Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for mitigating magnetic drill string interference in measurement-while-drilling systems. The system employs a central magnetic MWD sensor and one or more flanking sensors positioned axially above and below the central sensor. Measurements acquired from flanking sensors are used to characterize magnetic interference generated by ferromagnetic components of the drill string and BHA. Depending on the number and spacing of flanking sensors, the interference field is estimated using analytical techniques and/or numerical fitting methods to determine magnetic source strengths, source locations relative to the central sensor, and an axial component of the Earth's magnetic field. The estimated interference is used to correct magnetic measurements at the central MWD sensor, enabling improved azimuth accuracy without reliance on conventional correction techniques.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for magnetically ranging while drilling with a coiled tubing unit or drill pipe by way of a an electrically conducive but environmentally electrically insulated wire installed through a coiled tubing spool or drill pipe complete with electrically insulative subs in the coiled tubing bottom hole assembly or drill pipe. The method and systems allow for the injection of excitation current into the formation by way of selectively electrifying various drill stem components, thereby facilitating current collection on a target tubular which radially emanates a magnetic field about the target well tubular(s). The method and devices allow for the construction of complex downhole current injection configurations which allow for modification of the bottom hole assembly to maximize target well signal generation in the presence of adverse environmental conditions.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for magnetically ranging while drilling with a coiled tubing unit or drill pipe by way of a an electrically conducive but environmentally electrically insulated wire installed through a coiled tubing spool or drill pipe complete with electrically insulative subs in the coiled tubing bottom hole assembly or drill pipe. The method and systems allow for the injection of excitation current into the formation by way of selectively electrifying various drill stem components, thereby facilitating current collection on a target tubular which radially emanates a magnetic field about the target well tubular(s). The method and devices allow for the construction of complex downhole current injection configurations which allow for modification of the bottom hole assembly to maximize target well signal generation in the presence of adverse environmental conditions.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for the augmentation of Electromagnetic (EM) telemetry by way of lengthening the lower antenna of the system by way of wired drill pipe. Wired drill pipe segments which allow for a continuous electrical power transmission and physical connection of multiple sections of drill pipe so that the anode of the EM transmitter can be effectively displaced farther up hole in the drill string, thereby lengthening the lower antenna portion of the telemetry system, resulting in enhanced signal amplitude both received and transmitted by the bi-directional subterranean communication or formation logging system.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for magnetically ranging while drilling with a coiled tubing unit or drill pipe by way of a an electrically conducive but environmentally electrically insulated wire installed through a coiled tubing spool or drill pipe complete with electrically insulative subs in the coiled tubing bottom hole assembly or drill pipe. The method and systems allow for the injection of excitation current into the formation by way of selectively electrifying various drill stem components, thereby facilitating current collection on a target tubular which radially emanates a magnetic field about the target well tubular(s). The method and devices allow for the construction of complex downhole current injection configurations which allow for modification of the bottom hole assembly to maximize target well signal generation in the presence of adverse environmental conditions.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for magnetically ranging while drilling with a coiled tubing unit or drill pipe by way of a an electrically conducive but environmentally electrically insulated wire installed through a coiled tubing spool or drill pipe complete with electrically insulative subs in the coiled tubing bottom hole assembly or drill pipe. The method and systems allow for the injection of excitation current into the formation by way of selectively electrifying various drill stem components, thereby facilitating current collection on a target tubular which radially emanates a magnetic field about the target well tubular(s). The method and devices allow for the construction of complex downhole current injection configurations which allow for modification of the bottom hole assembly to maximize target well signal generation in the presence of adverse environmental conditions.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for magnetically ranging while drilling with a coiled tubing unit or drill pipe by way of a an electrically conducive but environmentally electrically insulated wire installed through a coiled tubing spool or drill pipe complete with electrically insulative subs in the coiled tubing bottom hole assembly or drill pipe. The method and systems allow for the injection of excitation current into the formation by way of selectively electrifying various drill stem components, thereby facilitating current collection on a target tubular which radially emanates a magnetic field about the target well tubular(s). The method and devices allow for the construction of complex downhole current injection configurations which allow for modification of the bottom hole assembly to maximize target well signal generation in the presence of adverse environmental conditions.

Abstract: A method for locating a buried casing stub may include a) identifying a target region, b) providing at each of a plurality of survey points in the target region a casing stub locator that includes a vector magnetometer, c) measuring the magnetic field at each of the survey points using the vector magnetometer so as to generate a plurality of magnetic field measurements, d) using the magnetic field measurements to generate a model of the magnetic field of the target region, e) fitting the model generated in step d) to a selected model of a magnetic anomaly created by the casing stub so as to generate model fit information (MFI), and f) locating the casing stub using the MFI. At each survey point, an expected Earth magnetic field can be subtracted from the measured magnetic field. A total station can measure the position and/or the azimuth of the package.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for magnetically ranging and connecting a wellbore unto an opposing wellbore to create a continuous closed loop flow path from surface to downhole and back to surface again. The methods incorporate advanced directional drilling techniques, complex completion equipment as well as novel magnetic ranging systems which allow for the precise wellbore placement, zonal isolation and hydraulic communication required to recover geothermal energy by way of a circulated working fluid.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for magnetically ranging while drilling with a coiled tubing unit or drill pipe by way of a an electrically conducive but environmentally electrically insulated wire installed through a coiled tubing spool or drill pipe complete with electrically insulative subs in the coiled tubing bottom hole assembly or drill pipe. The method and systems allow for the injection of excitation current into the formation by way of selectively electrifying various drill stem components, thereby facilitating current collection on a target tubular which radially emanates a magnetic field about the target well tubular(s). The method and devices allow for the construction of complex downhole current injection configurations which allow for modification of the bottom hole assembly to maximize target well signal generation in the presence of adverse environmental conditions.

Abstract: A method for locating a buried casing stub may comprise a) identifying a target region, b) providing at each of a plurality of survey points in the target region a casing stub locator that includes a vector magnetometer, c) measuring the magnetic field at each of the survey points using the vector magnetometer so as to generate a plurality of magnetic field measurements, d) using the magnetic field measurements to generate a model of the magnetic field of the target region, e) fitting the model generated in step d) to a selected model of a magnetic anomaly created by the casing stub so as to generate model fit information (MFI), and f) locating the casing stub using the MFI. At each survey point, an expected Earth magnetic field can be subtracted from the measured magnetic field. A total station can measure the position and/or the azimuth of the package.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for magnetically ranging while drilling with a coiled tubing unit or drill pipe by way of a an electrically conducive but environmentally electrically insulated wire installed through a coiled tubing spool or drill pipe complete with electrically insulative subs in the coiled tubing bottom hole assembly or drill pipe. The method and systems allow for the injection of excitation current into the formation by way of selectively electrifying various drill stem components, thereby facilitating current collection on a target tubular which radially emanates a magnetic field about the target well tubular(s). The method and devices allow for the construction of complex downhole current injection configurations which allow for modification of the bottom hole assembly to maximize target well signal generation in the presence of adverse environmental conditions.

Abstract: A method for locating a buried casing stub may comprise a) identifying a target region, b) providing at each of a plurality of survey points in the target region a casing stub locator that includes a vector magnetometer, c) measuring the magnetic field at each of the survey points using the vector magnetometer so as to generate a plurality of magnetic field measurements, d) using the magnetic field measurements to generate a model of the magnetic field of the target region, e) fitting the model generated in step d) to a selected model of a magnetic anomaly created by the casing stub so as to generate model fit information (MFI), and f) locating the casing stub using the MFI. At each survey point, an expected Earth magnetic field can be subtracted from the measured magnetic field. A total station can measure the position and/or the azimuth of the package.

Abstract: A method comprises a) positioning a passive magnetic ranging (PMR) tool in a drilling well that is near a target well that includes a ferromagnetic casing, b) measuring with each of the magnetometers a local magnetic anomaly created by the ferromagnetic casing of the target well so as to generate a plurality of magnetometer readings corresponding to the positions of the magnetometers; c) receiving the plurality of magnetometer readings with the controller; and d) using the received measurements to calculate ranging information, the ranging information including the range and direction from the PMR tool to the target well. The PMR tool may include a ranging collar, a longitudinal array of magnetometers extending along the length of the ranging collar, and a controller, the controller operatively connected to the plurality of magnetometers. The PMR tool may further comprise a radial array of magnetometers positioned radially about the ranging collar.

Abstract: A system includes a surface coil positioned at a known surface position, the surface coil including at least one loop of a conductor. The system also includes a coil controller coupled to the surface coil and adapted to inject a current into the surface coil such that the surface coil generates an electromagnetic field. In addition, the system includes a sensor package positioned within a wellbore adapted to detect the electromagnetic field and determine the position of the wellbore relative to the surface coil.

Abstract: A system for ranging between two wellbores where an emitter electrode and return electrode of a current injection system are disposed to drive a current to a conductive member within a target wellbore to create an electromagnetic field about the conductive member. The electromagnetic field is measured utilizing a sensor disposed in an investigative wellbore, which may be in the process of being drilled. In some embodiments, the emitter electrode and return electrode are positioned on the surface of a formation, spaced apart from one another with locations on the surface selected to optimize current, and therefore, the electromagnetic field, at a desired point along the conductive member. In some embodiments, one or both of the emitter electrode and return electrode are positioned in the target wellbore.

Abstract: A method for locating a buried casing stub may comprise a) identifying a target region, b) providing at each of a plurality of survey points in the target region a casing stub locator that includes a vector magnetometer, c) measuring the magnetic field at each of the survey points using the vector magnetometer so as to generate a plurality of magnetic field measurements, d) using the magnetic field measurements to generate a model of the magnetic field of the target region, e) fitting the model generated in step d) to a selected model of a magnetic anomaly created by the casing stub so as to generate model fit information (MFI), and f) locating the casing stub using the MFI. At each survey point, an expected Earth magnetic field can be subtracted from the measured magnetic field. A total station can measure the position and/or the azimuth of the package.

Abstract: A method comprises a) positioning a passive magnetic ranging (PMR) tool in a drilling well that is near a target well that includes a ferromagnetic casing, b) measuring with each of the magnetometers a local magnetic anomaly created by the ferromagnetic casing of the target well so as to generate a plurality of magnetometer readings corresponding to the positions of the magnetometers; c) receiving the plurality of magnetometer readings with the controller; and d) using the received measurements to calculate ranging information, the ranging information including the range and direction from the PMR tool to the target well. The PMR tool may include a ranging collar, a longitudinal array of magnetometers extending along the length of the ranging collar, and a controller, the controller operatively connected to the plurality of magnetometers. The PMR tool may further comprise a radial array of magnetometers positioned radially about the ranging collar.

Abstract: A system for guiding a well comprises a current source, a ground terminal electrically connected to the current source and grounded at the surface of the Earth, a reference wellbore comprising an intermediate casing (IC) that includes an IC electrical discontinuity and is electrically conductive between that the IC discontinuity and the IC bottom hole, a reference conductor electrically connected to the current source, a tubular that includes a tubular string electrical discontinuity (TSED), is electrically conductive between the TSED and the tubular bottom hole end (TBHE), and is inserted into the reference wellbore through the IC. Electrical connections exist between the tubular, the reference conductor, and the reference wellbore between the TSED and the TBHE, whereby current flowing through the reference conductor produces a magnetic field; magnetic sensors to sense the magnetic field and a guided wellbore is steered in response to the sensed magnetic field.

Abstract: A tool, method and system for ranging between two wellbores. The target wellbore includes a conductive member disposed within a portion of the target wellbore. An investigative wellbore includes an electromagnetic gradiometer positioned within the wellbore, as well as emitter electrode and return electrode spaced apart along an investigative wellbore, preferably in the process of being drilled. The position of the emitter electrode and the return electrode are selected to optimize current transmission to the target wellbore in order to enhance the electromagnetic field emanating from the conductive member at a desired point along the conductive member. Where the electrodes and gradiometer are carried by a drill string, gap subs are positioned along the drill string to minimize conduction of current along the drill string therebetween. In some embodiments, the gradiometer is positioned between the emitter and return electrodes.