CASE STUDY

COAL BED METHANE

ACTIVE RANGING INTERSECTS AN OFFSET WELL ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT

THE CHALLENGE

The Rotating Magnet Ranging System (RMRS) is used in Australia to intersect an offset well for the production of coal bed methane. As typical MWD and Gyro surveys are unable to provide the accuracy required to guarantee a first-time intersection, active ranging with RMRS provides independent verification of down-hole well positions, saving multiple sidetracks and days of rig time.

THE RMRS SOLUTION

With the coal seam located at 620 – 625m TVD, a joint of 7″ fiberglass casing was placed to span the seam from 620-630m TVD, providing an interference-free window for RMRS sensors to detect the magnetic signal generated at the bit.

The Target was detected at 62m range where it was determined to be 1.5° and nearly 2m right of surveyed position. With the RMRS Probe in the vertical Target Well and the RMRS bit sub in the drilled lateral, the two were guided to a precise intersection on the first attempt at 1232.2m MD.

VALUE PROPOSITION

Quick to deploy from locations worldwide, the Rotating Magnet Ranging System is supported in real time with engineers both on-site and remote. New target coordinates are generated immediately after each RMRS shot, and planning is coordinated closely with the directional driller. RMRS bit subs are available in nearly any size, integrating seamlessly with nearly any drilling configuration, and may be detected at up to 100m, allowing the driller maximum time to make steering corrections without costly sidetracks or trips for motor re-configuration.