5.

1 Build and turn, 3D curves

These functions calculate the 3D well path between the start point and endpoint as a function
of desired endpoint parameters. This can be the final inclination, azimuth, TVD or a given
point or target. As the final values are the variables, the functions are based around these.

5.1.1 Build &Turn, Inclination

The model is a function of start point coordinates with its accompanying inclination and
azimuth, build and turn rates, and final inclination. This model calculates the 3D well path to
the desired inclination is met.

Step 1: Calculate the curve length (CL) of the curve contributing to inclination change in the
vertical plane. Since the build rate and final inclination is given the curve length can be
calculated combining equation 2.2 and 2.3, and are illustrated in figure 2-2, explaining the
relationship between the constant radius of a circle arch and build rate. Equation 5.1 describes
the curve length.

30 (5.1)
𝐶𝐿 = (𝐼2 − 𝐼1 ) ∗
𝐵

Step 2: Calculate the final azimuth in the end point of the segment. When the curve length and
turn rate is known, the final azimuth can be found from looking at the same curve section as
in step 1 only in the horizontal plane. Here the same circle arch can be found, and the final
azimuth can be calculated by combining the same equations. The final azimuth can be
describes as:

𝑇 (5.2)
𝐴2 = 𝐴1 − ∗ 𝐶𝐿
30

Step 3: Convert build and turn rate to radians/m. As the turn and build rate is given in deg/30
m, these values are easily converted to radians per meter by dividing by 30m and converting
degrees to radians.

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