Directional Steel Shot Drilling for High Temperature Geothermal Wells

Aanleiding

Geothermal energy can play a much greater role as a sustainable contribution to the global energy mix. This is stated in a recent report (2023) by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Geothermal Association (IGA).

Canopus progressed the development of directional steel shot drilling (DSSD) technology for the development of low-cost geothermal reservoirs through a HER+ grant. Current DSSD technology can drill horizontally or with a curve up to reservoir temperatures of around 85°C (3000m TVD), limited by the operating threshold of conventional electronics.

Since the successful field trial, there has been significant market interest for advanced DSSD technology allowing for accurate well trajectory adjustments at greater depths. Higher temperature operations necessitate advanced techniques, which require different functionalities and modes of operation. A straightforward component replacement isn't feasible.

Canopus aims to meet this demand with high-temperature (175°C) DSSD technology for geothermal projects, enabling faster and deeper drilling into hot reservoirs.

Doelstelling

The project focuses on developing a high-temperature electronic architecture and complementary mechanical construction to achieve precise directional control.

De volgende punten zijn van belang:

1. De precieze directionele controle zal worden toegepast voor een geavanceerd magnetisch ranging-systeem, waarmee nauwkeurige well-interceptie op grotere diepte mogelijk is.
2. Traditionele magnetische ranging-tools vereisen gespecialiseerde apparatuur en wireline-runs, afhankelijk van omslachtige communicatie en gegevensinterpretatie aan de oppervlakte.
3. Ons nieuwe systeem maakt gebruik van de 6-assige magnetometer die al in het downhole DSSD-gereedschap aanwezig is voor autonome directionele aanpassingen door autonome gegevensinterpretatie als onderdeel van de toollogica.

Het systeem heeft het potentieel om opmerkelijke precisie te bereiken om een succesvolle well-interceptie te waarborgen. De hoge precisie wordt gerealiseerd door een combinatie van snelle en nauwkeurige directionele veranderingen, een uniek kenmerk van het DSSD-systeem, en snelle en nauwkeurige updates van de interceptiedoellocatie in een gesloten-lus downhole procedure.

De ware innovatie is het vermogen van het systeem om autonoom doelcoördinaten aan te passen tijdens het boren in combinatie met snelle respons en sturing, waardoor de noodzaak voor wireline-runs en oppervlaktecommunicatie wordt geëlimineerd.

Korte omschrijving

Work activities include the development & testing of the downhole electronic system. A shallow pilot will demonstrate the ability for well tracking and intersection:

1. WP 1&2) Development & manufacturing (Canopus): Design of the architecture for the steering sub and system development. An embodiment of the high-T electronic architecture will be developed as well as the actuator, particle sensors, wiring and the drilling fluid flow passages.
2. WP 3) Testing (TNO RCSG): Testing of the high-T steering sub prototype to deliver the steering action for the operational windows of pressure, flow rate, particle concentration and drill string RPM.
3. WP 4) Development of steering sub interface: To steer autonomously to relevant directional target sources (Canopus & TNO RCSG). Relevant directional objectives may come from pre-programmed spatial coordinates, localized magnetic beacons or geological properties.
4. WP 5) Shallow Pilot (Canopus): By drilling two shallow laterals, the steering capability and well intersection of a high-T DSSD-assembly can be tested at low cost while disturbing the electronics with high-T noise.
5. WP 6) Developing next steps and reporting (Canopus): Planning phase for follow-up.

Resultaat

By replacing fossil fuel-based heating solutions, DSSD significantly reduces CO2 emissions.

By extending its capabilities, the DSSD tool will reach deeper resources and a wider range of geothermal plays where the need for multi-lateral structures is even higher to address challenges of low productivity due to low permeability.

Moreover, the capability extension towards deep closed-loop well construction will open a new market for DSSD technology and enable more cost-effective construction of advanced geothermal systems.

This project will deliver advanced 175°C temperature rating DSSD technology allowing for accurate well trajectory adjustments. Additionally, it includes a plan for subsequent development, with the next step being the demonstration of high-temperature DSSD technology in deep field tests.

Following successful tests in shallow wells, companies like Gaia Energy, GreenFire Energy, and Eavor are eager to implement this innovative technology in deeper, more challenging formations, leveraging Canopus' directional drilling capability expertise.