This paper describes a new method for predicting wellbore position uncertainty which responds to the current needs of the Industry. An error model applicable to a basic directional MWD service is presented and used for illustration. As far as possible within the limitations of space, the paper is a self-contained reference work, including all the necessary information to develop and test a software implementation of the method.

The paper is the product of a collaboration between the many companies and individuals cited in the text.

Keywords:
trajectory design, position uncertainty, misalignment, calculation, upstream oil & gas, spe 56702, well planning, magnitude, azimuth, survey station
Subjects:
Well Planning, Drillstring Design, Drilling Operations, Drilling Measurement, Data Acquisition and Automation, Information Management and Systems, Trajectory design, Measurement while drilling
Copyright 1999, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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