Challenges related to magnetics and navigation within directional drilling

Abstract

Magnetic distortion of magnetometer readings affects the accuracy and efficiency of the wellbore positioning operations, which in turn degrades the industrial viability of the magnetic measurements while drilling survey instrument. Magnetic disturbances to the geomagnetic field reduces the wellbore positional accuracy and leads to uncertainties in the decision- making process. This master project provides an overview of the industrial limitations of magnetometers, highlights and maps the magnetic elements that affect the sensor readings. This leads to additional difficulties and uncertainties in the decision- making process, which is included.

The robustness and industrial capabilities of the interpolation in- field referencing method has been validated through presentation of case studies, mapping of its features and applications, comparison with other geomagnetic referencing techniques and analysis. This work concludes that the interpolation in- field referencing technique increases the accuracy of wellbore positioning and improves decision- making during drilling operations. However, limitations and shortfalls of the interpolation in- field referencing method were also recognized. These need to be addressed and corrected in order to reaffirm the industrial use of this survey method over competitive survey systems.