment. Increasing unit production from a trajectory perspective can be achieved through proper well placement or treatment and reducing CAPEX by minimizing well length/terms. These two points may be in conflict with each other, so an appropriate economic assessment is necessary. At a minimum we need: - interdisciplinary communication (reservoir, production, completion, drilling, etc.) - correct risk assessment based on statistics from previous or offset wells - economic assessment to ensure that the changes will not have a negative impact on the PI.

The optimal well trajectory for field development planning depends on various factors such as reservoir characteristics, geological structures, well spacing, production targets, and economic considerations. Typically, the objective is to maximize hydrocarbon recovery while minimizing costs and operational risks

Drawing on my experience, another critical factor to take into account is the success of cement placement. This is a critical consideration in many drilling areas. Achieving optimal centralization, thorough cement placement simulations, and conducting torque and drag analysis are indispensable not just for drilling success but also for the well's longevity. Conducting detailed cost-risk assessments for choosing between full casing and liner options, for example, ensures economic efficiency and risk mitigation. In essence, a carefully planned trajectory is essential for effective zonal isolation, significantly enhancing the well's lifecycle.

When designing a well trajectory, 5 main points must be taken into account: 1. Achieve geological targets 2. Consider geological conditions (such as geomechanics, casing points) 3. Consider BHA performance (e.g. build-up-rate, steerability, etc.) 4. Meet collision avoidance criteria 5. Perform feasibility check based on rig capacity (e.g. T&D, Hydraulics, etc.)

Planned trajectory may require deflections against the most advisable by the rock mechanics analysis. This could demand the use of higher drilling parameters. If this is required, monitor the WOB / ROP ratio among others, to avoid an excessive compression that may affect the elasticity of the tubulars, increase the wall contact and drag, change the drilling rotation momentum at the bit, and mechanically exacerbate a geological tendency to deflect away from the planned trajectory. This when using any type BHA.

Well trajectory depends on the many parametrs such reservoir thickness, dimensions, rock properties, reservoir depletion strategy and WRM strategy as well during operating phase. Trajectory can be optmized to increase the recovery factor as much as possible within attractive economic- less cost and high recover factor.

Optimal well trajectory for development field, it depends on a lot of factors (fluid types, drive mechanisms, reservoir properties etc) but in a simple case (gas or oil / homogeneous reservoir) there are 3 types of well trajectories to be considered in a development field. 1. Vertical Trajectory If we have single target reservoir 2. Deviated Trajectory If we have multi target reservoirs 3. Horizontal Trajectory If we have single target reservoir but also want to enhance the production/recoveries within minimum time period or having TGS reservoir. Note: May be there is still some room in this broad discussion.

Optimization is a process of continuous improvement from what we designed in past and eliminating the undesirable outcome by being open to change and to accept, one need not be always 100 5 correct. It is our attitude and aptitude that helps us optimize, be it well trajectory or life trajectory..

I need to address the risks of complex trajectories on torque and drag. as in complex drilling trajectories, the wellbore path often involves high deviations, horizontal sections, or tight radius turns. These geometries increase the contact area between the drillstring and the wellbore walls, resulting in higher torque and drag. The increased torque can strain the drilling equipment, leading to wear and tear, reduced drilling efficiency, and potential equipment failures. Drag forces can hinder the ability to smoothly advance the drillstring, requiring higher drilling forces and increasing the risk of differential sticking.

A defini??o da estratégia de produ??o é uma tarefa muito importante que consiste em um processo bastante complexo devido à grande quantidade de variáveis envolvidas. Estas variáveis est?o relacionadas com características geológicas, fatores econ?micos e decis?es como aloca??o de po?os, número de po?os produtores e injetores, condi??es operacionais e cronograma de abertura dos po?os. O desenvolvimento de toda uma instala??o sob um horizonte de planejamento envolve decidir onde perfurar os po?os, a instala??o de plataformas de produ??o e perfura??o, a programa??o de perfura??o de po?os de petróleo, e o planejamento operacional das taxas de produ??o dos po?os. Etc..

The need to understand and characterize the rock formation ahead of drilling in determining the ability to withstand and support the drilling process, casement coupling, tubing and BOP arrays is critical for planning.