Intelligent Planning of Drilling Trajectory Based on Computer Vision

Abstract The conventional well trajectory design mainly developed from spatial mathematical model e.g. arcs or cylindrical spiral lines method, focusing on seeking optimal kickoff point and curvature. However, the complex well trajectory design requires more sophisticated and efficient method, considering greater contact with reservoir pay zone, which means time consuming computation works based on conventional well trajectory design. The automated well trajectory planning can meet such requirements, based on reservoir area identification, reservoir matrix evaluation, wellbore trajectory path generation. The present study aims to develop this algorithm for automated drilling trajectory design without assistances from human experts. Based on the stratigraphic figure of a specific reservoir, the present algorithm is able to provide an optimal trajectory with more contact zone while still meeting the curvature requirement. An intelligent planning algorithm of drilling trajectory is proposed on basis of computer vision. Based on the stratigraphic figure of a specific reservoir, the present algorithm is able to provide an optimal trajectory with more contact zone. By converting the reservoir profile (pay zone) to digital matrix and evaluating the pay zone matrix, the optimal well path is able to be automated generated. The research finding can be potential applied in geosteering drilling or autumated drilling.