Abstract
As fields are becoming more mature and improved reservoir interpretation is identifying so-called "By-passed" hydrocarbons, more sidetracks will be required. Selecting a well to reach a certain target in the reservoir can be a long task as a number of issues have to be considered. Using an auditable process for selecting the optimum sidetrack method and the best wellpath to reach a certain target can take a drilling engineer several months on a multi well development. In order to optimise this process all of the relevant parameters have to be considered. An automated system using a database now allows quick identification of the correct sidetrack method and selects the most suitable wellpath for the sidetrack. This fully transparant method starts with the reservoir target and then works through all the issues associated with the well selection process.
This paper describes the Candidate Selection Methodology, examples of the criteria utilised to evaluate the suitability of the Drilling Technique and examples of the speed of Selection for a candidate Well and the output of the process.
