This project consists of development and commercialization of a system for fast, safe, automatic drilling of a high quality (i.e., smooth bore, minimum dogleg, low torque and drag, minimum formation damage) borehole along a preplanned profile to a preplanned and/or real-time downhole selected target. In addition to a point in space, the target includes multiple points along a path, such as within a producing formation, or at the intersection of multiple fractures. The threedimensional directionally controlled drilling system may be powered by either downhole motors or standard rotary means. The system is capable of drilling from spud to target with no additional instructions or adjustments and with no restrictions on desired drilling parameters or controls, such as weight-on-bit and rotary speed. Included are sensors and means for target detection and selection; for optimal, near balanced pressure drilling; and for blowout detection and prevention. Additionally, standard or improved measurements- while-drilling (MWD) sensors are available, along with real-time two-way communications between the surface and downhole. This Phase I effort includes configuring and broadly specifying a prototype controlled directional drilling module to be used with a modified MWD system in the Phase II drilling test.Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee:This project can lead (1) to automatic drilling of deviated (including horizontal) wells along a preplanned path and to preplanned target(s); (2) to downhole detection of desired targets such as casing, reservoirs, and fractures; (3) to a planning path to reach (or to avoid) detected targets; (4) to economic increases in productivity and reserves; and (5) to decreased pollution and lost reserves because of safer drilling and fast drilling of relief wells to kill blowouts.
