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This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE Program Committee following review of
information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper, as
Introduction
presented, have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to The first reference to the minimum curvature directional
correction by the author(s). The material, as presented, does not necessarily reflect any
position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its officers, or members. Papers presented at survey calculation method is credited to Mason and Taylor1 in
SPE meetings are subject to publication review by Editorial Committees of the Society of
Petroleum Engineers. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper
1971. In the same year, Zaremba2 submitted an identical
for commercial purposes without the written consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is algorithm that he termed the circular arc method. In the
prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300
words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous minimum curvature method, two adjacent survey points are
acknowledgment of where and by whom the paper was presented. Write Librarian, SPE, P.O.
Box 833836, Richardson, TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435.
assumed to lie on a circular arc. The arc is located in a plane
which orientation is defined by the known inclination and
direction angles at the ends. By 1985 the minimum curvature
Abstract method was recognised by the industry as one of the most
The minimum curvature method has emerged as the accepted accurate methods but it was regarded as cumbersome for hand
industry standard for the calculation of 3D directional surveys. calculation3,4. The emergence of well trajectory planning
Using this model, the well’s trajectory is represented by a packages to help manage directional work in dense well
series of circular arcs and straight lines. Collections of other clusters increased its popularity. It was natural to use the same
points, lines and planes can be used to represent features such model for both the surveys and the segments of the well plan
as adjacent wells, lease lines, geological targets and faults. The trajectories. Today, with the wide spread use of computers,
relationships between these objects have simple geometrical computational power is no longer an issue and the method has
interpretations, making them amenable to mathematical emerged as the accepted industry standard.
treatment. The calculations are now used extensively in 3D
imaging and directional collision scans, making them both Industry Requirements
business and safety critical. However, references for the Over the years, various algorithms based on the minimum
calculations are incomplete, scattered in the literature and have curvature method have been published for the construction of
no systematic mathematical treatment. These features make increasingly complex trajectories and tasks such as
programming a consistent and reliable set of algorithms more interpolation. Since these algorithms have emerged piecemeal,
difficult. Increased standardisation is needed. they have tended to use different nomenclatures and
mathematical techniques for their solution. The result of this
Investigation shows that iterative schemes have been used piecemeal development is duplicated and inefficient computer
where explicit solutions are possible. Explicit calculations are code and a poor understanding of the engineering integrity of
preferred because they confer numerical predictability and the systems.
stability. Though vector methods were frequently adopted in
the early stages of the published derivations, opportunities for Safety and Business Criticality
simplification were missed because of premature translation to An undetected fault in the coding or use of directional
Cartesian coordinates. surveying and collision scanning software has been classified
as having the potential to cause property damage,
This paper contains a compendium of algorithms based on the environmental damage, personal injury or loss of reputation5.
minimum curvature method (includes co-ordinate reference The integrity of these business and safety critical drilling
frames, toolface, interpolation, intersection with a target plane, systems is therefore a concern. Modern 3D imaging and
minimum and maximum TVD in a horizontal section, point directional scanning packages execute thousands of
closest to a circular arc, survey station to a target position with calculations for each task. Increased automation of the
and without the direction defined, nudges and steering runs). workflows associated with these tasks means that most
Consistent, vector methods have been used throughout with calculations must be taken for granted and will pass
improvements in mathematical efficiency, stability and unchecked. Sawaryn6 et. al., have described a process for
predictability of behaviour. The resulting algorithms are also managing these systems and identified a number of
simpler and more cost effective to code and test. This paper requirements related to the equations they use. Specifically,
describes the practical context in which each of the algorithms equations must be traceable back to the source documentation
2 SPE 84246
that must clearly explain their purpose, limitations and use. geometric interpretations and several examples of its use are
The general characteristics of the published algorithms can be highlighted in this paper.
assessed against these requirements.
Inconsistent nomenclature also leads to implemenational
Angular Change Like other survey calculation methods, difficulties. Review shows the nomenclatures used in the
the minimum curvature algorithm was originally developed to literature are neither consistent with each other, nor consistent
calculate a well’s position from directional surveys. The with accepted mathematical practice. An example is the
spacing between the survey stations was normally 30 to 500ft. definition of the normal vector that mathematical convention
At that time with typical build rates, the total angle change has pointing towards the centre of curvature. This is opposite
over a 100ft course length would rarely be allowed to exceed 5 to the convention used in the earlier drilling literature. Because
deg and the final inclination of most of these early wells was of the expansion in directional drilling applications, symbols
below 90 deg. When creating directional well plans the total inevitably conflict. The Industry Steering Committee on
angle change between adjacent stations in the plan may be Wellbore Survey Accuracy (ISCWSA) has proposed some
considerably larger. These days, in designer wells the angular standards8, but with limited scope. We conclude the SPE
change between two adjacent points on a well plan may documentation standards9 associated with this subject area are
exceed 90 deg and the final inclination often exceeds 90 deg. no longer adequate and need revising.
One well7 is recorded as having reached 164.7 deg inclination.
Many of the published algorithms do not contain an explicit Directional Calculations
definition of the maximum permitted angle change. The A consistent vector notation is used throughout this paper. This
multiple solutions arising from periodicity of the trigonometric simplifies the development of the 3D equations and improves
equations involved makes this a serious concern. the clarity and presentation of the results. For convenience, the
main vector operations are summarized in the appendix. In
Mathematical Behaviour The possibility of multiple some cases, series expansions have been used to ensure the
solutions means the results of the calculations may not always smooth transition of an expression to what would otherwise be
be as intended, unless great care has been paid to their an indeterminate form. The thresholds at which the series
implementation. Some algorithms employ iterative schemes so approximations should be used depend on the machine
that even if the scheme coverges, there is no guarantee that it precision. The constants used in this paper assume calculations
converges to the correct solution. Ideally, iterative schemes are good to at least 9 significant digits. The angle α subtending
should be accompanied by proof of convergence. At the very the arc may assume values such that 0 ≤ α < π . Throughout, it
least they should be thoroughly tested over some specified is also assumed the start and end points of the arc are not
range of variables. Additionally, there are cases where no coincident. Until such time as the standards are officially
solution exists and extra code is needed to trap this condition. revised, we have chosen to maintain commonality with earlier
Explicit expressions are more predictable and usually confer papers on this subject and use a vector b pointing away from
advantages in speed and maintainability of the computer code. the centre of the arc. For comparison with mathematical texts,
the normal vector is therefore –b.
For certain values, for example in geometrically straight hole,
expressions may be indeterminate. One solution adopted by Reference Frames
Zaremba is to define a suitably small number at which the
expression jumps abruptly to the asymptotic value2. However, Co-ordinate Reference Frame The traditional reference
this can give rise to random differences between software frame for directional work uses North, East and Vertical
packages6. A better method is to develop series expressions coordinates that comprise a right handed set, Fig. 1. A point
that enable a smooth transition to be maintained. N,E,V can be represented by the vector p, equation (2).
(
A ± A2 + B 2 − C 2 )
1
2
α = 2 tan
−1
B+C …(1)
N cosθ cos φ
p = E …(2) h = cosθ sin φ …(6)
V − sin θ
Dogleg Severity
(
∆N 2 + ∆E 2 )
1
2
θ = tan −1
…(4) Dogleg severity is a measure of the change in inclination
∆V and/or direction of a borehole, Fig. 3. The change is usually
expressed in degrees per 100 ft of course length in oilfield
units3 and degrees per 30m in metric units. Dogleg severity is
∆E used to determine stress fatigue in drill pipe, casing wear and
φ = tan −1 …(5)
casing design loads. It can also be a limiting factor in casing
∆N
running and directional drilling operations. For the minimum
By using this reference frame an implicit assumption is made curvature method, the expression for the dogleg severity takes
that the earth is flat. For moderate distances from the origin the form (18000*α /π)/(D2−D1) in oilfield units. The
this assumption holds. For larger distances, such as those difference in measured depths D2 – D1 between the points is
encountered in extended reach wells Earth’s curvature is referred to as the course length S12.
important and corrections to the coordinates must be made.
Williamson and Wilson discuss the matter in detail10. N
τ -b V
Fig. 3
…(9)
4 SPE 84246
Since the trigonometrical identity and computational situation is of no practical concern. This may not be the case
advantages of (9) were recognised it is surprising it has not for adjacent points in a well plan trajectory, which may be
been adopted earlier. The dogleg severity can be related to separated by considerable distances.
both the radius of curvature and the curvature κ of the arc
using the relationships (10).
1 α α*
κ= = = …(10)
R S12 S *
Survey Calculation
Accurate determination of wellbore position is critical to well
placement, collision avoidance, reservoir modeling and equity p1
determination. Though the accuracy of the minimum curvature p2
method is acknowledged, Stockhausen and Lesso11 showed
that modern drilling practices could introduce systematic Fig. 5
errors even with survey intervals as frequent as 100ft.
Interpolation
n12 It is often required to identify the coordinates of a particular
point, say p* on a trajectory Fig. 6. In all cases, the problem
reduces to one of interpolation or extrapolation on an arc
b1 po defined by the positions p1 and p2 and directions t1 and t2 of its
R α end points. The algorithms presented here may be used for
p1 both functions. The interpolation may be driven by one of
b2 several parameters such as measured depth, subtended angle,
inclination, azimuth, northing, easting or vertical ordinate.
n12
S12
t1
R
p2 α∗
t2 p1 α
Fig. 4
Straight Hole Conditions When α equals zero the shape Before discussing each of these cases it is worth reviewing the
factor is mathematically indeterminate, so for α < 0.02 radians properties of a circular arc. The subtended angle, inclination
the series expansion (12) should used instead12. The series is and azimuth of a point on a circular arc can be determined
presented in Horner13 form to minimise both the number of solely by the attitude of the circle in the coordinate reference
arithmetic operations and the propagation of errors. frame. Knowledge of the size of the circle enables course
lengths to be determined. Finally, it is only if a north, east or
α 2 α 2 α 2 31α 2 …(12) vertical ordinate is needed that the absolute position of the
f (α ) ≈ 1 + 1+ 1 + 1 + circle in the reference frame must be defined.
12 10 168 18
Interpolation on Measured Depth The association of
There is a second possible solution of (9), equal to (2π – α). events or observations such as formation tops and overpulls
The measured depth between the survey stations must be the with points on the wellbore is a common requirement.
same in both cases, implying the second solution has a greater Interpolations on measured depth determined from the pipe
curvature, Fig. 5. When calculating directional surveys, the tally are therefore the most common interpolation mode. If S*
density of survey stations, behaviour of the bottom hole is the course length along the arc at which the properties are
assemblies and knowledge of the toolface settings means this required, the relationships α* = (S*/S12)α and (α - α*) = (1 -
SPE 84246 5
S*/S12)α can be used to reduce the interpolation on measured (17) and (18). Choose the smallest root unless it is less than or
depth to the interpolation on subtended angle (13). equal to both θ1 and θ2 when the largest root should be chosen.
*
t =
(
sin α − α *
t1 +
)
sin α *
t2 …(13)
As the subtended angle was originally determined from an
azimuth on the arc a solution must exist. Finally, the position
sin α sin α p* is determined using the minimum curvature equation (11).
Many of the algorithms presented in this paper involve the Generally, if C2 > A2 + B2 the orientation of the arc is too
determination of the subtended angle α* as a first step. The shallow for the inclination at any point on it to reach the
relationship (13) provides a convenient means of determining desired value. For details, see the appendix (A-28 to A-30).
the other parameters at the point once the subtended angle has
been found. For example, once t* is known, the corresponding Straight Hole Conditions Azimuth varies linearly with
point p* can be calculated using the minimum curvature measured depth in near straight hole conditions. For angles α
equation (11). < 10-4 radians, expression (19) should be used to determine the
corresponding measured depth. If the azimuth values in either
Straight Hole Conditions When the subtended angle α the numerator or denominator straddle north, the minimum
equals zero, both terms in (13) are indeterminate. For α < 0.02 angular difference should be used. The remaining properties
radians these terms which contain factors of the form can be determined by interpolating on this depth.
sin(cα)/sinα may be expanded14 in another Horner series (14).
φ * − φ1
sin (cα ) 1 c 7 c
S * ≈ S12 …(19)
2 −1
2 2
≈ c + α 2 c − + α 2 c
360 + c 36 + 120 φ 2 − φ1
sin α 6 6
Interpolation on Inclination The determination of
measured depths corresponding to some inclination range
31 −7 1 c 2
+ α 2 c + c 2 + c 2 −
appears in the automation of calculations for hole cleaning and
15120 2160 720 5040 rock mechanics. Firstly check that both points θ1 and θ2 are
not equal to π/2. In this condition the arc would lie in the
127 − 31 7 −1 c 2 horizontal plane and no solutions are possible. In the appendix
+ cα 2 + c2 + c 2 + c 2 + (A-31) it is shown that the subtended angle α* can be
90720
604800
43200 30240 362880
calculated using (1). In this case the constants A, B and C are
…(14) given by the expressions (20), (21) and (22).
It should be noted this interpolation mode is impossible when A = cosθ 2 − cos α cosθ 1 …(20)
the subtended angle is identically zero, unless the constant c
can be defined in some other way, such as by using the ratio of B = sinα cosθ1 …(21)
the measured depths.
C = sin α cos θ * …(22)
Interpolation on Azimuth Occasionally, it is necessary to
truncate a well plan trajectory at a depth so that it is lined up If C2 > A2 + B2 then the orientation of the plane containing the
with some specified direction. Firstly check the condition arc is too close to the horizontal to enable the desired
inclination to be reached and no solutions exist. The
sin θ 1 sin θ 2 sin (φ 2 − φ1 ) ≠ 0 to determine that the arc does corresponding azimuth value can be determined from (23).
not lie in the vertical plane and that a solution exists. The
subtended angle is then determined using (15).
φ * = tan −1
( )
sin θ 1 sin φ1 sin α − α * + sin θ 2 sin φ 2 sin α *
( )
sin φ1 − φ * sin α sin θ 1 ( )
sin θ 1 cos φ1 sin α − α + sin θ 2 cos φ 2 sin α
* *
α * = tan −1
( *
) (
*
)
sin φ − φ 2 sin θ 2 + sin φ1 − φ sin θ 1 cos α …(23)
…(15) Straight Hole Conditions Inclination varies linearly with
measured depth in near straight hole conditions. For the
In the appendix it is shown that the expression (A-29) used to subtended angle α < 10-4 radians, expression (24) should be
calculate the inclination θ* from φ* and α* is of the form C = used to determine the course length. The remaining properties
A sin(θ*)+ B cos(θ*). The solution for θ* is determined using can be determined by interpolating on this depth.
(1). In this case the constants A, B and C are given by (16),
6 SPE 84246
t2 p* m
S* ≈
(
m • p x − p1 ζ )
1 − (1 − ζ ) …(29)
(m • t1 ) 2
In the appendix (A-32 to A-36) it is shown that the subtended North East Vertical
angle α* to the plane can be calculated using equation (1). In
this case the constants A, B and C are given by the expressions N * 0 0
E * 0
(25), (26) and (27). px 0
A = (m • t 1 )sin α …(25) 0 0 V *
B = (m • t 1 )cosα − (m • t 2 ) …(26) 1 0 0
0 1 0
C=
( )
m • p x − p 1 α sin α
+ (m • t 1 ) cos α − (m • t 2 )
m
0
0
1
S12
Table 1. Choice of vectors px and m for interpolating on north,
…(27) east and vertical ordinates.
SPE 84246 7
Turning Point In horizontal wells, the trajectory is steered Their algorithms were iterative and depended on the explicit
to remain in the reservoir section, successively building and determination of the centre of curvature of the arc, which
dropping inclination to avoid breaching the bottom or top of causes problems for small angle changes. In the appendix (A-
the pay zone. The calculation of the turning points at which 48 to A-65) it is shown how the minimum curvature and
the well becomes horizontal is of interest from a reservoir minimum distance can be determined explicitly, without
perspective Fig. 8. Since these points represent the maximum reference to the centre of curvature. For a fixed radius of
and minimum vertical depths, they are also needed to curvature there are two possible trajectories from p1 to p3
determine the numerical range of axes in well plots. shown by the solid and dashed lines in Fig. 10. All the
trajectories lie in a plane. The solid line shows the minimum
distance to the target. The other trajectory shown by the
t2 dashed line requires an angle change greater than π. Note that
there are four mathematical solutions but that two of these are
physically unrealisable because they would require the well to
p2 turn back on itself.
α
t* α∗ γ
n12
p1 p3
p* p1
t1 v
Fig. 8
η ψ
ψ 2 −η 2 ( )
1
2
p1 α c = 2 tan −1
…(39)
η
The course length can be calculated as S12 = Rcαc. Finally, t2 is
calculated from (37) with the tangent section length β equal
to zero.
Fig. 12
2 Position and Direction at Target Defined
ψ 2 = p 3 − p1 …(32) Advances in surveying and geosteering techniques have
enabled multiple targets to be penetrated as a matter of course.
(
η = p 3 − p1 • t 1 ) …(33) The targets may be at different geological horizons or different
fault blocks in the same horizon. In these cases, the well’s
trajectory must be lined up and its direction on entry to or exit
ξ = (ψ 2 − η 2 )
1
2
…(34) from the target must be defined as well as its position. The
trajectory can no longer be achieved with a simple build and
From Fig. 11 it can be seen that if η ≤ 0 and ξ ≤ 2 R then hold profile. An additional curved section must be added and
in the general case the trajectory is three-dimensional, Fig. 13.
α ≥ π which is outside the imposed limit on the angle However, since the target can be specified so that the
change. With the restriction 0 ≤ α < π only targets in areas trajectory lies completely in a plane this calculation can also
A, B and E apply. be used to design nudge profiles to increase well separation
directly beneath a well cluster. Liu and Shi16,17 described an
Minimum Distance To Target If R < ψ + η then the
2 2 2 iterative scheme using coordinate transforms for the solution
of the equations. Different calculations were used for each of
tangent section length β is greater than zero. Because of the
the two arcs.
imposed restriction 0 ≤ α < π , the target must be in areas A or
B, Fig. 11. The values of the tangent section length and angle
We offer an alternative iterative solution based on the
change corresponding to the minimum distance to the target
geometrical symmetry of the problem and the minimum
are calculated using (35) and (36).
distance to target scheme described earlier in this paper. The
1
advantage of this scheme is that only the subtended angles α1
(
β = ψ 2 − 2 R ψ 2 − η 2 2 )
2 1
…(35) and α2 of the arcs need to be determined each iteration.
Inspection of Fig. 13 shows that in the general case, each of
the two sets of points p1, p2, p3 and p2, p3, p4 are geometrically
η−β similar. This suggests applying the minimum distance to target
α = 2 tan −1 1
…(36) algorithm alternately for each of the sets of points.
(
2 R − ψ 2 − η 2 2 ) t1
The course length is then calculated as S12 = Rα. In straight p1
hole ψ equals η and as long as R is finite (35) reduces to the p2
distance between the points p3 and p1. The straight-hole case R1 t2
therefore degenerates to a straight line rather than an arc with α1
an infinitely large radius, conferring stability to the β
calculation. Finally, t2 is calculated using (37).
S12 f (α ) α2
p 3 − p1 − t1 R2
t2 = 2 …(37) p3
S12 f (α ) t4
+β t3 p4
2
Fig. 13
po
p2
p1 α
p1,1
p1,2 t* α∗
n12
2
px
3 p1
1
p*
p4,1
t1
b* b1
Fig. 15
p4
p4,0
The closest approach is reached when the vector (px – p*) is
Fig. 14 normal to the curve. The subtended angle α* to this point is
calculated using expressions (43), (44) and (45).
A new target p1,1 is calculated using expression (40).
α 1, j (
η1 = p x − p1 • t 1 ) …(43)
p1, j +1 = p1 + R1 tan t 1 …(40)
2 η2 = (p x
− p )• t
1 2 …(44)
The subtended angle α2,0 is now calculated for the second arc
using the points p4 and p1,1. When performing the calculation, η cosα − η 2 S12
α * = tan −1 η1 1 + …(45)
α
the direction of the borehole at p4 must be set to –t4 in order to
calculate the correct angle. This corresponds to the trajectory 2 sin α
in Fig. 14. A new target p4,1 is calculated using expression (41)
which completes the first iteration. The corresponding position p* on the arc is determined by
interpolating on the subtended angle α* and then using the
α 2, j minimum curvature equation. Lastly, the distance is calculated
p 4, j +1 = p 4 − R2 tan t 4 …(41) from the magnitude of the vector (px – p*). Mathematical and
2 practical difficulties arise when the distance to the point is of
The next iteration is started by calculating the subtended angle the same magnitude or exceeds the radius of curvature of the
α1,1 using the points p1 and p4,1 and so on. Iteration continues arc. Restrictions on space preclude further discussion.
until the desired precision is achieved. A suitable criterion for Straight Hole Conditions Expression (45) is indeterminate
convergence is given by (42). in straight hole, when α equals zero. For α < 10-4 radians,
[
ε > (α 1, j +1 − α 1, j )2 + (α 2, j +1 − α 2, j )2 ] small angle approximations are used and expression (46) is
1
2
…(42) used to calculate the course length S* directly.
tan τ * =
[ ( ) ( ) (
sin θ * sin θ 2 cos α * sin φ 2 − φ * + sin θ 1 cos α − α * sin φ * − φ1 )] The expressions (51) and (52) can be used to derive the
( )
cos α − α * cos θ 1 − cos α * cos θ 2 equivalents (54) and (55) of Liu and Shi’s expressions. The
…(47) representation of the azimuthal component is simplified.
φ − φ1 φ * − φ1 φ 2 − φ1
tan τ ≈ sin θ 1 2
*
…(50) κφ ≈
*
≈ …(57)
θ 2 − θ1
*
S S12
Curvature Implementation and Testing
The total curvature κ is a constant 1/R on a circular arc, Fig. The algorithms in this paper are presented in logical order with
16. Liu and Shi presented expressions for the inclination and the later, more complex cases using results of earlier ones. It is
azimuthal components of the curvature at any point on an arc recommended that the routines are coded and tested in
in terms of the toolface angle at its start. this order.
3. Because of trigonometric identities, many forms exist for φ = Azimuth angle, radians
any one expression. This can cause confusion. Some ψ = Substitution for a dot product, L, ft
forms are computationally more efficient and reliable ∆ = A difference in a parameter
than others. Θ = Dip angle, radians
4. A standard nomenclature is required for all directional Φ = Dip azimuth, radians
work that is compatible with other, related subject areas.
Consistency with accepted mathematical conventions Subcripts and Superscripts
should also be reviewed. c = Critical value
5. Further work is needed on the point to target algorithm j = Iteration counter
with both position and direction at the target defined. In o = Centre of curvature of the arc
particular, the conditions under which no solutions are x = Position of a defining point
possible should be identified. 1,2,3,4 = First, second etc. point, arc or property
6. Multiple solutions to the trigonometric equations exist. θ = Inclination component
The range of the variables must be carefully stated and
φ = Azimuthal component
tested for.
* = Component to be determined
7. Increasingly complex trajectory plans emerging from
work on designer wells means segments of the well plan
Acknowledgments
may exceed 180 deg and the alternative solutions may
The authors thank BP plc. for permission to publish this paper.
need to be considered.
8. Care should be taken to design expressions so that both
References
the numerator and denominator are not divided by a term 1. Mason, C.M., Taylor, H.L.: “Systematic Approach to Well
that would make it indeterminate at some point. Surveying Calculations”, SPE3362, June 1971
9. Representation of the wellbore path in a form other than 2. Zaremba, W.A.: “Directional Survey by the Circular Arc
a circular arc would necessitate rederivation of all the Method, SPEJ February 1973;Trans., AIME, 255.
constructs in this paper. 3. API Bull. D20, Directional Drilling Survey Calculation
Methods and Terminology, first edition, December 31, 1985
Nomenclature 4. Walstrom, J.E., Harvey R.P., Eddy H.D.: A Comparison of
b = Negative unit normal vector Various Directional Survey Models and an Approach To
Model Error Analysis”, JPT August 1972
c = Ratio of the course lengths S*/S12 on an arc
5. Sawaryn, S.J., Sanstrom, W., McColpin, G.: “The
f = Geometrical shape factor Management of Drilling Engineering and Well Services
h = Unit highside vector Software as Safety Critical Systems”, SPE 73893 presented
m = Unit vector normal to a plane at the International Conference on Health, Safety and
n = Unit binormal vector Environment in Oil and Gas Exploration and Production,
p = Position vector in N,E,V coordinates, L, ft Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 20-22 March 2002
r = Unit rightside vector 6. Sawaryn, S.J. et. al.: ”Safety Critical Systems Principles
t = Unit direction vector Applied to Drilling Engineering and Well Services
v = Unit vertical vector in N,E,V coordinates, L, ft Software”, SPE84152 presented at the Annual Technical
Conference and Exhibition, Denver, Colorado, 5-8
A = Constant
October 2003.
B = Constant 7. “Delivery Update - Autotrack Milestones”, Baker Hughes
C = Constant INTEQ (2002) 18
D = Measured depth, L, ft 8. Williamson, H.S.: “Accuracy Prediction for Directional
E = Easting, L, ft Measurement While Drilling”, SPEDC December 2000,
N = Northing, L, ft Vol 15 No. 4
R = Radius of curvature, L, ft 9. SPE Letter and Computer Symbols Standard, 1993
S = Course length, L, ft 10. Williamson, H.S., Wilson, H.F.: “Directional Drilling and
V = Vertical, L, ft Earth Curvature”, SPEDC March 2000, Vol 15 No. 1
11. Stockhausen, E.J., Lesso, W.G.: “Continuous Direction and
Inclination Measurements Lead to an Improvement in
Greek Symbols Wellbore Positioning”, SPE/IADC 79917, Amsterdam
α = Subtended angle, radians February 2003.
β = Length of the tangent section, L, ft 12. Thorogood, J.L.: “Well Surveying Data”, World Oil, April
γ = Angle between the binormal and vertical vectors, 1986, 100
radians 13. Knuth, D.E.: “The Art of Computer Programming Volume 2:
ε = Angular error tolerance, radians Seminumerical Algorithm”, Third Edition, Addison Wesley,
1997, 485-488
ζ = Substituted variable 14. Wolfram Research, “Mathematica 4 Standard Add-On
η = Substitution for a dot product, L, ft Packages”, Wolfram Media Inc.,1999, 34
θ = Inclination angle, radians 15. Hogg T.W., Thorogood J.L.: “Performance Optimisation of
κ = Curvature, radians/L, radians/ft Steerable Systems”, ASME Energy Resources Technology
ξ = Substitution for a dot product, L, ft Conference, New Orleans, January 1990
16. Liu, X., Shi, Z.: “Improved Method Makes a Soft Landing of
τ = Toolface angle, radians Well Path”, OGJ October 22nd 2001
12 SPE 84246
The binormal vector n12 can also be written in terms of the Interpolation on Azimuth Dividing the easting and
direction vectors at the start point and point at which the northing components of A-24 eliminates sinθ* giving the
interpolation is to take place, A-20. expression A-28.
n12 =
t1 × t
*
…(A-20) =
( )
sin φ * sin θ 1 sin φ1 sin α − α * + sin θ 2 sin φ 2 sin α *
sin α * ( )
cos φ * sin θ 1 cos φ1 sin α − α * + sin θ 2 cos φ 2 sin α *
Equating A-8 and A-20 and taking the cross product of both …(A-28)
sides of the equality with t1 gives A-21. Next, expand the terms sin(α-α*) in both numerator and
(
t1 × t1 × t
*
)= t 1 × (t 1 × t 2 ) …(A-21)
denominator of A-26 using the trigonometric identity sin(α-
α*) = sinα cosα* - sinα* cosα. The terms involving sinα* are
sin α * sin α then collected on the left hand side of the equals sign and
Using A-4 to expand the triple cross products and rearranging terms involving cosα* are collected on the right hand side.
for t* gives A-22. The azimuth terms are then combined using the same
trigonometric identity to give the expression (15) for α* used
sin α * (t 1 cosα − t 2 ) to interpolate on azimuth in the body of the paper. The
t = t 1 cosα * −
*
…(A-22)
sin α traditional form of the dogleg severity equation3 A-29 can be
Multiply the numerator and denominator of the first term in A- used to determine θ*. This is of the form C = A sin(θ*)+ B
22 by sinα and collect terms in t1 and t2. After simplification, cos(θ*).
this gives the important relationship A-23 that is the
foundation for all the interpolation formulae.
( )
cos α * = sin θ 1 cos φ * − φ1 sin θ * + cosθ 1 cosθ *
*
t =
(
sin α − α *
t1 +
sin α * )
t2 …(A-23)
…(A-29)
sin α sin α If the arc lies in the vertical plane then (v • n12) equals zero and
the solution is single valued. The vector n12 is given by A-8.
Substituting A-6, A-7 and A-18 in A-23 gives A-24. Expanding the scalar triple product using A-5 gives the
sin θ * cos φ * expression A-30.
sin θ 1 cos φ1
θ φ * sin α − α * ( ) sin θ sin θ1 sin θ 2 sin (φ 2 − φ1 )
= 1 sin φ1 +
*
sin sin =0 …(A-30)
sin α sin α
cosθ * cosθ 1
Interpolation on Inclination Extracting and rearranging
the vertical component of A-24 gives A-31 which is of the
sin θ 2 cos φ 2 form C = A sin(α*) + B cos(α*). Once α* has been found, the
sin α *
sin θ 2 sin φ 2 …(A-24) azimuth component is determined from A-28.
sin α
cosθ 2 sin α * cosθ * = (cosθ 2 − cos α cosθ 1 )sin α * +
Interpolation on Measured Depth Since the radius of the sin α cosθ 1 cosα * …(A-31)
arc is fixed, the ratio of the subtended angles is identical to the
Interpolation at a Plane Refering to Fig. 7, A-14 can be
ratio of the course lengths to the same points, A-25.
used to calculate the point p* from p1. The radius R can be
α* S* expressed as S12/α to give A-32.
= …(A-25)
α S12 *
p = p1 +
(
S12 1 − cosα * )(
t1 + t
*
) …(A-32)
Substituting α* from A-25 into A-23 gives the expression A- α sin α *
26 for t* in terms of the course lengths.
Now use A-22 to substitute for t* in A-32 to give A-33.
sin 1 −
S *
α
sin
S*
α *
p = p1 +
(
S12 1 − cos α * ) ( )
1 + cos α * t 1 −
* S12 S12 α sin α *
t = t1 + t2 …(A-26)
sin α sin α
For small values of α the expression A-26 can be expanded in sin α * (t 1 cosα − t 2 ) …(A-33)
a Taylor series. Evaluation of the terms is tedious and sin α
computer assistance14 was used to establish the expression (14)
presented in the body of the paper. For small angles, the Now take the dot product of A-33 with the normal vector m of
simple expression A-27 can be used. the plane and rearrange slightly.
S* S*
t ≈ 1 − t 1 + t 2
*
…(A-27)
S12 S12
14 SPE 84246
( *
m • p − p1 = ) (
S12 1 − cos α * ) ( )
1 + cos α * (m • t 1 ) − ζ =
(
m • p x − p1 ) [(m • t 2 ) − (m • t 1 )]
…(A-41)
α sin α * S12 (m • t 1 )
2
sin(α*) + B cos(α*).
2
= 1+ − + − +L …(A-43)
2 8 16 128
(
m • p x − p1 α sin α ) + (m • t 1 ) cosα − (m • t 2 ) = ς2 ς3
S12 − (m • t 1 ) ± (m • t 1 )1 + ς − +
2 2 …(A-44)
S ≈
*
( )
S * A-45. The angle between the n12 and v vectors is γ.
* *
p = p1 + t1 + t …(A-37)
2 * n12 × v
t = …(A-45)
Sustituting A-27 into A-37 gives A-38. sin γ
Using A-8 for n12 and expanding the resulting vector triple
S *2
2S12
(
(t 2 − t 1 ) + S * t 1 − p * − p1 = 0 ) …(A-38) product gives A-46.
*
− (v • t 2 ) t 1 + (v • t 1 )t 2
Taking the dot product of A-38 with the normal vector m of t = …(A-46)
the plane and substituting (m • px) for (m • p*) as before, gives sin γ sin α
a quadratic equation A-39 in the course length S*. A-39 has Note that (v • t2) equals cosθ2 and (v • t1) equals cosθ1 and that
the solution A-40.
θ* equals π/2 at the turning point. Using these values and
(m • t 2 ) − (m • t 1 ) S *2 + (m • t )S * − m • ( p − p ) = 0 expressions A-19, A-6 and A-7 for t*, t1 and t2 in A-46
2 S12
1 x 1 gives A-47.
− (m • t 1 ) ± (m • t 1 ) +
2
(
2m • (t 2 − t 1 ) m • p x − p1 2 ) 1 0
cosθ 2
S12
S* = sin θ 1 cos φ1
m • (t 2 − t 1 ) cosθ 2
sin θ 1 sin φ1 …(A-47)
S12 sin γ sin α
cosθ 1
…(A-40)
Dividing the easting by the northing components gives
To simplify the manipulation, define a variable ζ according to expression (31) in the body of the paper for the azimuth φ* of
A-41. Expression A-40 can then be written as A-42. the turning point.
SPE 84246 15
ψ 2 = p 3 − p1
2
…(A-51)
( )
R 2 1 + cos 2 α − 2 R 2 cosα …(A-62)
(
η = p 3 − p1 • t 1 ) …(A-52)
(ψ 2
)
− η 2 cos 2 α = [η sin α − R(1 − cosα )]
2
…(A-63)
Taking the square root of A-63 and rearranging for R results in
Making the substitution A-51 in A-50 and A-52 in A-49 gives equation A-64 of the form C = A sin(α) + B cos(α). The
A-53 and A-54. The variable ξ is determined using solution of such an equation is given by (1).
Pythagoras’s theorem, Fig. 12.
(
R = η sin α + R ± ψ 2 − η 2 2 cosα )
1
…(A-64)
η = R sin α + β cosα …(A-53)
After substituting the values of the constants A, B and C and
ψ 2 = 2 R 2 (1 − cosα ) + 2 βR sin α + β 2 …(A-54)
comparing the result with A-58 we obtain the important result
Multiplying A-53 by 2R gives A-55. Rearranging A-54 gives A2 + B2 – C2 = β 2. Setting β equal to zero provides a useful
A-56. test to determine if the target can be hit at the specified radius
of curvature. Finally, the expression for α/2 is given by A-65.
2 R 2 sin α + 2 βR cosα = 2 Rη …(A-55)
α η−β
tan = …(A-65)
2 βR sin α − 2 R cosα = ψ − β − 2 R
2 2 2 2
…(A-56) 2
2 R − ψ 2 − η 2 ( )
1
2
Squaring both A-55 and A-56 and adding the results
Setting β equal to zero and R equal to Rc in A-65 gives the
eliminates α and results in a quadratic in β 2, A-57. Solving
expression (39) in the body of the paper for the subtended
the quadratic gives an explicit expression for β, A-58
angle αc for the minimum curvature to target.
(− b )
2
2
…(A-58)
• h = cosτ *
* *
…(A-66)
2 ψ −η 2 2 2
tan τ * = * * …(A-68)
To find the angle α, rearrange A-53 for β and square the result −b •h
to give A-60. The rightside unit vector lies in the horizontal plane normal to
both the v and t* vectors, A-69. Evaluating the expression
gives (7) in the body of the paper.
16 SPE 84246
* v×t
* Inserting the expressions for the scalar triple products A-77
r = …(A.69) and A-78 into A-76 gives the final form for (-b* • r*), A-79.
sin θ *
The highside unit vector lies in the vertical plane normal to
(− b *
•r
*
) = sin θ 2 ( ) ( ) (
cos α * sin φ 2 − φ * + sin θ 1 cos α − α * sin φ * − φ1 )
both the r* and t* vectors, A-70. Combining A-69 with A-70 sin α
and expanding the triple vector product gives A-71. Evaluating …(A-79)
the expression gives (6) in the body of the paper. The general expression (47) given in the body of the paper for
* * * toolface angle τ* is obtained by substituting A-75 and A-79
h = r ×t …(A-70)
into A-68. For straight hole conditions, small angle
approximations must be used.
t cosθ * − v
*
*
h = …(A-71)
sin θ * Curvature
Refering to Fig. 16, Frenets20 formula for total curvature κ
The negative normal unit vector b* is normal to both the t* gives A-80.
and n12 vectors. Combining A-8 and A-19 with A-72 gives A-
*
73. dt
= −κ b
*
*
…(A-80)
*
b = t × n12 *
…(A-72) dS
The definitions for κ θ* and κ φ* as the inclination and azimuthal
*
b =
(
cos α − α * t 1 − cos α * t 2 ) …(A-73) components of the curvature give expressions A-81 and A-82.
sin α
*
Taking the dot product of A-73 and A-71 gives an expression dt
= κ θ* h
*
…(A-81)
for (-b* • h*), A-74. Taking the dot products gives A-75. dS *
( ) ( )
*
t * • t 2 t 1 − t * • t 1 t 2 t * cos θ * − v 1 dt
( ) = κ φ* r
*
* * …(A-82)
− b • h = − • sin θ dS
* *
sin α sin θ
*
Eliminating the differential between A-80 and A-81 and taking
…(A-74) the dot product of both sides with h* gives A-83 for κ θ* .
(− b *
•h =
*
) (
− cos α * cos θ 2 + cos α − α * cos θ 1 …(A-75) ) Using A-66 and the expression A-75 for (-b* • h*) gives the
sin α sin θ * expression (54) in the body of the paper.
Taking the dot product of A-73 and A-69 gives an expression
for (-b* • r*), A-76. κ θ* = κ cosτ * …(A-83)
(− b *
•r =
*
) [ (
cos α * t 2 • v × t
*
)] − cos(α − α ) [t • (v × t )]
*
1
*
Eliminating the differential between A-80 and A-82 and taking
sin α sin θ *
the dot products of both sides with r* gives A-84 for κ φ* .
…(A-76) Using A-67 and the expression A-79 for (-b* • r*) gives
expression (55) in the body of the paper.
Using A-5, the scalar triple products become A-77 and A-78.
sin τ *
( )
t 1 • v × t = − sinθ1 sin θ sin φ − φ1
* *
( *
) …(A-77) κ φ* = κ
sin θ *
…(A-84)
• (v × t ) = sin θ (
sin θ * sin φ 2 − φ * )
*
t2 2 …(A-78) The signed values of A-83 and A-84 are commonly referred to
as the build rate and walk rate respectively.