Design and Calculation of Complex Directional-Well Trajectories on the Basis of the Minimum-Curvature Method
Zhiyue Wang, Deli Gao, Jiawei Yang · SPE Drilling & Completion · 2019
Summary The vector-algebra method and the minimum-curvature method were used to solve the trajectory design challenge for intersecting two wells. In accordance with known parameters, we expressed algorithms for intersecting a horizontal well. The geometrical shape of the target area was extended to attain the algorithms needed for landing on spherical and cylindrical surfaces. Combined with the expression for calculating the tool-face angle, the algorithms needed for calculating the closest distance to an existing well and landing surface were also proposed. The algorithms presented here provide a theoretical basis for the design and control of complex directional-well trajectories.