Introduction to Borehole Surveying

Drilling & Measurements | Training Centers | Drilling Essential

 Module Objectives
Introduction to Borehole Surveying
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
 To demonstrate the understanding on significance of wellbore surveying:

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– Survey Instruments / Surveying Tools
– Borehole Position and References
– Survey Uncertainty / Survey EOU
– Survey Program
– Geological/Drillers Target

SCHLUMBERGER LEARNING 2
 Agenda
Day3
Time Program Topics
09:00 – 12:00 ILT  Wellbore Surveying
 Survey Instruments / Surveying Tools

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 Borehole Position and References
 Survey Uncertainty / Survey EOU
 Survey Program
 Geological/Drillers Target

12:00 – 13:00 Break

13:00 – 15:00 ILT Continued
15:00 – 17:00 Self Study Self Study

SCHLUMBERGER LEARNING 3
 Wellbore Surveying

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What is a Survey?
In oilfield industry, a Survey is used to define a
point in space, which in this case it is used to
define a point along the path of the well bore

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A survey is defined by 3 components:
• Measured Depth – Manual measurement
• Inclination – Measure by survey tool
• Azimuth – Measure by survey tool

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Well Trajectory Terminology
Inclination:

The Inclination of well at any point of its

trajectory is the angle between the axis of the

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well and a vertical line passing through the said
point.

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Well Trajectory Terminology
Direction or Azimuth:

At any point in the well trajectory, the Direction of

well is the angle between its axis and the North /

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South axis of a Geographic coordinates system.

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Well Trajectory Terminology
Measured Depth (MD):

Is the real length of well drilled measured by the

driller. It is known and does not require projection

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in directional calculations.

Drilled depth can also be measured also by

electromagnetic sensors installed in the draw
works drum rim. Its reading should be very close
of the Driller’s pipe tally.

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Two Main Types of Surveying Tools
Azimuth Measurement Reference: Operational Type
 Magnetic – reference to Magnetic North – While drilling:
– Mechanical Type (Pendulum and Compass) –  MWD
Offset well  GWD

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 Single-Shot Tool
– Before/After drilling
 Multi-Shot Tool
 Gyro in wireline/slickline/BHA
– Electronic Type (Accelerometers and
Magnetometers)  EMS (magnetic) in wireline/slickline/BHA
 MWD Tool – While Drilling
 EMS Tool – After Drilling
 Non-Magnetic – reference to True North
– Gyro

SCHLUMBERGER LEARNING 9
Magnetic Surveying Tool: Single-Shot
Simple Operation – uses Pendulum and Compass
– The film is loaded in disc form (only one per run)
– The timing or sensing unit turns on the light

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– The camera unit captures the image on film
– For Azimuth: the compass card aligns with north and the heading is indicated
– For Inclination: the pendulum assembly seeks the earth's center
– Requires non-magnetic environment
– Inexpensive and dependable
– Time consuming
D&M doesn’t have this type of tool, this is obsolete tool, use in offset well

SCHLUMBERGER LEARNING 10
Magnetic Surveying Tool: Multi-Shot
Similar to Single-Shot Tool - still uses Pendulum and Compass
– But it got mechanical timer to allow multiple survey shots to be taken
– Requires non-magnetic environment

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– Inexpensive and dependable
– Still time consuming
D&M doesn’t have this type of tool, this is obsolete tool, use in offset well

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Non Magnetic Surveying Tool: Gyro
• Balanced spinning mass.
• Free to rotate on one or more axis.
• Is resistant to external forces.

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• Gyro is accurately aligned to reference before use.
• Maintains this heading throughout survey interval.
• Can be used in magnetic environment where magnetic surveying tool doesn’t
work (due to magnetic interference)

SCHLUMBERGER LEARNING 12
 Survey Instruments

Gyros
Referenced to True North
Magnetic Devices
Referenced to Magnetic North

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Fragile
Robust
Considerations to be taken while drilling
Can be used while drilling
Expensive
No extra surveying time
Safety concerns
Affected by all sources of magnetism
Not affected by magnetism
Uncertainty in reference system
Perfect reference system
Less accurate than gyros*
More accurate than mag. devices*
* - applied NSG (not GWD) vs MWD/wireline magnetic instruments; between photomechanical devices

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Which Type Of Surveying Tool To Use?
OTHER WELLS

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Gyro

MWD
MWD

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Other Survey Tool Product - ToolFace
When steering the well, Directional Driller needs to know in which direction the bend
on the motor is pointing.
ToolFace is the angle which describe where the bend of the motor is pointing

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The MWD tool will be able to send up a toolface angle which tells the DD which
direction the bend is pointing
There are two types of ToolFace?
– Gravity ToolFace (GTF)
– Magnetic ToolFace (MTF)

SCHLUMBERGER LEARNING 15
Magnetic Tool-Face (MTF)
• MTF is the angle between the bend of
the motor to North NORTH

• Uses Magnetometers

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• Use when inclination <3° & clear of
magnetic interference
• Zero Tool-Face means motor is
drilling towards north reference
DIRECTION
• Dynamic toolface: last known azimuth OF

use as high side reference STEERING

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MTF Exercise:
What is the current TF set:
At 2450m md, the well has Inc= 0.5 deg,
Azi= 70 deg. The well kick off with

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PowerDrive at 100% steering ratio
(assuming PowerDrive can produce 5
deg DLS/30m).
What is expected survey (both INC and
AZI at 2480m md?

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Gravity Tool-Face (GTF)
• GTF is the angle between the HIGH SIDE OF HOLE DIRECTION
bend of the motor to High Side of OF

MWD tool STEERING

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• Uses Accelerometers
• Zero Tool-Face means motor is
drilling towards top of hole
• Use when inclination >3°
• Static toolface: Top hole use as
highside reference

SCHLUMBERGER LEARNING 18
GTF Exercise:
What is the current TF set:
At 2450m md, the well has Inc= 20 deg,
Azi= 270 deg. The well kick off with

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PowerDrive at 100% steering ratio
(assuming PowerDrive can produce 5
deg DLS/30m).
What is expected survey (both INC and
AZI at 2480m md?

SCHLUMBERGER LEARNING 19
 Mud Motor Toolface Correction

Correction Angle
(offset between two references) Toolface correction between Mud Motor
MWD reference point
and Surveying tool is measured

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manually:
Direction down

(Read-Out Port or ROP)

• from the MWD/Gyro ROP to DD scribe line

• in Clockwise direction
• while looking Downhole
“from MWD/Gyro to DD, Clockwise, Downhole”
Motor reference point
(Scribe line)

SCHLUMBERGER LEARNING
 RSS X6 Toolface
Steering To High
Side
Constant angular position relative to: Steering To North

 Earth’s Magnetic Field: Torquers, Roll

Gyro and two Magnetometers

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 Earth’s Gravity Field: Torquers, Roll Gyro
and two Accelerometers Torquers & Roll
Gyro

Constant Angular Position Relative To Earth Magnetic or

Gravity Field

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Why a Survey Required?
General Applications:
 To avoid other wells and Minimize the risk of collision.
 To allow intersection by a relief well in the event of a
blowout

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 To locate doglegs and allow calculation of dogleg severity
 To hit the geological target
 For equity determination
 To aid reservoir engineering
 To meet local and government regulations.

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Do We Really Know Where Our Wells Are?
•Wells are becoming more complex
• Today’s Directional Drilling technology improves well placement
• Improved survey accuracy required

•Maturing Industry and Field Developments

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• Congested platforms
• Smaller geological targets
• Anti Collision
• Maintaining production

• Survey Management
• Legacy data
• Positional accuracy
• Safety and Efficiency

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 Borehole Position: Survey Elements

SURFACE LOCATION DEPTH AZIMUTH INCLINATION

start point measured from a datum aligned to a North ref from vertical

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J-67 K-57
I-67
MD = length
D-66 G-67 E-57 Of wellbore
Along path
D-57
A-67
M-66
C-67 TVD =
O-66
P-76 P-56 Vertical depth
P-66
Independent
Of path
K-66 J-66

Existing well
Currently drilling
Surface well location Wellbore
Wellbore trajectories

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Well Vertical Datum Reference
 Mean Sea Level (MSL)
 Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT)
 Rotary Kelly Bushing (RKB)

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 Drill Floor (DF)
 Rotary Table (RT)
 Wellhead
 Ground Level

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Well Vertical Datum Reference

• Drillers Depth
Reference

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• Subsurface Depth
Reference

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 Survey Reference Models
 Geomagnetic: BGGM / HDGM / GRS  Gravitational: GARM / Maxwell / DOX

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Well Plan Trajectory

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Vertical Section View
The coordinates of any point in Vertical Section view
are defined by TVD and Vertical Section departure
(VS)

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Vertical Section coordinate varies depending on
Vertical Section Azimuth

Formation Tops display

Critical points (KOP, EOC, Landing Point, Casing

point, Well TD)
SCHLUMBERGER LEARNING 29
Well Plan Report: Header Review
Sinan 09 Rev1 Feb 2015 Proposal Report
(Def Plan)

Report Date: April 05, 2018 - 05:39 PM Survey / DLS Computation: Minimum Curvature / Lubinski
Client: Alistair Oil Vertical Section Azimuth: 155.403 ° (Grid North)
Field: Central America Vertical Section Origin: 0.000 ft, 0.000 ft

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Structure / Slot: Sinan / Slot 09 TVD Reference Datum: Rotary Table
Well: Sinan Well 09 TVD Reference Elevation: 130.410 ft above MSL
Borehole: Sinan Well 09 Seabed / Ground Elevation: 113.190 ft below MSL
UWI / API#: Borehole-97136 / 1234 Magnetic Declination: 1.587 °
Survey Name: Sinan 09 Rev1 Feb 2015 Total Gravity Field Strength: 997.9019mgn (9.80665 Based)
Survey Date: April 05, 2018 Gravity Model: GARM
Tort / AHD / DDI / ERD Ratio: 110.008 ° / 7143.683 ft / 6.199 / 1.257 Total Magnetic Field Strength: 40197.579 nT
Coordinate Reference System: NAD27-Mexico UTM Zone 15N Magnetic Dip Angle: 47.686 °
Location Lat / Long: N 18° 57' 5.24012", W 92° 39' 7.29579" Declination Date: April 05, 2018
Location Grid N/E Y/X: N 2095366.703 m, E 536635.491 m Magnetic Declination Model: HDGM 2017
CRS Grid Convergence Angle: 0.1130 ° North Reference: Grid North
Grid Scale Factor: 0.99961659 Grid Convergence Used: 0.1130 °
Total Corr Mag North->Grid
Version / Patch: 2.10.544.0 1.4740 °
North:
Local Coord Referenced To: Well Head

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Coordinate Reference System (CRS): Geodetic Datums
Geodetic Datum = function (ellipsoid: dimensions, position and
orientation) used by ED50 datum

Name of ellipsoid Equatorial axis, m Polar Axis, m

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Airy 1830 6,377,563 6,356,256
Clarke 1866 6,378,206 6,356,583
Clarke 1880 6,378,249 6,356,514
International 1924 6,378,388 6,356,911
Krasovsky 1940 6,378,245 6,356,863
GRS 1980 6,378,137 6,356,752
WGS 1984 6,378,137 6,356,752

used by NAD83, WGS84, GDA94 datums

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CRS: Geodetic Latitude and Longitude
Latitude and Longitude are not unique
To complete a coordinate set, you must
also define the GEODETIC DATUM.

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Example:
 WGS84 datum
 Latitude 50º 3’ 12.5”
Lat
 Longitude 3º 15’ 24.7” 2
Lat
1

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CRS: Map Projections
 Map projection is a systematical transformation of the curved surface of the ellipsoid on to a flat
plane. All map projections distort.
 During transformation latitude/longitude coordinates are converted into Northings and Eastings
(orthogonal or grid coordinate in meters or feet)

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Conical Cylindrical Planar Projection
Projection Projection

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CRS: Universal Transverse Mercator

 The world is divided into 60 UTM Zones

 Length is defined in meters
UTM Grid Reference must include:

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 Zone Number
 Hemisphere (N or S)

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UTM Zone Configuration
 Equator runs East → West
 Central Meridian runs North → South
 Rectangular Grid system superimposed on zone for
mapping purposes

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 Allows points to be defined as Northings and Eastings

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Grid North & Convergence Angle
 Grid North lines are parallel
 True North lines converge on the Central
Meridian
Grid Convergence:

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 Angle from True North (TN) to Grid North
(GN).
 +ve to the East
 -ve to the West

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Survey Calculation Method: Minimum Curvature Method
 Fits the well path on the surface of a sphere of a
DL
particular radius
 DLS constant (BR and TR variable) Survey 1

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 Uses a method similar to radius of curvature
 Most accurate and is the industry standard

ΔTVD
DL

INC2

DL  Cos 1[Cos ( Inc2  Inc1 )  Sin( Inc1 )  Sin( Inc2 )  (1  Cos ( Az 2  Az1 ))]
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 DRILLING & MEASUREMENTS | LEARNING CENTERS

Survey Uncertainty

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 Ellipsoid of Uncertainty - EOU
The size of the EOU’s are calculated using a survey error model ISCWSA
The probability of a well being within its own EOU is 95% (by definition).

2.79 sigma ellipsoid

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95% probability of capturing
1 sigma ellipsoid true well position
39% probability of capturing true well position

2 sigma ellipsoid
86% probability of capturing true well position

3 sigma ellipsoid
99% probability of capturing true well position

39 SCHLUMBERGER LEARNING
 Survey Uncertainty - Ellipsoid of Uncertainty
Semi-Major
(driven by azimuth errors)

 The uncertainty at each survey station can be

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represented as an ellipsoid with three axes
defined as
– Semi-Major
– Semi-Minor
– Vertical
Semi-Minor Vertical uncertainty
(driven by inclination errors) (driven by TVD errors)

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 ISCWSA Error Model

Modeled errors Not modeled error/not included

 Sensor errors  Gross errors

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 Sensor misalignment  Depth tracking errors
 SAG  Survey frequency
 Drillstring Magnetic Interference  Consideration for poor procedures
 Reference errors  Excessive error due to BHA mag interference
 Depth Errors  Excessive error due to local magnetic crustal
anomalies

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 Survey DOX: Tool Error Code

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 EOU Propagation

 Uncertainty at the current survey station consist of error

EOU = Errorssurvey1
related to the current survey and all errors collected

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before

 This can include uncertainty of the well and uncertainty EOU = Errorssurvey1 + Errorssurvey2

of the rig and slot location.

EOU = Errorssurvey1 +Errorssurvey2 +

WellborErrorssurvey3
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e
 Surveyed Position Uncertainty

Tie-on point or WRP WRP (Well Reference Point)

defined as last known point of
departure (EOU =zero) normally

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taken at ground entry or seabed.
Survey Points

Ellipsoids of Uncertainty
Based on 3D Dimensionality, 95%
confidence, 2.79 sigma

Cone of Uncertainty
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 Survey Program By Parts
Survey program part is identified when positional accuracy of any previously surveyed section of
the well improves as a result of being surveyed with more accurate tool.
Part Hole Casing From To Survey type Frequency Error Tool Code Comments
Section Size (ft.) (ft.)

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1 30” 0 500 NSG Single shot Every 30ft SLB_NSG+SSHOT
(UBHO)
17 ½” 500 1250 SLB MWD Every 100ft SLB_MWD+SAG SAG is applied by
Directional Driller
2 13 3/8” 0 1200 NSG Multishift Every 100ft SLB_NSG+MSHOT

12 ¼” 1200 3700 SLB MWD Every 100ft SLB_MWD+SAG SAG is applied by

Directional Driller
3 9 5/8” 0 3650 Continuous NSG Every 25ft SLB_CNSG+CASING

8 ½’ 3650 7000 SLB MWD Every 100ft SLB_MWD+SAG SAG is applied by

Directional Driller
4 7” 3650 6950 Continuous NSG Every 25ft SLB_CNSG+CASING

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 How To Improve Positional Accuracy
Semi-Major
(driven by azimuth errors) Semi-Major
(driven by azimuth errors)

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Semi-Minor Vertical uncertainty
(driven by inclination errors) (driven by TVD errors)
Semi-Minor Vertical uncertainty
(driven by inclination errors) (driven by TVD errors)

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 How To Improve Positional Accuracy
Semi-Major • Improve Lateral
(driven by azimuth errors) Uncertainty/Error

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• Improve Vertical
Uncertainty/Error

Semi-Minor Vertical uncertainty

(driven by inclination errors) (driven by TVD errors)

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How To Improve Positional Accuracy
• Improve Lateral Uncertainty/Error
• Improve the Surveying reference  Slide#25
• Higher surveying tool accuracy

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• Survey Corrections
• DMAG, GMAG

• Improve Vertical Uncertainty/Error

• Survey Corrections
• SAG
• Increase survey frequency/interval (not included in the TEC -ISCWSA Error Model )
• WellDefine Service, survey frequency every 10ft

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 Xmas Tree Diagram – Lateral EOU
1 2 3 4

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DEPTH

Semi-Major Axis of EOU

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 DRILLING & MEASUREMENTS | LEARNING CENTERS

Driller’s Target Sizing

50
 Uncertainty and Target Sizing
Penetrating the center of a geological target,
does not guarantee the actual well position will
be within the target boundaries.
2D Target DM-SQ-S002 DM Well Surveying and Anti-

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(dimensions are in NS and Collision Standard:
EW plane)
Section 4.7.1 Target Sizing

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Geometric Drilling Approach
• Follow the well trajectory plan
• Penetrate the drillers target
Example geological target:

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Target#1: 500ft x 500ft

• Target calculation in 2D-95% If the actual trajectory can penetrate within

 Lateral Target the driller target, it means the geological
 Vertical target target has been penetrate within the
tolerance given with 95% confidence level

SCHLUMBERGER LEARNING 52
 Example 1– Drill Vertically Through a Target
Our customer provide: Geological target size 500ft x500 ft
at 6000ft TVD SS and orientation of the target from the
surface is to North.

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Next step to calculate the Drillers Target size manually.
• Generate EOU report as per survey program
• Define EOU dimensions and orientation relative to a target
• Calculate Driller’s target by deducting relevant uncertainty

This is now done automatically by DOX.

(Above) Spider Plot

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SCHLUMBERGER LEARNING
 Example 1– Drill Vertically Through a Target

Geological target: 500ft x 500ft

EOU Semi-Major = 104 ft (2D, 95%)

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Geological Target

Driller’s Target
EOU Semi-Minor = 32 ft (2D, 95%)

Driller’s target: 436 ft x 292 ft

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 Example 2– Target sizing for 3D well profiles
TD

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Surface Plan view. We used Spider plot to create this drawing, you are penetrating the target vertically
Location

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SCHLUMBERGER LEARNING
 Example 2 – Target sizing for 3D Well Profiles

Geological target: 700ft x 500ft

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EOU Semi-Major = 211 ft (2D, 95%)
EOU Semi-Minor = 67 ft (2D, 95%)
EOU High Side = 142 ft (2D, 95%)
EOU Lateral = 175 ft (2D, 95%)

Driller’s target: 216 ft x 350 ft

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SCHLUMBERGER LEARNING
 Example 3 – Drill through a Target at High Inc.
HLA reference frame is used to estimate the uncertainty in three directions:
High Side, Lateral and Along Hole

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High Side

High Side
Cos
(Inclination)

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 Example 3 – Drill through a Target at High Inc

7225ft TD
TVD

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Well High Side
path Cos (inc)

Lateral
(perpendicular to the
wellbore)
Plan view. We used Spider plot to create this
Target 05
drawing, you are penetrating the target vertically
Surface
Location
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SCHLUMBERGER LEARNING
 Example 3 – Drill Through a Target at High Inc

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Geological target: 500ft x 500ft Well High Side
Cos (inc)
path
Hitting the target at 60deg Inclination
Lateral
(perpendicular to the
EOU High Side = 85 ft (2D, 95%) wellbore)

EOU Lateral = 85 ft (2D, 95%) Target 05

59 Driller’s target: 330 ft x 160 ft

SCHLUMBERGER LEARNING
What If The EOU Larger Than The Geological Target?
• Increase the Geological Target or • Drill the well with geo-steering BHA
Drill under exemption.

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SCHLUMBERGER LEARNING 60
Geosteering Drilling Approach
• In complex well profile
• Initiate the top half section with
geometric approach

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• Continue with Geosteering approach

The intentional directional control of a well

based on the results of downhole geological
logging measurements rather than three-
dimensional targets in space, usually to
keep a directional wellbore within a pay
zone
SCHLUMBERGER LEARNING 61
Geosteering Tools
Any downhole tool with LWD capabilities Example:
combine with MWD to provide the Realtime
data: GeoSphere tool
• GR

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• Res IrishSphere tool
• Neu
• Den
• Sonic
• Seismic
• Etc.…

SCHLUMBERGER LEARNING 62
 Few Things to Remember
 Survey Instruments / Surveying Tools
 Borehole Position and References
 Survey Uncertainty / Survey EOU

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 Survey Program
 Geological/Drillers Target
 Geometric/Geosteering drilling approach

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 DOX Practical

Use the Previous day practical Well Trajectory and Complete the following topic:
• Survey Instruments / Surveying Tools

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• Borehole Position and References
• Survey Uncertainty / Survey EOU
• Survey Program
• Geological/Drillers Target

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End of Day3,Thank you!

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